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{{short description|Hindu organization}}
{{short description|Hindu fundamentalist organization}}
'''Abhinav Bharat''' is a [[far-right]] [[Hindu]] organization<ref name="MirrorExplodes">{{cite news|title=The Mirror Explodes: Hindu  is a reality, yet India refuses to utter its name|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?266145|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|date=Jul 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129100253/http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?266145|archive-date=29 November 2010|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/dear-rajnath-singh-hindu-is-exactly-the-word-for-abhinav-bharat-extremists-2375470.html|title=Hindu Abhinav Bharat}}</ref> founded by Retired Major of [[Indian Army]] Ramesh Upadhyay<ref name=di/><ref name=ndtv/><ref name=toi/> in 2006 in [[Pune]], [[Maharashtra]]. It has a large base in [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The organization is believed to be the revived form of the pre-Independence era [[Abhinav Bharat Society]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Mahan|first=Rajan|title=Abhinav Bharat under ATS scanner for '07 Ajmer blast|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/abhinav-bharat-under-ats-scanner-for-07-ajmer-blast-1925|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[NDTV]]|date=April 14, 2009}}</ref><ref name=ban>{{cite news|last=Jain|first=Bharti|title=Maharashtra government moves to ban Abhinav Bharat|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maharashtra-government-moves-to-ban-Abhinav-Bharat/articleshow/18700472.cms|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=Feb 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Home ministry turns down Maharashtra's plea to ban Abhinav Bharat|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Home-ministry-turns-down-Maharashtras-plea-to-ban-Abhinav-Bharat/articleshow/21978779.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2 March 2014}}</ref> The activities of the organisations came into sharp focus after Maharashtra [[Anti Terrorist Squad (India)|Anti Terrorist Squad]] (ATS) arrested its member for [[Malegaon blasts|Malegaon blast]] case.<ref>{{cite news|last=Naveen |first=P. |title=Malegaon blast: Focus on new outfits |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhopal/malegaon-blast-focus-on-new-outfits/article1-347406.aspx |access-date=2 May 2014 |newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]] |date=October 27, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503000011/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhopal/malegaon-blast-focus-on-new-outfits/article1-347406.aspx |archive-date=3 May 2014 }}</ref> It has no relationship to the [[Mumbai]]-based [[charitable trust]] of the same name.<ref name="The Indian Express">{{cite news|title=Mumbai trust wants Abhinav Bharat to change name|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/mumbai-trust-wants-abhinav-bharat-to-change-name/781166/|access-date=7 May 2014|date=Apr 25, 2011}}</ref>
'''Abhinav Bharat''' is a [[Hindu]] organization<ref name="MirrorExplodes">{{cite news|title=The Mirror Explodes: Hindu  is a reality, yet India refuses to utter its name|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?266145|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|date=Jul 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129100253/http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?266145|archive-date=29 November 2010|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/dear-rajnath-singh-hindu-is-exactly-the-word-for-abhinav-bharat-extremists-2375470.html|title=Hindu Abhinav Bharat}}</ref> founded by retired major of [[Indian Army]] Ramesh Upadhyay<ref name=di/><ref name=ndtv/><ref name=toi/> in 2006 in [[Pune]], India. It has a large base in [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The organization is believed to be the revived form of the pre-Independence era [[Abhinav Bharat Society]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Mahan|first=Rajan|title=Abhinav Bharat under ATS scanner for '07 Ajmer blast|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/abhinav-bharat-under-ats-scanner-for-07-ajmer-blast-1925|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[NDTV]]|date=April 14, 2009}}</ref><ref name=ban>{{cite news|last=Jain|first=Bharti|title=Maharashtra government moves to ban Abhinav Bharat|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maharashtra-government-moves-to-ban-Abhinav-Bharat/articleshow/18700472.cms|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=Feb 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Home ministry turns down Maharashtra's plea to ban Abhinav Bharat|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Home-ministry-turns-down-Maharashtras-plea-to-ban-Abhinav-Bharat/articleshow/21978779.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2 March 2014}}</ref> The activities of the organisations received widespread attention after Maharashtra [[Anti Terrorist Squad (India)|Anti Terrorist Squad]] (ATS) arrested its member for the [[Malegaon blasts|2006 Malegaon bombings]] case.<ref>{{cite news|last=Naveen |first=P. |title=Malegaon blast: Focus on new outfits |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhopal/malegaon-blast-focus-on-new-outfits/article1-347406.aspx |access-date=2 May 2014 |newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]] |date=October 27, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503000011/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhopal/malegaon-blast-focus-on-new-outfits/article1-347406.aspx |archive-date=3 May 2014 }}</ref> It has no relationship to the [[Mumbai]]-based [[charitable trust]] of the same name.<ref name="The Indian Express">{{cite news|title=Mumbai trust wants Abhinav Bharat to change name|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/mumbai-trust-wants-abhinav-bharat-to-change-name/781166/|access-date=7 May 2014|date=Apr 25, 2011}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Abhinav Bharat was named after the [[Abhinav Bharat Society]], an organisation founded by [[Vinayak Damodar Savarkar]] in 1904. The original organization believed in armed revolution, and was responsible for the assassinations of some officers of the ruling British government before being disbanded in 1952.<ref name="Jaffrelot 2010">{{cite journal|last1=Jaffrelot|first1=Christophe|title=Abhinav Bharat, the Malegaon Blast and Hindu Nationalism: Resisting and Emulating Islamist Terrorism|journal=Economic & Political Weekly|date=4 September 2010|volume=45|issue=36}}</ref>
Abhinav Bharat was named after the [[Abhinav Bharat Society]], an organisation founded by [[Vinayak Damodar Savarkar]] in 1904. The original organization believed in armed revolution, and was responsible for the assassinations of some officers of the ruling British government before being disbanded in 1952.<ref name="Jaffrelot 2010">{{cite journal|last1=Jaffrelot|first1=Christophe|title=Abhinav Bharat, the Malegaon Blast and Hindu Nationalism: Resisting and Emulating Islamist Terrorism|journal=Economic & Political Weekly|date=4 September 2010|volume=45|issue=36}}</ref>


