As violence continues to simmer in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Trinamool Congress MP and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan has come under sharp criticism for an Instagram post showing him enjoying tea during the ongoing unrest.

The unrest has claimed three lives, prompting the Calcutta High Court to intervene by ordering deployment of central forces to maintain law and order. Amidst this tense atmosphere, Mr. Pathan’s post — which reads, “Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment” — has sparked outrage, especially on social media, for its perceived insensitivity.

Controversy over timing, silence amid violence

Though the violence-hit areas — including Suti, Dhuliya, and Samserganj — do not fall directly within Yusuf Pathan’s Baharampur constituency, they are within close proximity, around 80 km away. Critics argue that as a local MP from the region, Pathan’s public silence and seemingly relaxed post are inappropriate given the gravity of the situation.

Social media users questioned the MP’s response, with one user asking, “Do you have any shame?” The post, shared two days ago, has remained live without any clarification or comment from Mr. Pathan at the time of reporting.

Political criticism from across parties

The BJP has strongly condemned the MP’s actions, linking his post to the broader allegations against the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government for not addressing the violence swiftly. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said on social media: “Bengal is burning… Meanwhile Yusuf Pathan sips tea and soaks in the moment as Hindus get slaughtered. This is TMC.”

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Leaders and supporters from Left parties have also criticised Yusuf Pathan, adding to the cross-party pressure on the MP.

In response to the ongoing situation, the Calcutta High Court said it “cannot turn a blind eye” and ordered the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad. The court observed that vandalism had prima facie taken place and that Constitutional Courts cannot be mute spectators when public safety is under threat.

Yusuf Pathan, a former India all-rounder and brother of cricketer Irfan Pathan, was elected MP from Baharampur in 2024, defeating senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. His selection by TMC had raised eyebrows due to his non-native background, with critics pointing out that he was based in Baroda, Gujarat.

The ongoing controversy over his social media post, along with his silence during the violent unrest, has further intensified public scrutiny of his role and responsiveness as a first-time parliamentarian.

A special team of the Coimbatore City Police apprehended John Jebaraj, a 37-year-old pastor of Kings Generation Church on Cross Cut Road, late Saturday, April 12, in Munnar, Kerala.

Jebaraj, accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls, was brought to Coimbatore early Sunday and remanded in judicial custody until April 25 after appearing before a judge.

The allegations stem from an incident on May 21, 2024, when Jebaraj allegedly assaulted two girls, aged 17 and 14, during a party at his Coimbatore residence. Following a complaint lodged by one of the survivors at the All Women Police Station, Coimbatore Central, a week ago, Jebaraj was charged under Sections 9(l)(m) (aggravated sexual assault) and 10 (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Jebaraj had been evading arrest for nearly a week, prompting City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar to form three special teams led by Assistant Commissioner T.H. Ganesh to track him down.

A lookout notice was also issued to prevent him from fleeing the country. Acting on credible intelligence, a team headed by Inspector R. Arjun Kumar located Jebaraj in Munnar, Idukki district, and took him into custody.

Known for his Christian devotional songs and live performances, Jebaraj, associated with Levi Ministries, has a significant social media following. The 37-year-old pastor arrested for the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls, is a prominent figure in gospel music and ministry, boasting a substantial online following across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

His Kings Generation Church on Cross Cut Road in Coimbatore also enjoys an active social media presence, regularly posting updates, event highlights, and snippets of services to engage its community.

A fresh political storm has gripped Tamil Nadu after the announcement of a renewed alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

Reacting sharply to the development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the AIADMK of aligning with the BJP out of fear, suggesting the move was motivated by concerns over possible Enforcement Directorate (ED) action.

The BJP swiftly countered the criticism, asserting that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) would be ousted from power in the next election cycle. Party leaders claimed the people of Tamil Nadu were ready for a change in leadership.

Meanwhile, TVK Chief Vijay expressed skepticism over the significance of the BJP-AIADMK tie-up, calling it merely an “eye wash.” He asserted that the real electoral contest in 2026 would be between his party and the DMK, effectively downplaying the relevance of the newly announced alliance.

As political narratives begin to shape the lead-up to the 2026 elections, the BJP-AIADMK coalition has already stirred strong responses across party lines, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle in the state.