On 20 November 2025, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu & Kashmir Police raided the Kashmir Times office in Jammu for allegedly promoting anti-national activities. During the search, officers recovered around 14 AK-47 cartridges, pistol rounds and three grenade levers. The SIA accused Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin and the newspaper of participating in a “criminal conspiracy with secessionist and other anti-national entities” operating within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.

This report documents sixteen incidents from 2006–2025 that illustrate how Bhasin and Kashmir Times consistently amplified anti-India narratives, defended ISI-linked actors, legitimised pro-Pakistan positions and normalised Islamist violence, reflecting a long-running pattern of hostile information activity.

#1 SIA Raid on Kashmir Times Office, Ammunition Seized – 20 November 2025

On 20 November 2025, the J&K Police’s State Investigation Agency raided the Kashmir Times office in Jammu for alleged anti-national activity. Officials recovered around 14 AK-47 cartridges, pistol rounds and three grenade levers. An FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was filed against the organisation, its promoters and Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin. The SIA alleged a criminal conspiracy between the newspaper and secessionist or anti-national entities operating inside and outside the Union Territory.

#2 Article Downplays Terror, Deflects Pakistan’s Role – 17 November 2025

On 17 November 2025, Anuradha Bhasin published an article titled Inventing an Enemy Within, arguing that criticism of “white-collar terrorism” after the Delhi blast which killed 13 people was being used to promote Islamophobia, particularly because some accused individuals were Muslim doctors.

She also wrote that Pakistan had not been explicitly blamed since India had “learned the hard way” that the world had no appetite for nuclear brinkmanship and Pakistan’s military capability “couldn’t be undermined.” The article shifted focus away from the jihadist nature of the attack.

#3 J&K Government Seizes Banned Book Copies – 5 August 2025

In August 2025, the J&K government banned Anuradha Bhasin’s book A Dismantled State: The Untold Story of Kashmir After Article 370, citing propagation of false, secessionist narratives. The book included claims that the revocation of Article 370 made Kashmir “occupied” and that supporters of “Azadi” viewed the move as confirmation that “the only legal link” with India was broken. Authorities conducted seizures of the book as part of a statewide crackdown on what they described as seditious literature. The episode intensified debate around the political messaging embedded in Bhasin’s writings.

#4. Bhasin Suggests Islamist Attack Was ‘Anticipated Anger’ – 3 May 2025

After the Islamic terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, in which Hindus unable to recite the Kalma were executed, Anuradha Bhasin told The Frontline (The Hindu) that the violence was “anticipated” by observers of Kashmir’s situation.

Bhasin said, “For many of us, who have been closely observing Kashmir for years, this is something that could have been easily anticipated. Not exactly in the manner in which it eventually happened, but certainly all of us knew that there could be an explosion of venom.”

She linked the attack to “deepening resentment” post-Article 370. Critics argued that her explanation normalised sectarian killings and framed a targeted jihadi massacre as a predictable “outburst.” The comment was seen as minimising the ideological motivation behind the attack.

#5 Anti-Army Caravan Article Shared; Kashmir Times Uses Pakistan’s PoK Terminology – 4 February 2024

In February 2024, Bhasin shared a Caravan article alleging that the Indian Army tortured and killed civilians. Kashmir Times was simultaneously noted for referring to Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir as “Pakistan-administered Kashmir” or “PaJK,” and adding qualifiers such as “which India calls PoK.”

This terminology mirrored Islamabad’s lexicon. The article was later taken down after government action.

#6 Kashmir Times Publishes Prashant Bhushan’s Article Against SC’s 370 Verdict – 17 December 2023

On 17 December 2023, Kashmir Times carried an article by advocate Prashant Bhushan alleging the Supreme Court had “betrayed” the Constitution by upholding the abrogation of Article 370.

Bhushan publicly linked by critics to narratives around the 2020 Delhi riots attacked the verdict’s reasoning and characterised the court’s stance as enabling central overreach. The newspaper’s decision to publish the article seemed to be part of a pattern of amplifying legal arguments aligned with separatist or anti-government positions on J&K.

#7 Bhasin Calls Article 370 Abrogation a Constitutional Fraud – 9 December 2023

On 9 December 2023, Bhasin published a detailed essay arguing that Article 370 was not a temporary provision and that its abrogation amounted to a political and constitutional “fraud.” She contested the central government’s legal reasoning and dismissed the Supreme Court’s view that Article 370 was transitional.

The essay held that Jammu and Kashmir’s special status should not have been revoked. The piece was another example of using opinion writing to question the legitimacy of India’s constitutional decisions on J&K.

#8 NYT Op-Ed Alleging Repressive Media Climate Under Modi – 8 March 2023

On 8 March 2023, Bhasin wrote a New York Times op-ed titled Modi’s Final Assault on India’s Press Freedom Has Begun.

She accused the government of imposing repressive media controls, intimidating independent outlets and creating an “information vacuum” in J&K. She claimed that Kashmir Times could not survive under the prevailing environment.

The article fully misrepresented the situation by projecting India as suppressing dissent and aligned with foreign commentary echoing Pakistan’s narrative.

#9 Srinagar Office Sealed After Death of Founder Ved Bhasin – 19 October 2020

On 19 October 2020, the J&K administration sealed one of the two government-allotted properties used by Kashmir Times in Srinagar. One property functioned as office space; the other had been allotted as the residence of founder Ved Bhasin, who died in 2015. Authorities stated that the family failed to vacate the property despite notices. Anuradha Bhasin alleged that officials “locked down” the office unlawfully. The dispute highlighted longstanding clashes between the newspaper and the administration over state-allotted accommodations.

#10 Bhasin Moves Supreme Court Against Media Restrictions After 370 Abrogation – 10 August 2019

On 10 August 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370 and the imposition of restrictions in J&K, Anuradha Bhasin approached the Supreme Court challenging curbs on press movement and internet shutdowns.

Abrogation of #Article370 challenged in Supreme Court

READ: https://t.co/V1wbKmse3r pic.twitter.com/W0XKbCOzAb

— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) August 10, 2019

The case Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020) led the Court to hold that restrictions must be necessary, proportionate, temporary and publicly notified, with periodic review. The petition became a significant legal test case, though critics argued that her challenge was part of broader anti-abrogation activism.

#11 Ved Bhasin’s Links to ISI Mole Ghulam Nabi Fai – 7 November 2015

After Ved Bhasin’s death in 2015, ISI-linked Kashmiri lobbyist Ghulam Nabi Fai praised him as someone who believed Kashmir should be a separate state.

Fai, later convicted in the U.S. for concealing ISI funding, had longstanding ties with Bhasin, who frequently engaged with his network. Fai described Ved Bhasin as a supporter of positions aligned with Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative.

The obituary note revived questions about the newspaper founder’s ideological leanings.

#12 JKLF Remembers Ved Bhasin’s Separatist Positions – 2015

Following Ved Bhasin’s death in 2015, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and associated networks commemorated him in Pakistan and elsewhere.

The tributes highlighted Ved Bhasin’s sympathy for separatist positions, including support for JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat. These memorial events showed the esteem in which separatist groups held him, reinforcing earlier allegations of his alignment with Pakistan-backed narratives. For critics, this reinforced concerns about the ideological inheritance of Kashmir Times under his daughter Anuradha Bhasin.

#13 Articles Glorifying Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat – 14 February 2014

On 10 February 2014, a year after Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was executed, Anuradha Bhasin wrote in Countercurrents portraying Guru as a victim of Indian injustice and describing him as a “martyr of India’s arrogance.”

She argued that he lacked a fair opportunity to defend himself.

The article also expressed sympathy for separatist leader Maqbool Butt, executed in 1984.

This piece can be seen as overt glorification of convicted terrorists and a continuation of separatist-aligned editorial rhetoric.

#14 Bhasin Defends ISI-Linked Lobbyist Ghulam Nabi Fai – 25 July 2011

On 25 July 2011, after U.S. authorities charged Ghulam Nabi Fai with using ISI funds for anti-India lobbying, Anuradha Bhasin wrote a long article defending him. She downplayed the charges, argued the ISI was “not an outlawed outfit,” and criticised Indian media for exposing his Pakistan-backed operations.

Despite Fai later pleading guilty to concealing ISI funding and being jailed, Bhasin continued associating with his networks.

In 2015 she was featured at the International Kashmir Conference where Fai remained a key figure.

#15 EPW Paper Portraying Security Forces as Oppressors – 10 July 2010

On 10 July 2010, Bhasin published an Economic & Political Weekly paper titled Fuelling Rage in Kashmir. She described Indian security forces as brutal actors responsible for killing Kashmiri youth, referencing the death of a nine-year-old boy. The paper argued that forces responded excessively even to stone-pelting protests and suggested that government “insensitivity” was provoking public anger.

Critics said the article selectively portrayed security responses while ignoring separatist violence.

#16 Participation in ISI-Linked Fai Conferences – 20–21 July 2006

Between 20–21 July 2006, Ved Bhasin and Anuradha Bhasin attended conferences in the U.S. organised by ISI operative Ghulam Nabi Fai and his Kashmir American Council. Attendees included ISI-linked figures such as Ejaz-ul-Haq, along with academics like Angana Chatterji and activist Gautam Navlakha.

These events later came under scrutiny after Fai’s conviction for secretly funnelling ISI money into anti-India lobbying. Attendance at these conferences has been cited as early evidence of alignment with Pakistan-backed advocacy networks.

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The post The Bhasin Files: How The Kashmir Times Promoted Anti-India Agenda For Years appeared first on The Commune.

In a case that exposes a deeply troubling pattern of institutional failure, church leaders within the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC) are accused of knowingly concealing the crimes of a serial child sex abuser for approximately two decades, allowing him to continue preying on victims across two states.

Clint Massie, a member of the OALC community, sexually abused children over a period of about 20 years. A recent report from 20 November 2025, reveals that church leaders, including prominent figure Daryl Bruckelmyer, were aware of Massie’s actions but deliberately chose not to report him to law enforcement.

Instead of involving the police, the leaders orchestrated so-called “forgiveness sessions.” In these meetings, victims were pressured to forgive Massie and were given a devastating ultimatum: they were told that if they spoke of the abuse again, the sin would become their own. This manipulative tactic effectively silenced the victims and created a protective shield for the abuser, enabling Massie to continue his cycle of abuse unchecked.

This case is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader, global pattern of religious institutions prioritizing their reputation over the safety of children. In this report, we take a look at 13 separate incidents of child sexual abuse from 2016 to 2025 involving pastors, leaders, and members of various churches. In each case, the crimes were not only concealed internally but were also never reported to authorities, in direct violation of mandatory reporting laws designed to protect the most vulnerable.