The current Abhinav Bharat was founded in 2006 by Retired Major of Indian Army Ramesh Upadhyay<ref name=di>[https://darkindia.wordpress.com/history-of-lt-col-involved-in-bomb-blasts/?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C6138879874 History of LT COL involved in Bomb Blasts]</ref><ref name=ndtv>[http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/who-is-shrikant-purohit-449785?site=full Who is Shrikant Purohit]</ref> and Lt.Col.Prasad Shrikant Purohit.<ref name=toi>{{cite news|title=Mutalik used Abhinav Bharat funds for business|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Mutalik-used-Abhinav-Bharat-funds-for-business/articleshow/7422155.cms|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=Feb 4, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=10 Facts About Lt Col Purohit, Main Accused In 2008 Malegaon Blast Case|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/10-facts-about-lt-col-purohit-main-accused-in-2008-malegaon-blast-case-1740028|access-date=2020-12-23|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The first few meetings of the new group took place in 2007.<ref name="Jaffrelot 2010"/> [[Himani Savarkar]], the niece of [[Nathuram Godse]] and the wife of Vinayak Savarkar's nephew, was elected president of the group in 2008.<ref name="Jaffrelot 2010"/> During the first few meetings of the organisation, the members discussed the idea that Hinduism was in danger, and needed to be defended.<ref name="Jaffrelot 2010"/> In 2008, several of its members were arrested on the suspicion of being involved in the [[2006 Malegaon bombings]], and its official website was closed down.<ref>{{cite news|last=Haygunde|first=Chandan|title=Abhinav Bharat's site shut|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/abhinav-bharat-s-site-shut/378725/|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=Oct 28, 2008}}</ref>
The current Abhinav Bharat was founded in 2006 by retired major of Indian Army Ramesh Upadhyay<ref name=di>[https://darkindia.wordpress.com/history-of-lt-col-involved-in-bomb-blasts/?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C6138879874 History of LT COL involved in Bomb Blasts]</ref><ref name=ndtv>[http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/who-is-shrikant-purohit-449785?site=full Who is Shrikant Purohit]</ref> and lieutenant-colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit.<ref name=toi>{{cite news|title=Mutalik used Abhinav Bharat funds for business|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Mutalik-used-Abhinav-Bharat-funds-for-business/articleshow/7422155.cms|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=Feb 4, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=10 Facts About Lt Col Purohit, Main Accused In 2008 Malegaon Blast Case|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/10-facts-about-lt-col-purohit-main-accused-in-2008-malegaon-blast-case-1740028|access-date=2020-12-23|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The first few meetings of the new group took place in 2007.<ref name="Jaffrelot 2010"/> [[Himani Savarkar]], the niece of [[Nathuram Godse]] and the wife of Vinayak Savarkar's nephew, was elected president of the group in 2008.<ref name="Jaffrelot 2010"/> During the first few meetings of the organisation, the members discussed the idea that Hinduism was in danger, and needed to be defended.<ref name="Jaffrelot 2010"/> In 2008, several of its members were arrested on the suspicion of being involved in the 2006 Malegaon bombings, and its official website was closed down.<ref>{{cite news|last=Haygunde|first=Chandan|title=Abhinav Bharat's site shut|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/abhinav-bharat-s-site-shut/378725/|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=Oct 28, 2008}}</ref>


