News for 'communal harmony'

Why Goa Police Filed FIR Against Right Wing Speaker

Why Goa Police Filed FIR Against Right Wing Speaker

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Goa Police have registered an FIR against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for allegedly making objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, sparking political outrage and demands for his arrest.

Khandwa Man Jailed Under NSA for Disruptive Social Media Posts

Khandwa Man Jailed Under NSA for Disruptive Social Media Posts

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A man in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, has been jailed under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly sharing objectionable social media posts intended to disrupt communal harmony. The arrest followed protests demanding severe punishment for the accused.

Leaders appeal for communal harmony

Leaders appeal for communal harmony

Rediff.com8 Sep 2006

The Lok Sabha speaker also expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the explosions.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh following a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding his arrest for allegedly assaulting a student's father and bragging about it, while the victim's daughter reported receiving rape threats and online abuse.

Budgam Man Faces Charges for Allegedly Inciting Unrest via Social Media Videos

Budgam Man Faces Charges for Allegedly Inciting Unrest via Social Media Videos

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

A man in Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, has been booked by police for allegedly circulating provocative videos on social media platforms, potentially inciting public unrest and disturbing communal harmony.

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has announced that the newly enacted anti-sacrilege law in Punjab leaves no loopholes for offenders to escape justice. The law proposes stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

Goa Police File FIR Over Remarks Against Saint

Goa Police File FIR Over Remarks Against Saint

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Goa Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar over his alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the state. The controversy erupted after a video of Khattar addressing an event went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for his arrest.

Viral Video Leads To FIR Against Man For Abusing UP CM

Viral Video Leads To FIR Against Man For Abusing UP CM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Police in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against a man for allegedly making abusive remarks against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during an argument at a petrol pump, following a viral video of the incident.

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor injury to his right hand after being attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang member inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The assailant has been arrested, and SAD leaders are demanding a CBI probe into what they term an intelligence failure.

Goa Police Hunt For Activist After Remarks On Saint

Goa Police Hunt For Activist After Remarks On Saint

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Goa police have formed teams to trace right-wing activist Gautam Khattar after his remarks against St Francis Xavier created a stir. Complaints have been filed against Khattar in multiple locations across Goa.

Punjab Minister Accuses BJP Of Trying To Disrupt Peace

Punjab Minister Accuses BJP Of Trying To Disrupt Peace

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has condemned the recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar, calling them a deliberate attempt to spread terror and disrupt the state's peace. He accused the BJP of trying to create an atmosphere of fear and division for political gains ahead of elections.

Right-wing activist booked for remarks against Goa's patron saint

Right-wing activist booked for remarks against Goa's patron saint

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Goa Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for allegedly making objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The controversy erupted after a video of Khattar's address at an event went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for his arrest.

Now, a comic book for communal harmony

Now, a comic book for communal harmony

Rediff.com11 Mar 2011

In an attempt to effectively educate the masses about the complexities of communalism, a new graphical account addresses this age-old sensitive issue. Communalism Explained! A Graphic Account, penned by Professor Ram Puniyani along with founder of World Comics India, Sharad Sharma, seeks to break the stereotypical image of the minority community.

Muslim board to launch movement against community's 'marginalisation'

Muslim board to launch movement against community's 'marginalisation'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced a nationwide movement against the 'deteriorating condition' and social and political marginalisation of Muslims in India, citing concerns over mob violence, demolition drives, and attempts to impose Vande Mataram.

Why Was An FIR Filed Against Abhishek Banerjee?

Why Was An FIR Filed Against Abhishek Banerjee?

Rediff.com16 May 2026

West Bengal Police have registered an FIR against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee for allegedly making inflammatory statements during the recent assembly elections, based on a complaint filed by a social activist.

HC stays release of Kerala Story 2

HC stays release of Kerala Story 2

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court has issued an interim stay against the release of 'The Kerala Story 2-Goes Beyond', citing concerns over the censor board's certification process and potential disruption of social harmony.

Jammu Police Review Security Measures, Anti-Drug Operations

Jammu Police Review Security Measures, Anti-Drug Operations

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu, Joginder Singh, chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the prevailing security scenario and review the effectiveness of intelligence-gathering mechanisms across the district.

UP ATS Arrests Two Suspected Of ISI Links

UP ATS Arrests Two Suspected Of ISI Links

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested two men in Noida for allegedly working with Pakistani handlers, including from the ISI, as well as some gangsters and radical YouTubers. The men are accused of planning a major disruptive act and were in direct contact with Pakistani operatives.

11 Arrested After Statue Installation Sparks Clash

11 Arrested After Statue Installation Sparks Clash

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Police in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested 11 people following a clash over the alleged unauthorised installation of a Lord Buddha statue. The incident escalated into stone-pelting on police and revenue officials, prompting the registration of two FIRs.

