The petitioners contend that the ECI’s decision to conduct the SIR is arbitrary, lacks proper justification, and infringes upon fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution. A key aspect the Court will examine is whether the SIR process violates principles of due process and natural justice, particularly concerning potential voter deletions. Furthermore, the petitioners have questioned the practicality and reasonableness of the timeline set for the SIR.

This issue is not merely a legal one; it has become a focal point of concern among opposition political parties and civil rights activists. The timing of the SIR, just months before the Bihar Assembly Elections, has raised questions. In January 2025, the final electoral rolls for the state Vidhan Sabha (VS) elections had been finalised. The SIR has, moreover been analysed by many including Sabrangindia to be a sinister move since the constitutional body appears to be “Usurping the powers to test ‘Indian citizenship’, powers that do not lie with the ECI, the latest move by CEC Gyanesh Kumar is not just unlawful and hasty but violative of the Indian Constitution and the Representation of Peoples Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.”

Political commentators and civil rights activists have also viewed it as a potential strategy to disenfranchise a substantial number of voters, especially those from marginalised communities. The apprehension is that if these voters cannot produce specific documents alongside the enumeration forms, they could be unjustly removed from the electoral rolls, effectively shifting the burden of inclusion onto the most vulnerable and transforming a fundamental right into a document-centric ordeal. The eleven listed documents are inaccessible to many small farmers, landless labourers, migrant worker communities and women. The documents requested for this revision are largely not proofs of Indian citizenship, and with the exception of a birth certificate, none verify the date or place of birth in India.

The ECI move –politically guided and driven –appears clearly to be motivated by a clear desire to disenfranchise the unlettered voter who “owns no property.” Worse, after the “announcement” to the effect that “all electors must submit an enumeration form, and those registered after 2003 have to additionally provide documentation establishing their citizenship violates not just the Constitution but Clause 15 and 19 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1950!

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar

On June 24, 2025, the ECI formally announced the initiation of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across all assembly constituencies in Bihar. The ECI has framed this intensified exercise as crucial for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring free and fair elections. While the Commission has stated its intent to eventually roll out SIR nationwide as a constitutional mandate, Bihar has been prioritised due to the upcoming legislative assembly elections later in 2025. The SIR for other states is expected to be announced subsequently.

The ECI has cited a combination of demographic and administrative factors to justify this comprehensive revision. These include rapid urbanisation, frequent migration patterns, the continuous addition of newly eligible young voters, the underreporting of deaths, and, significantly, the need to address the potential inclusion of foreign illegal immigrants on voter lists. The explicitly stated objectives of the SIR are threefold: to ensure every eligible citizen is enrolled without exclusion, to purge the rolls of any ineligible voters, and to systematically remove names of individuals who are deceased, have permanently shifted their residence, or are otherwise absent.

Implementation and initial stringent documentary requirements

To implement this revision, the ECI established a clear procedural framework. The electoral roll from 2003, with a qualifying date of January 1, 2003, was designated as the foundational or “probative” evidence of eligibility. Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) were directed to presume the citizenship of individuals on this roll unless contradictory information emerged. However, the SIR introduced new and notably stringent requirements for those not listed on the 2003 roll or for younger voters. Opposition parties have demanded that the Electoral Rolls used for the Lok Sabha polls of 2024 should be the base rolls used for the revision.

Initially, any person whose name did not appear on the 2003 Electoral Roll was required to submit proof of eligibility from a prescribed list of government-issued documents. The process was even more rigorous for citizens born after 1987. For instance, an individual born between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004, had to furnish an approved document for themselves and a separate document for either their father or mother to establish their date and/or place of birth. For anyone born after December 2, 2004, the requirement was stricter still: they had to provide their own documentation in addition to documents for both their father and mother. If one parent was not an Indian citizen, a copy of their passport and visa from the time of the elector’s birth was to be submitted.

Crucially, the Aadhaar card, Ration Card and the Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) were conspicuously absent from the list of eleven acceptable proofs. The validated documents included passports, birth certificates, matriculation certificates, permanent residence certificates, SC/ST/OBC certificates, and various other official documents issued by government authorities, banks, or PSUs prior to July 1, 1987, such as identity cards, pension orders, land allotment certificates, or entries in the National Register of Citizens (though not applicable to Bihar).

This initial stringent requirement raised concerns about potential discrimination. While individuals in certain societal positions (e.g., government servants, landholders) might more easily produce documents, others, particularly those born in the 1970s and 1980s for whom birth certificates are often scarce, were left heavily reliant on this single, often unavailable, document.

Furthermore, the provision exempting those on the 2003 voter list from producing documents was criticised as discriminatory, as it bypassed the very verification process being applied to others.

Backtracking from initial stringent conditions: ECI drops parental birth document requirement

Responding to the formidable backlash that ensued, the ECI announced substantial relaxations to its controversial SIR requirements in Bihar on June 30, 2025. This effectively reversed its initial stringent demand for parental birth documents. The backtrack came in direct response to intense criticism from opposition parties and civil society, who had vehemently protested the original June 24 directive as an impractical disenfranchisement risk and a covert attempt to introduce a National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Under the revised guidelines, the ECI now leverages the 2003 Bihar electoral roll, which contains 4.96 crore electors, as a primary verification tool. Individuals born after 1987 are no longer required to provide their parents’ birth documentation if either their own name or their parents’ names appear on this 2003 list. This change is projected to streamline the process for approximately 60% of the state’s electorate, who can now simply verify their details against the 2003 data and submit an enumeration form. Even if an elector’s name is absent from the 2003 roll, they can use an extract from it to substantiate their parents’ details without needing further corroborating documents, although they must still provide their own proof of eligibility.

This move, a clear afterthought is however likely to adversely impact vast sections of Bihar’s youth that reel under an absence of access and documentation.

While rolling back the contentious measures, the ECI defended the underlying principle of the SIR, framing it as a fundamental statutory exercise mandated by the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and a routine part of maintaining accurate electoral rolls for over 75 years. To facilitate this revised process, the Commission has directed that the 2003 rolls be made widely available to Booth Level Officers in hard copy and accessible to the public for download on its website.

Bihar: the most document scarce state in the country

Reliable studies consistently show Bihar to be among the most “document scarce” states in India, a critical factor that amplifies the challenges of the ECI’s voter verification drive and its “proof of citizenship” demands. An analysis of the 11 documents initially suggested as proof reveals significant limitations in their widespread availability.

For instance, identity or pension cards from government undertakings or PSUs are an option, yet data from the 2022 caste census indicate that less than 2% of voting-age Biharis hold government jobs, rendering this proof largely inaccessible for the majority. Birth certificates are another problematic requirement; the National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) shows only 2.8% of Bihar’s population born between 2001 and 2005 possess them, with the percentage likely even lower for older generations. Similarly, only about 2.4% of Biharis possess passports.

Latest 2022 statistics by the Civil Registration System (CRS) 2022[1] show that Bihar is among 14 states like Tripura, Assam, Telangana, West Bengal, Kerala, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir that are in the “the category of more than 50 percent to less than of registration of births” (Statement 12, page 38 of the documenyt) This government document shows that Bihar has 61.2 % (Registered Births in Rural Bihar, 2022) 38.8 % (Registered Birth in Urban Bihar) (Statement 18, Page 47).

While matriculation certificates are more common, with the National Family Health Survey-2 (NFHS-2) and NFHS-5 revealing that approximately 45-50% of 18–40-year-olds are matriculates, a substantial gender gap persists. Forest rights certificates, while an option, are relevant to a minuscule segment of the population, given that Scheduled Tribes constitute just 1.3% of Bihar’s populace, and only a fraction of those actually reside in forest areas. Caste certificates (OBC, SC, or ST), according to the India Human Development Survey-2 (2011-12), were possessed by about 16% of Biharis, roughly one in four households in these categories; upper castes, by definition, would not hold such certificates. Furthermore, the presence in an NRC or family register, both listed as proofs, is not applicable to Bihar. Lastly, government-issued land/house allotment certificates are suggested, but these are not provided for beneficiaries of schemes like the PM Awas Yojana, leaving ambiguity about who receives such documents and their overall coverage. These data, highlighted in The Hindu on July 1, 2025.

The emerging concern: from voter to doubtful/disputed voter – a looming fear

A series of electoral and administrative procedures creates a perilous journey for individuals whose citizenship comes under scrutiny—an exercise that has to be performed under due process by the state and not the ECI–potentially transforming a routine voter verification into a path towards disenfranchisement and the daunting status of a “suspected foreigner.” This process, ostensibly aimed at ensuring the integrity of electoral rolls, is fraught with measures that can lead to severe and life-altering consequences for those unable to meet documentation requirements. The situation unfolds in a connected sequence of events, each escalating the potential for an individual to lose their right to vote and, ultimately, their claim to citizenship.

The initial point of concern arises from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. While being on the electoral roll is not a definitive guarantee of citizenship, the SIR process itself subjects existing electors to rigorous scrutiny. The true fear for individuals begins with a specific guideline within the Election Commission’s order dated June 24, 2025. Para 5(b) of these guidelines empowers Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) with a critical and twofold authority: if an elector fails to produce documents that satisfy the ERO, the officer can not only delete their name from the voter list but is also mandated to report that individual to the “competent authority” as a “suspected foreigner.” This single provision creates a high-stakes scenario where the inability to provide the required, and often ambiguously defined, documentation can instantly escalate a person’s status from a voter to a suspected foreigner, a direction criticised as draconian and arbitrary.

Once a person is flagged as having “doubtful/disputed” citizenship, a significant and immediate consequence is the suspension of their voting rights. The process dictates that individuals whose names are entered provisionally in the electoral rolls, marked with the letter ‘D’ to signify their doubtful status, are debarred from casting their vote. This prohibition is not temporary; it may extend to all future general elections to the Lok Sabha and any State Legislative Assembly elections. The individual remains in this state of civic limbo, stripped of a fundamental right while their case navigates a complex legal system.

The question that is being raised is, is the citizenship of thousands of Indians being tested in this rather surreptitious way?

Post-SIR: what can be next for voters who become doubtful/disputed voters?

The pattern that seems to be emerging from the politically-directed ECI’s move is that the union government wishes to use elections to introduce an Assam-like situation in the state without any legislative backing.  Due to the peculiar situation in that state post-Independence and that which emerged before and after the Assam Accord, two laws, the Foreigners Act of 1946 (now repealed by the Foreigners Act 2025) and the now repealed Illegal Migration Determination of Tribunals Act, 1983. In Assam, following an ECI Order of 1998 and directions before that hundreds of thousands of voters were declared ‘D’ Voters (doubtful voters) with their status to be adjudicated by Foreigner Tribunals (FTs) in the state. Twenty seven years later there remain approximately 1.2 lakh such disenfranchised citizens who have not been able to cast their vote. In Assam, laws mandated the formation of the FTs that have been since strongly critiqued for not functioning with a clear constitutional framework that follows the Indian law of evidence; in Bihar and the rest of India where the ECI has threatened to bring in the expanded SIR, there exists no law that mandates the formation of such Tribunals.

Under the prevalent practice in Assam –the ultimate decision concerning the “doubtful/disputed” persons in electoral roll lies with the Election Commission of India (ECI). When the commission is not satisfied and has reasonable doubt about the citizenship of any person, it can refer all such cases to the competent authority, which has been mandated to be the tribunal under the Foreigners Act, 1946.

A person whose citizenship status is in question and under consideration before a Foreigners Tribunal is not eligible to vote unless the Tribunal decides in their favour that they are a citizen of India. As mentioned above, if this adjudication process is mired in bureaucratic delay, the constitutional right to vote is denied. This is because individuals whose citizenship status is doubtful or disputed, as indicated by a ‘D’ against their names in the electoral rolls, shall be barred from casting their vote in any ensuing general election. This restriction will persist until an appropriate Tribunal determines their citizenship status in their favour. The looming threat of an adverse tribunal decision, leading to an official declaration as a foreigner, brings with it the profound fear of potential detention and the complete forfeiture of all rights and the sense of belonging in their country. To repeat there exists no legislative framework for this exercise and the manner in which it is being conducted under executive diktat presently.

The constitutional and statutory bedrock

The entire electoral revision process is firmly anchored in India’s constitutional and legal framework governing elections. The foundational provisions for these regulations are Articles 326 and 327 of the Constitution. Article 326 establishes the principle of adult suffrage, stating that elections shall be held on the basis that every citizen of India, aged at least eighteen, is entitled to be registered as a voter, provided they are not otherwise disqualified by law. This article makes Indian citizenship a non-negotiable prerequisite for voting rights. Article 327 further empowers Parliament to enact laws concerning all election-related matters, including the preparation of electoral rolls. However, this power is explicitly “subject to the provisions of the Constitution,” meaning any law passed by Parliament must align with the principles outlined in Article 326.

Acting under this constitutional authority, Parliament enacted the Representation of the People’s Act, 1950 (for registration) and the Representation of the People’s Act, 1951 (for the conduct of elections). Section 16 of the 1950 Act details the “disqualifications for registration,” prominently stating that a person who is not a citizen of India is disqualified. In conjunction, Section 62 of the 1951 Act outlines the “right to vote.” While sub-section (1) of Section 62 entitles a person entered on the electoral roll to vote, sub-section (2) acts as a crucial check, stating that no person shall vote if they are subject to any disqualification mentioned in Section 16 of the 1950 Act. This unequivocally clarifies that even if a non-citizen’s name is erroneously present on a voter list, they possess no legal right to cast a ballot. The inquiry into these qualifications is conducted during the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, and if a person is found disqualified, their name can be struck off, and they are barred from voting.

ECI deploys BLOs for house-to-house voter verification

In Bihar, the ECI has deployed thousands of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to conduct a comprehensive house-to-house voter verification drive. As per instructions, BLOs will conduct door-to-door surveys, distributing and collecting pre-filled enumeration forms along with supporting documents from existing electors. These forms are also downloadable from the ECI website or can be filled and uploaded online. For transparency and privacy, verification documents will be uploaded to ECINET, a secure platform accessible only to authorised election officials.

The ECI has also urged active participation from political parties, requesting them to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to help resolve discrepancies early in the process. Claims and objections raised by electors or political parties will be assessed by Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs). The final electoral roll will be published by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) after all claims and objections have been resolved. These draft final rolls are slated for publication on August 1, 2025, and will be made publicly accessible on the ECI and Chief Electoral Officer websites, in addition to being shared with recognised political parties.