#1 Church Shielded Abuser, Silenced Victims – November 2025 – Minnesota, USA

Church leaders in Duluth, Minnesota, concealed a serial child sex abuser for two decades. Clint Massie abused children within the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC). Preacher Daryl Bruckelmyer and other leaders knew but never reported him to police. Instead, they held “forgiveness sessions,” pressuring victims to forgive Massie. They were told speaking out again would make the sin theirs. This manipulation allowed Massie’s abuse to continue. Massie pleaded guilty in 2024 and was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison. While church officials faced no charges, prosecutors stated they should have done more to stop him, highlighting a systemic failure to protect children.

#2 Mississippi Pastor Arrested for Failing to Report Child Sex Abuse – November 2025

In Southaven, Mississippi, Pastor Jonathan Colvin was arrested on 18 November 2025, for allegedly failing to report a child sex crime. Colvin, a 38-year-old youth and family minister at the Goodman Oaks Church of Christ, is accused of violating Mississippi’s mandatory reporting laws. These laws require professionals who work with children to immediately report any known or suspected incidents of abuse to authorities. The charge stems from Colvin’s alleged knowledge of a sexual abuse incident, reported to involve minors, which he did not report to the police.

#3 NSW Church Hid Pedophile Leader – November 2025 – Maitland, Australia

Senior leaders of Maitland Evangelical Church, including Pastor Roger Burgess, were accused in parliament of concealing child sex abuse. They failed to disclose crimes by youth leader Matthew Briggs, a known pedophile. After Briggs’ death, Burgess misled the 500-member congregation, calling the matter “extreme domestic violence.” Additional allegations involved a separate cover-up of abuse against a teenage girl. When former member Phil Bear raised concerns, church leadership discredited him.

#4 Florida Pastor Charged for Silence – September 2025 – Gainesville, Florida

Pastor Mark Vega of Ignite Life Center was charged with willfully failing to report child sexual abuse. Despite receiving allegations starting in 2019, Vega managed cases internally, allowing accused youth leaders to continue working with minors. Church leaders discouraged families from involving police, proposing internal “restoration” plans instead. This failure enabled further abuse by multiple youth leaders, including Vega’s son. The case exposed how internal handling by the Florida Multicultural District of the Assemblies of God created an environment where predators could continue to operate with impunity.

#5 Arizona Pastor Arrested After Cover-Up – June 2025 – Tucson, Arizona

Tucson police arrested Pastor Isaac Noriega for failing to report repeated child sexual abuse allegations against church member Jose Mora. Noriega was informed of multiple incidents where Mora inappropri touched young boys from the congregation. Despite this knowledge and a direct admission from Mora, the pastor did not alert law enforcement. Noriega now faces two counts related to the neglect of a minor.

#6 Archbishop Resigns Over Abuse Scandal – November 2024 – United Kingdom

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned after an independent investigation found he failed to report serial abuse by John Smyth. Welby learned of the physical and sexual violence in 2013 but did not notify authorities, allowing Smyth’s abuse to continue. Smyth’s crimes, spanning decades, victimized over 100 boys and young men in the UK and Africa. Welby acknowledged personal and institutional failure, stating stepping aside was in the church’s best interest.

#7 San Diego Pastor Ignored Reporting Law – June 2024 – San Diego, California

San Diego authorities charged Pastor Eric Manuel Merino of Victory Outreach Church for failing to report the sexual abuse of a teenage girl by choir leader Rafael Valentin Magana. As a mandated reporter, Merino was legally required to notify law enforcement or child services after learning of the crime. Magana was later convicted of a felony lewd act with a minor.

#8 Oklahoma Megachurch Staff Charged – November 2019 – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Five Victory Christian Center employees were charged with failing to report child abuse. The charges followed the arrest of two former employees: Chris Denman, accused of raping a girl under 14, and Israel Castillo, accused of sending explicit messages to a 15-year-old. The five staff members, including pastors’ family members, knew of the allegations but did not report them as required by law. All were booked into jail and released on bond.

#9 Indiana Pastor Knew, Didn’t Report – July 2019 – Jasper, Indiana

Pastor Howard Geck of Jasper Apostolic Church was charged for failing to report child abuse allegations against church member Dexter Hensley. Police discovered that juveniles had disclosed incidents of molestation and sexual battery to Geck two years prior, but he never notified authorities. The failure to report allowed Hensley to remain a potential threat within the community. Geck faced a Class B misdemeanor, a charge critics argue is too lenient for such a grave failure of responsibility.

#10 Alabama Pastor Ignored Girl’s Plea – September 2017 – Huntsville, Alabama

Pastor Michael Walker of Southside Baptist Church was charged with a misdemeanor for failing to report suspected child sexual abuse. The victim, a 12-year-old girl, reported being fondled by former sheriff’s investigator Roland Campos to Walker in March 2017. Despite this direct disclosure, the pastor did not notify law enforcement or child protection services. Campos was arrested months later in August. Walker was released on bond, facing a Class C misdemeanor.

#11 Vatican Officials Probed in France – March 2016 – Lyon, France

Senior officials of the Catholic Diocese of Lyon, including Archbishop Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, were investigated for failing to report clergy sexual abuse. Father Bernard Preynat was indicted for abusing young Scouts between 1986 and 1991. Prosecutors found that senior Vatican officials were aware of Preynat’s crimes but did not report them to police, violating French law. Authorities investigated them for endangering lives and non-reporting of a crime.

#12 Tulsa Megachurch Delayed Reporting Rape – September 2012 – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Leaders at Victory Christian Center faced charges for delaying the report of a 13-year-old girl’s rape. The assault occurred on church property, and the victim disclosed it three days later. However, staff, including the senior pastor’s son and daughter-in-law, waited two weeks before notifying authorities, violating mandatory reporting laws. Two janitors were arrested; one for the rape and another for making a lewd proposal.

#13 Tongan Pastor Failed to Protect Boys – December 2012 – West Valley City, Utah

Former Tongan United Methodist pastor Filimone Havili Mone was charged and removed from his position for failing to report child abuse. Mone learned that an older boy in the congregation had sexually abused several young boys but did not alert authorities. This inaction violated both state law and the United Methodist Church’s mandatory reporting policy. His removal by national church leadership demonstrated an institutional attempt to enforce accountability.

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The post 13 Cases That Expose Systemic Cover-Up Of Child Sexual Abuse By Church Officials appeared first on The Commune.

In an era marked by geopolitical instability, nations increasingly resort to aggressive tactics, ranging from economic sanctions to outright military conflict, to assert dominance. This environment has eroded trust in concepts such as global peace and mutual cooperation, replacing traditional international relations with a zero-sum power dynamic.

Negotiations are often reduced to ultimatums, with weaker states subjected to exploitation and engineered dependencies as instruments of coercion. Powerful actors pursue disproportionate responses without restraint, driven by bloc formations centered on trade, commerce, and technological leverage.

National progress is frequently motivated by fear of vulnerability rather than shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and human solidarity. Even advancements in science and technology, once dedicated to human betterment, have been repurposed as tools of suppression. Historically, diplomatic alliances resemble survival pacts in a predatory ecosystem, prioritizing short-term instincts over enduring partnerships grounded in common values.

Amid this landscape, India emerges as an outlier: a nation pursuing self-development without infringing on others’ sovereignty. Its growth model emphasizes domestic abundance and global prosperity, unencumbered by sectarian, religious, or economic biases. India’s actions reflect a deep civilizational ethos, exemplified by Operation Sindoor.

Despite enduring Pakistan-sponsored terrorism since independence, with the Pahalgam attack as a recent manifestation, India’s retaliation targeted only terrorism’s infrastructure and perpetrators, avoiding civilian casualties or escalation. This measured approach echoes the Mahabharata episode where Sage Vyasa intervened to prevent Arjuna from unleashing the Brahmastra against Ashwatthama, averting needless destruction.

In contrast, responses by other powers such as Israel’s against Hamas or Russia’s in Ukraine have drawn criticism for excess. While ancient civilizations like these retain historical legacies, their handling of adversarial interests often lacks restraint, bordering on the unrestrained. India, however, garners international acclaim for its firm yet proportionate stance against Pakistan, without leveraging geostrategic or economic influence to solicit approval.

India’s diplomatic engagements are fundamentally rooted in cultural foundations, evolving gradually unlike those of other nations, which prioritize security, finance, and trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal outreach to global leaders fostering broad, informal connections stems from his formative experience as a swayamsevak in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the world’s largest sociocultural organization.

This contrasts with counterparts whose interactions are formal and tethered to immediate national interests. Such proactive engagement proved instrumental in countering provocations during India’s responses to the Uri and Pulwama attacks, by preemptively shaping global narratives on Pakistan-backed terrorism.

India consistently supports allies without endorsing violence. It has refrained from backing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, advocating instead for regional peace, yet maintained ties with Moscow despite Western pressures – a testament to prioritizing enduring trust over transient alliances. During Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, precipitated by overreliance on China, India extended timely aid without retribution or demands for concessions, honoring ancient civilizational bonds. This mirrors Lord Rama’s post-victory conduct in the Ramayana: after defeating Ravana, he restored the kingdom to Vibhishana without annexation or expectations.

Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic strategy is principled rather than opportunistic, aligning with the conventional imperatives of global politics. India views its historical resilience amid invasions as a mandate to advance humanity’s collective mission. While international relations often remain shortsighted and exploitative, India extends aid even to adversaries like Türkiye, despite its criticisms and support for India’s detractors.

The “Brand Bharat” embodies trust, mutual respect, and broader human goals. No other nation matches India’s reputation for reliability. Balancing power with self-respect underpins Indian diplomacy, promoting peace, development, and welfare. Its paramount aspiration envisions a global architecture grounded in universal Dharma; wherein sovereign interests converge in symbiotic harmony rather than antagonistic collision – a paradigm aptly designated as “Hindu Diplomacy.”

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The DMK and its alliance parties have been relentlessly campaigning in Tamil Nadu that the BJP-led central government is siphoning off tax money from Tamils and giving it to North Indian states, particularly claiming that Bihar is being funded by Tamil Nadu’s taxes.

They use this narrative to:

• Hide their political defeat,
• Divert attention from the law and order problems under DMK rule,
• Distract from the failures and ineptitude of their own administration.

The only weapon they wield is the claim that the BJP is betraying Tamil Nadu.

For example, when asked why the state has borrowed about ₹4.5 lakh crore in the last four years, the DMK says the Centre isn’t releasing Tamil Nadu’s rightful share and blames the BJP. Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu stated that the Centre had reduced Tamil Nadu’s share in central taxes, dropping it from 7.931% to 4.079%.

