Mohammed Zubair criticizes ANI, IANS for manufacturing narrative against Mohammed Shami
New Delhi: Alt News co-founder and fact-checker Mohammed Zubair has strongly criticized news agencies ANI and IANS, accusing them of manufacturing a narrative against Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami by soliciting statements from individuals on a so-called ‘fatwa’ issued against him.
Taking to social media, Zubair alleged that ANI deliberately sought a statement from an individual named Shahabuddin, who claimed to be a representative of "All Indian Muslims" and issued a supposed religious decree against Shami. According to Zubair, Shahabuddin is a known supporter of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Zubair further stated that after obtaining the initial statement, ANI reporters then approached ten others to get their reactions based on Shahabuddin’s comments, thereby amplifying the narrative. He accused the agency of engaging in propaganda rather than journalism.
Extending his criticism to IANS, the fact-checker claimed that the Adani-owned news agency had similarly dispatched its reporters to at least 16 individuals to gather video bytes on the so-called ‘fatwa’ against Shami and the remarks made by Shahabuddin.
The controversy stems from allegations that certain sections of the media deliberately sought out individuals to create a controversy around Mohammed Shami, who has been a key player for the Indian cricket team. While the authenticity and influence of Shahabuddin remain questionable, the reports circulated widely, leading to criticism of the role played by mainstream news agencies in pushing a manufactured narrative.
What ANI is doing is not Journalism.
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) March 6, 2025
Goes to BJP stooge and a self proclaimed Maulana (who claims to represent All Indian Muslims) to get a so called 'fatwa' against Mohammed Shami.
Soon after manufacturing a Narrative, They sent their reporters to 10 others to get a video… pic.twitter.com/nJSoY2d4En
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Bhojshala case: Disputed structure built from remains of pre-existing temples, claims ASI
Indore (PTI): The ASI has told the Madhya Pradesh High Court that a massive structure dating back to the Paramara kings' rule existed at the disputed Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex, and the current structure was built from the remains of temples.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) made the claim on Tuesday based on its 98-day scientific survey and over 2,000-page report.
The Hindu community considers Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim side claims the monument as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The disputed complex is protected by the ASI.
During the hearing before Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi of the HC's Indore bench, Additional Solicitor General Sunil Kumar Jain, representing the ASI, presented a detailed account of the scientific survey conducted two years ago at the complex.
Referring to the ASI's survey report, he said, "Retrieved architectural remains, sculptural fragments, large slabs of inscriptions with literary texts, Nagakarnika inscriptions on pillars, etc, suggest that a large structure associated with literary and educational activities existed at the site. Based on scientific investigations and archaeological remains recovered during the investigations, this pre-existing structure can be dated to the Paramara period."
It can be said that the existing structure was made from the parts of earlier temples, based on scientific investigations, survey and archaeological excavations conducted, study and analysis of retrieved finds, study of architectural remains, sculptures, and inscriptions, art and sculptures, Jain said quoting the report.
Summarising the report, he also drew the court's attention to the fact that the archaeological study identifies that many architectural components, such as pillars and beams, were originally part of temple structures before being repurposed for a mosque.
"The evidence of this transition includes Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions that were damaged or hidden, alongside sculptures of deities and animals that were often mutilated or defaced," Jain contended.
The report also states that "all Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions are older than the Arabic and Persian inscriptions, indicating that users or engravers of the Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions occupied the place earlier".
In light of the Muslim side's earlier objections, the bench wanted to know why there were some discrepancies in the ASI's responses regarding the status of the disputed complex in the cases filed over the years.
The Additional Solicitor General argued that earlier studies of the complex involved only officials, while the current survey involved scientists and the use of advanced technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
The hearing in the Bhojshala case will continue on Wednesday.
The high court has been regularly hearing four petitions and one writ appeal regarding the religious nature of the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex since April 6.