Plenary powers of the Election Commission

Article 324 of the Constitution serves as a foundational provision, entrusting the ECI with comprehensive responsibility for conducting both national and state elections. This includes the essential powers required to fulfill that duty effectively. Specifically, Article 324 grants the ECI plenary powers of superintendence, direction, and control over the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections for Parliament and every State Legislature. These powers are particularly crucial in areas where specific legislation is absent. Sections 21 and 22 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act, 1950), explicitly acknowledge the Commission’s authority to issue general or special directions concerning the preparation and correction of electoral rolls.

It’s important to note that the Supreme Court, in Mohinder Singh Gill vs. Chief Election Comr. (1978) 1 SCC 405, clarified the limits of this broad authority. The Court ruled that while the ECI can issue instructions and orders in areas not covered by legislation, this power must not be exercised in a malicious, arbitrary, or biased manner, nor without due consideration.

SIR Status till July 8

As of June 24, 2025, Bihar’s electoral roll comprised approximately 7.90 crore electors (7,89,69,844). The ECI has reported significant progress in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. By July 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM, 1.04 crore Enumeration Forms (13.19% of total electors) had been submitted, with 93.57% of forms distributed. This momentum continued, with 1.69 crore forms (21.46%) received by July 6, 2025, 6:00 PM, including 65.33 lakh collected in the preceding 24 hours. As of July 7, 2025, 6:00 PM, submissions surged to 2.88 crore forms (36.47% of total electors), with 1.18 crore collected in the last 24 hours. The ECI anticipates completing the collection of Enumeration Forms well before the July 25, 2025 deadline, having already received 3.71 crore forms (46.95% of total electors) by 6:00 PM on July 8, just 14 days after the SIR instructions were issued.

It is likely, if the Supreme Court understands the wider and problematic implications of the present exercise, that the petitions will be extensively heard and argued. The people of India will await with concern their outcome.

Related

Bihar: Sinister move by ECI as ‘intensive’ revision of electoral roles set to exclude vast majority of legitimate voters

Bihar 2025 Election: EC drops parental birth document requirement for 4.96 crore electors and their children in Bihar

The Erased Record: A constitutional challenge to the election commission’s 45-day data destruction mandate

[1] VITAL STATISTICS OF INDIA BASED ON THE CIVIL REGISTRATION SYSTEM 2022 brought out by the OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS VITAL STATISTICS DIVISION CIVIL REGISTRATION SYSTEM SECTION

The post SC: ECI’s ‘wisdom’ on revision of electoral rolls challenged, does a disenfranchisement crisis loom over Bihar, with thousands being declared ‘‘D’ (doubtful) voters? appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Recent months have laid bare a chilling pattern of brutal rapes and assaults across Rajasthan, each incident a stark testament to a deeply entrenched societal malaise.

From the unimaginable violation of a female patient within the sterile confines of an ICU in Alwar, subjected to rape by hospital staff while undergoing treatment, to parallel and equally horrific occurrences echoing from Bikaner, Barmer, and Tonk even in the state capital, Jaipur.

Alwar: Female patient raped inside hospital ICU, fearing Job losses staff, asked for forgiveness

On June 4, 2025, in a deeply disturbing incident, a female patient in the ICU of ESIC Medical College Hospital in Alwar’s MIA area was allegedly raped by a nursing staff member. The incident occurred around 1:30 AM on June 4, 2025. The 32-year-old victim, who had been admitted on June 2 for a tubal operation and moved to the ICU on June 4, recounted the horrifying ordeal to her husband the following day after regaining consciousness.

According to Police, the victim’s husband filed a report stating that a guard had asked him to leave the room around 11 p.m. on June 4, after which the nursing staffer entered. The victim’s husband further detailed that his wife was not fully conscious or able to move, preventing her from resisting the assault by the nursing staff member, who had drawn a curtain around her. The rapist reportedly told her he was a doctor performing an operation.

Accused confessed to the crime in front of doctor

On June 6, the accused nursing staff member, identified as Subhash Gathala from Sikar, confessed to the crime in front of Dr. Deepika. ESIC Medical College Dean Aseem Das confirmed that a case has been registered, and an administrative inquiry team has been formed. The victim’s family registered a complaint at MIA Police Station, and police are investigating.

Alarmingly, hospital staff allegedly attempted to cover up the incident, telling the victim’s husband to “forgive him, or others will lose their jobs.” The husband, however, insisted on going directly to the police. A critical security lapse was also uncovered: the ICU, a highly sensitive area, had no CCTV cameras, as Hindi newspaper Dainik Bhaskar reported

The hospital guard admitted that while shifts change and staff are present, there are no cameras. Police investigation revealed that Gathala, originally posted elsewhere, was temporarily stationed in Alwar on a “diversion.” Police have registered a case and are investigating the matter, taking statements from both the hospital administration and the victim.

State Congress leaders and LoP criticised BJP-ruled state government

Following these alarming incidents, former Chief Minister and prominent Congress leader Ashok Gehlot sharply criticised the BJP-ruled state government.

He took to his social media handle, X, to express his dismay, stating, “During the tenure of the Congress government, the health model of Rajasthan became a topic of discussion in the country and the world, but the BJP government has ruined it. The incidents of rape of a female patient in the ICU of a hospital in Alwar and the incidents of misbehaviour and assault by a doctor on a Dalit Congress leader in a government hospital in Pali are examples of this. The people of the state are regretting that more than half of the tenure of such an inefficient government is still left. How bad will be the condition of the state in this time.”

कांग्रेस सरकार के कार्यकाल में राजस्थान का हेल्थ मॉडल देश-दुनिया में चर्चा का विषय बना था परन्तु भाजपा सरकार ने इसे बर्बाद कर दिया है।

अलवर में अस्पताल के आईसीयू में महिला रोगी से रेप की घटना तथा पाली के सरकारी अस्पताल में कांग्रेस की दलित नेता के साथ डॉक्टर द्वारा बदसलूकी एवं…

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 7, 2025

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra also targeted the government, posting on social media that “the entire Rajasthan is ashamed by the atrocity committed by the nursing staff against a woman admitted in the ICU of a medical college in Alwar. This incident, which crosses all limits of barbarism, is a blot on humanity.”

He urged the Chief Minister to “wake up from deep sleep and see that every day in the state, innocent little girls are being raped, and the dignity of women is being torn apart. Under your misgovernance, cases of atrocities against minors have increased by over 18% from 2023 till now. It is shameful that everyone from ministers to the Chief Minister is intoxicated with power. There is no such thing as women’s safety, sensitivity, or good governance left. The situation is getting worse, but there is no one to see or listen.”

अलवर में मेडिकल कॉलेज के ICU में भर्ती महिला के साथ नर्सिंग स्टाफ द्वारा की गई दरिंदगी से पूरा राजस्थान शर्मसार है। हैवानियत की सारी हदें पार करने वाली यह घटना मानवता पर कलंक है।

मुख्यमंत्री जी, गहरी नींद से जागिए और देखिए प्रदेश में हर दिन छोटी-छोटी मासूम बच्चियों से बलात्कार… pic.twitter.com/y9hZoyPJYG

— Govind Singh Dotasra (@GovindDotasra) June 7, 2025

Adding his voice to the growing condemnation, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Juli took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage. He wrote that “the heinous incident of rape of a victim woman by nursing staff in the ICU of ESIC Medical College in Alwar has shaken the entire state.”

हाल-ए-राजस्थान | अस्पताल में महिला से दरिंदगी | अलवर में मानवता शर्मसार

अलवर के ESIC मेडिकल कॉलेज की ICU में भर्ती एक पीड़ित महिला के साथ नर्सिंग स्टाफ द्वारा बलात्कार जैसी घिनौनी घटना ने पूरे प्रदेश को झकझोर कर रख दिया है।

यह प्रदेश की शासन व्यवस्था की विफलता है, जहां पीड़िता…

— Tika Ram Jully (@TikaRamJullyINC) June 6, 2025

Governance failure: safety compromised in sanctuaries

Juli further asserted that this incident signifies “a failure of the state’s governance system, where the victim is unsafe even in a place considered most secure.” He emphasised that “such an inhuman act occurring to a woman in a hospital’s ICU is not just an attack on a single woman, but an assault on the soul of the entire society.”

#WATCH | Alwar, Rajasthan: On alleged rape incident in ESIC Medical College, LoP Tikaram Jully says, “This proves that cases like rape under the rule of Bhartiya Janata Party are also suppressed. They remain unresolved, and if any grievant reaches out to the higher authorities… pic.twitter.com/IdmXwGOp7l

— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) June 7, 2025

Bikaner: two minor girls raped by self-proclaimed temple priest, govt demolished illegal encroachments of accused

On June 3, 2025, a shocking incident reported in Bikaner district where two minor girls, aged eight and nine, were sexually assaulted by a self-proclaimed temple priest. The girls had visited a temple near their grandparents’ house when the accused, later identified as Shri Bhagwan, lured them with Prasad and promises of new sandals before committing the heinous act. Upon their return, the terrified girls revealed the ordeal to their family, disclosing how the perpetrator had threatened them with a fodder-cutting sickle, warning them of dire consequences if they spoke out.

Accused’s criminal history and demolition of illegal encroachments

The investigation quickly unearthed the shocking antecedents of the 50-year-old accused, Shri Bhagwan. It was discovered that he was a convicted murderer, having served a 20-year prison sentence for the 1993 murder of five people during a robbery in Bidasar. Despite being sentenced to death by lower courts, his sentence was commuted to 20 years by the Supreme Court, leading to his release in 2013, as reported Dainik Bhaskar

Following his recent arrest for the rape incident, authorities moved swiftly to demolish his illegal ashram in Surjansar village. This structure, built on government land, also housed a temple where he reportedly practiced tantric rituals.

Illegal activities and reclamation of land

The demolition drive, led by Sub-Divisional Officer and Tehsildar of area, revealed further illegalities. Opium and cannabis plants were discovered on the premises, indicating cultivation of narcotics. Additionally, Shri Bhagwan was found to be involved in illegal water siphoning and electricity theft. The operation successfully reclaimed approximately 50 bigha of encroached pasture land, returning it to the Gram Panchayat, as reported

The accused, who had misled villagers under the guise of spiritual healing, was also found to be in possession of weapons, highlighting the extent of his criminal enterprise.

Tonk: minor Dalit girl found after sexual assault

Another case of gang rape has surfaced from a village in the Pachewar police station area of Tonk district, Rajasthan. After the brutal assault, the perpetrators allegedly tied the minor Dalit girl’s hands and feet and abandoned her by the roadside. The victim was discovered unconscious on the night of February 28, prompting a police investigation, as NDTV Rajasthan reported

Authorities have since registered a case under the POCSO Act against four young men. It’s alleged that a neighbouring woman assisted the accused in their heinous crime. Police sources indicate that one of the suspects is from the victim’s village, while the other three reside in Kurad village.

FIR registered against four accused

Malpura DSP Ashish Prajapat confirmed that the victim provided a named complaint against four individuals, also accusing a neighbouring woman of aiding them. The police are actively investigating the matter. According to the victim’s statement to the police, around midnight on February 28, as she stepped out of her house for a short while, three or four individuals abducted her after covering her mouth.

The accused then took her to a shed behind a neighbour’s house where the gang rape occurred. When the minor screamed for help, the neighbouring woman allegedly came out but ignored her pleas and went back inside, emboldening the attackers, as reported

They subsequently tied the girl’s hands, feet, and mouth before leaving her near her home. Police have taken cognizance of the case and initiated investigation.

Barmer: a 31-year-old woman allegedly end her life by suicide after being blackmailed with rape threats and obscene videos

A distressing incident has come to light in Barmer’s Girab police station area, where a 31-year-old woman, a mother of three, tragically ended her life by suicide on June 10, 2025. The woman was found hanged at her home, and initial reports suggest she was driven to this extreme step after allegedly being blackmailed with threats of rape and the circulation of obscene videos.

According to police, the woman was reportedly lured, raped, and filmed by a man from her village, identified as Sumar Khan (name changed). He allegedly continued to exploit and threaten her, with the latest pressure on Tuesday causing her immense distress. The woman’s uncle has since filed a formal complaint against the accused. While the family asserts that the husband had reported the matter to the police in September 2024, claiming no action was taken, police officials state they have no record of such a report. A thorough investigation into the matter is now underway, and the woman’s body has been sent for post-mortem, as per a report in the Times of India.

NCW demands immediate action, takes suo moto cognizance

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo moto cognizance of this grave Barmer suicide case. On Monday, the NCW chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that she has written to the Rajasthan Director General of Police, urging immediate intervention and a swift inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

The National Commission for Women has taken Suo Moto cognizance of a deeply disturbing case from Barmer, Rajasthan, where a 31-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide after being blackmailed with rape threats and obscene videos.

Hon’ble Chairperson Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar has…

— NCW (@NCWIndia) June 16, 2025

Jaipur: 21-year-old woman gang-raped in Sanganer

This incident, occurring in March, adds to the disturbing pattern of such crimes. On the evening of Holi (March 14) in Jaipur’s Sanganer area, a 21-year-old married woman was allegedly gang-raped in a secluded farmland. The victim, who had recently moved to Jaipur, had reportedly left her home after a domestic dispute. She was accosted by two youths on a motorcycle who forcibly dragged her into a field and gang-raped her. A third person, who arrived later, fled, as reported

As per the Times of India, the survivor promptly lodged an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 70 (gang rape) and 126 (wrongful restraint) at Sanganer Sadar police station. Medical examinations confirmed injuries. Police swiftly arrested Puran Yadav (22) and Himanshu Choudhary (19), and a 17-year-old boy was also detained. The investigation is ongoing.

Moreover, Rajasthan is facing an escalating crisis of gender-based violence, making women’s safety a critical concern. Recent months have revealed a chilling pattern of rapes across the state, defying belief. From an unimaginable assault on a patient inside an Alwar ICU to minor girls targeted in Bikaner and Tonk, and a tragic suicide in Barmer linked to blackmail, the scale of the problem is alarming. Even Jaipur has witnessed multiple incidents, including a gang rape.

These pervasive crimes, occurring in seemingly secure places like hospitals and homes, highlight a profound societal and governance failure, demanding immediate and decisive action to protect women and ensure safe public spaces.