==Relationship with Sangh Parivar groups==
==Relationship with Sangh Parivar groups==


[[Sangh Parivar]] representatives have distanced themselves from Abhinav Bharat (AB).<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Sangh_distances_itself_from_Malegaon/articleshow/3687599.cms |title=Sangh distances itself from Malegaon episode - The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2008-11-08 |access-date=2014-04-15}}</ref> Dr. [[Praveen Togadia]], the former head of the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad|VHP]], fears that Abhinav Bharat is weaning away radicals from the VHP, from where much of the Abhinav Bharat membership originates.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Togadia_alarmed_by_Lt-Cols_rise/articleshow/3683348.cms |title=Togadia alarmed by Lt-Col's rise? - The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2008-11-07 |access-date=2014-04-15}}</ref> Among these included Sameer Kulkarni, the points-man for Abhinav Bharat in [[Madhya Pradesh]], who was expelled from the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] in June 2008 for not following protocol within the organization.<ref name="expressindia.com">{{cite news|title=Abhinav Bharat was 'hijacked' by hardliners: probe|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/abhinav-bharat-was--hijacked--by-hardliners-probe/380249/|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|date=Nov 2, 2008}}</ref> Abhinav Bharat has also been accused of plotting to kill senior [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] leaders including [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] Chief [[Mohan Bhagwat]] who they thought weren't doing enough for Hindutva.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/blast-accused-wanted-to-kill-saffron-leaders/story-A5i81qIFrFIxb6Bw4RYbJO.html |title=Blast accused wanted to kill saffron leaders |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2008-11-21 |access-date=2014-04-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Did-Abhinav-Bharat-plan-to-kill-RSS-chief/articleshow/6099750.cms |title=Did Abhinav Bharat plan to kill RSS chief? - The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2010-06-28 |access-date=2014-04-15}}</ref>
[[Sangh Parivar]] representatives have distanced themselves from Abhinav Bharat (AB).<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Sangh_distances_itself_from_Malegaon/articleshow/3687599.cms |title=Sangh distances itself from Malegaon episode - The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2008-11-08 |access-date=2014-04-15}}</ref> [[Praveen Togadia]], the former head of the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad|VHP]], fears that Abhinav Bharat is weaning away radicals from the VHP, from where much of the Abhinav Bharat membership originates.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Togadia_alarmed_by_Lt-Cols_rise/articleshow/3683348.cms |title=Togadia alarmed by Lt-Col's rise? - The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2008-11-07 |access-date=2014-04-15}}</ref> Among these included Sameer Kulkarni, the points-man for Abhinav Bharat in [[Madhya Pradesh]], who was expelled from the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] in June 2008 for not following protocol within the organization.<ref name="expressindia.com">{{cite news|title=Abhinav Bharat was 'hijacked' by hardliners: probe|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/abhinav-bharat-was--hijacked--by-hardliners-probe/380249/|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|date=Nov 2, 2008}}</ref> Abhinav Bharat has also been accused of plotting to kill senior [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] leaders including RSS Chief [[Mohan Bhagwat]] who they thought weren't doing enough for [[Hindutva]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/blast-accused-wanted-to-kill-saffron-leaders/story-A5i81qIFrFIxb6Bw4RYbJO.html |title=Blast accused wanted to kill saffron leaders |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2008-11-21 |access-date=2014-04-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Did-Abhinav-Bharat-plan-to-kill-RSS-chief/articleshow/6099750.cms |title=Did Abhinav Bharat plan to kill RSS chief? - The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2010-06-28 |access-date=2014-04-15}}</ref>


