Mathura: The family of 10-year-old influencer Abhinav Arora recently claimed he received a life threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, but the news has sparked a wave of humour and disbelief online. NDTV, which reported on the claim, has also come under fire, with users criticising the network for giving unnecessary publicity to the young “spiritual orator” and his family’s allegations.
Social media users on X (formerly Twitter) responded with scepticism, with many questioning both the validity of the threat and NDTV’s coverage. Comments ranged from humorous to critical, with one user stating, “150 crore population me se 100 crore logon ko Bishnoi ne dhamki de rakhi hai,” while another remarked, “Is it because he is not going to school?” Some saw it as a publicity ploy, saying, “In religion business, playing the victim is the best option to gain followers.”
Other humorous responses continued to pile on, with comments such as, “Pure publicity stunt to gain sympathy,” and “Lawrence Bishnoi bhi chahta hai ki jaldi se school mein admission ho iska.” Another user sarcastically requested, “Dear #LawrenceBishnoi, can you threaten me too, please… I beg you.”
Another user jabbed at NDTV, writing, “NDTV calling Abhinav Arora an ‘Orator’—even they’re contributing to this PR circus.” The responses didn’t stop there and comments like “Publicity ke liye aur koi raasta nahi tha kya?” added to the sceptical backlash.
The family also referenced a 2023 viral video showing Abhinav being scolded by Swami Rambhadracharya, though Abhinav claimed the Swami later blessed him. However social media users were unconvinced and showed no sympathy. One sarcastic comment suggested, “Spiritual Orator should be replaced with Spiritual Clown,” while others questioned the entire episode as a “publicity stunt.”
Comments like, “In Modiji’s Amrit Kaal, even Sanatanis aren't safe,” and “Publicity ke liye aur koi raasta nahi tha?” highlighted the scepticism surrounding the claims by Abhinav.
NDTV’s coverage of the story has become part of the narrative, with many criticising the network for adding fuel to the publicity push.
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Bengaluru: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday addressed a press conference following the conclusion of its national convention in Bengaluru. The Board raised concerns over several pressing national and international issues, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and recent controversies surrounding places of worship in the country. The Board also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, terming it a "genocide."
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, strongly opposed the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, warning the government of protests and legal challenges if the bill is passed without thorough consultation with all stakeholders.
"Waqf properties are donated specifically for the benefit of the Muslim community and for charitable purposes. These properties cannot and should not be altered or interfered with by the government," he said. Ilyas emphasized the historical and legal sanctity of Waqf properties, stating that any changes to the law without proper discussion would be unacceptable to the community.
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was another critical issue discussed during the convention. Ilyas reiterated the Board's long-standing opposition to the UCC, stating that it threatens the pluralistic nature of Indian society.
"The UCC will disrupt the very fabric of this country. India thrives on its diversity, and a uniform code disregards this essential characteristic," he said. He explained that the Indian legal framework already accommodates individuals who choose not to follow their personal laws.
Ilyas also criticized the UCC implemented by the Uttarakhand government, calling it unconstitutional. "How can it be called a 'Uniform Civil Code' when it is applied only in one state?" he questioned. The AIMPLB plans to challenge the Uttarakhand UCC in the Nainital High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) soon.
The Board also addressed growing tensions surrounding places of worship, particularly the rising claims that some mosques were originally temples. Ilyas pointed out that such disputes are in violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1992, which mandates that the status of religious sites shall remain as they were in 1947.
"The Supreme Court, in its verdict on the Babri Masjid case, clearly stated that no further disputes of this nature should arise. Yet, we see new cases being brought up regularly," he said.
Citing a recent incident in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where police action against protesters left two dead, Ilyas condemned the violence. "This incident was tragic and could have been avoided. It is deeply condemnable," he added.
The AIMPLB also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, highlighting the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Ilyas termed the situation a "genocide," pointing to the reported deaths of over 45,000 people in the last year.
"This is not a war; it is a genocide. The international community must take urgent steps to address the issue," he said. The Board called for a two-state solution as a pathway to peace and justice in the region.
The press conference was attended by several senior AIMPLB officials, including the Board’s president, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani. The officials emphasized the need for unity among stakeholders and the Muslim community to address the challenges highlighted during the convention.
The AIMPLB pledged to continue its advocacy through protests, legal actions, and public engagement to safeguard the rights of the community and uphold the constitutional values of the country.