As always, DMK mixes in a little truth with its lies. Yes, at one time Tamil Nadu’s tax devolution share was 7.9%. Yes, it is now 4%. However, what the finance minister did NOT explain is when and how this reduction occurred as distorting or hiding the truth is also a lie.

The Illusion Created By The DMK

The DMK attempts to create an illusion that it was only after the BJP came to power that Tamil Nadu’s share was reduced. But when was Tamil Nadu’s share really 7%? During the 9th Finance Commission, between 1990 and 1995.

Since then, the proportion has steadily decreased:

• 12th Finance Commission (2005–2010): 5.3%
• 13th Finance Commission (2010–2015): 4.97%
• 14th Finance Commission (2015–2020): 4.02%
• 15th Finance Commission (2020–2025): 4.08%

That is, even before the BJP came to power, the rate had dropped from 7% to around 5%. It sits at about 4% during BJP rule.

So, Who Is Responsible For The Reduction?

It is the Congress and DMK themselves, especially the DMK, which was in power at the Centre for nearly 25 years, including 15 consecutive years from 1999 to 2014. Yet, not once in that period did they raise their voice or protest about the reduction in Tamil Nadu’s share.

In fact, during the Congress regime, the overall percentage of tax devolution to states was lower. The Modi government raised it from 30.5% to 41%. In a recent finance commission meeting, Chief Minister Stalin himself cited the increase and requested that it go higher to 50%. DMK, once silent when the share was 30%, now attacks the BJP after a historic increase to 41%.

The claim that Tamil Nadu’s taxes are being diverted to Bihar or Uttar Pradesh is false—even under Congress rule, these states received their constitutionally mandated shares. Not just Tamil Nadu, but states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka (many BJP-ruled) have all seen their shares decrease over successive commissions—yet DMK only mentions Bihar and UP for their anti-Hindi propaganda.

During the DMK and Congress coalition, Bihar’s share was 11.03% and Uttar Pradesh’s was around 19%—and no one complained then. The overall rate for all states was lower under Congress.

Let’s Look At Some Facts

The Modi government raised state devolution from 30.5% to 41%.

This year, Tamil Nadu’s budget notes a record ₹80,000 crore is being transferred from the Centre, more than even what was projected.

These figures are found in the Tamil Nadu budget documents themselves.

The DMK’s narrative that the BJP government is cheating Tamil Nadu is a baseless political story:

The reduction from 7% began long before the BJP came to power.

The BJP government has raised, not reduced, the overall allocation to states.

The share for all southern and some northern states, including BJP-ruled states, has decreased.

The often-quoted “1 rupee given, only 29 paise returned” is a misleading statistic. When Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman challenged the DMK to explain how that number was calculated, they had no answer. Karnataka, also ruled by the BJP, claims it only gets 15 paise – that’s the narrative politicians resort to.

If the DMK argues that Tamil Nadu is being cheated, they should release data on what Congress provided when DMK was an ally. Show, with evidence, the percentage under Congress and BJP. Show, with proof, that the BJP is giving Bihar or UP more than Congress did.

Stop deceiving the public with manipulated statistics and false narratives. Don’t peddle lies for divisive politics.

Conclusion

The history and data reveal that the reduction in Tamil Nadu’s tax share began decades ago and continued under Congress-DMK regimes. The Modi government increased overall state allocations, and Tamil Nadu itself is receiving record sums. The DMK’s relentless campaign blaming BJP and the North is a calculated political strategy that does not match the facts.

Ideaman Mahadevan is a writer and political commentator.

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The post Fact-Check: BJP Govt Did Not Reduce Tamil Nadu’s Tax Share, Here’s The Proof appeared first on The Commune.

In October 2025, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu announced its decision to confer the prestigious Vaikom Award for Social Justice on Thenmozhi Soundararajan, a US-based ‘activist’ whose organization has documented ties to Khalistani extremists and anti-India networks. The same Soundararajan who runs Equality Labs.

Though publicly positioned as a Dalit-rights and civil-rights collective, the organisation has been repeatedly flagged by researchers for its alliances with groups such as the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), and OFMI, all of which later formed the Alliance for Justice and Accountability (AJA), a coalition whose structure mirrors recommendations once issued by Pakistan’s Senate for creating NGO fronts to lobby against India.

Equality Labs’ credibility has been further questioned due to its reported association with individuals like Huma Dar, a Pakistani national with links to the Pakistani Army, and its founder’s past collaboration with Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice, a pro-Khalistani outfit designated for extremist activity in India.

The organisation has also generated controversy through its influential DEI training programmes and its role in the Cisco caste-discrimination case – both of which drew sharp criticism from Hindu organisations and U.S. researchers for promoting divisive rhetoric and amplifying allegations that were later dismissed for lack of evidence.

Equality Labs: A Ghost Organization with Major Backing

Equality Labs — founded by Thenmozhi Soundararajan and Bangladeshi national Sharmin Hossain, — has been active since 2014 but was formally registered only in 2022, first in Delaware (File No. 6687031) in March and later in California (File No. 202251715748) in July. Although the organisation presents itself as a “civil rights” group and raises funds for nonprofit initiatives, it is structured as a for-profit entity that sells caste-equity training services to corporations, academic institutions, and government bodies. The group also advocates for ‘caste-related policy changes’ while simultaneously offering paid training on the same issues.

This arrangement allows Equality Labs to receive tax-deductible donations and large grants without the regulatory and administrative burden of maintaining its own non-profit status. Fractured Atlas, in turn, assesses an 8% administrative fee on all donations directed to Equality Labs.

Equality Labs has been the recipient of significant funding from a consortium of major American philanthropic foundations, whose grants are funneled through Fractured Atlas.

In her own website, Thenmozhi says that she founded an entity called “Third World Majority” (a media related entity) soon after graduation from UC Berkeley.

She goes on to add that in 2003, she was featured in Utne Reader as “Top Visionaries Under 30”.

Until 2015, Thenmozhi was known only as a media artiste, documentary film maker etc. Only in 2015, was ‘Equality Labs’ founded (if at all founded). Note that in 2014, she was touring India along with AIDMAM and made a documentary about it (which was later shown in all US cities, where the duo spoke).

Following the Money: A Consortium of Foundation Funders

Documented grants from foundation tax filings (Form 990s) reveal a steady flow of funds to Equality Labs:

Luminate Group: Equality Labs received $50,000 from the Luminate Group in 2017, routed through Fractured Atlas Inc., a New York–based nonprofit that provides fiscal sponsorship and fundraising infrastructure for arts and activist projects. The grant, meant to support work on “ending caste apartheid” and combating Islamophobia and religious intolerance, was channelled via Fractured Atlas because Equality Labs is not a registered 501(c)(3) entity and relies on fiscal intermediaries for funding.

Open Society Foundation: Equality Labs became a significant recipient of Open Society Foundations (OSF) funding beginning in 2018. After securing seed support from the Luminate Group in 2017, the organisation received a USD 25,000 OSF grant in 2018 routed through its fiscal sponsor, Fractured Atlas. The funding was designated for Equality Labs’ survey on caste-based discrimination in the United States – the same report the organisation published on 19 March 2018.

The Ford Foundation: Granted $39,500 in 2019 and $125,000 in 2020.

The Novo Foundation: Provided $175,000 in 2019, with the grant managed through the Tides Foundation.

They also received $127,500 in 2021.

The San Francisco Foundation: Awarded $124,000 in 2018 for “self-defense for activists in the digital age.”

The previous year, they also received $140,500 from the same organization via Fractured Atlas.

The Nathan Cummings Foundation: Granted $50,000 in 2019.

Then till the year 2023, it has consistently received grants via Fractured Atlas, as below:

The General Service Foundation: Provided a substantial $110,000 in 2019.

It also received funds in the years 2021 and 2023.

The Tides Foundation: Served as an early seed funder, granting $60,000 in 2017 specifically to help Equality Labs “establish a Dalit women-led office in the NYC tri-state area.”

New York Women’s Foundation: $20,000 in 2018, explicitly naming Equality Labs.

Weissberg Foundation: $16,000 in 2018.

Hidden Leaf Foundation: $5,000 in 2019.

Additionally, co-founder Sharmin Hossain received $39,500 in 2016 from George Soros’s Open Society Foundations for a separate project (Historical Memory Project), while Thenmozhi Soundarrajan received smaller amounts from OSI and a fellowship from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.

Soundararajan has also received some other independent grants and fellowships as below:

GrayCenter For Arts & Enquiry University of Chicago

Robert Rauschenberg Foundation

Since 2018/19, Equality Labs is being funded via Fractured Atlas (FA), a 501c(3).

Wikipedia on Fractured Atlas says “Fractured Atlas’s fiscal sponsorship programs allows non-commercial art-related projects to be supported through grants and tax-deductible donations without the project having to maintain independent 501(c)(3) status.

The Indian Nexus: Ties to NCDHR and AIDMAM

Let us now take a look at Thenmozhi Soundararajan’s activist roots back to long-standing collaborations with Indian NGOs, primarily the National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), which operates in India under the FCRA name ‘Swadhikar’. This takes us to a The Guardian article, which was probably her first “report” on Dalits in 2015.

A key wing of NCDHR, the All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch (AIDMAM), is identified as an early and consistent collaborator. As early as 2014, AIDMAM’s social media accounts tagged Thenmozhi’s handle, “dalitdiva.” The two were partners in a “Dalit Self Respect Yatra” across India, which was documented by Thenmozhi and later showcased in a tour across the United States in 2015, sponsored by organizations like the Association for India’s Development (AID-USA).

The Tides connection is particularly significant due to its extensive history of funding FCRA-registered NGOs in India. Tides’ Foreign Contribution (FCRA) disbursements can be traced to Indian organizations over more than a decade.

2006 – None
2007 – None
2008 – India HIV/AIDS Alliance, Indian School of Business
2009 – Mobile Creches, Parivaar, Operation Smile India
2010 – Naz Foundation, Parivaar, Bharti Foundation, Public Health Foundation of India
2011 – India HIV/AIDS Alliance, Samarpan Foundation
2012 – Vikas Society for Peoples Development, Samarpan Foundation
2013 – Street Survivors India, India HIV/AIDS Alliance, Samarpan Foundation
2014 – Apne Aap Women Worldwide (FCRA license cancelled in 2022, on violation; Unkil Project), Goonj
2015 – Apne Aap Women Worldwide (FCRA license cancelled in 2022, on violation; Unkil Project), PHFI, Swadhikar/NCDHR (Paul Namala)
2016 – Sama -Resource Group for Women & Health, Centre for Health and Social Justice, Control Arms Foundation of India Trust
2017 – Navdanya Trust (LOL), Popular Education & Action Centre (PEACE), (Anil K Chaudhary), Naz Foundation, Goonj, Sama-Women & Health, Swadhikar/NCDHR
2018 – PEACE, Naz Foundation, Sustainable Environment & Ecological Development (SEED), Goonj, Centre for Health & Social Justice, Samarpan Foundation, Central Square Foundation (Ashish Dhawan)
2019-Naz Foundation, Goonj, Swadhikar/NCDHR, CSF
2020 – Swadhikar/NCDHR received 1.1 Crore from Tides Foundation, towards ‘Dalit Women Empowerment’

While initially focused on health and women’s groups, a notable shift occurred in 2015, when Tides began funding Swadhikar – National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR).