[[The Caravan]] news magazine conducted interviews of [[Swami Aseemanand]] to publish an exclusive profile,<ref>{{cite news |author=Leena Gita Reghunath |title=The Believer: Swami Aseemanand's radical service to the Sangh |newspaper=Caravan |date=1 February 2014 |url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reportage/believer |access-date=2014-12-10}}</ref> in which he named RSS chief [[Mohan Bhagwat]] in relation to [[2007 Samjhauta Express bombings]], [[Ajmer Dargah attack]] and [[Mecca Masjid bombing]]. Later, [[Swami Aseemanand]] called the magazine article "fabricated" and threatened to launch legal action against the Caravan journalist. However, the Caravan defended its report and released tape recordings and transcripts of the interviews.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aseemanand threatens to launch legal action against The Caravan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/aseemanand-threatens-to-launch-legal-action-against-the-caravan/article5666565.ece|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=February 8, 2014}}</ref><ref name=Caravan>{{cite news |author=Leena Gita Reghunath |title=Swami Aseemanand interviews |newspaper=Outlook |date=8 February 2014 |url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/swami-aseemanand-interviews |access-date=2014-12-10}}</ref> [[National Investigation Agency]] (NIA), which is probing the case against Aseemanand, said he never named any RSS leader during questioning. The RSS, too, has rubbished the allegations. The Indian [[Home Minister]] [[Sushilkumar Shinde]] seems to believe the report.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aseemanand's revelation on RSS chief: NIA denies it, Sushilkumar Shinde buys it|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aseemanand-revelation-on-rss-chief-nia-denies-it-shinde-buys-\\it/1/342004.html|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[India Today]]|date=February 6, 2014 }}</ref>
[[The Caravan]] news magazine conducted interviews of [[Swami Aseemanand]] to publish an exclusive profile,<ref>{{cite news |author=Leena Gita Reghunath |title=The Believer: Swami Aseemanand's radical service to the Sangh |newspaper=Caravan |date=1 February 2014 |url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reportage/believer |access-date=2014-12-10}}</ref> in which he named RSS chief [[Mohan Bhagwat]] in relation to [[2007 Samjhauta Express bombings]], [[Ajmer Dargah attack]] and [[Mecca Masjid bombing]]. Later, Swami Aseemanand called the magazine article "fabricated" and threatened to launch legal action against the Caravan journalist. However, the Caravan defended its report and released tape recordings and transcripts of the interviews.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aseemanand threatens to launch legal action against The Caravan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/aseemanand-threatens-to-launch-legal-action-against-the-caravan/article5666565.ece|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=February 8, 2014}}</ref><ref name=Caravan>{{cite news |author=Leena Gita Reghunath |title=Swami Aseemanand interviews |newspaper=Outlook |date=8 February 2014 |url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/swami-aseemanand-interviews |access-date=2014-12-10}}</ref> [[National Investigation Agency]] (NIA), which is probing the case against Aseemanand, said he never named any RSS leader during questioning. The RSS, too, has rubbished the allegations. The Indian [[Home Minister]] [[Sushilkumar Shinde]] seems to believe the report.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aseemanand's revelation on RSS chief: NIA denies it, Sushilkumar Shinde buys it|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aseemanand-revelation-on-rss-chief-nia-denies-it-shinde-buys-\\it/1/342004.html|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[India Today]]|date=February 6, 2014 }}</ref>


