Kolkata, Dec 21 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday refrained from seeking an extension of custody for West Bengal's multi-crore cash-for-school-job case prime accused Sujay Krishna Bhadra.

The CBI took custody of Trinamool Congress leader Bhadra on Wednesday morning and the term expired on Saturday following which he was presented at a special court in Kolkata.

However, to the surprise of many, the CBI counsel did not seek the extension of his custody and sought that he be taken into judicial custody.

The CBI counsel informed the court that since being taken into custody, Bhadra had been refusing to consume food and even medicines prescribed for him. As a result of this, he developed certain medical complications, the central agency counsel informed the court.

The counsel of Bhadra moved the bail petition on behalf of his client and also argued on those lines.

However, the CBI counsel opposed the bail plea, claiming that if released on bail, he might try to influence important witnesses in the case.

The special court subsequently turned down the bail plea and instead sent Bhadra to judicial custody.

At the same time, the CBI also informed the court that during the last three days of custody, Bhadra refused to cooperate with the investigating officers and answer their queries on the school job case.

Bhadra is supposed to be presented at a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata on Monday when the charge framing in the Enforcement Directorate (ED)-registered case in the same matter is supposed to happen. He is one of 54 named as accused in the charge sheet filed by the ED in the matter and the other important name in that list is the former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Secretary General Partha Chatterjee.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Dec 21 (IANS) Nine people, including two children and three students were killed in separate road accidents reported from Bengaluru Rural and Mandya districts in Karnataka on Saturday.

In the first incident, six persons were killed on the spot on the Bengaluru-Pune National Highway-4 near Taalekere village, close to T. Begur near Nelamangala town on the outskirts of Bengaluru. A container truck overturned and crushed their car.

All six victims, travelling in the car, were from the same family, including two children. The deceased were identified as Yagappa Gol (48), Gowra Bai (42), Deeksha (12), Jaan (16), Vijayalaxmi (36), and Ayra (6). All were residents of Vijayapura district.

The police stated that the family was on a weekend trip when the tragic accident occurred. The incident happened after the truck driver lost control over the vehicle, causing it to overturn and crush the car.

The crash also caused a 10-kilometer-long traffic jam on the national highway. The impact was so severe that three cranes were required to move the container and retrieve the bodies trapped underneath. The family had purchased the car just six months ago.

Speaking to the media, the truck driver, Arif, who is undergoing treatment at the hospital, claimed the accident happened while he was trying to avoid hitting a car ahead of him.

“I was driving towards Bengaluru from Dabaspet town. While trying to avoid crashing into the car in front of me, my truck crossed the divider and overturned. The accident happened because of the car ahead. I am deeply pained by the incident. I couldn’t remember anything immediately after the accident. When I regained consciousness, the car was under the truck,” he explained.

In another accident, three students were killed and another was critically injured on National Highway 209 near Bosegowdanadoddi, close to Mandya city, on Saturday.

The deceased were identified as Pranav, Akash, and Adarsh, while Pruthvi is in critical condition.

The victims were travelling from Bengaluru to the tourist spot Talakadu in Mysuru district. According to police, the accident occurred when their car, after overtaking an RTC bus, collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction. The incident occurred within the Malavalli police station limits.

--IANS

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Chennai, Dec 21 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is planning to introduce thermal drones for night-time surveillance to track wild elephants and prevent them from entering human settlements.

Officials believe this system will enable forest staff to monitor elephant movements from a safe distance and alert residents in advance.

According to officials, elephants often leave forests at night and venture into human habitation across the forest ranges, causing conflicts. With the new system, drones will detect elephant movements, and announcements will be made from Forest Department vehicles equipped with Bluetooth-connected speakers.

These vehicles will also emit loud noises to scare the animals back into the forest.

A senior official said that a few companies have already demonstrated drone operations and the department will soon finalise a vendor.

Currently, this system is being implemented in the Hosur Forest Division, where it has shown promising results.

The department is also planning to procure AI-enabled cameras to monitor elephant movements, further reducing human-animal conflict.

Recent data submitted in the Lok Sabha highlights the urgency of such measures. Over the past five years, 256 people have died due to human-elephant conflicts in Tamil Nadu, including 61 deaths in 2023-24 alone.

For instance, on December 17, a man named Chandran, 62, succumbed to injuries sustained during an elephant attack at Gajam Mudi Estate in Valpara.

The attack, which occurred on November 10, injured four people, including Chandran.

