Over 100 from Karnataka’s Alipur village stranded in Iran
Chikkaballapur (Karnataka), Jun 17 (PTI): Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, several Indian nationals remain stranded in Iran. Among them, over 100 people hail from Alipur, a predominantly Shia Muslim village in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka.
They include students, families, and working professionals who had travelled to Iran for education, business, and religious pursuits.
Indian authorities, along with the embassy in Tehran and local state officials in Karnataka, are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating safe arrangements for those stuck in the region.
Alipur is a village of around 25,000 people, with a voter base of 8,000 to 8,500, according to the latest electoral roll.
While there is also a Hindu population, about 90 per cent of the residents are Muslims, predominantly from the Shia community.
The village is known for its deep religious and cultural ties with Iran, making it a common destination for theological and medical studies.
"Some people from our Alipur are currently in Iran as students," said Maulana Syed Mohammad Yousha Abedi, Imam of Masjid-e-Jafaria in Alipur.
"In Qom, there are around 50 people, and about 15 students are pursuing MBBS in Tehran. Another 25 to 30 people are involved in business in cities like Qom and Mashhad. In total, around 100 people from Alipur, including families and children are currently in Iran," Abedi said.
Following the recent Israeli airstrikes, most residents from Alipur who were in various Iranian cities have been moved to safer areas.
"The Indian Embassy has been in touch and has helped shift many of them from Tehran to Qom," the Imam added.
"They are in constant communication with the authorities, and we are hopeful that everyone will return safely," said Syed Abu Tahir, father of Habibe Zehra, a BDS student in Iran.
"My daughter has been studying BDS there since 2024 and is staying in a girls’ dormitory. Everything is good there, but given the current situation, we are scared. We have already informed the local authorities, and an official from Vikasa Soudha (Karnataka State Secretariat) has also reached out to us. They are supporting us through this situation," Tahir said.
Saqlane Abbas, a native of Alipur, had returned to India 20 days ago for his son’s college admission in Bengaluru. His wife and two children, however, remain in Iran.
"My wife is stuck in Iran. Many people from Karnataka, including students, are stranded there. For now, the situation is normal. All the shops are open and functioning. However, given the current circumstances, things could worsen. The Indian Embassy is working to bring all Indians closer to the borders and ensure their safe return home," he said.
Several families from the village are anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones. Mir Zahid Raza, father of Mir Nazar Abbas, confirmed that four of his family members — including a four-year-old and a 13-year-old — are still in Iran. "They’re safe, but we are worried," he said.
Tafseel Zehra, whose brother and his family have lived in Iran for over eight years, told PTI, "The government has assured us they’ll bring them back safely. We have full faith in our government."
Students stuck in Iran also confirmed that they are being moved to safer locations. Most have been shifted out of Tehran and are now waiting to return to India.
"We’re in touch with the Indian Embassy and hope to return soon," a student told PTI over phone.
Shafeeq Abidi, a well-known Urdu poet and former journalist from Alipur, highlighted the historical and religious connection between the village and Iran.
"Alipur shares a religious bond with Iran — nearly 90 per cent of our population is Shia Muslim, and Iran is a Shia-majority country. Many of our children go there to study Islamic theology and some pursue MBBS because it’s more affordable. Iran offers religious freedom and education," he explained.
Alipur has around 25,000 people, including some Hindu families, but the majority is Shia Muslims, Abidi said, adding there are about 8,000 to 8,500 voters here.
Meanwhile, Anjuman Jafaria, the community body in Alipur, has submitted full details of those stranded to local authorities and the Indian Embassy. Police and officials from the Karnataka government are also extending support to affected families.
As of now, most people from Alipur stranded in Iran are reported to be safe, and their families are hopeful that with the government’s intervention, they will be brought back soon.
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Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