Related:

A Pattern of Impunity? This report details horrific crimes against Dalits in UP, Rajasthan, MP and beyond

Statewide Attacks: Caste fury unleashes brute violence against Dalit students

Tribal women paraded, assaulted; nationwide outrage follows

The post Beyond belief: rape incidents spiral, from a hospital ICUs to villages, exposing widespread gendered crimes across Rajasthan appeared first on SabrangIndia.

This action comes in the wake of two recent murders that sparked communal tensions in the coastal region. The externment measures are intended to restrict these individuals from entering designated areas for a specified period, thereby aiming to maintain public order and prevent further unrest.

The individuals in question are linked to multiple police station jurisdictions, including Bantwal, Vittal, Puttur Town and Rural, Kadaba, Sullia, Uppinangady, Punjalkatte, and Belthangady. The proceedings are being carried out under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act, which empowers the police to initiate preventive action against those deemed a threat to public peace and safety.

In the wake of recent communal killings in Dakshina Kannada, the police have barred 36 individuals, who belong to both communities and have troubled pasts, from entering the district under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act. This action is aimed at curbing unrest and… pic.twitter.com/Cxf7tKz2UU

— Ashish (@KP_Aashish) June 3, 2025

The list includes people from various parts of the district. They have been charged with assault, intimidation, extortion, and gang-related activities. The list comprises individuals aged between 22 and 54 from different parts of the district, all of whom have been booked for offences such as assault, intimidation, extortion, and involvement in gang-related activities.

Taking strict action to ensure peace in the region: Police

Arun K, Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada, said, “We are taking strict action to ensure peace in the region. Externment is a preventive measure aimed at breaking the nexus of habitual offenders who pose a recurring threat to society” reported the Indian Express reported.

The police are in the process of serving notices, and hearings will be held in accordance with legal procedure before the orders are finalised, he said.

BJP Minister alleged Hindu leaders are being unfairly targeted under political pressure

Despite the list including individuals from both Hindu and Muslim communities, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed concerns over what it alleges to be selective targeting. Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Shobha Karandlaje, has written to the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, Justice N.K. Sudhindra Rao, claiming that Hindu leaders are being unfairly singled out under political pressure.

The minister its letter asserted that the action appears biased and urged the authority to review the externment proceedings to ensure they are free from political influence and carried out in a fair and transparent manner.

Shocking reports from Dakshina Kannada reveal targeted harassment of pro-Hindu citizens by police allegedly acting under political pressure from the Congress-led govt. Midnight raids, illegal surveillance & blatant abuse of power are being used as tools of political vendetta.… pic.twitter.com/eKJm3wk85V

— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) June 3, 2025

She alleged that, “acting under political pressure from the Congress-led State Government, have been systematically targeting and harassing individuals associated with pro-Hindu organisations, social workers, traders, and even ordinary law-abiding civilians.”

Calling the situation “particularly alarming,” Karandlaje alleged that police officers have been visiting individuals’ homes late at night, photographing their residences, and recording GPS coordinates “without any legal warrants or just cause.”

She further added that these actions violate fundamental constitutional rights, including the right to privacy, the right to life under Article 21, and the right to equality under Article 14.

“This pattern of intimidation began shortly after the recent change in police leadership in Mangaluru,” she said, referencing the Karnataka government’s decision to transfer the Police Commissioner of Mangaluru city, along with the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, in the wake of recent communal incidents.

Police initiated legal proceedings to extern BJP leader Arun Kumar Puthila

Additionally, in Dakshina Kannada district, police have initiated legal steps to extern BJP leader and Puthila Parivara head Arun Kumar Puthila, citing concerns about his impact on law and order in the region. Earlier, a formal notice had been served, requiring him to appear for a hearing on June 6. If he fails to do so, officials may proceed with an ex parte order, as per a report in the Hindustan Times.

The action is also being taken under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act. An official familiar with the matter said there are plans to relocate Puthila to the jurisdiction of Shahabad police station in Kalaburagi district. The notice, issued by the Puttur assistant commissioner, mentions that Puthila can be represented either in person or through a legal representative. The move reportedly stems from his past record of delivering inflammatory speeches, as reported

FIR registered against senior RSS leader Prabhakar Bhat for delivering provocative speech

As part of ongoing preventive measures, Dakshina Kannada police registered an FIR on June 2 against senior RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, accusing him of delivering a provocative speech during a condolence meeting held on May 12 for Suhas Shetty—a Hindutva activist and rowdy-sheeter who was recently killed on May 1 on a busy street in Mangaluru. Shetty was a prominent pro-right-wing youth leader associated with Bajrang Dal in Karnataka’s coastal belt.

According to The News Minute, the FIR details several of Prabhakar Bhat’s remarks. He reportedly said, “We don’t accept the killing of cows. So many of our youngsters have risen against that. They’re not rowdies; they’re patriots. They protect dharma (religion).”

The Hindu reports that the event took place at Madwa Palace Convention Hall in Kavalapadur village, under the jurisdiction of the Bantwal Rural Police Station. Authorities claim Bhat’s remarks were inflammatory and could spark communal unrest. The case has been filed under relevant section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Interim relief for RSS leader after Hate Speech FIR

Just hours after the FIR for alleged hate speech was registered, RSS leader Prabhakar Bhat approached the Karnataka High Court, seeking to quash the case and halt further proceedings. In response, Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar granted interim relief, directing the police not to take any coercive action against him. The court also instructed Bhat to cooperate with the investigation and required the police to obtain judicial permission before filing a chargesheet.

Siddaramaiah government is anti-Hindu: BJP State President

Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of misusing the police force to target Hindu leaders for political gain. He alleged the administration was appeasing the Muslim community for electoral benefits while ignoring “anti-social elements.”

“In the coastal region, Hindu leaders and BJP workers are being deliberately harassed to intimidate Hindu activists,” Vijayendra said, claiming the state was silencing pro-Hindu voices and shielding others. He also criticised the swift transfer of senior police officers in Mangaluru following the murder of a Muslim truck driver, calling it a politically driven move.

“There’s a clear conspiracy to slap false cases on Hindu leaders and put them behind bars,” he added, denouncing FIRs and externment orders as “shameful attempts to stifle free speech.” He demanded the immediate withdrawal of all charges. “The FIR against more than 15 leaders of Hindu organisations, including Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, must be cancelled, and the deportation order revoked. If not, the government alone will be responsible for the consequences,” he warned.

Commenting on the murder of right-wing leader Suhas Shetty, Vijayendra reiterated his stance, calling the Congress government “anti-Hindu” and alleging repeated attacks on Hindu activists. He said BJP leaders had appealed to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot for a central probe, and the Ministry of Home Affairs had since handed the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

“BJP workers met the Governor and we demanded an investigation by the NIA, which the state government did not accept, but the Centre fortunately agreed to…” he stated in a report in the ANI.

BJP warns of agitation over alleged ‘targeting Hindu leaders’ in Dakshina Kannada

The BJP has warned of a protest against the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing it of targeting Hindu leaders in Dakshina Kannada. This comes after an FIR was filed against RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat for alleged hate speech and an externment notice was issued to BJP leader Arun Kumar Puttila, as per the Hindu reports.

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta criticised the Siddaramaiah government for misusing state machinery to harass and divide Hindu voices, claiming it was a cover-up for its administrative failures. He said he had spoken to the state police chief and would meet top police officials in Mangaluru on Tuesday along with other party leaders.

Former Minister and Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar accused the government of trying to enforce a “police raj” in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, as reported

However, on June 3, BJP Dakshina Kannada district president Satish Kumpala also accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of misusing the police force to “mentally harass and demoralise Sangh Parivar activists by filing baseless cases against them” as per the report in the Hindu.

Speaking to the media after meeting City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and Dakshina Kannada SP K. Arun—along with BJP MLAs and party leaders—Kumpala said the delegation had conveyed its strong displeasure over what they described as the police treating individuals associated with Hindu organisations as criminals.

Whether Hindu or Muslim, action will be taken only if someone breaks the law: Karnataka Home Minister

Responding to allegations of selective action, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated, “Whether Hindu or Muslim, action will be taken only if someone breaks the law. No one will be spared if they do something wrong.”

In a post on X, Parameshwara emphasised the government’s commitment to restoring peace and social harmony in the state, particularly in light of recent communal disturbances in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, and Shivamogga districts.

“We had promised to make Karnataka a garden of peace, and the people placed their trust in us,” he wrote. “Now, more than ever, there is a need to foster an environment of peace and unity.”

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕವನ್ನು ಸರ್ವಜನಾಂಗದ ಶಾಂತಿಯ ತೋಟವಾಗಿಸುವ ವಾಗ್ದಾನವನ್ನು ನಾಡಿನ ಜನತೆಗೆ ನಾವು ಚುನಾವಣಾ ಪೂರ್ವದಲ್ಲೇ ನೀಡಿದ್ದೆವು, ಅದರಂತೆ ಜನತೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಮೇಲೆ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸವಿಟ್ಟು ಬಹುಮತದ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ರಚನೆಗೆ ಅವಕಾಶ ನೀಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಶಾಂತಿ, ಸೌಹಾರ್ದತೆ ಮತ್ತು‌ ಸಾಮರಸ್ಯದ ವಾತಾವರಣವನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಮಾಡುವ ಅಗತ್ಯ ಎಂದಿಗಿಂತಲೂ ಈಗ… pic.twitter.com/JYtHiSZr8F

— DIPR Karnataka (@KarnatakaVarthe) May 30, 2025

He added that the government has taken serious note of incidents involving communal miscreants and has formed a special task force to address them. The force—carved out of the existing Naxal Suppression Unit—includes 248 personnel, led by a DGP and supported by officers across various ranks.

“Strict action will be taken against anyone who incites communal hatred, regardless of their religion or affiliation. The law will take its course,” he said.

Related:

CJP files complaint with six news channels for spreading misinformation, making false terror links: Operation Sindoor

Rane in the Crosshairs: CJP demands authorities to Act now on BJP MLA’s alleged barrage of divisive rhetoric; three formal complaints lodged state-wide!

Waqf vs Holi Show: CJP asks Zee News to take down its divisive debate show over Waqf protest

The post Karnataka Police’s massive crackdown on habitual hate offenders in Dakshina Kannada region appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In the immediate aftermath, a chilling new aspect emerged: terrorists reportedly demanded the religion of their victims before pointedly unleashing their violence against only those from the Hindu majority. This deeply disturbing report, amplified across social media, quickly fuelled a divisive narrative and a wave of online trolling against Kashmir and its Muslim residents.

Amidst the chaos, when death stared everyone in the face, the first heroic story that emerged was that of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a brave local pony handler, unarmed and unprotected, who displayed a level of courage and humanity that stands unmatched. Adil Shah did not flee. He did not hide. Instead, he stepped forward to confront the attackers, questioned them for their inhumanity, and tried to shield two terrified tourists from Pune — Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale. In doing so, he was shot four times — twice in the chest, once in the abdomen, and another bullet tore through him elsewhere. He succumbed tohis injuries on the spot, his blood soaking the very earth he had guided thousands across, every day, with quiet pride and dignity.

Besides Adil who sacrificed his life, far removed from the sensationalised claims and buzzing news cycles that amplified the hate narrative, on ground, multiple accounts of unbridled solidarity and assistance towards the victim survivors unfolded. While the hysterical reporting on a vast majority of electronic media channels chose to ignore these accounts, these accounts of reassuring humanity, painted a starkly different picture. Despite the vitriol aimed at Kashmir and its people, the valley affirmed its unwavering commitment to peace, love, and harmony, showcasing the very essence of the hospitality for which it has long been celebrated.

When a native Kashmiri guy Sajad saves a young boy from a volley of gunfire in Pahalgam

A native Kashmiri, Sajad Bhat, emerged as a true beacon of courage amidst the chaos, bravely saving a young boy from the gunshots and gunfire in Pahalgam’s Baisaran area. This local hero instinctively carried an injured tourist down to safety on his back after the attack.

जब गोलियों की आवाज़ से पहलगाम थर्रा उठा, तब एक कश्मीरी युवक ने घायल की मदद कर दिखाया कि मानवता ज़िंदा है।#Pahalgam #kashmirattack pic.twitter.com/PI2bSuLTG6

— Lallanpost (@Lallanpost) April 23, 2025

A scene of selfless rescue

Sajad Bhat, who unhesitatingly risked his own life, later recounted the harrowing experience and the immediate, collective response from the local community. Describing the frantic efforts to save lives, he explained: “Baisaran Valley is a very large valley. When we saw the injured there, our first priority was how to safely get them to the hospital and help them. Many horsemen also carried them on horseback to the hospital,” he explained, painting a picture of a spontaneous, collective effort.

#Watch: Meet #SajadBhat, a local who carried an injured tourist down to safety on his back after the #Pahalgam attack pic.twitter.com/VcT1fUAbdS

— Greater Kashmir (@GreaterKashmir) April 24, 2025

Saw a child who was pleading, ‘uncle, uncle! save me, save me!’: Bhat

He further detailed his own harrowing rescue of a child. He said that “Besides me, there were many others who carried them on their shoulders to get them to the hospital. I also saw a child who was calling out, ‘Uncle, Uncle!’ He was pleading, ‘Save me, save me!’ I directly put my life at risk, lifted him onto my shoulders, and took him straight to the hospital. On the way, I reassured him constantly, telling him not to be afraid, that nothing would happen to him here. I gave him water on the way and took him directly to the hospital.”

Sajad Bhat firmly stated that it’s the inherent responsibility of locals to aid the injured. When speaking about the injured civilians, he clarified, “I wasn’t there when the initial incident happened. We reached there later for the rescue. It’s our duty, the duty of the locals here, to go there and help the injured.”

A plea for humanity and peace: ‘we stand with you, don’t be afraid; please come to Kashmir

Recalling the horrific scene, Bhat described, “It was a terrifying sight. We too were scared in our places, wondering what was happening. No one was visible; some tourists and some horsemen were wandering around, trying to save people.”

He didn’t shy away from emphasising the profound gravity of the situation, stating with deep emotion, “Our intention is that humanity has been murdered; the entire Kashmiri people have been murdered. This should not happen; this should never happen.”

In a heartfelt plea, Bhat earnestly requested, “We just request that you don’t be afraid. Please come; you are our guests; you are our brothers. We stand with you. Don’t be afraid; please come to Kashmir.”