Meanwhile, the wild elephant population in Tamil Nadu has risen to 3,063, as per the latest synchronized census conducted between May 23 and 25, 2024, in coordination with neighbouring states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. This marks an increase of over 100 elephants compared to the previous census in 2023.

Officials have stated that Tamil Nadu’s forests can sustain an elephant population of approximately 3,000 to 3,500. Currently, the population is stable and healthy.

The Nilgiri Elephant Reserve and Coimbatore Elephant Reserve hosts the highest density of elephants among the five reserves in the state. The Forest Department hopes that the combination of thermal drones, AI-enabled cameras, and other measures will reduce negative interactions between humans and elephants, ensuring safety for both.

--IANS

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Chennai, Dec 21 (IANS) A 26-year-old youth, who squandered his mother's cancer treatment fund on online rummy game, tragically ended his life.

Police identified the youth as Akash, a catering delivery worker who started playing online rummy during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently became addicted to it.

He used to live with his mother, a cancer patient, and his brother after the death of their father a few years ago.

Recently, Akash's mother found that Rs 30,000, which she had saved for her cancer treatment, was missing.

Upon questioning, Akash admitted that he had used the money to play online games.

After being scolded by his mother and brother, Akash went missing from their home on Friday evening, taking his mobile phone with him.

The family searched for him at the homes of close friends but was unable to locate him.

On Saturday morning, his body was found on the terrace of their residence.

The Kottupuram Police in Chennai have registered a case and begun an investigation.

Over the past four years, 48 people have committed suicide in Tamil Nadu due to addiction to online betting apps and online loan frauds.

The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) had earlier announced its intention to take strict action against those promoting online gambling and betting apps in the state.

Citizens are encouraged to report online gambling activities or offer suggestions on regulating online games through www.tnonlinegamingauthority.com or via email at tnoga@tn.gov.in.

The TNOGA, 2022, prohibits online gambling, betting, and games of chance.

Violators face imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both. Financial institutions and payment gateways are also prohibited from facilitating transactions related to online gambling.

Additionally, the TNOGA Act bans advertisements promoting online gambling or games of chance in any form of media within Tamil Nadu.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president and former Union Minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, have called on the government to take stringent measures against online games like rummy, which are reportedly driving many youths to despair and suicide.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 21 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Parbhani on Monday to meet the family of a Dalit youth who died under mysterious circumstances while in judicial custody last week, officials said here on Saturday.

Rahul Gandhi will reach Nanded by a special flight on Monday afternoon and from there drive to Parbhani to the home of the youth, Somnath Vyankat Suryawanshi and condole his family members.

Suryawanshi, 35, hailing from the Wadar community, was arrested in the violent incidents that ensued after the desecration of a statue of Dr B. R. Ambedkar near Parbhani Railway Station on December 10, by one ‘mentally disturbed’ person named Sopan Pawar.

After the violence, a tense shutdown was observed in Parbhani, while the local police swooped down and detained/arrested around 300 persons, mostly Dalits, including Suryawanshi on December 12.

Barely 72 hours later, he was found dead in judicial custody, sparking a massive furore with the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT), Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), CPI (Marxist), Republican Party of India (A), Republican Sena, Republican Party of India (K), and many other Dalit groups slamming the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party MahaYuti regime for the incident.

Following the uproar inside the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur and outside, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced compensation for the bereaved family, ordered a judicial probe and appointed a Special Investigation Team of the police to get to the depth of the matter.

Earlier, the Parbhani Police had claimed that Suryawanshi had complained of chest pains and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

However, a provisional autopsy report from the Government Medical College, Aurangabad had stated that he succumbed to “shock following multiple injuries”, snowballing into a huge political row.

The MVA and Dalit leaders had vociferously alleged that he was brutally beaten by the police and had succumbed to grave injuries, as was later confirmed by the provisional post-mortem report of December 16.

--IANS

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Shivpuri, Dec 21 (IANS) Residents of Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh have been able to reduce their medical expenses through the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), thanks to a flagship initiative of the central government.

The Jan Aushadhi Kendras, established under the PMBJP scheme, provide high-quality medicines at rates 50-90 per cent cheaper than those at branded stores, ensuring affordability without compromise.

A Jan Aushadhi Kendra, located near Gurudwara Chowk in the Shivpuri district, has been giving benefits to hundreds of patients daily and has become a hub for affordable healthcare solutions, bringing smiles to the faces of countless residents.

Harsh Sharma, an operator of the Kendra, expressed gratitude to the government. "PM Modi has made medicines affordable for the common man. These centres offer medicines 50-90 per cent cheaper, a great relief for the general public," he told IANS.