Delhi Boosts Security for Hanuman Jayanti Amid Terror Plot Concerns

Delhi Boosts Security for Hanuman Jayanti Amid Terror Plot Concerns

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have heightened security across the city ahead of Hanuman Jayanti following the arrest of a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba handler allegedly planning terror strikes. Enhanced surveillance and restrictions are in place to ensure peace during the festival.

Muslim man beaten for offering namaz near temple in U'khand

Muslim man beaten for offering namaz near temple in U'khand

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

An elderly Muslim man was allegedly assaulted and forced to chant religious slogans after offering namaz near a temple in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, raising concerns about communal harmony and prompting a police investigation.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Sunday saw the entire opposition staging a symbolic walkout over the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs and a demand for a discussion on the issues of Ram temple donation 'theft', NEET paper leak and mixing of ethanol in petrol.

Jana Nayagan Review: Mass-y For Fans, Messy For Others

Jana Nayagan Review: Mass-y For Fans, Messy For Others

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

C Joseph Vijay's Jana Nayagan is not just a film but a potent political statement, strategically crafted to align with his political aspirations and claim the legacy of M G Ramachandran, notes Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed that a separate open space be provided adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar for offering namaz on Fridays, pending the final resolution of the case. The court emphasised the sensitive nature of the matter and urged both Hindu and Muslim sides to exercise patience.

J&K Chief Minister Visits Family Of Murdered Girl

J&K Chief Minister Visits Family Of Murdered Girl

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the family of a 12-year-old girl murdered in Budgam, offering condolences after police arrested a neighbour for the crime.

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

On Thursday, Kashmiri Pandits offered special prayers at the historic Raghunath temple in Srinagar on the first day of its reopening after a gap of 36 years, coinciding with the festival of Ram Navami.

Clash Over Goat Sacrifice Attempt Rocks Thane Housing Society

Clash Over Goat Sacrifice Attempt Rocks Thane Housing Society

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A dispute over sacrificial goats in a Thane housing society led to clashes, slogan-shouting, and heightened security, raising community tensions.

Eid prayers held under heavy security in Delhi's Uttam Nagar days after violence

Eid prayers held under heavy security in Delhi's Uttam Nagar days after violence

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Muslims in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers under heavy security following recent tensions. Despite a subdued atmosphere, residents expressed gratitude for the police presence and emphasised the community's commitment to peace.

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a bill proposing stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

SC raps filmmaker Neeraj Pandey over Ghooskhor Pandat title

SC raps filmmaker Neeraj Pandey over Ghooskhor Pandat title

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the title of the film 'Ghooskhor Pandat', questioning its potential to denigrate a section of society. Notices have been issued to relevant authorities.

TMC Leader Banerjee Blasts BJP for Ram Navami Violence, Claims Bengal Tradition of Amity

TMC Leader Banerjee Blasts BJP for Ram Navami Violence, Claims Bengal Tradition of Amity

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of instigating violence during Ram Navami rallies in West Bengal, alleging the party is disrupting the state's tradition of communal harmony. He also criticised the BJP's governance record and promises in other states.

Delhi: Uttam Nagar markets shut, heavy security after Holi clash murder

Delhi: Uttam Nagar markets shut, heavy security after Holi clash murder

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Following a fatal clash after Holi celebrations in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, the area is experiencing heightened tensions, shuttered businesses, and a heavy police presence, disrupting daily life and impacting local businesses during the crucial Ramzan period.

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

As time went by, different facets of the Hindi cinema started showing the complicated identity of Muslim -- sometimes tendentious and at other times perverse and unreliable.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Goa Police are initiating a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Gautam Khattar after alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier. Khattar is accused of hurting religious sentiments and creating communal discord. The move aims to prevent him from fleeing the country as police search for him.

Hyderabad YouTuber booked for remarks against Hindu religion, deities

Hyderabad YouTuber booked for remarks against Hindu religion, deities

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

A case has been registered against YouTuber Anvesh for allegedly making derogatory and provocative statements against Hindu society, religious beliefs, and deities, following a complaint by BJP leader Karate Kalyani.

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Goa Police have issued a Look Out Circular against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier and arrested his brother in Uttarakhand. The arrest follows widespread condemnation and protests over Khattar's remarks at an event in Goa.

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Maharashtra has witnessed 823 incidents of communal unrest since January this year, with demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb and the spread of distorted facts on social media fomenting fresh trouble. Districts like Nandurbar, Pune (Rural), Ratnagiri, Sangli, Beed, and Satara have seen communal unrest in recent days due to right-wing organizations' demands for the demolition of the Mughal emperor's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The state witnessed 4,836 Hindu-Muslim related communal crimes in 2024, with 170 incidents classified as cognisable and 3,106 as non-cognisable cases. The violence in Nagpur, triggered by protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, highlights the role of social media in spreading inflammatory content and instigating people. While the state has taken measures to curb the spread of misinformation, concerns remain over the impact on communities and the need for promoting peace and understanding.