This funding to NCDHR, led by founder Paul Divakar Namala, continued in 2017, 2019, and 2020, with a sum of 1.1 Crore INR (approximately $140,000) granted in 2020 alone for ‘Dalit Women Empowerment.’ This establishes a clear financial link between a primary funder of Equality Labs in the US and a major Dalit rights organization in India.

Paul Divakar Namala was a Board Member of Amnesty-USA in 2016.

In 2018, a new 501c(3) was started called ‘The Inclusivity Project’. Paul Divakar Namala is its executive Director.

The partnership was highlighted on international stages, including a 2014 appearance by Thenmozhi and AIDMAM’s then-General Secretary, Asha Kowtal, at the “Women in the World Summit” in New York, moderated by NBC’s Cynthia McFadden.

Long before Equality Labs was founded, Thenmozhi was deeply embedded in the Dalit rights movement through her collaboration with the All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch (AIDMAM), a project of the NCDHR. As early as February 2014, AIDMAM’s X handle (@dalitwomenfight) was publicly engaging with Thenmozhi’s handle (@dalitdiva).

The Asha Kowtal Nexus and the “Self-Respect Yatra”

A key figure bridging the US and Indian spheres is Asha Kowtal, the former General Secretary of NCDHR. In 2014 and 2015, Kowtal and Thenmozhi were inseparable collaborators:

In 2014, they spoke together at an event in New York City organized by the South Asia Solidarity Initiative (SASI), founded by Prachi Patankar. Patankar is the daughter of the late Gail Omvedt and is now the Director of Social Justice at the JM Kaplan Fund, which had a revenue of $67 million in 2019.

In September 2014, they were featured at the high-profile Women in the World Summit in New York, moderated by NBC’s Cynthia McFadden. Thenmozhi’s documentary on a “Dalit Self-Respect Yatra” in India was screened, and both activists spoke.

At the 2014 Women in the World Summit, patroned by Hillary Clinton, actress Uma Thurman introduced a segment featuring Asha Kowtal and a documentary by Thenmozhi Soundararajan. The session, moderated by NBC investigative correspondent Cynthia McFadden, included brief remarks from Asha, while the majority of the discussion was led by Thenmozhi. The full conversation is available across four video segments.

In 2015, Kowtal led a “Dalit Self-Respect Yatra” across the United States, starting at the University of Pennsylvania. She was accompanied by Thenmozhi, and the tour’s sponsors included the Association for India’s Development (AID-USA).

This pre-2015 collaboration demonstrates that the core network and activist agenda of Equality Labs were active years before the organization began receiving substantial grants through Fractured Atlas.

Additional Actors: Sanghapali Aruna and Jai Bhim International

The investigation also uncovered details on Sanghapali Aruna (full name Sanghapali Aruna Komana), another activist associated with the “Smash Brahminical Patriarchy” slogan. Aruna is a Director of Jai Bhim International (EIN: 26-3130349).

The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) that receives funding from entities like Fidelity Investments and the Harold Gullivan Jr. Family Foundation.

This indicates a broader, multi-organizational ecosystem operating in the same sphere.

A Coordinated, Well-Funded Ecosystem

The evidence compiled in this report paints a clear picture.

Equality is a project fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas, which skims an 8% fee from all donations.

It is funded by millions of dollars from major US foundations, with the Tides Foundation acting as its seed funder.

There is a direct financial link between this funding stream and Indian FCRA NGOs, specifically the NCDHR, via the Tides Foundation.

The founders and key figures of Equality Labs have had long-standing, deep organizational ties to NCDHR and its leaders like Asha Kowtal and Paul Divakar Namala, dating back to at least 2014.

This network, from funders like Ford and Novo, through fiscal conduits like Tides and Fractured Atlas, to the Equality Labs and its formally recognized partner NCDHR in India, represents a sophisticated and well-financed transnational activist pipeline. The legal and financial structures indicate problems with accountability, transparency, and the flow of foreign funds into specific social and political movements in India.

Equality Labs — A Missionary-Backed Dalitstan Experiment in Balkanizing India?

Dalitstan was a US-based initiative launched in 1999 by American citizens, primarily devout Christians, who envisioned the division of India into multiple separate territories, including a Dalit homeland. Key figures behind the project included Kermit Northcutt, Debra Schwartz, George Schwartz, Helen Eklund, and Andy Moore. The organisation functioned as a platform to promote separatist narratives while seeking Indian collaborators to lend legitimacy to its agenda.

Helen Eklund, who registered and led the Dalitstan website, and Kermit Northcutt, a member of the missionary-linked Antioch Christian Academy in Mississippi, exemplify how international religious networks were involved in backing the project. The initiative highlights a pattern of foreign actors attempting to influence Indian social and political issues by exploiting existing societal divisions.

To expand its reach, Dalitstan recruited prominent Indian Dalit voices. One notable collaborator was VT Rajshekar, founder of the now-defunct magazine Dalit Voice in Bangalore. Rajshekar, a journalist with a long career at Indian Express, was known for his anti-establishment writings and faced multiple arrests under TADA and the Sedition Act. Dalitstan used his work to bolster its separatist messaging.

The content promoted by Dalitstan targeted multiple fault lines within India, including Khalistan, Kashmir, and Dravidstan, framing the country as fragmented and oppressed. The project serves as an early example of how foreign-backed initiatives have sought to manipulate caste and regional tensions to advance separatist and anti-India objectives.

DisinfoLab’s “Cost of Caste” report argues that an older online project called “Dalitstan,” which pushed separatist and Balkanizing narratives about India, was later “rebooted” as Dalit Nation and then “metamorphosed” into Equality Labs, now funded by Western philanthropies. This report frames Equality Labs’ caste survey, US lobbying, and networks as part of a broader geopolitical “Breaking India” strategy.

What DisinfoLab Found

A detailed investigation by DisinfoLab titled “The Cost of Caste: Equality Labs, Caste Binary & BLM” highlights that Equality Labs operates as part of a foreign-funded, politically motivated advocacy network, rather than a grassroots civil-rights organisation. Key findings include:

Imported Caste-Apartheid Narrative

Equality Labs’ framework transplants the U.S. Black–White racial binary onto India, constructing a rigid “Dalits vs. Upper Castes” narrative designed for international audiences.

This oversimplifies Indian caste realities and amplifies conflict for political and funding purposes.

Flawed 2018 Caste Survey

Relied on self-selecting online respondents and unverified submissions.

Contained pre-scripted questions designed to produce predetermined results.

Formed the evidence base for DEI programs, corporate caste policies, and legal cases like Cisco.

Foreign-Funded Advocacy Pipeline

Operates through Fractured Atlas to avoid nonprofit compliance.

Funded by OSF, Ford, Luminate, Tides, Novo, San Francisco, Nathan Cummings, and others.

Receives millions annually, creating a politically leveraged lobbying apparatus.

Links to Anti-India Lobby Groups

Collaborates with IAMC, OFMI, HfHR, and the Alliance for Justice and Accountability (AJA), mirroring structures recommended by Pakistan for anti-India advocacy.

Transnational Ecosystem

Combines ideological narratives, flawed surveys, foreign funding, allied Indian NGOs, and media amplification to project India as a caste-apartheid state globally.

Political, Not Social-Justice, Objectives

Operates as a political lobbying outfit rather than a community-led reform group.

Targets U.S. policy, corporate behaviour, academic discourse, and global media narratives.

DisinfoLab concludes that Equality Labs functions as a central node in a coordinated transnational pipeline, shaping perceptions of caste in India while evading transparency and regulatory scrutiny.

Last Word

The DMK government’s decision to honour Thenmozhi Soundararajan signals more than a misguided award—it legitimises an organisation whose funding, alliances, and activism are deeply enmeshed in foreign-backed networks. Equality Labs, far from being a grassroots Dalit-rights group, operates as a well-funded lobbying outfit built on flawed surveys, ideological imports, and collaborations with groups repeatedly flagged for anti-India activity.

What emerges is not social justice but narrative engineering. By celebrating Equality Labs, the state is not uplifting marginalised voices—it is endorsing an agenda shaped abroad and aimed at recasting India through a divisive, destabilising lens.

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The post DMK Honors A Soros-Backed ‘Breaking India’ Agent: The Foreign-Funded Network Behind Thenmozhi Soundararajan And Her Equality Labs appeared first on The Commune.

On 25 November 2025 in Hyderabad, Telangana, Immigration officials stopped Nigerian evangelist Chris Oyakhilome and his foreign associates from entering a Christian event at LB Stadium after the LRPF alleged that the programme was a covert evangelism and conversion drive presented as a “Christian Leaders Conference” to evade visa rules prohibiting preaching. Authorities barred their participation, while the LRPF asked FRRO Hyderabad and the Union Home Ministry to take action under the Foreigners Act, 1946.

In this report, we look at 14 documented cases from 2017 to 2025 in which foreign nationals were found engaging in religious conversion activities in India in violation of visa rules or local anti-conversion laws. The incidents span multiple states across the country and involve evangelists, missionaries, foreign NGOs and groups accused of proselytising under the guise of conferences, healing sessions or community gatherings. In each case, police or immigration authorities initiated action under relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act, anti-conversion laws or visa regulations.

#1 Nigerian Evangelist Stopped for Visa Misuse in Hyderabad – 25 November 2025 – Hyderabad, Telangana

The Immigration Department in Hyderabad prevented Nigerian evangelist Chris Oyakhilome and his associates – Ose Oyakhilome, Chiwetal Mokeme and others – from entering an event at LB Stadium after a complaint by LRPF alleged that the programme, labelled a “Christian Leaders Conference,” was intended for covert evangelism. Authorities said visa conditions prohibit foreign nationals from preaching or conducting conversion activities. Immigration officials blocked their participation, while LRPF requested the FRRO Hyderabad and Union Home Ministry to initiate punitive action under the Foreigners Act, 1946.

