Sun Mar 29 00:04:05 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Controversy Erupts in Shimla Over Foreign Student’s Temple Visits
The Story:
A foreign student from Bangladesh is under scrutiny in Shimla after a complaint was filed by the Hindu Raksha Manch alleging the student, identifying as transgender, was visiting religious sites, including the Jakhu temple and Kali Bari, while disguised as an “eunuch” and soliciting money. Police investigated the claims and found the student possessed valid legal documents and no evidence of extortion. However, the incident has ignited a political firestorm between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.
Key Points:
- The complaint was lodged by the Hindu Raksha Manch, alleging the student was a “Bangladeshi Muslim” extorting devotees.
- The Shimla SP, Gaurav Singh, confirmed the individual is a Bangladeshi national from Rajshahi and a journalism student at a private university.
- The student identifies as transgender and stated the temple visits were related to worshipping Goddess Kali.
- Police found no evidence of extortion and confirmed the student’s passport, visa, and other documents were valid and authentic.
- Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur (BJP) criticized the situation as an “intelligence failure” and questioned the legality of the student’s activities on a student visa.
Key Takeaways:
- The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious spaces and the potential for misinterpretations based on cultural differences.
- The rapid politicization of the event underscores the existing tensions between political parties in Himachal Pradesh.
- The case raises questions about the monitoring and understanding of foreign students’ activities, especially those from potentially sensitive regions.
- The incident may fuel further scrutiny of foreign nationals residing in India, particularly those from Bangladesh or Muslim-majority countries.
First Piper 