#Pahalgamattack: #SajadBhat, #Kashmiri hawker whose video of helping victims went viral pic.twitter.com/fF1aNrLm1E

— The Tribune (@thetribunechd) May 2, 2025

When a Hindu man rescued Maulvi and Madrassa student in Poonch amidst bombing

In the aftermath of the cross-border shelling in Poonch, a remarkable story of interfaith unity and bravery emerged. Former BJP MLA Pardeep Sharma, 51, was hailed as a hero for transcending religious and political lines to rescue those affected.

As reported by India Today (IT), when mortar shells struck Jamia Zia Ul Uloom, a local madrassa housing over 1,200 students and operated by his childhood friend Sayyed Habib, Sharma immediately rushed to the scene.

A Hindu Man, a Madrasa, and a Lesson in Brotherhood from Poonch

Here’s a special conversation with the madarsa head Syed Habib and his friend Pradeep Sharma who saved Madarsa students#NewsToday #Poonch #Unity (@sardesairajdeep, @kamaljitsandhu) pic.twitter.com/HiHpO4tVk6

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) May 15, 2025

Friendship forged in crisis

Sharma’s actions were driven by a decades-old friendship with Sayyed Habib, forged when they first met in Class 9 at Poonch Government School. Despite their divergent paths into religious leadership and politics, their bond remained strong.

IT reported that this enduring friendship brought them together again as shells rained down on several buildings across town. Viral videos captured Sharma carrying wounded children to safety, earning him the title of “guardian angel” among Poonch residents. The attack tragically claimed the life of a maulvi and injured three children.

Recalling the harrowing moments, Sharma stated, “The maulvi died in my arms. I tried to help by placing a cloth on his cheek, but he couldn’t be saved.” He added, “Then I rushed to save three children. The hospital was full, so I held on to them until a stretcher became available.” When urged to save himself, Sharma’s response was resolute: “I told them the shells weren’t meant for me. At least not today” as reported

With me were Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs—all working together to help: Sharma

Sharma profoundly underscored the collective spirit that permeated the scene, noting that “With me were Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs—all working together to help. In that moment, nothing else mattered but saving those kids.” Sayyed Habib echoed this sentiment, confirming, “I didn’t think twice. I called Pardeep bhai. I knew he’d come—and he did.” While Sharma tended to the injured, Sayyed oversaw the safety of over a thousand children.

If anyone sees religion during tragedy, there is no person worse than him: Sharma

Sharma emphasised the collective spirit at the scene, highlighting that “If anyone sees religion during tragedy, there is no person worse than him. When shells are falling and bullets are being fired and people are getting killed and injured and you talk of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, then you don’t have the right to live,” as Indian Express reported

Sharma was actively “on the roads” for four days with his team, assisting in shifting the injured to hospitals. He recounted being woken by his family during the shelling on the intervening night of May 6 and 7: “I could hear the loud explosions. I thought of doing something for the people caught in the crossfire to help them in this distressing situation.” He even used Facebook Live to urge people to stay indoors and remain alert, as Indian Express reported

Hindus, Muslims are helping each other; society must not be divided at any cost after Pahalgam: tourist Puja Jadhav

A tourist identified as Puja Jadhav, when vacationing in Kashmir, has publicly refuted the prevailing negative narratives concerning Muslims and Kashmiris. In a widely shared video, Jadhav stated, “I am here on vacation, and Hindus and Muslims are helping each other.”  She further emphasised the unity she witnessed, urging people not to allow societal divisions, especially in the wake of the recent Pahalgam attack.

The video gained significant traction after being shared by prominent figures, including former BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali. His sharing of Puja Jadhav’s video further amplified her message, bringing it to a larger audience and challenging divisive rhetoric.

संदेश बहुत साफ़ है !!

हिंदू पर्यटक पूजा जाधव कह रही हैं कि भारतीय मुसलमानों और कश्मीरियों के खिलाफ़ जो बयानबाजी की जा रही है, वह गलत है।

“मैं यहाँ छुट्टी पर हूँ, हिंदू-मुस्लिम एक दूसरे की मदद कर रहे हैं। पहलगाम के बाद समाज को किसी भी कीमत पर विभाजित नहीं किया जाना चाहिए” pic.twitter.com/EJAP9hvmyp

— Kunwar Danish Ali (@KDanishAli) April 23, 2025

Candlelight vigil for terror victims by local Kashmiri residents

On the evening of April 22, the day of the terror attack itself, residents of Kashmir came together to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The gathering reflected the community’s deep sorrow and strong condemnation of the cowardly act of violence.

Carrying banners and raising their voices, people demanded justice and an end to terrorism. The vigil highlighted the growing resolve among Kashmiris to stand against violence and support peace in the region. Local residents made it clear that terrorism has no place in their society.

VIDEO | J&K: Locals of Pahalgam hold candle march for terror attack victims demanding justice.

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/F19rAK7tFf

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 22, 2025

The march served as a collective cry for justice, with participants vociferously demanding accountability for the perpetrators of these heinous acts. Banners and slogans echoed a singular message: an end to violence and the restoration of lasting peace in Kashmir. The community’s resolute stand underscores a deep-seated longing for security and a future free from the constant threat of terrorism, sending a clear message to authorities to expedite justice and ensure such tragedies are never repeated.

After about 100 people got into trouble local Adil Bhai supported us: tourist from Pune in Pahalgam

Another tourist from Pune, when in Pahalgam, shared her moving experience, vouching for the deep-rooted Hindu-Muslim unity in the region.

“After about 100 people got into trouble, local Adilbhai supported us, gave shelter, and arranged food for everyone” she recalled with gratitude.

Breaking
Another tourist from Pune in Pahalgam tells her story vouches for Hindu Muslim unity.

“ After about 100 people got into trouble local Adilbhai supported us, gave shelter and arranged food for everyone…”

When Hindus are in trouble, Muslims are rushing to help.… pic.twitter.com/W8IOtw6ccR

— Priyamwada (@PriaINC) April 23, 2025

Adil, a local cab driver, emerged as a beacon of hope in a time of crisis. He welcomed a family from Maharashtra into his own home, offering them not just food and shelter, but a sense of security in a moment of fear and uncertainty. His actions spoke louder than any slogan or headline—acts of kindness that transcended religion and reminded everyone of our shared humanity.

“When Hindus are in trouble, Muslims are rushing to help,” she added, reflecting on the unity she witnessed first hand.

Adil himself humbly said, “One person made a mistake, but the whole of Kashmir will suffer the consequences. We do not support this. This is a murder of entire humanity.”

In a time when tensions threaten to divide, voices like Adil’s—and actions like his—stand as powerful reminders that the spirit of brotherhood is alive and well in Kashmir.

Kashmiri families open hearts & homes to tourist after Pahalgam attack

Similarly, many stories of fear and resilience surfaced—but some, like this one, reveal how moments of terror gave way to powerful human connection.

Rupali Patil, a tourist from Pune, shared how unsettling it was when the news first broke. “I was afraid to even step out of my hotel room,” she admitted. “But amid the chaos and confusion, I and many others found comfort in the homes of Kashmiris who took it upon themselves to protect us. Some even went out of their way to bring back people from our group who were stranded in other areas” as reported Times of India

Public figures have also recognised the overwhelming response of local Kashmiris in aiding victims. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose posted on X (formerly Twitter) and said that “At every stage during and after the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmiris have rushed to help victims and families. A pony operator died trying to save others, Kashmiri families offered their homes, and many helped tourists flee the spot. The people of Kashmir are an integral part of our large Indian family. Terrorists want to drive us apart and spark anti-Kashmiri fury. We must not aid them in their evil agenda.”

At every stage during and after #PahalgamTerrorAttack Kashmiris have rushed to help victims & families. A pony operator died trying to save others, Kashmiri families offered their homes, Kashmiris helped families flee the spot. The people of Kashmir are an integral part of our… pic.twitter.com/i0xADivTdT

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) April 25, 2025

After the attack: a unified voice from Kashmir

In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a powerful and unified voice rose from the heart of Kashmir. It wasn’t just about grief—it was about solidarity, resilience, and a reaffirmation of the values that truly define the region.

“This is what Kashmiris themselves said after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” one observer noted. Locals gathered, visibly shaken but united, and their words echoed far beyond the valley.

“Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian are brothers,” they declared with conviction—a reminder that communal harmony is not just a slogan here, but a lived reality, rooted in everyday relationships and shared experiences.

This is what Kashmiris themselves said after the terrorists attack in Pahalgam

They said
” Hindu Muslim Sikh Christians are Brothers ”

” We are Indians , India is ours ” ..
pic.twitter.com/ebEZD1j1OT

— Aryan Singh (@Call_mearyan) April 27, 2025

We are one, we stand united against terrorism: Kashmiris take a stand against terror

In yet another powerful display of unity and courage, local Kashmiri Muslims in Anantnag raised their voices loudly against the Pahalgam terror attack. Taking to the streets, they held a strong and heartfelt protest against terrorism, rejecting violence in all its forms.

ब्रेकिंग न्यूज़ !

अनंतनाग के स्थानीय कश्मीरी मुसलमानों ने पहलगाम हमले के खिलाफ़ उठाई आवाज़ – सड़कों पर उतरे, आतंकवाद के खिलाफ़ किया ज़बरदस्त प्रदर्शन !

यह है असली भारत – जहाँ धर्म नहीं, इंसानियत सबसे बड़ी पहचान है !

संघियों को ये तस्वीरें पसंद नहीं आएंगी,
गोदी मीडिया इसे… pic.twitter.com/BtEYTsSpa1

— Surbhi Maradiya (@SurabhiMaradiya) April 25, 2025

This is the real India—where religion does not divide, and humanity remains the highest identity.

These images may not sit well with certain ideological groups, and mainstream media might choose to ignore them—but the truth on the ground speaks louder than any narrative.

However, despite the divisive narratives that followed, the local Kashmiri community stood firm in its commitment to peace, love, and hospitality. Individuals like Sajad Bhat, who risked his life to save tourists, and interfaith heroes like Pardeep Sharma exemplified the region’s enduring spirit of solidarity, transcending religious and political differences. The stories of local residents offering shelter, care, and support to tourists in distress demonstrated that the true essence of Kashmir lies not in the headlines, but in the human connections that thrive in moments of crisis. As the people of Kashmir continue to unite against terror and hatred, they remind us that humanity and peace must always prevail, regardless of the forces that seek to divide.

Related:

Everyday Harmony: Kashmiri Pandits welcome back Hajis with Na’at recital

Unity over Division: Banke Bihari Temple stands firm against boycott of Muslim artisans

India’s Eid: rose petals & inter-faith unity shared joy paint India’s heart-warming harmony across the country

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This long analysis by the CJP Hate Watch team examines and analyses this new and disturbing phenomenon.

Also read: Broadcasting Bias: CJP’s fight against hatred in Indian news and CJP’s NBDSA Complaints 2023: A look at the repeated violation of ethics and guidelines by Indian television channels

Through the calculated use of misleading clickbait, visuals, and text, there is a persistent effort to jeopardise the nation’s communal harmony and even directly provoke violence. Channels like Zee News, Times Now Navbharat, Aaj Tak, and News 18 India have come under scrutiny for their reporting practices. Orders passed by the NBDSA in 2022, 2023, 2024 –obtained by CJP–point to this trend.

CJP is dedicated to finding and bringing to light instances of Hate Speech, so that the bigots propagating these venomous ideas can be unmasked and brought to justice. To learn more about our campaign against hate speech, please become a member. To support our initiatives, please donate now!

Now, in what appears to be a careful bid to escape this monitoring –on the basis of guidelines that have evolved to ensure neutrality in portrayal of issues and their analysis/interpretation – channels have shifted tack: several of them are, arguably and disproportionately using images featuring prominent Muslim politicians like Asaduddin Owaisi to visually frame any news related to the Muslim community, regardless of his direct involvement in the same. This visual shorthand, clearly perpetuates a subtle yet insidious stereotype, linking diverse issues to a singular, conservative and aggressive Muslim identity. Whereas our team’s close and analytical look at the entire content in the slow, or the role of the anchor appears ‘neutral’, the trigger lies in the thumbnail, ensuring click-baits.

Another example is the say, the reporting on recent incidents like the recent Murshidabad violence (post the passage of the controversial Waqf Amendment Act of 2025) that raises serious questions about journalistic ethics. The evident overuse of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s image in thumbnails and tickers, often accompanied by trigger-phrases signifying approval, like “Yogi Action” or “Yogi Style Action”– even when the news pertains to events outside his jurisdiction—points to attempts to inject a specific aggressive, bullying narrative. Given Adityanath’s strongman image and association with vituperative Hindu nationalism, this visual framing appears designed to evoke a particular triumphal and negative sentiment and moreover, to cater to a specific viewership.

Further, the alleged use of thumbnails featuring both Yogi Adityanath and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in reports about the Murshidabad violence, alongside reports of “forced Hindu migration” framed as a consequence of Muslim dominance in Bengal, further fuels concerns. Such visual juxtapositions and narratives, when presented in a misleading or exaggerated manner, risk creating a climate of fear and suspicion between communities. The apparent haste and lack of ethical boundaries in the pursuit of viewership, as evidenced by the language and visuals employed, paint a concerning picture of a section of the Indian news media seemingly abandoning its responsibility to report truthfully and fairly.

The coverage of the Waqf Act debates further exemplifies this trend. The consistent pairing of Owaisi’s image and the repeated use of terms like “Maulana, Maulana” in tickers during these discussions seem to reinforce pre-existing stereotypes and potentially demonise religious leaders within the Muslim community. This pattern suggests a deliberate attempt to frame issues through a communal lens, potentially exacerbating existing societal fault lines.

Selective visual communication and its negative impact

As experts on visual communication say, this is an inherently selective process. The negative effects on individuals and society of such persistent use of selective attention is emotionally skewed: such attentional bias is therefore often associated with negative or threat-related stimuli, which can impel us to focus on ‘threatening information’ over more neutral stimuli (information and news) in our environment that, in turn leads us collectively to ruminate on distressing thoughts Research suggests this may be a contributing factor to emotional disorders. None deny that over the past decade and more, Indian society has been subject to, or become a victim of such perniciously crafted negative selectivity geared cynically to ensure the alienation of, discrimination towards particular, politically targeted sections.