#2 Three Arrested in Maharashtra for Conversion Attempt Through Books and Healing Claims – 4 October 2025 – Chimbipada, Maharashtra

American citizen James Watson, along with Sainath Ganpati Sarpe and Manoj Kolha, allegedly organised a gathering outside Kolha’s home to influence villagers toward Christianity. The group reportedly distributed Christian books to adults and children, conducted prayers, and told locals their illnesses would be cured if they converted. The police complaint said the accused intentionally targeted residents using false promises to induce religious conversion. All three were arrested, with cases registered under BNS Sections 299 and 302, the Foreigners Act and the Maharashtra Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act. Police stated that further investigation is underway.

#3 Foreign Missionary Caught Running Conversion Operation in Indore Mall – 5 June 2025 – Indore, Madhya Pradesh

In Vijaynagar, Indore, foreign missionary Stephen Vijupal and eight foreign nationals were found conducting Christian conversion activities inside Malhar Mega Mall. He allegedly attempted to convert locals Shyam Verma and Rajesh Patel by criticising Hindu beliefs, offering financial inducements of ₹10,000–₹20,000, and promising help with education and medical expenses. He also gave them “holy water” and threatened them with false cases and death for refusing. Police later recovered Bibles and conversion literature from their hotel. A case was registered against Vijupal, while the other foreign nationals were questioned and released.

#4 American Missionary Detained for Conversion Attempt on Bhil Community in Kota – 22 April 2025 – Kota, Rajasthan

American citizen Colin Mitchell and associate Joy Mathew were detained for attempting to convert around 50 members of the Bhil tribal community at Charan Chowki in Motipura. They allegedly held a prayer gathering, made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities, distributed cross lockets and served non-vegetarian food as part of their effort to influence the group. Bajrang Dal members intervened after receiving a complaint, triggering a public confrontation. Police detained the duo, registered a case against Mitchell under the Foreigners Act and initiated further action based on findings from the Joint Interrogation Cell.

#5 Canadian Missionary Deported from Assam for Proselytising on Expired Visa – 7 February 2025 – Jorhat, Assam

A Canadian citizen residing in Jorhat since 2021 was deported after authorities found he was involved in Christian proselytising despite his visa having expired. During verification for renewal, police discovered that he had been influencing locals toward conversion, which they said constituted misuse of visa privileges. The FRRO issued a “Leave India Notice,” and Jorhat Police handed him over to FRRO Kolkata. He was deported to Canada through New Delhi. Officials stated that his activities violated Indian visa rules, which forbid foreign nationals from engaging in religious propagation without a missionary visa.

#6 Taiwanese Citizen Among Several Detained Over Conversion Allegations in Mathura – 21 September 2024 – Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

A Taiwanese national, along with a house owner, his wife and around a dozen people, was detained after complaints alleged they were conducting religious conversion meetings. Police found around four dozen men and women gathered in two houses with food and religious pamphlets. Officers said no objectionable material was recovered and that evidence of conversion would determine further action. Highway Police questioned all detained individuals. Authorities emphasised that foreign nationals cannot participate in religious propagation on tourist visas, and the inquiry would proceed based on findings.

#7 Two US Citizens Fined for Engaging in Religious Activities in Assam – 1 February 2025 – Sonitpur, Assam

US nationals Jon Matthew Boone and Michael James Flinchum were fined for participating in a religious meeting at the Baptist Christian Mission Hospital while on tourist visas, which prohibit involvement in proselytising activities. Police received information about their participation and, after inquiry, confirmed that they had taken part in the event. Both were fined $500 (approximately ₹41,500) each for violating visa conditions and were permitted to leave. Authorities reiterated that missionary or religious activity requires specific visa categories under Indian law.

#8 Canadian Missionary Accused of Attempting Conversion of Minors in Odisha – 24 June 2023 – Jagatsinghpur, Odisha

Canadian citizen Eapen Mohan Kidangalil and two missionaries from Tirtol allegedly attempted to convert around 11 Hindu minors during a “Prarthana Sabha” in Katesingpur. The group transported about 40 tribal people, including minors, in a non-registered vehicle, where police said religious influence was exerted.

Canadian Citizen Eapen Mohan Kidangalil caught by Bajrangdal Jagatsingpur @bajrangdal_jsp Unit karyakartas trying to convert minor Tribal children to christianity in the name of “Prarthana Sabha” Violating his Tourist Visa
Thread……
cc : @NCPCR_ @KanoongoPriyank @ncsthq pic.twitter.com/jxnXDlC0TG

— Kalinga Rights Forum (@KalingaForum) June 24, 2023

Authorities seized a Bible, tourist visa, cash and medicines suspected to be intended for drugging children. NCPCR directed the District Administration to ensure the minors’ safety. An FIR was lodged under Section 4 of the Odisha Freedom of Religion Act, 1967. The accused were released after notice under CrPC Section 41.

#9 US Evangelist Nick Vujicic Accused of Proselytisation in Hyderabad – 30 January 2023 – Hyderabad, Telangana

The Legal Rights Protection Forum filed a complaint alleging that US evangelist Nick Vujicic used motivational sessions at Malla Reddy University as a cover for Christian evangelism. LRPF claimed his activities violated visa regulations, which prohibit foreign nationals from preaching or conducting religious propaganda while on non-missionary visas. Vujicic, founder of Life Without Limbs Ministries, is known for promoting born-again Christianity globally. LRPF submitted the complaint to FRRO Hyderabad seeking action for visa violations. Authorities initiated verification of the allegations.

#10 Seven German Nationals Detained for Attending Church Events in Assam – 28 October 2022 – Golaghat, Assam

Seven German nationals, Christian Reiser, Michael Erich Schaper, Merten Asmus, Cornelia Von Oneimb, Hinrich Luppen-Von Oneimb, Christa Olearius and Lisa Aimee Bloem were detained near Kaziranga for engaging in church-sponsored religious events while on tourist visas. Police said they delivered speeches and attended functions across multiple districts, violating visa rules requiring missionary visas for religious work. They were detained at a Kaziranga resort and fined $500 each. Police cited violations under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act and warned against misuse of tourist visas for conversion activity.

#11 Three Swedish Missionaries Arrested for Illegal Preaching in Assam – 27 October 2025 – Dibrugarh, Assam

Swedish nationals Hannah Mikaela Bloom, Marcus Arne Henrik Bloom and Susanna Elisabeth Hakanason were arrested in Naharkatia for conducting religious preaching at a “Peace and Healing Prayer Festival” under the banner of United Churches Fellowship and Bless Assam Mission Network. Police said the event attempted to convert locals and violated visa rules. A suo motu case under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act was registered. The trio was convicted by a local court, and the administration was instructed to deport them to Sweden.

#12 US National Accused of Visa Violations Through Missionary Work in Andhra Pradesh – 15 July 2022 – Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

US citizen Scott Alan Norling, co-founder of Bethel Bible College, was accused of conducting religious preaching and soliciting foreign funding while on a visa not permitting missionary activity. He participated in events such as the inauguration of the “Well of Life” in Hyderabad and attended multiple Christian ceremonies linked to Gospel Mission of India. LRPF alleged that Norling may be staying on a business or employment visa while violating Indian visa rules. A petition was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking action under Section 14(b) of the Foreigners Act.

#13 South Korean National Arrested for Pressuring Families for Conversion in Greater Noida – 19 December 2020 – Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

South Korean national Mu Cu Lee and three Indian accomplices were arrested for pressuring two families for Christian conversion over six months. Police said the accused provided financial incentives, urged families to attend church and asked them to remove religious idols. Lee had previously converted three individuals. On the day of the incident, the group gathered at a home and chanted religious verses, leading to confrontation with locals. Police registered a case under IPC Section 295-A and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020. All suspects were sent to judicial custody.

#14 Foreign Nationals Detained for Secret Conversion Effort in Saharanpur – 6 September 2017 – Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Seven foreign nationals from South Korea and Malaysia were detained in Saharanpur after intelligence agencies uncovered a covert Christian conversion campaign. The group, visiting on tourist visas, allegedly held late-night gatherings and attempted to persuade non-Christian families to convert. The operation came to light after a complaint by Father John Wesley of a local church. Police detained the seven individuals from a house near Shanidev Mandir in Naveen Nagar. Officers stated that their activities violated visa norms prohibiting religious propagation on tourist visas.

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The post How Foreign Missionaries Misuse Visas For Proselytization: 14 Cases Of Covert Conversion Operations Across India appeared first on The Commune.

In a case highlighting the persistent issue of child marriage in the region, Andhra Pradesh police arrested a bridegroom and his parents on 18 November 2025 for marrying a 13-year-old girl against her will. The incident took place in Turakapalem village.

The accused had conducted the marriage ceremony at a local church on 9 May 2025. Authorities reported that the pastor and other religious figures presided over the ceremony. The family allegedly coerced the minor into the union by falsely promising she would be permitted to continue her education after marriage.

This case is not an isolated incident. In this report, we take a look at 11 separate instances of child marriages involving evangelical groups in the region between 2011 and 2025. Several of these cases also included accompanying charges of sexual abuse and the violent suppression of the children involved.

#1 Guntur Pastor in Minor’s Marriage & Assault Case – 18 November 2025 – Turakapalem, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh

A 13-year-old girl was married to K Danielu in a local church ceremony on 9 May 2025, officiated by a pastor. The groom’s parents, K. Samson and K. Nirmala, were also arrested. Police reported that after the marriage, the girl was sexually assaulted by her father-in-law. Authorities have registered a case under the POCSO Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, noting that action will also be taken against the pastor and the victim’s grandmother who facilitated the illegal union.

#2 Karnataka Pastor Sentenced for Child Marriage – 19 October 2025 – Gangavathi, Koppal district, Karnataka

A court sentenced six individuals, including Pastor Abraham D, to two years in prison for their involvement in the 2020 marriage of a 14-year-old girl. The marriage was solemnized at the Gadwal Camp Church. The convicted also include the groom, Kurupanna, and the parents from both sides. Each was fined Rs. 10,000 by the Principal Civil and JMFC court.

#3 Chennai Groom, Parents Booked for Minor’s Marriage – 2 October 2025 – Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

A 16-year-old girl from Ennore was married to 26-year-old Vignesh Kumar at a church, despite her opposition. Following the ceremony, the victim sought help from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Acting on the CWC’s report, the Pulianthope All-Women Police registered a case against the groom, his parents Dakshinamurthy and Parameshwari, and the girl’s parents.

#4 US Polygamist Leader Gets 50 Years for Child Sex Crimes – 9 December 2024 – Arizona-Utah border, USA

Samuel Bateman, a polygamist sect leader, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for orchestrating a scheme involving sexual crimes with minors. Bateman, who had over 20 “spiritual wives” including 10 underage girls, coerced girls as young as 9 into sexual acts. He also schemed to kidnap them from protective custody. An offshoot of Warren Jeffs’ FLDS church, his group practiced polygamy based on his claimed divine orders, leading to his arrest in August 2022.