==Allegations of involvement in bombings==
==Allegations of involvement in bombings==


Following the arrest and investigation of Abhinav Bharat members [[Swami Aseemanand]], Lt Col Shrikant Purohit, [[Pragya Singh Thakur|Sadhvi Pragya Thakur]], Lokesh Sharma, Kamal Chauhan, Sunil Joshi and Rajendra Choudhary in connection with the [[2006 Malegaon blasts]],<ref>{{cite news|title=ATS may arrest Abhinav Bharat leader today|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ATS-may-arrest-Abhinav-Bharat-leader-today/articleshow/3733665.cms|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> the organization has been investigated for its alleged role in [[2007 Samjhauta Express bombings]], [[29 September 2008 western India bombings|Malegaon blasts]], [[Mecca Masjid bombing]], [[Ajmer Sharif Dargah blast]] and Jalna mosque bomb attack. In all these bombings 147 people were killed.<ref name=ban /><ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Narco_test_to_be_carried_on_Abhinav_Bharat_activist/articleshow/3696561.cms | work=The Times Of India | title=Narco test to be carried on Abhinav Bharat activist | date=10 November 2008}}</ref> Anti-Terrorism Squad Investigations have revealed that serving and retired army officers associated with Abhinav Bharat hijacked the organisation and motivated the youth to take up armed struggle against Muslims.<ref name="expressindia.com"/> [[Swapan Dasgupta]] notes that the group seemed little more "than a letterhead or part of a fantasy world".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/malegaon-to-mangalore/415982/1 |title=Malegaon to Mangalore|publisher= Indian Express |date=28 January 2009}}</ref>
Following the arrest and investigation of Abhinav Bharat members Swami Aseemanand, Shrikant Purohit, [[Pragya Singh Thakur|Sadhvi Pragya Thakur]], Lokesh Sharma, Kamal Chauhan, Sunil Joshi and Rajendra Choudhary in connection with the 2006 Malegaon blasts,<ref>{{cite news|title=ATS may arrest Abhinav Bharat leader today|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ATS-may-arrest-Abhinav-Bharat-leader-today/articleshow/3733665.cms|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> the organization has been investigated for its alleged role in [[2007 Samjhauta Express bombings]], [[29 September 2008 western India bombings|Malegaon blasts]], [[Mecca Masjid bombing]], [[Ajmer Sharif Dargah blast]] and Jalna mosque bomb attack. In all these bombings 147 people were killed.<ref name=ban /><ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Narco_test_to_be_carried_on_Abhinav_Bharat_activist/articleshow/3696561.cms | work=The Times Of India | title=Narco test to be carried on Abhinav Bharat activist | date=10 November 2008}}</ref> Anti-Terrorism Squad Investigations have revealed that serving and retired army officers associated with Abhinav Bharat hijacked the organisation and motivated the youth to take up armed struggle against Muslims.<ref name="expressindia.com"/> [[Swapan Dasgupta]] notes that the group seemed little more "than a letterhead or part of a fantasy world".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/malegaon-to-mangalore/415982/1 |title=Malegaon to Mangalore|publisher= Indian Express |date=28 January 2009}}</ref>


Praveen Mutalik, who was arrested for his alleged role in the [[29 September 2008 western India bombings|2008 Malegaon blasts]], is alleged to have received more than [[Indian rupee|Rs]] 300,000 from [[Abhinav Bharat|Prasad Shrikant Purohit]], a co-founder of the Abhinav Bharat.<ref name=toi/> [[Anti Terrorist Squad (India)]] has alleged that Ajay Rahirkar the treasurer of Abhinav Bharat received [[Indian rupee|Rs]] 1 million from various [[Hawala scandal|Hawala]] sources.<ref>{{cite news|title=Abhinav Bharat treasurer may have received hawala money|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Abhinav-Bharat-treasurer-may-have-received-hawala-money/articleshow/3696566.cms|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=Nov 10, 2008}}</ref>
Praveen Mutalik, who was arrested for his alleged role in the [[29 September 2008 western India bombings|2008 Malegaon blasts]], is alleged to have received more than [[Indian rupee|Rs]] 300,000 from Prasad Shrikant Purohit, a co-founder of the Abhinav Bharat.<ref name=toi/> [[Anti Terrorist Squad (India)]] has alleged that Ajay Rahirkar the treasurer of Abhinav Bharat received [[Indian rupee|Rs]] 1 million from various ''[[hawala]]'' sources.<ref>{{cite news|title=Abhinav Bharat treasurer may have received hawala money|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Abhinav-Bharat-treasurer-may-have-received-hawala-money/articleshow/3696566.cms|access-date=3 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=Nov 10, 2008}}</ref>
 