As this simple visual explanation on attentional bias from The Digitak Kab tells us there are four types of selective perception.

The four stages of selective perception include:
Selective Exposure, Selective Attention, Selective Comprehension, and Selective Retention

To ensure neutrality in reportage and communication, requires a committed non-partisan approach. In simple language, being open-minded. In fact, being open-minded and empathetic is known to be one of the best ways to avoid perception bias. Societally, especially in an environ that has traditionally thrived on pluralism and diversity, is to ensure constant exposure to a wide range of people, opinions and cultures. The more such depiction is rich and nuanced, the more successful will visual communication be in challenging stereotypical assumption.

CJP’s HW Team studied and analysed electronic media coverage and depiction in past weeks and here is what we found.

Zee News

Zee News, consistently vying for viewership, frequently exhibited hasty and insensitive reporting, often disregarding factual accuracy and context. The channel has faced reprimands, including fines, from the NBDSA for its communal and misleading broadcasts. Its thumbnails and clickbait tactics often amplified stereotypes and sensationalism.

Fiction over fact: Zee News’ race for ratings

In its coverage of the Waqf Act issue, Zee News employed inflammatory Hindi captions such as “Jiska Dar Tha Wahi Hua! Waqf Kanoon Par Tagda Jhatka, Muslimo Main Jashan” (What was feared has happened! Big blow on Waqf law, celebration among Muslims), “Supreme Court Ka Order! Khud He Phas Gaye Musalman” (Supreme Court’s order! Muslims themselves got trapped), and “Supreme Court Se Faisla, 21 Crore Muslimo Main Bhagdadh! Live” (Decision from Supreme Court, stampede among 21 crore Muslims! Live). These phrases aimed to create a sense of dramatic tension and portray the Muslim community in a negative light, suggesting celebration at a setback or mass panic from Supreme Court hearing. (The matter is still pending before the Supreme Court).

Polarising thumbnails: icons of power vs. the ‘other’

Furthermore, thumbnails often juxtaposed images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi with text like “Waqf Bill Par Palte 24 Crore Musalmaan, Pure Desh Hadkamp! ‘3000 Crore Ki Property Jabt” (24 crore Muslims turned against the Waqf Bill, nationwide uproar! ‘3000 crore property seized’) and “Modi Ko Aisi Saja Denge! Maulanao Ne De Dali Dhamki, Lakho Muslimo Ne Ghere 6 Sahar” (They will give such a punishment to Modi! Maulanas have given a threat, lakhs of Muslims have surrounded 6 cities). The objective of these combinations was to link the Waqf Bill to a supposed nationwide upheaval by the Muslim community, framing it as a threat and invoking strong reactions against the minority group. The inclusion of Modi and Yogi Adityanath’s images likely aimed to resonate with a specific viewership that favours their political stance.

The channel further utilised aggressive and communal language in its thumbnails, such as “Ab Aar-Paar Ki Jang” (Now, a decisive battle), “Modi Ko Saja Denge” (They will punish Modi), “Waqf Gang Ko Yogi Ka Tagda Ultimatum” (Yogi’s strong ultimatum to the Waqf gang), and the derogatory “Miyan Ji Ka Naya Khoof Aa Raha” (The new fear of ‘Miyan Ji’ is coming – ‘Miyan Ji’ is a term sometimes used pejoratively for Muslim men). Other examples of sensational and stereotype-reinforcing thumbnails included “15 Minute..Musalmano Ko Court Main Devkinandan Ka Khula Challenge, Ucchal Pade Maulana” (15 minutes…Devkinandan’s open challenge to Muslims in court, Maulanas jumped up), “Danga Zone Main Lakho Musalmaan, Waqf Par Naya Plan” (Millions of Muslims in riot zone, new plan on Waqf), and “Azadi.. Karnataka Gherne Nikal Pade Lakho Musalmaan Aur Fhir..” (Freedom… Millions of Muslims set out to surround Karnataka and then…).

These captions collectively painted the Muslim community as reactive, prone to violence, and potentially threatening, thus perpetuating negative stereotypes for sensationalism and viewership. The channel’s consistent use of such language and imagery demonstrated a pattern of prioritising sensationalism and the endorsement of harmful stereotypes over responsible and factual journalism.

Times Now Navbharat

Times Now Navbharat exhibited a pattern of sensationalism and misleading reporting on sensitive topics. A key tactic involved the frequent and seemingly gratuitous use of Yogi Adityanath’s image in thumbnails, irrespective of the news story’s location or direct relevance to Uttar Pradesh. Given Yogi Adityanath’s substantial social media following, this strategy appeared to be a deliberate attempt to inflate viewership through clickbait.

Clickbait for sensation: the strategic use of Yogi Adityanath’s image

For instance, in its coverage of the Murshidabad violence, the channel employed Hindi captions like “CM Yogi Ne Khayi Kasam, Ek-Ek Hindu Ko Bachana Hai” (CM Yogi has taken an pledge, he has to save every single Hindu) and “Laato ke Bhoot, Baato Se: Murshidabad Hinsa Par Mamta Se Kya Bole Yogi” (Those who understand force, not words: What did Yogi say to Mamata on Murshidabad violence). The objective of using such text alongside Yogi Adityanath’s picture was to inject a Hindu nationalist angle into the narrative, capitalising on his image as a strong, decisive leader within that political leaning. This sensational framing aimed to attract viewers by tapping into existing social media trends where his supporters often invoke phrases like “Yogi Adityanath Style Action” in response to incidents of violence.

Waqf Act coverage: communal framing over legal nuance

Similarly, the channel’s reporting on the Waqf Act debates prominently featured Yogi Adityanath, using captions such as “Baba ‘Bulldozer Decision’ Lenge”, SC Se 555 Ka Intjaar,” (Baba will take a ‘Bulldozer Decision’, waiting for 555 from SC) and “Yogi Ki Table Par Waqf Ki 1.25 Lakh Files” (1.25 lakh Waqf files on Yogi’s table). The objective behind this consistent visual and textual association was to communalise the issue. By exclusively highlighting a Chief Minister known for his pro-Hindutva stance, the channel seemingly sought to frame the Waqf Act discussions along Hindu-Muslim lines, catering to a specific viewership segment and sensationalising the topic for increased clicks, rather than providing an objective analysis of the law.

Even when reporting on the legal challenge to the Waqf Act, the thumbnail read, “Owaisi, Sibbal, Singhvi Ka Chehra Utara, Supreme Court Ne Waqf Kanoon Par Modi Ka Kaam Aasan Kar Diya” (Owaisi, Sibbal, Singhvi’s faces fell, Supreme Court made Modi’s work easier on Waqf law). This caption, paired with the news of the legal challenge, aimed to portray it as a setback for Muslim leaders and lawyers representing them.

Engineered conflict: pitting leaders for spectacle

The channel also utilised thumbnails featuring contrasting figures like Asaduddin Owaisi and T. Raja Singh with captions such as “Waqf Bill Ke Virodh Main Owaisi Ki Hunkar, T. Raja Ne Diya Karara Jawab” (Owaisi’s roar in opposition to the Waqf Bill, T. Raja gave a strong reply). This pitting of opposing figures, along with the insensitive and incomplete phrase attributed to T. Raja Singh, “Tumhara Baap Bhi…” (Even your father…), served to create conflict and sensationalism, drawing viewers in with the promise of a heated exchange and appealing to potentially divisive sentiments. This approach prioritised sensationalism and clickbait over providing viewers with a nuanced understanding of the Waqf Act and the related discussions.

Aaj Tak

Similarly, Aaj Tak also appeared to engage in a comparable pattern of sensationalism, albeit to a seemingly lesser degree. Its thumbnails concerning the Waqf Bill, such as “Waqf Ka Waqt Aa Gaya!” (The time for Waqf has come!) and “Waqf Bill Se Musalmano ki Jameene Chinne Wali Hain?” (Will the Waqf Bill snatch away Muslims’ lands?), while perhaps less overtly inflammatory than some other channels, still employed a degree of sensationalism and potentially misleading framing. The phrase “Waqf Ka Waqt Aa Gaya!” (The time for Waqf has come!) Carries a sense of impending and significant change, potentially creating unease or excitement depending on the viewer’s perspective. The question “Waqf Bill Se Musalmano ki Jameene Chinne Wali Hain?” (Will the Waqf Bill snatch away Muslims’ lands?) Directly plays on potential anxieties within the Muslim community, suggesting a threat to their properties without providing factual context.

Even in the form of a question, such a thumbnail can contribute to the spread of misinformation and the amplification of fear for the sake of attracting clicks and viewership. While not resorting to overtly communal language or imagery to the same extent as some other channels, Aaj Tak’s use of these types of thumbnails still indicates a leaning towards sensationalism when covering sensitive religious and legal issues, potentially contributing to a climate of anxiety and suspicion.

India TV

India TV also mirrored this concerning trend in its reporting, employing provocative and misleading language that endorsed harmful stereotypes. During its coverage of the Murshidabad violence, the channel utilised phrases such as “Murshidabad…10 Hajar Dangai Nikle Jumme Ke Baad?” (Murshidabad…Did 10,000 rioters emerge after Friday?), “Owaisi Ka Ailan-e-Jung, Kitne Muslim Sang?” (Owaisi’s declaration of war, how many Muslims are with him?), “Modi vs Muslim Board”, and “Modi vs Maulana.”

Climax-oriented thumbnails: drama over depth

The objective behind these captions was to immediately frame the violence along religious lines, portraying Muslims as aggressors (“10 Hajar Dangai” – 10,000 rioters) and suggesting a confrontation between the Muslim community (represented by Owaisi and the “Muslim Board”) and the Hindu majority (represented by Modi). This sensational framing disregarded the complexities of the situation and aimed to create division

Furthermore, without official confirmation or statements, India TV aired shows with alarmist and unsubstantiated claims like “Murshidabad Se 10000 Hindu Visthapit, Muslim Sthaapit” (10000 Hindus displaced, Muslims settled in Murshidabad) and “Aaj Bengal ke Hindua Ka Kaleja Fhat Gaya” (Today, the hearts of Hindus in Bengal shattered). These emotionally charged and unverified statements served to create fear and resentment within the Hindu community, painting Muslims as displacing Hindus.

The channel’s use of the phrase “Modi Se Nafrat Sakht, Maulana Ka Waqf Waqf!” (Strong hatred for Modi, Maulana’s Waqf Waqf!) Further exemplified this pattern. By specifically highlighting “Maulana” (Islamic cleric) in opposition to the Waqf Act and linking this opposition to “Nafrat” (hatred) towards Prime Minister Modi, the channel aimed to stereotype religious leaders within the Muslim community as being inherently anti-government and harbouring animosity towards the Hindu leader. This deliberate portrayal contributed to the broader trend of media outlets using religious identity to sensationalise news and fuel divisive narratives for viewership.

News 18 India

News 18 India’s coverage of the Waqf issue employed thumbnails and titles that could be seen as sensational and potentially misleading. Phrases like “Waqf Act Ke Bahane Jute Muslim Kya Hain ‘Asli’ Agenda” (What is the ‘real’ agenda of deceitful Muslims under the guise of the Waqf Act?), “Bhu-Mafia Ya Islam, Waqf Aa Raha Kiske Kaam” (Land mafia or Islam, who is the Waqf benefiting?), “Jumme Ki Namaz, Masjid Adda” (Friday prayers, mosque as a hub), “Pradarshan Se Pahle, Delhi Main Muslimo Ka Jamawada” (Muslim gathering in Delhi before the protest), and “Waqf Ke Khilaaf Delhi Main Muslamano Ka Halla Bol” (Muslims’ outcry in Delhi against the Waqf) – these, coupled with images of figures like Owaisi and Maulana Arshad Madni, risk framing a complex matter through a narrow, potentially biased lens. This approach might inadvertently create a singular narrative that overlooks the broader context and possible repercussions of such hasty and attention-grabbing presentations.

Similarly, their reporting on the Murshidabad violence, with headlines such as “Bajrang Dal Ki Entry, Hil Gaya Pura Bengal” (Bajrang Dal’s entry, entire Bengal shaken) and “Didi..Tere Bengal Main Hinduo Ke Jaan Ki Kimat Kaya?” (Didi…what is the value of Hindu lives in your Bengal?), appears to prioritise sensationalism. Highlighting the Bajrang Dal in what seems like a ‘saviour’ role could amplify communal tones.

While the channel seemingly criticises the TMC government for allegedly failing to protect Hindus, it doesn’t appear to broadly question the government’s responsibility in preventing violence across the entire state. This particular style of reporting could unfortunately prioritise high viewership and TRP ratings by potentially communalising the narrative, possibly at the expense of fostering harmony and communal tolerance through the use of climax-oriented thumbnails and click-bait.

NBDSA and monitoring negativity on air

For the past six years or more, robust citizen’s campaigns have sought accountability from several electronic media channels in their portrayal and coverage. CJP’s HateWatch programme (HateHatao initiative) is arguably the most consistent keeping a hawk’s eye on hate violations on air. Through careful and calibrated analysis we have managed to track, complain and ensure that several of the most offending shows (videos) are pulled off air. These include those from among the very channels that have since now resorted to the use of the provocative and incendiary thumbnail and visual.

Increasingly the complaints made by CJP, to NBDSA, have, in a nuanced way been pointing out how often not the whole but a small portion (few minutes even) of a 50 minute show uses problematic language, positioning this in such a way that the entire coverage or its focus gets coloured and littered with manipulative metaphors collectively amounting to prejudice.

Now, we ask, is this the latest move, by these very same offenders to attract venality in viewer response without actually crossing the bar in either the content itself or the role of the anchor?

Narrative over nuance: missing the broader accountability

However, the examples of sensationalist reporting by certain Indian news channels raise serious concerns about the erosion of journalistic ethics and the potential for these practices to exacerbate communal tensions. The deliberate use of misleading visuals, inflammatory language, and clickbait tactics, often targeting religious minorities and framing sensitive issues through a communal lens, appears to prioritise viewership over responsible reporting. Given the pervasive reach of digital media, how can regulatory bodies and journalistic organisations effectively address this trend of irresponsible sensationalism and ensure that the media upholds its crucial role in fostering an informed and harmonious society, rather than contributing to division and discord?