#5 Ghanaian Priest Marries 12-Year-Old, Sparking Outcry – 30 March 2024 – Accra, Ghana

A 63-year-old traditional priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, married a 12-year-old girl in a public ceremony near the capital, Accra. The event, defended by the priest’s spokesperson as non-sexual, triggered national outrage and widespread media coverage. In response to the public backlash, Ghana’s Attorney General opened a formal investigation into the incident, scrutinizing the legality and circumstances of the child marriage.

#6 Zimbabwe Sect Blamed for Teen’s Death in Childbirth – 24 April 2022 (Reported) – Harare, Zimbabwe

Fifteen-year-old Anna Machaya died during childbirth just ten days after her birthday while married to a 26-year-old man, Hatirarami Momberume. Her parents, members of the Johane Marange Apostolic Church—a sect accused of condoning child marriage—had consented to the union. After her death, her parents attempted to cover up the circumstances.

#7 Nigerian Bishop Arrested for Marrying 15-Year-Old – 10 September 2020 (Reported) – Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos, Nigeria

Bishop Stephanos Lucky Enofe, 54, was arrested for marrying a 15-year-old girl. The founder of Spirit of Grace Ministry had been in a relationship with the girl since she was 12. The marriage was formalized through both a traditional ceremony in Abia State and a church service in Lagos. The arrest also included the teenager’s parents, highlighting a collaborative failure in protecting the minor from an illicit and exploitative union.

#8 Nigerian Pastor Arrested in Tamil Nadu for Assault – 23 November 2019 – Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Nigerian pastor Nikki Philip, 51, was arrested for the sexual assault of a Dalit schoolgirl after marrying her in a church ceremony. He had lured the victim’s grandmother with promises of a luxurious life abroad. Further investigation revealed the girl had also been sexually assaulted by another pastor, G. Chelladurai, who had made false promises of marriage. Cases were filed under the POCSO Act and child marriage laws against both pastors and accomplices.

#9 Police Halt Child Marriage at Church in Madhya Pradesh – 27 April 2016 – Satna, Madhya Pradesh

Police intervened to stop the marriage of a Hindu minor girl at the ‘Church of God’. The ceremony was being officiated by Pastor Sam Samuel. The groom had converted to Christianity four years prior. Eleven people, including the pastor and the groom, were arrested under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and sections of the Religious Conversion Act, preventing the illegal union and highlighting the intersection of conversion and child marriage.

#10 US Sect Leader Gets Life for Child Bride Assault – 9 August 2011 – Texas, USA

Warren Steed Jeffs, leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years for the sexual assault of two child brides, aged 12 and 15. Prosecutors presented audio evidence of Jeffs’ crimes. The trial revealed he had 78 wives, two dozen of whom were underage when he married them, exposing the systematic sexual abuse within the polygamist sect.

#11 Polygamist Ex-Bishop Jailed for Jeffs’ Child Marriage – 8 November 2011 – Texas, USA

Fredrick Merril Jessop, a 75-year-old ex-bishop in the FLDS sect, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for performing the illegal marriage ceremony between sect leader Warren Jeffs and a 12-year-old girl. The court heard that Jessop had married 11 of his own daughters and two granddaughters to Jeffs. This case demonstrated the deep complicity within the sect’s hierarchy in facilitating and normalizing the marriage of minors to older men.

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The post From Andhra Pradesh to Arizona: 11 Disturbing Child Marriage Cases Officiated By Christian Priests appeared first on The Commune.

In December 2023, Tamil Nadu witnessed an unprecedented gathering — the ‘United Christian Conference’ — which brought together some of the state’s most influential Christian leaders, including Mohan C. Lazarus, Dr. Paul Dhinakaran, and Archbishop George Antonysamy.

The event was aimed to unite Catholics, CSI, Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, and Pentecostals under a common theme of “one body in Christ” with interdenominational prayer and worship. The programme, heavily promoted online, emphasised unity, harmony, and spiritual “breakthroughs,” invoking biblical motifs such as the “walls of Jericho” falling.

DMK MLA and Christian Goodwill Movement founder Inigo S. Irudayaraj also attended the event indicating the political and social influence of this ecosystem.

The conference — and those behind it — deserves closer scrutiny to understand how evangelical networks, their political linkages, funding channels, and on-ground operations are increasingly shaping Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

These evangelists, operating at the intersection of faith, education, and politics, seem to be orchestrating a coordinated strategy to consolidate Christian votes and influence Tamil Nadu’s governance. Let us take a quick look at a few of these rabid preachers and their various activities in this unfolding political drama.

Mohan Lazarus – The Inflammatory Evangelist

Mohan C Lazarus is the founder of Jesus Redeems Ministries, headquartered in Nalumavadi, Thoothukudi, and is one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential Pentecostal preachers. He is a significant theological and political force in southern Tamil Nadu, often noted for his controversial public statements and activism.

Hate Speech and Communal Allegations:
Lazarus has faced multiple criminal cases (FIRs) in Tamil Nadu for making anti-Hindu statements, such as describing Hindu temples as “abodes of Satan” and mocking Hindu deities. Charges brought against him included IPC Sections 153, 153-A, 295-A, 505(1)(b), and 505(2) (for promoting enmity, outraging religious feelings, and inciting public mischief). He also called other faiths “evil”.

In 2021, the Madras High Court quashed some FIRs after he issued an unconditional apology but explicitly cautioned that his extremist rhetoric could provoke “hatred, violence, and bloodshed.”

Political Interventions:
In 2022, videos circulated online of Lazarus praying for the defeat of the BJP in state elections, drawing criticism from political quarters.

COVID-19 and Social Responsibility:
During the pandemic, Lazarus was found encouraging followers to attend church gatherings amid lockdown protocols and spreading vaccine hesitancy propaganda.

“Vaccines, Booster doses and masks are all conspiracy of WHO and corporate companies, all this are done to intimidate and enslave you and keep you in fear its the work of Antichrist, proof for all this is in the Bible” #Lazarus the Unstoppable pic.twitter.com/3JygVlq1nQ

— Vishwatma ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) January 16, 2022

Activism and Sterlite Protests:
Lazarus was instrumental in mobilising Christian congregations against the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi, where he called on believers to treat the factory as a “toxic” presence and agitated for its closure.

Funding and Regulatory Issues:
His organization, Jesus Redeems, was flagged for FCRA (foreign funding) violations. The associated US entity held about $190,000, according to public financial disclosures. Regulatory authorities also initially denied him a new passport because he failed to disclose his pending criminal cases.

In January 2025, MHA permanently cancelled the FCRA license Of Mohan Lazarus’ NGO Jesus Redeems over multiple violations.

Dr. Paul Dhinakaran: The Tycoon Preacher with a “Mini-Vatican”

Dr. Paul Dhinakaran, head of Jesus Calls Ministries and Chancellor of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, represents the institutional arm of this influence, wielding significant financial and organizational power.

The “Karunya Nagar” Project: Allegations abound that Dhinakaran is trying to create a “Mini Vatican” in Nallurvayal village near Coimbatore. RTI investigations have revealed that numerous churches and prayer halls in the surrounding panchayats were constructed without official permission, indicating a systematic and unauthorized expansion.

Conversion Allegations and Targeting Tribal Community: His NGO, SEESHA, has been accused of using its mobile hospital services to lure tribal communities with freebies like clothes and gifts as a precursor to religious conversion. Protests have erupted over the renaming of villages and the affixing of Karunya’s name on government-built houses, leading to accusations of branding state welfare as Christian charity.

Financial Scandals and Political Funding: The Income Tax Department conducted major raids on Dhinakaran’s premises, resulting in the seizure of 5 kg of gold and the uncovering of ₹120 crore in unaccounted investments. There are unconfirmed reports that his organization, which receives foreign funding from countries like Canada, may have diverted funds to farmer agitations and certain Tamil Nadu political parties. He was also banned from holding a religious gathering in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, after appeals by local Hindu groups.

Used Children For “Healing” Event In Arunachal Pradesh: Dhinakaran held a three-day Jesus Calls Arunachal Prayer Festival in Arunachal Pradesh in 2023, attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and several ministers. During the event, Paul prayed for the state and government, referring to Arunachal as “God’s garden,” while Khandu praised Christian denominations for opposing money culture in elections and highlighted government grants to Christian institutions. Videos from the festival showed Paul performing “miracle healings,” including claims of making a wheelchair-bound girl walk.

George Antonysamy: The Political Archbishop

As the Archbishop of the influential Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore, George Antonysamy holds significant sway, which he has wielded in overtly political ways, drawing accusations of violating the model code of conduct and mixing religion with politics.

Election Interference: During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he authored a guest editorial in ‘The New Leader’ magazine that sharply criticized the Union Government, accusing it of constructing a “mono-cultural nation” and destroying diversity. The editorial parroted DMK talking points, using terms like “Union government” and alleging that institutions like the Election Commission and courts were under government control. He explicitly called on Christians to vote to “protect this land” and “reject sectarian parties.”

Open Gratitude for Religious Representation: Following the DMK’s renomination of P. Wilson, a Roman Catholic, to the Rajya Sabha in May 2025, Archbishop Antonysamy publicly thanked Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in a letter. He explicitly highlighted Wilson’s “Roman Catholic” identity and thanked Stalin for “recognising the needs of our minority Christian community.” This act starkly contradicted the DMK’s publicly stated principle of not mixing religion with politics.

It is noteworthy that DMK MPs Dayanidhi Maran, Thamizhachi Thangapandian, and Kalanidhi Veeraswamy visited Archbishop George Antonysamy, who had recently faced allegations of influencing voters on religious grounds, just as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections following the results – DMK alliance had swept TN winning all 39 seats in the state.

Network of Influence: The Archdiocese controls a vast network of organizations, including educational societies, trusts, and NGOs like Caritas India, which critics argue should be investigated for potential violations of FCRA, FEMA, and PMLA regulations.

Anti-NEP Campaign: In 2020, he issued a circular mobilising protest against the National Education Policy. The circular included contact numbers of activist organisations such as People’s Watch.

Inigo Irudayaraj: The DMK’s Point Man

DMK MLA Inigo Irudayaraj, who also heads the Christian Goodwill Movement (Christuva Nallenna Iyakkam), functions as a direct political bridge between the party and the evangelical community.