Sharma stressed the need for more such centres and urged government doctors to prescribe medicines available at Jan Aushadhi Kendras to maximise the scheme's benefits.

Speaking to IANS, Radha Vallabh Sharma, a beneficiary, shared his appreciation, saying, "This scheme is a blessing for those who couldn't afford costly medicines earlier. It has made healthcare accessible to all."

Another beneficiary, Divyanshu Verma, echoed similar sentiments. "The initiative is a boon for the underprivileged. Medicines here are 70-80 per cent cheaper than the market," he said.

Jitu Soni, another local resident, praised the scheme as "commendable," noting its significant impact on the lives of the poor. He expressed hope for more centres to open in Shivpuri, which currently has three operational Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

The affordable medicine initiative has created a sense of relief and optimism among residents. Many have expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for this transformative scheme that addresses one of the most pressing issues -- healthcare affordability.

The Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Shivpuri is a testament to the PMBJP's success in bridging the gap between quality healthcare and affordability, offering a model that could benefit millions nationwide.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday slammed the Opposition for allegedly "stalling" parliamentary proceedings by "spreading lies" and engaging in "undemocratic talks."

Manjhi's remarks come in the wake of the INDIA bloc demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's apology and resignation over his comments on Dr B.R. Ambedkar during a speech in Parliament commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.

Defending HM Shah, Manjhi, speaking to IANS, said, "The Home Minister did not use any derogatory language. He merely cautioned the Opposition to stop invoking Ambedkar's name superficially and instead honour his legacy through concrete actions."

The Union Minister praised the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in upholding Dr Ambedkar's legacy.

"We have truly honoured Dr Ambedkar by awarding him the Bharat Ratna, creating five memorials in his name, reclaiming his mortgaged heritage property in England, and showcasing it to the world with pride," he told IANS.

"While we are preserving his legacy with tangible actions, the Opposition merely indulges in accusations and rhetoric without basis," he added.

Manjhi also accused the Opposition of derailing the parliamentary process.

"They have no issues of any substance. By resorting to lies and undemocratic practices, they have stalled the Parliament. While they claim we are disrespecting Ambedkar, we are the ones actively honouring Ambedkar's vision. The Opposition has no valid issue; it's all baseless," he said.

Meanwhile, The INDIA bloc, on the other hand, intensified its protests against HM Shah's remarks, organising nationwide marches on Friday. The alliance termed Shah's statements as "derogatory" and "unacceptable."

The protests also targeted the recent FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling it a "diversionary tactic" by the BJP to shift attention from the controversy surrounding the Home Minister's comments.

As the political standoff continues, the BJP has maintained that the Opposition's protests lack substance, while the INDIA bloc insists on an apology from HM Shah, further fueling tensions.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited everyone to Gujarat's famous Rann Utsav, which will go on till March 2025.

Promising an unforgettable experience to hodophiles, PM Modi attached a video capturing the beauty of Kutch and wrote in a post on social media platform X, "Kutch awaits you all! Come, discover the pristine White Rann, the spectacular culture and warm hospitality of Kutch during the ongoing Rann Utsav.”

"The festival, which goes on till March 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for you and your family," he wrote.

In a separate post on LinkedIn, PM Modi said, "The White Rann beckons! An unforgettable experience awaits! Come, immerse yourself in a unique mix of culture, history and breathtaking natural beauty!"

Apart from attaching pictures of his visit to Kutch, the post also carried a write-up titled 'Rann Utsav - A lifetime experience'.

He wrote, "On the westernmost edge of India lies Kutch, a mesmerising land with a vibrant heritage. Kutch is home to the iconic White Rann, a vast salt desert that gleams under the moonlight, offering an otherworldly experience. It is equally celebrated for its thriving arts and crafts. And, most importantly, it is home to the most hospitable people, proud of their roots and eager to engage with the world."

"Each year, the warm-hearted people of Kutch open their doors for the iconic Rann Utsav - a four-month-long vibrant celebration of the region’s uniqueness, breathtaking beauty and enduring spirit," he wrote.

"Through this post, I am extending my personal invitation to all of you, dynamic, hard-working professionals, and your families to visit Kutch and enjoy the Rann Utsav. This year's Rann Utsav, which commenced on December 1, will go on till February 28, 2025, wherein the tent city at Rann Utsav will be open till March 2025. I assure you all that Rann Utsav will be a lifetime experience," said PM Modi in his post.