Related:

From ‘Ab Hoga Khel’ to ‘Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hai’: the trap set by thumbnails

CJP urges for removal of contentious Aaj Tak show on Hemant Soren, sends complaint to channel

CJP alerts YouTube of two channels openly selling illegal firearms

The post How Indian commercial media channels are using the provocative thumbnail to boost viewers and worse, provoke vicarious viewer response appeared first on SabrangIndia.

All in all, Hindu-Muslim unity shone across cities, with shared prayers, gifts, and gestures of goodwill, showed India’s enduring tradition of communal brotherhood and respect

Amroha and Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh also echoed these sentiments with floral greetings during Eid processions, highlighting the nation’s collective spirit of brotherhood.

These acts of kindness, from offering water to Namazi’s to sharing festive meals, shows the enduring power of unity and mutual respect, painting a vivid picture of India’s diverse yet cohesive social fabric

Jaipur, Rajasthan

On March 31, Monday, a large gathering of people in Jaipur, who had observed the month-long Roza, came together at the Eidgah and various other locations to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. They performed sajda and offered prayers, united in their hopes for peace and harmony. After the namaz, joyful greetings and embraces were exchanged, highlighting the spirit of togetherness.

Near the Eidgah, located along Delhi Road next to Jaipur’s walled city, Hindu residents greeted the namaz-goers by showering them with rose petals. This thoughtful gesture symbolised the deep-rooted communal harmony that Jaipur is known for, a beautiful reflection of mutual respect and solidarity.

The celebration also carried on with the traditional giving of ‘eidee,’ where young people received gifts from their elders. Many took the opportunity to explore the city, visiting restaurants and cinemas. The joy of Eid was palpable, with people of all ages coming together in celebration after the namaz.

“It feels wonderful to be here, with roses showered upon us,” said Syed Sajjad Hussan, a 60-year-old who attended namaz at Karbala. “Jaipur is known for its communal harmony. We, the Muslim community, also share similar gestures when our Hindu brothers celebrate festivals like Diwali or Holi,” he added. His words echoed the unifying spirit that defines the city, a sentiment reported by the Times of India.

As the walled city of Jaipur saw an influx of visitors, many Muslim residents took time off to explore the city’s iconic attractions, including Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and the City Palace. Mustaq Khan, a 32-year-old from Ramganj Bazaar, shared, “Now that Roza is over, it’s time for celebration. I’ve taken four days off to visit various places in Jaipur with my family.” The festive spirit was evident as the streets came alive with young people heading out to enjoy the city’s vibrant offerings, from popular eateries to cinemas, with many catching the new release Sikander starring Salman Khan.

The mosques and dargahs in the walled city were beautifully illuminated for the occasion, their lights adding a magical touch to the celebratory atmosphere. Amid this vibrant energy, a heart-warming gesture of communal unity stood out. In several localities, Hindu families offered water to the Namazis, showing a profound display of goodwill and respect.

 

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This simple yet meaningful act of kindness highlighted the deep-rooted harmony that defines the city, where people from different communities continue to celebrate and support each other during festive occasions. Such gestures are a testament to the long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in Jaipur, fostering a sense of unity that transcends religious boundaries.

The sense of togetherness in the city during Eid-ul-Fitr was truly remarkable, as Hindu and Muslim communities came together not just in spirit but through thoughtful and respectful acts that enriched the celebrations for everyone involved.

Mumbai, Maharashtra

In a different corner of the country, in Mumbai, Eid took on a special meaning this year. As the Namazis emerged from the masjid in the bustling Chirag Nagar area of Ghatkopar after finishing their Eid prayers, they were met with an unexpected gesture of goodwill. Five Hindus, dressed in white caps, stood waiting to greet them with red roses. The surprise greeting was met with warmth and curiosity, and the congregation, moved by the gesture, invited the Hindus into the mosque.

This initiative, a beautiful example of communal harmony, was led by 64-year-old Sharad Kadam, the former Mumbai president of the Rashtriya Sewa Dal, a youth organisation founded by Congress Socialists post-Independence. Inspired by Gandhian ideals, Kadam, with the suggestion of Wardha-based Gandhian Vijay Tambe, and with the help of local Muslim activist Kalubhai, decided to wear white caps—a symbol worn by both Warkaris and Gandhians—as markers of their Hindu identity.

Joining Kadam on this special occasion were members of the Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, an organisation founded by the late rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. Kadam emphasised the importance of unity, saying, “All of us from different organisations work together. The atmosphere today cannot be countered by any single group, especially not by a social one. That’s why I invited members from all opposition parties, but unfortunately, none thought it was worth their while.”

Kadam, who resides in Bhatwadi, Ghatkopar, has a deep connection to the local communities around the masjid, including Parsiwadi and Yasin Mistry Chawal, areas that had witnessed severe rioting during the 1992-93 communal clashes. Despite the difficult past, the heartfelt gesture of unity left a lasting impression.

The Muslims present at the mosque were deeply moved by the act of kindness and committed to nurturing this newly-formed bond beyond the festive occasion. “We won’t confine it to Eid; we will make it an ongoing relationship,” they assured Kadam, as reported by Hindustan Times.

While Kadam had participated in Hindu-Muslim harmony meetings in mosques in Malwani and Malad, this was the first time he had celebrated Eid in such a unique, personal way. It was a poignant reminder that the spirit of unity and peace can flourish in even the most unexpected places, and that such gestures of goodwill, when rooted in mutual respect, can help heal old wounds and build lasting connections.

“We need to build trust and friendship with each other,” said Kadam. “Otherwise, we’ll be decimated by those who say ‘Batengey toh katengey’” reported the HT.

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

A similar heart-warming display of unity unfolded in Prayagraj, where social organisations and members of the Hindu community came together to shower rose petals on those exiting the mosques after offering their Namas. The generous gesture saw several kilos of rose petals being used, with each Namazi greeted with a rose, symbolising goodwill and communal harmony.

According to The Free Press Journal, Raziya Sultan, who was present at the event, remarked, “Prayagraj has always been a city that promotes the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb,” reflecting the deep-rooted tradition of cultural and religious coexistence in the city.

A special Ramadan Iftar party was organised by the Hindu-Muslim Unity Committee, led by Manish Agarwal, at the Indira Bhawan Compound in Civil Lines. People from all communities participated in the event with enthusiasm and broke their fast in a harmonious atmosphere. Before the Iftar, prayers for peace, tranquillity, and brotherhood were offered. During the Iftar, those fasting broke their fast with dates, fruits, and sherbet. Attendees praised the initiative, stating that such events strengthen love and unity in society.

Manish Agarwal mentioned that the aim of the Iftar party was to spread the message of goodwill and brotherhood in society, as reported by Live Hindustan.

Seelampur, Delhi

Videos from Seelampur, Delhi, recently surfaced on social media, capturing touching moments of love and unity between Hindus and Muslims during Eid. One video showed Hindus showering flowers on Muslims as they made their way to offer Namaz for Eid-Ul-Fitr. This simple yet powerful gesture of solidarity reflected a spirit of respect and togetherness. It highlighted the deep, often overlooked bonds between the communities, offering a beautiful reminder of the peaceful coexistence that thrives amidst the more divisive narratives that often dominate the headlines.

 

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Another touching incident took place during the Ramadan Jumma (Friday Prayer), when Hindus once again demonstrated their support for the Muslim community. As Muslims gathered for prayers, Hindu locals could be seen sprinkling flowers over them, in a gesture of goodwill and mutual respect. This was not an isolated incident, as Seelampur also witnessed a heart-warming display of togetherness during the celebration of Holi. During the festival, despite the cultural and religious differences, Hindu locals spread flowers over the Namazis, further reinforcing the unity shared between the communities.

 

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Indore, Madhya Pradesh

A heart-warming incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore has once again demonstrated the spirit of communal harmony in India. In keeping with a 50-year-old tradition, a Hindu family continued the practice of respectfully transporting the city Qazi to the main Idgah for the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. This remarkable act of unity saw Satyanarayan Salvadia, a resident of Indore, escorting Shahar Qazi Mohammad Ishrat Ali in a horse-drawn carriage from his Rajmohalla residence to the Idgah in Sadar Bazar.

This tradition, which began with Satyanarayan’s late father, Ramchandra Salvadia, over five decades ago, has been passed down in the family as a beautiful symbol of brotherhood. Satyanarayan, who took over this responsibility after his father’s death in 2017, expressed that through this gesture, his family hopes to spread the message of unity and harmony among the people of the city, as reported by NDTV.

Indore remains the only city in the country where a Hindu family continues to honour the Qazi with such respect during the Eid celebrations, further underscoring the unique Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (culture of unity and tolerance) of India. Mohammad Ishrat Ali, the Shahar Qazi, reflected on this cherished tradition, urging young people to view the world from a social perspective, beyond the divisive lens of politics.

As Eid prayers were offered in the city, some participants wore black armbands to show solidarity with Palestinians facing oppression, highlighting the global connection to the spirit of Eid. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jeetu Patwari also visited the Idgah, extending his wishes to the Qazi, and emphasised the importance of India’s tradition of communal harmony, stating that those who preach hatred cannot be true patriots.

This annual tradition in Indore serves as a powerful reminder of how small, respectful actions can foster a sense of community and help bridge divides, promoting love and understanding across cultures and faiths.

Amroha, Uttar Pradesh

The beautiful pictures from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, following Rajasthan, have touched many hearts. In these videos, members of the Hindu community are seen showering flowers on Muslims who are on their way to offer prayers.

राजस्थान के बाद उत्तर प्रदेश के अमरोहा से आई खूबसूरत तस्वीरें. हिंदू समुदाय के लोगों ने नमाज़ पढ़ने जा रहें मुसलमानो पर फूल बरसाकर देशभर में भाईचारे का संदेश देने का काम किया. pic.twitter.com/OyFB9QxK3y

— ♡ ارمان شيخ ♡ (@arman_shaikhh) March 31, 2025

This heart-warming gesture has become a symbol of unity and brotherhood, sending a powerful message of harmony across the country.

Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh

In Sandi town, Hardoi district, Hindus warmly showered flowers on Muslims taking part in the Eid procession, with Municipal Council President Ramji Gupta present to witness the beautiful display of solidarity. According to Dainik Bhaskar, after the prayer, members of the Muslim community generously distributed charity to the poor and needy. Outside the Eidgahs and mosques, the atmosphere resembled a vibrant fair, with both children and adults enjoying sweets, sevai (vermicelli), and toys.

As the day unfolded, people greeted one another with embraces and exchanged heartfelt Eid wishes. Prominent city figures, administrative officers, and religious leaders joined in the celebrations, collectively sending a powerful message of unity and brotherhood within the community. The event served as a reminder of the harmonious spirit that binds people together, regardless of their faith.

Related:

Everyday Harmony: A Hindu temple that serves ‘Iftar’ to Muslims during Ramzan

Devotees are our guests: Sikhs, Muslims of Prayagraj serve Kumbh pilgrims with shelter, food, and love

A legacy of Unity: Stories of harmony across faiths and cultures

The post India’s Heartfelt Eid: where flowers & faith bridge divides appeared first on SabrangIndia.

On March 2, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a rather vague statement, admitting to the fact that duplicate EPIC numbers have been issued but stating that this duplication is because of manual de-centralisation and does not necessarily mean any fraudulent or duplicate voter inclusion!  The ECI also said that, while it is true that some electors have the same EPIC number, other important details, such as demographic information, Assembly Constituency, and polling booth, differ for these electors.

Incidentally the Election Commission’s own Handbook states that duplicate EPIC numbers cannot be given and the responsibility for the same lies with the ECI.

The TMC’s documented allegations on duplicated EPIC card numbers granted to voters have lent substance to the possibility that spurious injections of votes could take place, voters who are not legitimate voters in a particular constituency can be allowed to vote there.

The controversy surrounding EPIC number duplication has escalated with allegations and strongest move over the allegation of voter manipulation against the Election Commission from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of colluding with the Election Commission to manipulate the voter list for the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The allegations were first made on February 27 and reiterated after March 2, with a delegation of TMC MPs visiting the ECI with documentation to substantiate the claim.

Unable to in anyway now disregard the mounting allegations by the TMC related to forthcoming West Bengal assembly elections in 2026, almost a fortnight later, the Election Commission has finally called on all national and state political parties to submit their suggestions by April 30 in order to address any unresolved electoral issues. These concerns are to be reviewed at various levels, including those of Electoral Registration Officers (ERO), District Election Officers (DEO), and Chief Electoral Officers (CEO), reported by the TOI.

The request was made as part of ongoing efforts by opposition parties and leaders, first INC and AAP, now TMC, demanding the integrity and accuracy of voter rolls and electoral processes.

Earlier the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Aam Admi Party (AAP) had raised concerns of mass increases and deletions from voter’s lists related to the Maharashtra assembly elections (2024) and the Delhi state elections (2025). While the INC made these complaints only after the polls, AAP had also made them prior to the state elections in February.

Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of manipulating voter lists ahead of Bengal elections

On February 27, 2025, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a gathering of Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, asserted that the BJP, in collusion with the Election Commission, had been adding fake voters to the rolls in these states. She stated that her party had caught the discrepancies that the opposition parties had failed to notice in Maharashtra and Delhi. The TMC leader claimed that the BJP was now targeting Bengal with similar tactics, vowing that the state would not be another conquest on the BJP’s electoral map. Mamta Banerjee’s allegations were substantiated with documentation that led to a “clarification” by the ECI on March 2.

Mamta said that, “BJP would be gravely mistaken if they think Bengal is just another stop on their conquest map, another Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, or Uttar Pradesh to subjugate. Bengal has never bowed. Bengal has never surrendered. And in 2026, Bengal will rise once again to remind Delhi that our soil is not up for grabs, our identity is not theirs to rewrite. Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections, fake voters are being smuggled into electoral rolls. But no amount of electoral fraud, no puppet Election Commission, no misuse of central agencies will alter Bengal’s destiny. I call upon my brave soldiers of Trinamool Congress to stay vigilant. A special committee has been set up to monitor every move. If BJP thinks they can steal Bengal, they are in for the fight of their lives.”