Spreading Disinformation: At a youth camp organized by Mohan Lazarus, Irudayaraj delivered a speech filled with falsehoods. He falsely claimed that the UAPA anti-terror law was being used against Christians in BJP-ruled states. He also inflated a statistic, alleging that 6,500 Christian women were sexually assaulted in Gujarat, a figure wildly inconsistent with official NCRB data which reported 610 rape complaints for all women in the state.

The Political Nexus?

The activities of these individuals paint a picture of a deeply interconnected nexus. This alliance, critics argue, is now strategically aligning behind a new vehicle which is Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam with the alleged end goal of placing a pliable Christian leader at the helm of the state government, fundamentally altering the political and religious landscape of Tamil Nadu. The allegations of “crypto-Christian” infiltration in the bureaucracy and the specific naming of Vijay’s backers from Christian educational institutions like Loyola College further fuel this narrative of a concerted, long-term political mission.

This Christian gathering that was convened seems to have been done with the explicit objective of uniting in support of Dravidianism, a political ideology that Hindus must now decisively reject and break away from to achieve their own unity. Under the guise of service through educational and medical institutions, and with the full backing of Dravidian and Communist parties, these forces are accused of engaging in deceptive conversion activities.

Actor Joseph Vijay, now parading as a politician, loves to project himself as a messiah of morality. Like a typical DMK lackey, he has been trying to brand RSS as a “divisive force” in Tamil Nadu.

It is hardly surprising he speaks that way — after all, he, his party, and his inner circle all come from the same mould – be it his father, his advisor Aadhav Arjuna (son-in-law of Lottery Martin), his another advisor is Jhon Arockiasamy, or his association with Atlee.

But if Vijay truly wants to speak of divisive forces in Tamil Nadu, he need not look beyond the missionaries and evangelists of his own religion. For decades, their actions, cloaked in the garb of charity and faith have fractured communities, grabbed lands, and stoked enmity.

Within this backdrop, a growing section of Tamil Nadu’s Christian groups appears to be viewing Vijay as a valuable political investment. With the DMK increasingly losing credibility among its traditional minority constituencies, Vijay offers them a fresh, culturally packaged, youth-friendly face through whom they can diversify their political bets. For evangelist networks, he represents a convenient blend of star power, moral posturing, and a tacit willingness to echo their narratives — making him an ideal long-term asset in Tamil Nadu’s shifting political marketplace.

Last Word

The DMK’s selective secularism, the rise of Vijay as a carefully curated “alternative,” and the expanding machinery of evangelical networks are not isolated developments — they are interconnected pieces of a larger political strategy.
If Tamil Nadu fails to recognise how this ecosystem is quietly manufacturing consent, capturing institutions, and scripting new political loyalties, the state may soon find its democracy subcontracted to forces whose allegiance lies far beyond its borders.

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On 17 November 2025, Shaheen, a key accused in the Delhi car-bombing terror module, was found to have direct links with the Tablighi Jamaat. Intelligence agencies confirmed that Shaheen, a female doctor arrested from Faridabad, had been receiving financial support from the Tablighi Jamaat to carry out terrorist activities. On the same day, seven Tablighi Jamaat members were detained from Lucknow’s Kaiserbagh bus stand for suspicious movements, prompting further investigation into the organisation’s network.

In this report, we have compiled 11 major incidents between 2020 and 2025 in which governments in India and abroad took action against the Tablighi Jamaat or its members for terror-related, extremist, or anti-national activities, highlighting a pattern of global scrutiny surrounding the group.

#1 Delhi Blast Accused Received Tablighi Jamaat Funding (17 November 2025)

Intelligence agencies revealed on 17 November 2025 that Shaheen, a female doctor arrested from Faridabad in connection with the Delhi car-bomb blast, received financial support from the Tablighi Jamaat for terrorist activities. Officials stated she was part of a wider terror module that orchestrated the explosion. On the same day, seven Tablighi Jamaat members were detained from Lucknow’s Kaiserbagh bus stand for suspicious activities, sparking deeper investigation into coordinated movements. Agencies suspect financial channels, religious networks and foreign-linked operatives played a role in radicalising and supporting Shaheen’s actions. An FIR has been registered and interrogation continues.

#2 Ten Nepali Nationals Linked to Tablighi Jamaat Arrested in Dausa (22 March 2025)

On 22 March 2025, Rajasthan Police arrested ten Nepali nationals, five men and five women, in Dausa for participating in illegal religious activities linked to the Tablighi Jamaat. Authorities stated the group violated Home Ministry guidelines by attending religious gatherings and engaging in suspected anti-national activities without permission. Police confirmed that the group’s presence was part of a wider network of foreign Jamaat-linked individuals active in rural belts. After interrogation, all ten were deported to Nepal. Investigators are examining whether the group was facilitating cross-border ideological outreach or indirectly supporting radicalisation efforts in the region.

#3 Kazakhstan Arrests Tablighi Jamaat Preachers; Bans Street Prayers (13 December 2024)

On 13 December 2024, Kazakhstan initiated a crackdown on radical Islamic groups, specifically targeting Tablighi Jamaat preachers delivering unauthorised sermons in western regions. Several Jamaat-linked individuals were arrested for violating national security regulations and promoting extremist interpretations. Authorities in Almaty also banned public street prayers—which had been causing traffic blockages and hindering emergency vehicles—after identifying them as part of Jamaat-driven mobilisation tactics. Officials said the organisation has been under surveillance for spreading radical ideology under the guise of religious preaching, prompting stricter enforcement to prevent indoctrination and public disorder across urban centres.

#4 Umesh Kolhe Murder Accused Had Tablighi Jamaat Links (20 December 2022)

The National Investigation Agency stated on 20 December 2022 that many of the eleven accused in the killing of Amravati pharmacist Umesh Kolhe were previously associated with the Tablighi Jamaat. The NIA described the group as radicalised individuals who acted upon extremist motivations after being influenced by Irfan Khan and Maulvi Mushfiq Ahmed. Kolhe was murdered in June 2022 for allegedly sharing social-media posts supporting Nupur Sharma. Investigators found that the accused had deep connections with local religious cells that facilitated ideological indoctrination. The agency continues probing whether the Jamaat network helped mobilise or motivate the killers.

#5 Intelligence Agencies Warn of Tablighi Jamaat Activities in Maharashtra (16 December 2022)

On 16 December 2022, Indian intelligence agencies expressed concern over Tablighi Jamaat activities in Maharashtra, citing reports of foreign members misusing tourist, student and medical visas to conduct religious propaganda. Officials stated that some former Jamaat members had later joined global terrorist organisations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS, prompting heightened surveillance across several districts. Inputs indicated that foreign preachers were operating covertly inside mosques and private residences. Agencies said the Jamaat’s global networks and lack of transparency make it vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups. Security monitoring mechanisms were reinforced following these warnings.

#6 Lahore Mosque Massacre Linked to Tablighi Jamaat Assistance (28 December 2021)

On 28 December 2021, reports highlighted that members of the Tablighi Jamaat allegedly assisted attackers in the 2010 Lahore Mosque massacre, where 94 Ahmadiyya Muslims were killed. Pakistan’s Punjab law minister had publicly stated that Jamaat operatives helped facilitate the attack. An Indian Defence Review analysis said the Jamaat, though presented as a religious outreach organisation, has repeatedly been used by the ISI for radicalisation and recruitment in India and abroad. The report noted that door-to-door Jamaat outreach creates opportunities for intelligence manipulation, enabling violent extremist groups to exploit its network for jihadist expansion.

#7 Saudi Arabia Officially Bans Tablighi Jamaat, Calls It “Gateway to Terrorism” (10 December 2021)

On 10 December 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs enforced an official ban on Tablighi Jamaat, describing it as a “danger to society” and a “gateway to terrorism.” Minister Dr Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh instructed mosque imams to denounce the organisation during Friday sermons, outlining its deviations, threat profile, and misleading ideological claims. The directive emphasised that despite outwardly religious appearances, the Jamaat had been implicated in radicalisation pathways across multiple countries. The ban marked one of the strongest actions taken by any Islamic nation, associating the organisation with extremist recruitment pipelines.

#8 Russia Designates Tablighi Jamaat Extremist; Members Convicted (22 September 2021)

On 22 September 2021, a court in Mordovia, Russia, convicted Rais Tishkin and Aisu Aizatullin under Article 282.2 for creating and participating in a Tablighi Jamaat cell. The organisation has been banned in Russia since 2009 due to extremist activities. Prosecutors said the men were conducting clandestine meetings, spreading radical religious teachings, and recruiting followers. Another member, Khafiz Aizatullin, was accused of forming a full-fledged Jamaat cell in 2019. The conviction reaffirmed Russia’s longstanding classification of Tablighi Jamaat as a threat to social order and national security.

#9 Turkish Jihadist Trained Under Tablighi Jamaat Before Joining Al-Qaeda (2 April 2021)

On 2 April 2021, security reports revealed that Turkish national Halil Kurtuluş, known as Abu Muhammad Ali, received ideological training at Tablighi Jamaat centres in Pakistan before joining al-Qaeda-aligned groups in Syria. Since 2012, Kurtuluş travelled between Turkey and Syria, participating in multiple jihadist operations and interacting with senior al-Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Authorities said he attempted to form an “Ottoman Caliphate Army” in Syria. Despite several arrests and combat injuries, Kurtuluş repeatedly resumed jihadist activities. His case underscored concerns that Jamaat environments abroad may serve as recruitment stepping-stones into violent extremism.

#10 VIF Report: Tablighi Jamaat’s Radical Face Exposed Post-2001 (2 April 2020)

An April 2020 report by the Vivekananda International Foundation found that the “true and dangerous face” of the Tablighi Jamaat emerged globally after 2001, when its followers were implicated in numerous terrorism cases. The think tank stated that the Jamaat’s six principles of religious teaching function as a cover for indoctrination and that the organisation has served as a recruitment pool for extremist outfits. The report highlighted that global intelligence agencies identified several instances where Jamaat-associated individuals had undergone radicalisation pathways leading to violent organisations, prompting a reassessment of its security risks.

#11 WikiLeaks & FBI Files Link Tablighi Jamaat to Jihadist Networks (31 March 2020)

On 31 March 2020, WikiLeaks-released US diplomatic cables and FBI case documents revealed that extremist organisations—including al-Qaeda, Taliban and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen—used Tablighi Jamaat networks to move operatives into Pakistan, arrange visas and finance travel. Confidential 2007–2008 US reports indicated that Jamaat institutions provided logistical cover for jihadist mobility under religious pretexts. After 9/11, the FBI identified the Jamaat in multiple terror-related cases. A Stratfor analysis described the organisation as “indirectly linked” to global jihad, noting its vulnerability to exploitation by radical groups during training and mobilisation inside Pakistan.