==See also==
 
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abhinav.bharat Abhinav Bharat App]


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Hindutva]]
[[Category:Hindutva]]
[[Category:Religiously motivated violence in India]]
[[Category:Religiously motivated violence in India]]
[[Category:Anti-Islam sentiment in Asia]]
[[Category:Hinduism-motivated violence in India]]
[[Category:Hinduism-motivated violence in India]]
[[Category:Nationalist terrorism]]
[[Category:Nationalist terrorism]]
[[Category:Far-right politics in India]]
[[Category:Far-right politics in India]]
[[Category:Militant Hindu groups]]
[[Category:Militant Hindu groups]]

Revision as of 18:58, 12 June 2022


Abhinav Bharat is a Hindu organization[1][2] founded by retired major of Indian Army Ramesh Upadhyay[3][4][5] in 2006 in Pune, India. It has a large base in Madhya Pradesh. The organization is believed to be the revived form of the pre-Independence era Abhinav Bharat Society.[6][7][8] The activities of the organisations received widespread attention after Maharashtra Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested its member for the 2006 Malegaon bombings case.[9] It has no relationship to the Mumbai-based charitable trust of the same name.[10]

History

Abhinav Bharat was named after the Abhinav Bharat Society, an organisation founded by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1904. The original organization believed in armed revolution, and was responsible for the assassinations of some officers of the ruling British government before being disbanded in 1952.[11]

The current Abhinav Bharat was founded in 2006 by retired major of Indian Army Ramesh Upadhyay[3][4] and lieutenant-colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit.[5][12] The first few meetings of the new group took place in 2007.[11] Himani Savarkar, the niece of Nathuram Godse and the wife of Vinayak Savarkar's nephew, was elected president of the group in 2008.[11] During the first few meetings of the organisation, the members discussed the idea that Hinduism was in danger, and needed to be defended.[11] In 2008, several of its members were arrested on the suspicion of being involved in the 2006 Malegaon bombings, and its official website was closed down.[13]

Relationship with Sangh Parivar groups

Sangh Parivar representatives have distanced themselves from Abhinav Bharat (AB).[14] Praveen Togadia, the former head of the VHP, fears that Abhinav Bharat is weaning away radicals from the VHP, from where much of the Abhinav Bharat membership originates.[15] Among these included Sameer Kulkarni, the points-man for Abhinav Bharat in Madhya Pradesh, who was expelled from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in June 2008 for not following protocol within the organization.[16] Abhinav Bharat has also been accused of plotting to kill senior RSS leaders including RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat who they thought weren't doing enough for Hindutva.[17][18]

The Caravan news magazine conducted interviews of Swami Aseemanand to publish an exclusive profile,[19] in which he named RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in relation to 2007 Samjhauta Express bombings, Ajmer Dargah attack and Mecca Masjid bombing. Later, Swami Aseemanand called the magazine article "fabricated" and threatened to launch legal action against the Caravan journalist. However, the Caravan defended its report and released tape recordings and transcripts of the interviews.[20][21] National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case against Aseemanand, said he never named any RSS leader during questioning. The RSS, too, has rubbished the allegations. The Indian Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde seems to believe the report.[22]