এই শিকল পরা ছল মোদের, এ শিকল-পরা ছল।
এই শিকল পরেই শিকল তোদের করব রে বিকল॥

BJP would be gravely mistaken if they think Bengal is just another stop on their conquest map, another Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, or Uttar Pradesh to subjugate. Bengal has never bowed. Bengal has never… pic.twitter.com/kEAYAEn2KT

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 27, 2025

“This election is a call to arms to protect our culture, our identity, and our unity. It is a battle to uphold the constitutional values that define us, to send a resounding message to Delhi: divisive forces will find no ground in Bengal. Bengal has never bowed to external forces seeking to dictate its destiny. This soil of great martyrs and revolutionaries will deliver a fitting response to the BJP” she added

Banerjee also issued a direct challenge to the BJP, declaring that Bengal would decisively reject their influence, saying, “After Maharashtra and Delhi, now you are targeting Bengal. We will give you a befitting reply. Once again ‘khela hobe’. I am asking party workers to hit the ball harder this time.” She concluded that the TMC’s goal of winning over 215 seats and pushing the BJP’s numbers down.

Setting the stage for the 2026 Assembly elections, Mamata urged her party to secure more than 215 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly. Banerjee warned that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to manipulate the voter lists with the help of the Election Commission, mirroring alleged tactics used in Maharashtra and Delhi.

Allegations of duplicate EPIC numbers and fake voters in Bengal

Banerjee took the opportunity to display a list she claimed contained names of fake voters in electoral rolls. According to her, these voters, some from out of state, were fraudulently added to Bengal’s electoral roll. She cited examples of names from states like Haryana and Gujarat, which appeared alongside the names of Bengal residents, all with identical EPIC numbers. Banerjee’s allegations were focused on the claim that these fake voters were being added to the rolls online, further fueling concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, reported The Indian Express

She also made an aggressive accusation against the Election Commission, alleging that it had become complicit in the BJP’s efforts to manipulate the voter list. This led Banerjee to issue a stern warning that if corrective actions were not taken, her party would take to the streets to demand accountability from the Election Commission.

Questions over the functioning of Election Commission

During her address, Banerjee accused the Election Commission of being influenced by the BJP, specifically calling out the new Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. She pointed out that Kumar had previously held a position as a secretary in the cooperation department under Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting a potential conflict of interest. Banerjee’s comments highlighted growing distrust in the impartiality of the Election Commission as ECI is under the watch of opposition parties since Lok Sabha Election 2024

In a bold declaration, Banerjee warned that if the Election Commission failed to act, her party would resort to extreme measures, including staging a prolonged protest. She reminded the gathering of her history of activism, referencing her 26-day hunger strike during the anti-land acquisition movement in 2006. Banerjee asserted that TMC was fully prepared to launch a movement against the Election Commission to restore fairness to the electoral process, should the need arise. She said:

“If I could go on a 26-day hunger strike during the anti-land acquisition movement in 2006, don’t forget we can also launch a movement against the Election Commission, forcing them to restore democracy. If required, we will protest indefinitely in front of the EC office to demand the removal of fake names from the voter roll” reported The Indian Express.

TMC’s allegations: duplicate EPIC numbers in Bengal

The TMC’s allegations of voter list manipulation has been based on their own review that the same EPIC numbers have been assigned to multiple electors in different regions, which they argue compromises the integrity of the electoral roll. Mamata Banerjee, speaking to party workers in Kolkata, stressed that the verification of the voter list should be a priority to prevent the insertion of fake voters. She claimed that the BJP, with the Election Commission’s tacit support, was attempting to manipulate the voter rolls in Bengal, just as they had allegedly done in Maharashtra and Delhi.

Banerjee’s accusations were compounded by the assertion that non-residents were being brought into Bengal to vote under false pretences using duplicate EPIC numbers. The TMC doubled down on these claims in subsequent statements, calling for an immediate and thorough examination of the voter lists in Bengal.

The Election Commission’s response: EPIC numbers and voter identity

In response to the allegations, the Election Commission on March 2, (Sunday) clarified that while some electors have identical EPIC numbers, this does not imply any fraudulent or duplicate voter registrations.

ECI said that, while it is true that some electors have the same EPIC number, other important details, such as demographic information, Assembly Constituency, and polling booth, differ for these electors. As such, individuals with identical EPIC numbers cannot vote outside of their designated polling station within their respective State or Union Territory (UT), where they are officially enrolled in the electoral roll.

Over the allegations surfaced on social media posts and media reporting over the duplicate EPIC numbers, ECI replied that, “The Election Commission has taken cognizance of certain social media posts and media reports flagging the issue of electors of two different states having identical EPIC numbers. In this regard, it is clarified that while EPIC numbers of some of the electors may be identical, the other details including demographic details, Assembly Constituency and polling booth are different for the electors with the same EPIC number. Irrespective of the EPIC number, any elector can cast a vote only at their designated polling station in their respective Constituency in their State/UT where they are enrolled in the electoral roll and nowhere else.”

ECI further added that, “the allotment of identical EPIC number/series to some electors from different States/UTs was due to a decentralized and manual mechanism being followed prior to shifting of the electoral roll database of all States/UTs to the ERONET platform. This resulted in certain State/UT CEO offices using the same EPIC alphanumeric series and leaving a scope for the possibility of duplicate EPIC numbers being allotted to electors in different Assembly Constituencies in different States/UTs.”

ECI’s Press Note dated March 2, 2025

The ECI also said that any cases of duplicate EPIC numbers would be rectified, with affected electors receiving a new unique EPIC number. Additionally, the ERONET 2.0 platform will be updated to facilitate and support this process.

ECI has now transformed into the BJP’s “roll-rigging department: TMC

In response to the ECI’s press statement on the issue, the TMC issued an official statement criticising the ECI’s handling of the matter. The party wrote on its X handle that the once-neutral ECI has now transformed into the BJP’s “roll-rigging department.” TMC further stated, “Election fraud of EPIC proportions! Smt. @MamataOfficial warned how  @BJP4India was hijacking democracy, and now @ECISVEEP ’s own admission proves her right. Duplicate EPIC numbers across states?”

Election fraud of EPIC proportions! Smt. @MamataOfficial warned how @BJP4India was hijacking democracy, and now @ECISVEEP’s own admission proves her right.

Duplicate EPIC numbers across states? A ‘manual error’ or a meticulously crafted scam to rig elections? They manipulated… pic.twitter.com/IjN2aE9y7G

— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) March 2, 2025

TMC Rajya Sabha MP and former journalist Sagarika Ghose expressed her dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s response, labelling it as “unsatisfactory response” and describing the issue of duplicate EPIC numbers as a scandal. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to write that, “duplicate EPIC cards are a shocking SCANDAL. Totally unsatisfactory response from @ECISVEEP. A full, fair and time bound investigation of electoral rolls must be done NOW. Free and fair elections are the core of democracy!”

Duplicate EPIC cards are a shocking SCANDAL. Totally unsatisfactory response from @ECISVEEP . A full, fair and time bound investigation of electoral rolls must be done NOW. Free and fair elections are the core of democracy! https://t.co/g2CexIlxuA

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) March 2, 2025

“A ‘manual error’ or a meticulously crafted scam to rig elections? They manipulated voter rolls in Maharashtra & Delhi and got away with it. They tried the same in Bengal but got caught. The ‘neutral’ ECI has turned into BJP’s poll-rigging department. Democracy is not a Modi-made product that can be tampered, tweaked, and sold off. WE WON’T LET YOU STEAL ELECTIONS!” Ghose questioned on her X post.

TMC’s 24 hours deadline to ECI, must accept error in 24 hours

On March 3, 2025, the Trinamool Congress voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s March 3 response to their concerns about duplicate EPIC numbers in the voter rolls. The party criticized the ECI for failing to properly address the issue and warned that if the Election Commission did not formally acknowledge the error within 24 hours, they would present additional evidence on March 4. During a press conference, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagrika Ghose, TMC leader Derek O’Brien, and Kirti Azad elaborated on the alleged scam surrounding the issuance of duplicate voter EPIC cards. They demanded immediate action from the Election Commission, insisting that the integrity of the electoral process must be safeguarded.

Rejecting the Election Commission’s clarification on the issue of duplicate voter identity cards, the Trinamool Congress said that while the ECI had acknowledged the error, it had not yet accepted responsibility for it. The party promised to present further evidence within the next 24 hours.

However, Trinamool leader Derek O’Brien clarified that this is not a threat but giving the respected ECI time to accept their error. He said that, “ECI is admitting the error but not accepting the error. In the next 24 hours, ECI must accept the error. If you do not do this, we will share another document tomorrow at 9 am. This is not a threat. It is giving the respected Election Commission of India time to accept their error,”

ECI’s Handbook says EPIC numbers cannot be duplicated

On March 4, TMC intensified its allegations of “ghost voters” in West Bengal, citing the Election Commission’s “Handbook for Electoral Registration Officers, 2012”, which states that EPIC numbers cannot be duplicated.

TMC said that the rebuttal issued by the party was based on the ECI’s own “Handbook for Electoral Registration Officers” published in the year 2012. As per the handbook, “same” photograph would come for all electors who have the same EPIC numbers”. [Para No. 14 of Chapter IX – Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC)]

A day earlier, TMC accused the Commission of a “scam” in issuing duplicate voter IDs and gave them a 24-hour deadline to “acknowledge the mistake.” The party claims that individuals from other states were registered under the same EPIC numbers as legitimate West Bengal voters, with Mamata Banerjee dubbing them “ghost voters.”

What are EPIC numbers?

EPIC numbers, first introduced in 1993 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, serve as identity documents to prevent voter impersonation.

Notably, the EPIC numbers are a crucial part of the electoral process, as they help identify voters and ensure the integrity of elections. However, as per the EC’s Manual on Electoral Rolls, 2023, each EPIC is supposed to have a unique number, which includes a Functional Unique Serial Number (FUSN) for every Assembly constituency. With the advent of the ERONET platform in 2017, the process of issuing EPIC numbers has been streamlined. The manual states that a unique EPIC number is issued for the first-time voter, and any replacement EPIC retains the original number, further ensuring consistency in voter identity.

TMC’s 10-member delegation met Election Commission over ‘fake voter’ issue

On March 11, a 10-member TMC delegation, including prominent MPs such as Derek O’Brien and Kalyan Banerjee, met with the Election Commission in New Delhi. The delegation presented evidence of what they claimed to be fake voters found in various districts of West Bengal.

The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) delegation, which included MPs Derek O’Brien, Kalyan Banerjee, Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Sagarika Ghose, Kirti Azad, Sajda Ahmed, and others, addressed the issues of duplicate EPIC numbers and discrepancies in the voter list of West Bengal during the meeting with the Election Commission, reported The Hindu.

In their memorandum to the ECI, raised concerns with the ECI regarding the issue, flagging the serious allegations of duplicate EPICs. The party posted on its X handle that, “the EPIC number duplication SCAM is the BIGGEST ELECTORAL FRAUD of our times, and the  @ECISVEEP has a lot to answer for! A 10-member delegation of our MPs met the CEC demanding:

Why was this buried for years until Smt. @MamataOfficial exposed it?

How can ECI “fix” it in 3 months when no action was taken for years?

How many duplicate EPICs exist, and in which states?

Will voters with duplicate EPICs be disenfranchised?

How is Aadhaar cloning impacting voter registration and electoral rolls?”

The EPIC number duplication SCAM is the BIGGEST ELECTORAL FRAUD of our times, and the @ECISVEEP has a lot to answer for!

A 10-member delegation of our MPs met the CEC demanding:
Why was this buried for years until Smt. @MamataOfficial exposed it?
How can ECI “fix” it in 3… pic.twitter.com/4nDJDQvopZ

— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) March 11, 2025

Earlier, on March 6, a TMC delegation had met with the Chief Electoral Officer to address the alleged discrepancies in the state’s voter list. The delegation, which included West Bengal State President Subrata Bakshi and legislators Firhad Hakim, Chandrima Bhattacharya, Aroop Biswas, and Ritabrata Banerjee, had engaged in discussions with the Chief Electoral Officer regarding the reported irregularities in the state’s electoral rolls.

All concerns would be resolved: ECI to TMC delegation over EPIC number

On March 11, the Election Commission met with the TMC delegation and assured that all concerns, including duplicate EPIC numbers, duplicate, shifted, and deceased voters, as well as illegal migrants, would be addressed by each Booth Level Officer and the concerned Electoral Registration Officer. The apex poll body further stated in a post on X that this process would involve the active participation of Booth Level Agents appointed by all political parties.

Link:

ECI welcomed the delegation of @AITCofficial today.

The Commission mentioned that all concerns including duplicate EPIC numbers, duplicate, shifted & dead voters &illegal migrants will be resolved by each Booth Level Officer & concerned Electoral Registration Officer..

1/2

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 11, 2025

However, after the delegation met with the Election Commission, TMC MP Sagarika Ghose stated, “The issue of duplicate EPIC cards is extremely serious… All opposition parties have recognized it ever since West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee flagged the issue… Ever since we have provided solid evidence of duplicate EPIC cards, the Election Commission is still not telling us how many duplicate EPIC cards are there… We have given some suggestions on how electoral rolls can be cleaned up… If there are any changes in the electoral roll, the Election Commission should bring out a separate roll and mention where the deletions and changes have been made”

Link:

#WATCH | Delhi: After the TMC delegation’s visit to the Election Commission office, TMC MP Sagarika Ghose says, “The issue of duplicate EPIC cards is extremely serious…All opposition parties have recognized it ever since West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee flagged the… pic.twitter.com/6yyxvlylCN

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2025

“We have already provided solid evidence on duplicate EPIC cards. There is credible evidence that Aadhaar cards are being cloned and they are being used for fake voter registration… How will the Election Commission ensure that the cloning of the Aadhaar card will not affect the EPIC card? Transparency and rigorous investigation is necessary. Stonewalling will not work. The Election Commission has to walk the talk because electoral rolls are central to a free and fair poll” Ghosh added

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The post After strong allegations by the TMC that ECI has transformed into the BJP’s “roll-rigging department”: TMC, ECI invites all parties for ‘deliberations’ appeared first on SabrangIndia.

India’s internet shutdowns in 2024: a comparative snapshot

In fact, India’s figure of 84 shutdowns in 2024 is surpassed only by Myanmar, which endured 85 shutdowns under the military junta’s rule. This marks a significant shift in the global context as, for the first time in six years, India is no longer the global leader in internet shutdowns. Despite this, the report emphasizes that India remains the country with the highest number of shutdowns among democracies. As Access Now’s report highlighted, the reasons behind these shutdowns vary, with 41 of them linked to protests, 23 tied to communal violence, and others related to elections, government job exams, and regional instability.