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The post Tablighi Jamaat: A Terror Factory Disguised As A Religious Movement — 11 Major Cases Exposing Its Deep Links To Terror, Extremism, And Anti-National Activity appeared first on The Commune.

We have a comfortable habit in India. When we see a fissure in our society, we instinctively look for a foreign hand. We hunt for the colonial scholar or the missionary. We find a Max Muller or a Robert Caldwell. We pin the blame on them. We tell ourselves that they divided us. We tell ourselves that they manufactured hate where none existed.

This is a convenient lie. It is a great alibi.

Consider the Dravidian movement. The standard critique is well known. Bishop Caldwell fabricated the “Dravidian” race theory. G.U. Pope distorted Tamil texts to sever them from their Vedic roots. The conclusion follows that the visceral anti-Brahmin hate in Tamil Nadu is merely the product of a Christian colonial conspiracy.

This thesis is deeply problematic. It is a half-truth that shields the real culprits. It exonerates the key actors within Tamil society itself. It masks the face of the local elite. The landed gentry. The mercantile aristocracy. The dominant agrarian communities. These were the forces that funded, nurtured, and weaponized this hate for their own administrative dominance. The missionary provided the grammar. But the venom was indigenous.

The Anxiety of the Feudal Elite

To understand the origins of this divide, one must look not at the church pulpit. Look at the ledger of the Zamindar and the warehouse of the merchant. For centuries, social power in the Tamil country rested with the land. The feudal overlords held sway over the village economy. These powerful communities were the “Sons of the Soil.” They were the custodians of the great temples. They were the patrons of the arts.

The Brahmin was a priest, a minister, or a scholar. He possessed ritual status. But his material existence often depended on the grants and patronage of the landholding elite. He was a dependent.

The advent of the British administration fundamentally altered this equation. Power began to shift from the village granary to the urban secretariat. It shifted from the land to the file. The Brahmin community had a long tradition of literacy and scholarship. They adapted to this shift with speed. They entered the civil service. They entered the judiciary. They entered the legal professions in disproportionate numbers. They became the new intermediaries between the state and the subject.

The old feudal elite watched this transformation with acute anxiety. Their traditional dominance was slipping. They were the kings of the soil. But they were becoming subjects of the administration. They faced a new rival. This rival did not owe his position to their patronage. He owed it to his utility in the colonial bureaucracy.

The “Dravidian” racial theory offered the perfect weapon for this elite to strike back. It was not that they blindly accepted a foreign theory. They actively appropriated it. It served a vital political function. By framing the Brahmin as an “Aryan invader,” the indigenous elite could delegitimize his newfound administrative authority. If the Brahmin was a racial alien, he had no right to rule or adjudicate over the “indigenous” populations.

This narrative allowed the powerful land-owning and mercantile castes to cloak their own feudal privilege in the language of victimhood. They focused the anger of the masses on the “Aryan” minority. This successfully deflected attention from their own economic dominance. The peasant was told his enemy was the priest who owned no land. He was told the enemy was not the landlord who owned the village. It was a brilliant, strategic diversion.

These elites were not atheists seeking to dismantle Hinduism from the outside. They were often deeply religious. They maintained the very temples and rituals they claimed to be liberating. They were Janus-faced. In private, they upheld the strictest orthodoxies. In public, they funded the platforms that spewed venom against the Brahmin community. They were the financiers of the movement. They were the patrons of the libraries. They were the organizers of the conferences. The hate did not bubble up from the streets. It trickled down from the palaces and the mansions of the indigenous aristocracy.

A Pioneer in the Wilderness: Reality Check India

Historians and sociologists have often glossed over these uncomfortable truths. They prefer to focus on the “social justice” rhetoric of the movement. There has been a significant gap in analyzing the raw, visceral nature of the hate propaganda itself. In this regard, the commentator/blogger (and of course, Discourse Analyst) known as Reality Check India stands as a pioneer.

It is no exaggeration to say that not a single scholar has ventured into these questions as deeply as he has. Academia has largely sanitized the Dravidian discourse. They treat it as a benign subaltern movement. Reality Check India has painstakingly documented the primary sources. He has dug up the plays, the speeches, and the forgotten pamphlets. These documents reveal the movement’s darker psychological underbelly. He has excavated the cultural production of hate that others have ignored. He provides an analytical framework that is essential for understanding the true nature of this divide.

The “Criminal Passion”

Drawing on the framework of Jean-Paul Sartre, Reality Check India characterizes this phenomenon not as a mere political opinion. He calls it a “criminal passion.” The anti-Brahminism of the Dravidian movement shares the psychological structure of classic anti-Semitism.

It is a hate that is not based on experience. It shapes experience. It is a choice. The hater chooses to be impenetrable to reason. When confronted with logic or facts, they do not engage. They sneer. They intimidate. Or they retreat into a “passionate” silence. This passion was cultivated in the drawing rooms of the “second-hand haters.” These were the elite who found that this hate gave them a distinct personality. It was a way to distinguish themselves from the “Aryan” rival who was competing for the same government posts and legal influence. And most importantly, it gave them the platform for rallying the “lower” and more backward castes on their side while simultaneously retaining their ‘apex’ status in the Tamil society’s hierarchy.

The Cultural Production of Hate

The hate was not abstract. It was manufactured and distributed through specific cultural products funded by the elite. Reality Check India provides a compelling analysis of the plays that shaped this consciousness. They were not artistic endeavors. They were strategic instruments of division.

Consider the 1930 play Pankajam allathu Paarpana Kodumai (“Pankajam or the Brahmin Atrocity”). As Reality Check India notes, this was a masterclass in driving a wedge between the communities. The play depicts Brahmins not as priests. It depicts them as leeches exploiting the generosity of wealthy mercantile patrons. Specifically, the Nattukottai Chettiars. It portrays Brahmin agents cheating patrons of their land. It shows them scheming to keep other groups in poverty. This was a strategic narrative. It was designed to sever the traditional financial patronage that these wealthy groups extended to Brahmins.

Then came Iraniyan Allathu Inayattra Veeran (“Hiranyakashipu, the Matchless Hero”) in 1934. Here, the “Colonial Conspiracy” theory falls flat. This was a homegrown distortion. The play rewrites the Narasimha Avatar. It turns the demon king Hiranyakashipu into a Dravidian hero. It turns the Avatar into a fraud.

The subtext is highlighted by Reality Check India. It introduced fictional narratives involving the use of Brahmin women to entrap Dravidian men (the sexualisation of the Brahmin female and the emasculation of the Brahmin male in Dravidian folklore is something we shall delve into in the future as it is outside the remit of this particular essay). It deployed vile stereotypes to characterize the community as cunning and treacherous. This was not the language of social justice. This was the language of elimination. And it was funded, staged, and applauded by the local elite.

The Glorification of Violence

This ideology did not stop at words. It created a culture where violence against the specific community was not just tolerated. It was celebrated.

A stark example cited by Reality Check India is the case of “Acid” Thiagarajan. This was a man who threw acid on a Brahmin lawyer. In a normal society, such an act would be universally condemned. In the Dravidian ecosystem, he was celebrated. He was given a platform at conferences and honored.

The metaphors used to rally support for such figures were not calls to the proletariat. They were signals to the cadre that violence had the sanction of the leadership. The message was clear. The “Aryan” is not a citizen with rights. He is a target.

The Blindness of the Hindutva Lens

This brings us to a critical error made by modern observers. This is particularly true for those looking from the North or through the lens of Hindutva. There is a tendency to view the Dravidian movement through a simplistic binary of “Hindu vs. Anti-Hindu.” The assumption is that because the movement attacked Brahmins and Sanskrit, it must have been an atheist, anti-religious project. They assume it was driven by forces external to Hinduism.

This lens is not just inadequate. It is blinding. It renders the observer incapable of understanding the complexity of Tamil society. The uncomfortable reality is that the staunches of Hindus among the Tamils were the very creators of the Dravidian movement. The patrons of the anti-Brahmin discourse were often the same men who endowed the great temples. They funded the festivals. They maintained the strictest caste rituals.

These were not rootless atheists. They were the feudal dominant caste elites. They viewed themselves as the true custodians of the religion. They were protecting it from what they termed “Aryan corruption.” To view them as merely “anti-Hindu” is to misunderstand the nature of the power struggle. It was a civil war within the fold. It was a battle for the control of the sacred and the secular assets of the land. The Hindutva lens reduces this 120-year-old project to a simple case of “atheism.” It fails to see that the rot originated from the pious, not the profane.

The Conspiracy Exonerates the Criminals Involved

Why then does the “Christian Colonial Conspiracy” theory persist with such tenacity? Why do so many who claim to fight for Dharma today cling to the idea that Bishop Caldwell or the Church are solely responsible for the Dravidian divide? The answer lies in the psychological need for absolution.

For the modern descendants of the non-Brahmin elite, the “Christian Conspiracy” is a convenient laundry service. It washes away the sins of their ancestors. Many of these descendants now wish to align with nationalistic or Hindutva politics. This theory allows them to construct a narrative of victimhood. It suggests their forefathers were merely innocent dupes. They were tricked by cunning white missionaries into hating their Brahmin brethren. This is a grand act of exoneration. It scrubs the blood off the hands of the indigenous elite.

If the hatred was purely a colonial injection, then the grandfather who funded the anti-Brahmin printing press is not guilty. He was just misled. If the division was purely a missionary plot, then the community that ostracized the Brahmin is not complicit. They were just brainwashed. It effectively absolves them of the responsibility for birthing, sustaining, and propelling this hatred for over a century.

By pointing the finger at the foreigner, they avoid looking in the mirror. They avoid the painful admission that the “Dravidian” movement was not an imposition from London or Rome. It was a strategy hatched in the verandas of Thanjavur and Chettinad. It allows them to pretend that they were always the defenders of the faith. It hides the fact that they were the financiers of the very movement that tore the social fabric apart.

Conclusion

We must stop hiding behind the “Christian Conspiracy.” Yes, the colonial scholars planted the seeds of distortion. But the tree was watered by local hands. The fruit was harvested by local leaders.

The hate that permeates the political discourse of Tamil Nadu is not a foreign import. It is a homegrown product. It was manufactured by the indigenous elite to preserve their feudal hold on power against an administrative rival.

As long as we blame the outsider, we will never confront the truth. The rot is not in the history books written by the British. It is in the politics practiced by our own. One can even go to the extent of saying that it is in the very soul of the Tamil Society.

Yours truthfully,

Nishkala

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The post The Dark Truth Of Dravidianism: How Tamil Nadu’s Feudal Elite Engineered A Century Of Anti-Brahmin Hate appeared first on The Commune.