In 2005, Rann Utsav was launched to tap into the previously unseen tourism potential of Kutch. It has grown into a vibrant tourism centre now. Rann Utsav has also received several domestic and international awards.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Dec 9 (IANS) A joint declaration was signed between the Israeli Foreign Ministry and Rajasthan's Water Resources Department to enhance international cooperation in the water sector on the inaugural day of the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024.

Additionally, a ‘Letter of Intent’ was also signed between the Government of Rajasthan and the Danish Embassy to collaborate on the revival of the Saraswati Paleochannel.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, addressed the session, emphasising the importance of water conservation. He stated that due to climate change, rainfall patterns have drastically changed, with some regions suffering from severe water scarcity while others face excess. To address these issues, he highlighted the need for efficient water management practices.

Shekhawat said that saving every drop of water is crucial for securing the future of upcoming generations. He further advocated for wastewater treatment, water recycling, and the reduction of irrigation water usage. The minister also praised Israel's successful water management technologies such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems.

Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat noted that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, Rajasthan is hosting this three-day conference to attract significant investments and contribute to the nation’s growth.

He assured that the state government is committed to ensuring water security for future generations, with ongoing initiatives such as the Revised PKC-Integrated ERCP, the Yamuna Water MoU, and the Dewas project.

Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department, Abhay Kumar, called for a collective effort to conserve and sustainably manage water resources, ensuring that every drop counts.

The session featured discussions among industry leaders, water resource experts, and other guests on the urgent need for sustainable water management in the face of climate change, rapid urbanisation, and increasing water demand.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 20 (IANS) Kareena Kapoor Khan played the perfect host and guardian at her son Taimur Ali Khan's eighth birthday bash.

The diva ensured the party was a delightful experience for the children while also taking responsibility for their safety, personally overseeing their rides home.

In a video circulating online, Kareena is seen coordinating the post-party arrangements. She can be heard asking, “You have a car, no?” ensuring each child was safely bundled up and accounted for before they left.

On Friday, doting parents Kareena and Saif hosted a vibrant sports-themed birthday party for their son Taimur. Several videos from the celebration surfaced online, showcasing Kareena and Saif engaging in fun activities with Taimur and his friends. One clip shows the couple at a lively playground surrounded by children. In the video, Yash Johar is seen chatting with Kareena, while little Jeh joyfully plays with his trophy.

Soha Ali Khan also shared an adorable video capturing Taimur’s playful moments and cherished memories with her daughter Inaaya. Along with the video, Soha penned a heartfelt note for little Tim on behalf of Inaaya, captioning the post, “From jumping on the bed to racing freestyle, we have come a long way – here’s to a lifetime of family, food, and prezzies!! Happy Birthday, Tim bhai.”

Yesterday, Kareena and Saif proudly supported their eldest son, Taimur, at his school’s annual day function. Kareena was seen cheering enthusiastically from the audience as Taimur performed on stage. In one viral video, the doting mom is seen recording her son's performance, beaming with pride. Kareena couldn’t help but sway to the music, smiling and clapping as she cheered for him, even waving from the audience at one point.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan welcomed Taimur in 2016. They are also proud parents to their younger son, Jeh.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 20 (IANS) Ben Schwartz, who is the voice behind Sonic the Hedgehog, has reflected on Team Sonic and their strengths. He went on to say that it is a bit like ‘Avengers’, but maybe more colourful.

Reflecting on Team Sonic and their unique strengths, Schwartz shared, “Team Sonic is Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. Sonic brings the speed and attitude, Tails brings the brains and flight, and Knuckles brings the brawn.”

He shared that they are best friends and support each other, which Schwartz said is a “big thing.”

“And they use their unique abilities to combine into one big force of kicking butt. A bit like the Avengers, but maybe more colourful.”

Talking about which Avengers characters he believes each member of Team Sonic resembles, Schwartz said: “Knuckles would be Hulk. Tails would be Iron Man because he’s got the know-how and inventing skills of Tony Stark.”

He said: “And because Sonic is so young and has such (a) great attitude, he’d be Spider-Man.”

Sonic, Knuckles and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.

“Sonic The Hedgehog” is set to release on January 3, 2025 in 2D and 4Dx.

Talking about Schwartz, he is best known for his recurring role as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on the series “Parks and Recreation”, “House of Lies”, and his voice roles as Randy Cunningham in “Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja”, Dewey Duck in “DuckTales”, and Leonardo in “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”.