State-wise impact: the effect of shutdowns across India

India’s diverse states also bear the brunt of these internet blackouts. According to the report, states such as Manipur, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir saw the most significant number of shutdowns in 2024. Manipur, in particular, stood out with 21 shutdowns, which significantly impacted the daily lives of its citizens as Manipur was on the boil since May 3, 2023.

Namrata Maheshwari, Senior Policy Counsel at Access Now, points out the inherent incompatibility between India’s frequent internet shutdowns and its global aspirations. India, which has set ambitious goals in fields like artificial intelligence, digital governance, and skilling, cannot afford to isolate its citizens from the benefits of connectivity. Maheshwari’s statement highlights the stark contradiction between India’s democratic values and the curtailing of rights through such shutdowns. She also draws attention to the lack of oversight and accountability within the current legal framework governing these internet restrictions.

The flaws in India’s Telecommunications Act of 2023

This issue is exacerbated by the Telecommunications Act of 2023 and the Telecom Suspension Rules of 2024, which have been criticized for retaining provisions from the colonial-era Telegraph Act of 1885. The existing framework allows for government-ordered internet shutdowns but does not offer sufficient safeguards, such as independent oversight, to ensure that these shutdowns are necessary, proportionate, and temporary. Currently, shutdown orders are reviewed by a three-member committee, composed of senior government officials, which critics argue lacks transparency and objectivity. These legal loopholes further strengthen the argument for the repeal of rights-violating laws and the establishment of a more robust, rights-respecting framework.

A global concern: the rising number of Internet Shutdowns

Globally, internet shutdowns are becoming an increasingly common tool used by governments to control access to information, especially in times of unrest or political tension. The Access Now report found that in 2024, a total of 296 shutdowns were recorded across 54 countries. Myanmar, India, and Pakistan alone accounted for over 64% of these disruptions. The rise in shutdowns can be linked to conflict, protests, elections, and attempts to cover up human rights abuses, as governments seek to control the flow of information during times of instability.

Digital authoritarianism

The global trend of government-imposed shutdowns reflects a larger movement toward digital authoritarianism, particularly in Asia. Countries like Myanmar, India, and Pakistan have increasingly relied on internet shutdowns to maintain control, suppress dissent, and avoid accountability. Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia Pacific Policy Director at Access Now, underscores the detrimental effects of such actions, warning that they destabilize societies, hinder digital progress, and create environments where human rights abuses can occur unchecked. With internet shutdowns often serving as a means to suppress protests or cover up crimes, they raise serious concerns about the long-term consequences for democracy and human rights.

Censorship and platform blocking: the global reach of Internet Shutdowns

As the report reveals, platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Signal have frequently been blocked during shutdowns, with X emerging as the most blocked platform globally in 2024. This trend shows a growing pattern of censorship, as governments across the globe target specific platforms in efforts to control the flow of information, limiting access to online spaces where people can organize, communicate, or access critical news.

Legal provisions for Internet Shutdowns in India: concerns and criticisms

The legal provisions for internet shutdowns in India, which are primarily governed by the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024 under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, raise several concerns. While the rules require authorities to publish suspension orders, detailing justifications, geographical scope, and affected services, the lack of independent oversight remains a critical flaw. The suspension duration is also capped at 15 days, but there is little guarantee that these restrictions are temporary, lawful, or proportionate, as mandated by the Anuradha Bhasin case judgment in 2020. The Supreme Court ruling emphasized that internet restrictions must be necessary and balanced, ensuring that they do not disproportionately impact citizens’ rights.

However, the situation in India highlights a broader global dilemma in which governments increasingly view the internet as a tool to maintain control and suppress dissent, rather than a fundamental right for their citizens. As the world moves further into the digital age, it is essential for governments, especially those in democracies like India, to reconsider their approach to internet governance. The onus lies on them to ensure that connectivity is preserved, human rights are respected, and safeguards are put in place to prevent abuse of power.

While the Access Now report provides a comprehensive overview of internet shutdowns in 2024, it also concerns urgent reform in how governments approach digital rights. The hope is that, in 2025, no one will face the risk of being cut off from the internet due to politically motivated restrictions or attempts to silence dissent. The global community must come together to push for a more open, accessible, and accountable digital future, where the fundamental right to access the internet is protected, and where the voices of individuals are not silenced by arbitrary shutdowns.

Full report can be accessed here:

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The post India saw 84 internet shutdowns in 2024: Access Now Report appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Appointment of Dinesh Waghmare as SEC raises legal concerns

With extensive experience in key administrative roles, including serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the Medical Education Department and as the Chairman of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution and Transmission Companies, Waghmare is expected to manage the electoral process for municipal corporations, panchayats, and zilla parishads across the state. Despite his impressive credentials, his appointment has due concerns due to timing of appointment and the landmark 2021 Supreme Court ruling on the independence of SECs, as before his appointment, he was serving as the Principal Secretary of Medical Education and Drugs department with additional responsibility of Employment Guarantee Scheme in Maharashtra. 

The Court’s ruling states that SECs must not hold any other government post, stating that the position must remain free from any political influence to ensure the fairness and credibility of the electoral process. This decision arose from the case State of Goa & Anr. Vs. Fouzia Imtiaz Shaikh & Anr., (2021) where the Court declared that the appointment of a serving government official to the SEC post, like the Law Secretary in Goa, violated constitutional mandates and rendered the office less autonomous. The ruling emphasised that SECs should be independent figures who do not hold other governmental positions, as their primary role is to oversee elections without political interference. In light of this, Waghmare’s appointment as a serving IAS officer who has held prominent government posts raises concerns that it may not align with the Supreme Court’s directive for SEC independence.

However, his role, even if not directly in conflict, could potentially undermine the impartiality of the electoral process, thereby questioning the government’s adherence to the 2021 ruling and the spirit of independence intended for such a crucial constitutional office. 

State election commissioners have to be independent persons, SC held in 2021

The appointment of Waghmare occurs against the backdrop of a significant 2021 Supreme Court ruling regarding the independence of State Election Commissioner (SEC).  On March 12, 2021, the Court ruled in State of Goa & Anr. Vs. Fouzia Imtiaz Shaikh & Anr. (Civil Appeal No. 881 of 2021), where a three-judge bench, led by Justices Rohinton Fali Nariman, B.R. Gavai, and Hrishikesh Roy, set aside the reservation order issued on February 4, 2021, by the Director of Municipal Administration, Goa, and the election notification dated March 4, 2021, issued by the State Election Commissioner (SEC), GIA. These actions altered the original election schedule. 

In the case, the Governor of Goa had appointed the Law Secretary of the Government of Goa, an IAS officer, as the State Election Commissioner on November 3, 2020. The Law Secretary’s duties as SEC were to be in addition to his responsibilities as Law Secretary. Furthermore, on November 5, 2020, Municipal Administrators were appointed by the Department of Urban Development for various municipal councils whose terms had expired. A subsequent notification on January 14, 2021, by the Goa SEC postponed elections for three months, until April 2021 or a later date to be determined by the Commission.

The Supreme Court, however, criticized the government for assigning such an important constitutional office to an individual already under the control of the state government. The bench described this action as a “mockery of the constitutional mandate.”

The Court ruled that, “The State Election Commissioner has to be a person who is independent of the State Government as he is an important constitutional functionary who is to oversee the entire election process in the state qua panchayats and municipalities.”

The Court’s ruling stated, “We therefore declare that the additional charge given to a Law Secretary to the government of the state flouts the constitutional mandate of Article 243K. The State Government is directed to remedy this position by appointing an independent person to be the State Election Commissioner at the earliest. Such person cannot be a person who holds any office or post in the Central or any State Government. It is also made clear that henceforth, all State Election Commissioners appointed under Article 243K in the length and breadth of India have to be independent persons who cannot be persons who are occupying a post or office under the Central or any State Government.”

The Court further ordered, “If there are any such persons holding the post of State Election Commissioner in any other state, such persons must be asked forthwith to step down from such office and the State Government concerned be bound to fulfil the constitutional mandate of Article 243K by appointing only persons to this high constitutional office. The directions contained in this paragraph are issued under Article 142 of the Constitution of India so as to ensure that the constitutional mandate of an independent State Election Commission which is to conduct elections under Part IX and IXA of the Constitution be strictly followed in the future.”

The Judgement of Supreme Court dated March 12, 2021 can be read here:

The appointment of Waghmare: resign from his current post to assume the role of SEC

The new appointment of Dinesh Waghmare, as Maharashtra’s new State Election Commissioner raises questions regarding the independence of the position. Waghmare, who was scheduled to retire in June 2025, has opted to resign from his current post to assume the role of SEC for a five-year term. While this move may appear routine from an administrative perspective, it carries potential implications for the impartiality and autonomy of the election commission—especially when viewed through the lens of the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling in the Fouzia Sheikh case.

Waghmare’s appointment: resignation or conflict of interest?

That Waghmare has had to resign from his position as Principal Secretary of the Medical Education and Drugs Department to accept the SEC role presents a dilemma. However, the question arises: can someone with an extensive background within the government truly maintain the independence required to oversee elections?

The essence of the Court’s ruling was that individuals with governmental ties should not hold such a sensitive position. Waghmare, despite his resignation, remains an active part of the government system until the moment of his transition to the SEC. This brings into question whether his new role will truly be independent or whether his past associations could influence the conduct of elections.

Blurring the lines between government and the Election Commission

The Supreme Court’s ruling was crystal clear in its assertion that the SEC must operate free from any governmental influence. However, Waghmare’s appointment, risks blurring the lines between the government and the election commission. The SEC is meant to be a neutral body overseeing elections at the grassroots level, but if it is headed by someone who has recently held significant positions within the government, how impartial can the election process truly be? Waghmare’s appointment challenges the spirit of the Supreme Court’s decision, which intended to prevent any undue political influence over elections.

Does this appointment affect the integrity of the election process?

The Court’s ruling focused on ensuring that the SEC is perceived as independent, with no ties to the government. By appointing Waghmare, a former government official, the Maharashtra government may be perceived as bypassing the constitutional safeguards put in place to protect the neutrality of the election process. The timing of his appointment, just ahead of crucial local body elections, only amplifies these concerns. The SEC is responsible for ensuring that elections are fair and transparent, but can an individual with recent government affiliations truly be seen as a neutral figure in such a critical role?

Related:

Has the Election Commission chosen to become a willing party to BJP using religion for votes in violation of the MCC and Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act?

Appointment of Election Commissioner under SC scrutiny: The story so far

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The post Conflict of interest: M’tra cabinet grants Fadnavis sole authority, serving IAS man appointed as SEC appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Candle light processions are being carried out in the villages of Greater Noida demanding immediate release of farmers put in Jail by Yogi Adityanath Government of Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/Oq7vZSUY1s

— AIKS (@KisanSabha) December 19, 2024

Background

On December 17, (Tuesday), a significant development unfolded in Greater Noida when a court granted bail to 86 farmers arrested during protests earlier this month. These farmers had been detained during demonstrations demanding increased compensation for land acquisition in the region. The arrests occurred on December 4 and 5 at Zero Point in Greater Noida, where 136 farmers were taken into custody. While eight farmers had been released on bail last week, the 86 granted bail on Tuesday will remain in jail until they deposit a surety of Rs 20,000 each.

The farmers’ protests erupted in response to the Uttar Pradesh government’s failure to fulfil promises of increased compensation for land acquired from farmers for various development projects. Led by farmer unions such as the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), the farmers have been advocating for compensation rates that reflect the rising costs of living and the value of their land. These protests led to disruptions, including the blockade of the Noida Expressway on December 5, when protesters allegedly damaged barricades and clashed with police.

Sub-Inspector Rahul Kumar filed a complaint against the protesters, accusing them of rioting, unlawful assembly, and causing harm to public servants. In his complaint, Kumar stated that despite police efforts to de-escalate, the protesters continued shouting slogans against the government and police, escalating the situation. However, the farmers’ leaders maintain that their protests were peaceful and that the charges were fabricated, as Times of India reported.

Farmers’ struggle in Noida and Greater Noida

The farmers’ struggle in Noida and Greater Noida is a powerful manifestation of resistance against the land acquisition policies that have long been a source of tension in Uttar Pradesh. This struggle is deeply rooted in the farmers’ demands for rightful compensation and alternative livelihoods.

Land acquisition and political Relevance

The backdrop to the farmers’ protests in the region is the ongoing process of land acquisition for several major development projects. These include the construction of the Greater Noida and Noida industrial zones, the Yamuna Expressway, the Jewar International Airport, and various projects under the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC). Farmers argue that their land was acquired without fair compensation, leaving them without sufficient support for their livelihoods. The struggle for land rights in this region has gained increasing political relevance as it exposes the exploitative relationship between the state government and corporate forces benefiting from these land acquisitions.

Past struggles and farmer solidarity

The farmers’ struggles have been ongoing for several years, with the All-India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) playing a crucial role in mobilizing farmers and building solidarity across communities. In 2023, after farmers successfully pushed for the formation of a High-Power Committee, the government promised several measures, including higher compensation and the return of a portion of acquired land. However, the BJP-led state government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has failed to implement these recommendations, prompting farmers to intensify their struggle.

November-December 2024: escalation of protests

The situation reached a boiling point in November and December 2024, when ten major farmer organizations under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) banner organized a Mahapanchayat in Greater Noida on November 25. The farmers, including a large number of women, demanded immediate action from the Uttar Pradesh government to address their concerns. When the government failed to respond, the farmers organized day-and-night protests from November 26 to December 1.

Violent crackdown and arrests

On December 2, 2024, thousands of farmers attempted to march to Delhi, but were stopped by police barricades, resulting in traffic disruptions. The government responded by making several promises to engage with the farmers, but the situation worsened on December 3, when police forces violently evicted the protesters. Over 160 farmers, including key leaders, were arrested and sent to Luksar Jail, with many others detained at their homes under house arrest.

The struggle for land rights in Noida and Greater Noida has become emblematic of broader issues surrounding land acquisition, compensation, and the rights of rural farmers. It represents a direct challenge to the BJP-led state government’s corporate-friendly policies, and it has sparked widespread support from farmers across the country. The movement continues to gain momentum, with more protests planned and the farmers’ determination to secure their rightful claims remaining unshaken.

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