The Quint report exposes trend of criminals impersonating as Muslim to carry criminal activities
In a detailed investigation by Aliza Noor for The Quint, the disturbing trend of criminal activities being carried out under fake Muslim identities is brought to light. This growing tactic is being used to spread hatred and create division within society, further exacerbating communal tensions. Noor’s report explores several incidents where individuals have impersonated Muslims for malicious purposes, shedding light on a wider and more deliberate agenda to fuel communal discord.
One recent incident surfaced ahead of the 2025 Kumbh Mela preparations, where a bomb threat post circulated on social media, claiming that at least 1,000 devotees would be killed during the event. The post, published from an account named "Nasir Pathan," triggered widespread concern. However, investigations revealed that the account was operated by a 17-year-old student, Ayush Kumar Jaiswal, from Bihar’s Purnia district.
Jaiswal had used a fake Muslim identity to issue the threat. The police traced the IP address and arrested him. An FIR was filed against him under sections 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace), and Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Authorities have continued their investigation into the incident, underlining the increasing trend of using Muslim names for criminal activities.
Similarly, in December 2023, a Lucknow resident, Devendra Tiwari, received an email from an individual named Juber Khan, threatening to kill Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Additional Director General of Police Amitabh Yash. The email contained hate-filled language aimed at Muslims. However, further investigation revealed that the individuals behind the threatening email were not Muslims but two other men, Tahir Singh and Om Prakash Mishra. These men, acting under the direction of Tiwari, had created the fake Muslim identity to incite violence and further his political agenda.
The police found that Tiwari had links to the Indian Kisan Manch and the Indian Go Seva Parishad. He is said to have orchestrated several such instances to manipulate public perception and foster division. Tiwari’s actions are under scrutiny, with multiple criminal cases filed against him in Lucknow.
This disturbing trend of impersonating Muslims for criminal purposes is not limited to just these cases. In June 2024, Dheerendra Raghav from Agra was arrested for wearing Muslim attire and impersonating a Muslim individual to insult the Hindu community, inciting unrest. Though Raghav was later released, he continued to exploit religious identities for malicious purposes, further showcasing the harmful impact of such acts.
Earlier cases have also raised alarms. For example, the notorious email threat to billionaire Mukesh Ambani, which was later found to have been sent by Rajveer Kanth, a B.Com student, highlighted another incident of criminal behavior under a Muslim identity. Kanth was arrested after the police tracked him down in Gujarat’s Kalol, drawing attention to the increasing use of Muslim names for criminal intent.
Another notable case occurred in 2022, when Siddharoodh Srikanth Nirale impersonated a Muslim named Mushtaq Ali on Facebook to send threats to BJP MLC DS Arun's family. The police quickly arrested Nirale, but the case raised questions about how widespread this tactic had become.
(Click Here to read the original report published on The Quint authored by Aliza Noor)
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