Allegations of involvement in bombings

Following the arrest and investigation of Abhinav Bharat members Swami Aseemanand, Shrikant Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, Lokesh Sharma, Kamal Chauhan, Sunil Joshi and Rajendra Choudhary in connection with the 2006 Malegaon blasts,[23] the organization has been investigated for its alleged role in 2007 Samjhauta Express bombings, Malegaon blasts, Mecca Masjid bombing, Ajmer Sharif Dargah blast and Jalna mosque bomb attack. In all these bombings 147 people were killed.[7][24] Anti-Terrorism Squad Investigations have revealed that serving and retired army officers associated with Abhinav Bharat hijacked the organisation and motivated the youth to take up armed struggle against Muslims.[16] Swapan Dasgupta notes that the group seemed little more "than a letterhead or part of a fantasy world".[25]

Praveen Mutalik, who was arrested for his alleged role in the 2008 Malegaon blasts, is alleged to have received more than Rs 300,000 from Prasad Shrikant Purohit, a co-founder of the Abhinav Bharat.[5] Anti Terrorist Squad (India) has alleged that Ajay Rahirkar the treasurer of Abhinav Bharat received Rs 1 million from various hawala sources.[26]

References

  1. ↑ "The Mirror Explodes: Hindu is a reality, yet India refuses to utter its name". Outlook. 19 July 2010. Archived from the original on 29 November 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  2. ↑ "Hindu Abhinav Bharat".
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 History of LT COL involved in Bomb Blasts
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Who is Shrikant Purohit
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Mutalik used Abhinav Bharat funds for business". The Times of India. Feb 4, 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  6. ↑ Mahan, Rajan (April 14, 2009). "Abhinav Bharat under ATS scanner for '07 Ajmer blast". NDTV. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Jain, Bharti (Feb 27, 2013). "Maharashtra government moves to ban Abhinav Bharat". The Times of India. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  8. ↑ "Home ministry turns down Maharashtra's plea to ban Abhinav Bharat". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  9. ↑ Naveen, P. (October 27, 2008). "Malegaon blast: Focus on new outfits". The Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 3 May 2014. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  10. ↑ "Mumbai trust wants Abhinav Bharat to change name". Apr 25, 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Jaffrelot, Christophe (4 September 2010). "Abhinav Bharat, the Malegaon Blast and Hindu Nationalism: Resisting and Emulating Islamist Terrorism". Economic & Political Weekly. 45 (36).
  12. ↑ "10 Facts About Lt Col Purohit, Main Accused In 2008 Malegaon Blast Case". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  13. ↑ Haygunde, Chandan (Oct 28, 2008). "Abhinav Bharat's site shut". The Indian Express. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  14. ↑ "Sangh distances itself from Malegaon episode - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2008-11-08. Retrieved 2014-04-15.
  15. ↑ "Togadia alarmed by Lt-Col's rise? - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2008-11-07. Retrieved 2014-04-15.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Abhinav Bharat was 'hijacked' by hardliners: probe". Indian Express. Nov 2, 2008. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  17. ↑ "Blast accused wanted to kill saffron leaders". Hindustan Times. 2008-11-21. Retrieved 2014-04-15.
  18. ↑ "Did Abhinav Bharat plan to kill RSS chief? - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2010-06-28. Retrieved 2014-04-15.
  19. ↑ Leena Gita Reghunath (1 February 2014). "The Believer: Swami Aseemanand's radical service to the Sangh". Caravan. Retrieved 2014-12-10.
  20. ↑ "Aseemanand threatens to launch legal action against The Caravan". The Hindu. February 8, 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  21. ↑ Leena Gita Reghunath (8 February 2014). "Swami Aseemanand interviews". Outlook. Retrieved 2014-12-10.
  22. ↑ "Aseemanand's revelation on RSS chief: NIA denies it, Sushilkumar Shinde buys it". India Today. February 6, 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  23. ↑ "ATS may arrest Abhinav Bharat leader today". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  24. ↑ "Narco test to be carried on Abhinav Bharat activist". The Times Of India. 10 November 2008.
  25. ↑ "Malegaon to Mangalore". Indian Express. 28 January 2009.
  26. ↑ "Abhinav Bharat treasurer may have received hawala money". The Times of India. Nov 10, 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
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