His film career also includes roles in Peep World; Everybody's Fine; The Other Guys; Transformers: Age of Extinction; The Walk; This Is Where I Leave You; Standing Up, Falling Down; and Flora & Ulysses.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 20 (IANS) Sonakshi Sinha and her husband, Zaheer Khan, are currently holidaying in Australia. Among their many adventures, the actress shared a glimpse of their “epic dive day” at the Great Barrier Reef.

Sonakshi took to Instagram, where she shared a motley of pictures and videos featuring her and Zaheer, whom she first met at a party hosted by Bollywood star Salman Khan. In the images, the couple is seen sporting diving gear and posing for the camera ahead of the big jump.

In the second image, the two are seen listening to the instructions from their guide, whom the actress said helped them find “Nemo.” Other images and clips included their adventure under the water. In one video, the couple is seen dancing in the waters.

The last picture had the newly married couple posing for a selfie as they made it back into the yacht post their dive.

For the caption, she wrote: “EPIC Dive day at the Great Barrier Reef! Thank you to our amazing dive guide Chris @quicksilverdive who showed us the best spots, helped us find Nemo and made sure we had the best time!”

Talking about the Great Barrier Reef, it is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers.

It was on December 18, when Sonakshi and Zaheer, who got married in a civil ceremony under the Special Marriage Act on June 23, shared that they were travelling to ‘the next continent’ to celebrate the holiday season.

Zaheer, who made his debut in Hindi cinema with the 2019 movie “Notebook,” had shared a series of boomerang clips along with his wife Sonakshi. The two were seen looking at the camera while Sonakshi winked and Zaheer smiled.

“Off to the next Continent,” he wrote as the caption.

He had also shared another boomerang video, which he tagged as “Bye Mumbai” while making their way to the designated gate on the escalator.

The couple has been jetsetting to picturesque locales of Europe, including Milan and Rome.

They shared a series of their mushy clicks from the trip on Instagram and wrote, “Rome in a jiffy at the @anantarapalazzonaiadi! Cozy dinners with a view, a fun buggy ride through the city, and some mandatory sightseeing! Two days well spent!!”

Before getting married, the couple reportedly dated for almost seven years, starting in 2017, and lived together for a year. They were first seen together onscreen in the 2022 film "Double XL," revolving around two plus-size women, one from the heartland of Uttar Pradesh and one from urban New Delhi, who discover themselves as they navigate life, celebrate female friendship, and embrace body positivity, breaking the myth that beauty corresponds to size.

The comedy film, directed by Satramm Ramani, also stars Huma Qureshi and Mahat Raghavendra.

After getting married, they celebrated their one-month wedding anniversary in the Philippines and shared glimpses from the celebration on social media.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 19 (IANS) Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, who is set to perform in Mumbai on Thursday, has said that nothing or nobody can stop his shows from being held.

On Wednesday, the singer-actor took to his Instagram and shared a video of himself singing and dancing inside a private jet. The video shows him enjoying a high life with friends having the time of their lives in the aircraft.

He wrote in the caption, “Tomorrow Mumbai. Mahalakshmi Race Course. ‘Shut down shut down’, you just see. DIL-LUMINATI TOUR Year 24”.

Earlier, Diljit addressed the “conspiracy” that has been alleged against him over the spelling of the Indian state of Punjab.

The actor-singer took to his X and spoke about the same. He penned a long note in which he also spoke about how English is a very tricky language, and can particularly cause trouble to those whose first language is not English.

He wrote, “Punjabi. If I mistakenly didn’t put up India’s flag after writing ‘Panjab’ in a tweet then it becomes a conspiracy. In a tweet from Bengaluru, I forgot to mention the Indian flag after writing ‘Panjab’, it became a conspiracy”.

He further mentioned, “If you write ‘Panjab’ instead of ‘Punjab’, it will remain ‘Punjab’. Panj Aab - 5 Rivers. Bravo, those who create conspiracy around the usage in a language of the Englishmen. You know what, I will write ‘Panjab’. How many times do we prove that we LOVE INDIA? Bring something new, or is creating conspiracy is what you get paid for? #Vehley”.

Prior to that, the actor-singer declared that he won't organise live shows in India until the concert infrastructure in the country is sorted so that it makes it worthwhile for the attendees as well.

Several clips of the actor-singer have gone viral on social media in which he could be seen talking about the need to improve the infrastructure for live shows in India.

He said in one of the clips, "Here we don't have infrastructure for live shows. This is a source of big revenue, many people get work and are able to work here. I'll try next time that the stage is at the centre so that you can be around it. Till this happens, I won't do shows in India”.

--IANS

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