India

Bhopal, Dec 16 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday ordered the state government to submit a detailed report regarding the temples and other religious structures established or being established inside the police stations.

The court has granted seven days for the state government to submit a reply with the list of each construction (of religious structure with a particular date) inside the police stations, across the state.

The court passed the order after hearing a petition filed by advocate Satish Chandra Verma, challenging the construction of religious structures within police station premises.

The petitioner claimed that religious structures (temples) have been established at the premises of more than 800 police stations across Madhya Pradesh. The petition was filed contending that the religious establishment at a police station violates the principle of religious neutrality.

Hearing the matter on Monday, Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait observed that the report submitted by the state government earlier was inadequate and also lacking facts.

Subsequently, the court ordered the state government to submit only factual and specific information regarding the religious constructions at police station premises and sought the report by the next seven days.

The court has fixed the next hearing on January 6.

"The Court has clearly mentioned that the subject is serious and violates the core principles of the Constitution and secularism. We hope the High Court takes strict action," advocate Sharma said.

Last month, hearing a similar petition challenging the construction of a temple at a police station in Jabalpur district, the high court ordered a stay and sought the government's reply on the matter.

The high court also issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Home), Director General of Police, Jabalpur District Collector and police superintendents, among others, directing them to file their replies.

--IANS

pd/dan

Navi Mumbai, Dec 16 (IANS) The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd. (CIDCO)’s Navi Mumbai Mumbai has bagged three ISO certifications for Quality Management, Environmental Management and Occupational Health & Safety standards, an official said on Monday.

Operated by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.(MMRCL), the (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001) certifications came in the very first year of its operations and were received by the CIDCO Joint Managing Director Shantanu Goel.

“The ISO certifications reinforce CIDCO’s commitment to providing world-class metro services while prioritizing quality, sustainability, and safety. Again, it has underscored CIDCO’s prominence in urban development and infrastructure sectors,” said CIDCO Vice-Chairman and MD Vijay Singhal.

This makes the Navi Mumbai Metro line the only one in the state to have all three ISO honours, awarded by the British Standards Institution, he added.

The officials said that the prestigious ISO certifications are a testament to CIDCO’s continuous efforts in improving the operational excellence of Navi Mumbai Metro, its dedication to providing a safe, reliable and sustainable transportation service to the residents of Navi Mumbai and its surroundings.

The ISO 9001 highlights the company’s focus on delivering consistently high-quality services, ensuring customer satisfaction, and enhancing the operational efficiency of the metro system.

ISO 14001 underscores CIDCO’s commitment to sustainable practices in metro operations, aiming to reduce the environmental impact, enhance resource efficiency, and contribute to the preservation of the natural environment in the region.

Finally, ISO 45001 reflects CIDCO’s proactive approach to safeguarding the health and safety of all employees and workers involved in metro operations, ensuring a safe working environment through stringent health and safety protocols, officials explained.

Goel said that CIDCO has worked with MMRCL to implement stringent systems and protocols across all aspects of metro operation and maintenance, as part of its efforts to meet global standards and enhance the quality of service provided to commuters.

With these certifications CIDCO continues to set a benchmark for metro systems in India, reinforcing its role as a leader in urban infrastructure development, and is now poised to deliver enhanced services, prioritising quality, safety, and environmental sustainability.

“The ISO certifications reinforce our commitment to providing world-class metro services while prioritizing quality, sustainability, and safety, in Navi Mumbai’s journey towards becoming a smart, modern city with cutting-edge infrastructure,” said a spokesperson.

The Navi Mumbai Metro line Phase I started operations in Nov. 2023 with an 11.1 km long line, which is part of the upcoming 23.43 km fully elevated project connecting Belapur-Khandeshwar with 20 stations en route.

--IANS

qn/dan

Patna, Dec 16 (IANS) Known for making controversial statements, RJD MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh on Monday once again sparked controversy, saying that while temples promote stupidity, it is the schools which promote rationality.

“Today, there are two paths in society. People either send their children to the temple or to school. The temple promotes superstition, hypocrisy, and stupidity while the school promote rational knowledge, scientificity, and change in life. We have to choose where we need to send our children,” said the RJD MLA during a felicitation ceremony at a technical school in Deoria village in Dehri.

He also criticised the influence of temples, claiming they promote ‘superstition’.

Last year, the RJD MLA said that he was a descendant of Mahisasur, a figure from Hindu mythology.

Singh further stirred controversy with his remarks on religion, caste, and societal structure, attributing his views to the pioneering social reformer Savitribai Phule.

He also touched upon sensitive issues related to caste hierarchies and religious practices, which have already sparked strong reactions in the past.

Singh clarified that his statements were not his own but drawn from the teachings of Savitribai Phule, a prominent figure in India’s social reform movement.

“The majority of us have not been called Hindus in any Hindu scriptures. We have been referred to as Shudras. Those who followed Brahmanism were made Kshatriyas, those who served them were made Vaishyas, and those who opposed them were labelled as also Shudras. However, humanity should be paramount, as all humans are equal,” the MLA said.

His remarks align with the ideological stance of social justice that challenges caste hierarchies, emphasising the need for equality and humanism over rigid societal divisions.

--IANS

ajk/dan

Jaipur, Dec 16 (IANS) Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh MP C.P. Joshi on Monday inquired in Lok Sabha during the question hour session about the construction of a memorial dedicated to Bhakt Shiromani Meerabai inside Chittorgarh Fort while saying that the fort holds a unique identity globally.

Highlighting the historical significance of the fort, MP Joshi stated: "Chittorgarh Fort holds a unique identity globally. As the largest fort in Asia, Chittorgarh boasts a rich and glorious history associated with figures like Meera, Panna, Padmini, and Maharana Pratap."

MP Joshi further asked the Union Minister whether the government plans to establish a memorial for Meerabai in Chittorgarh, especially as part of the 525th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhakt Shiromani Meerabai.

He also emphasised the long-pending demand to open the eastern entrance gate of the Chittorgarh Fort and sought clarity on whether the government is considering this proposal.

"The Hon'ble Prime Minister has decided to organise various programs related to Meerabai at various places of historical importance in the country on the 525th birth anniversary of Meerabai, out of which will any memorial be built in the name of Meerabai in Chittorgarh too? Also, there is a long-standing demand for opening the gate on the eastern side of Chittorgarh too, so is the government considering it," he asked.

In response, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the House that the Prime Minister has initiated significant programmes at four historically important locations related to Meerabai's life: her birthplace (Merta), her marriage site (Chittorgarh), her devotion site (Vrindavan), and her nirvana site (Dwarka).

“A special event is scheduled to take place in Chittorgarh from 21st to 23rd December,” the minister said.

Regarding the eastern gate of Chittorgarh Fort, the Union Minister stated that the MP and the District Collector had written to the Ministry requesting an alternative route.

“The Ministry has asked the state government to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) based on the proposal. The Archaeological Survey of India will evaluate the matter and make a decision in accordance with its guidelines,” the minsiter said.

--IANS

arc/dan

Chandigarh, Dec 16 (IANS) The Punjab's BJP Mahila Morcha President Jai Inder Kaur on Monday condemned the atrocities committed against women candidates during the filing of nomination papers for the Municipal Corporation elections.

She has demanded the National Commission for Women (NCW) to immediately intervene and take action against these appalling incidents.

In a letter written to the NCW Chairperson, Jai Inder Kaur said: “The recent incidents of violence and harassment against women candidates in Punjab are deeply disturbing and unacceptable. It's shocking to see how women were being targeted and intimidated, simply for exercising their right to participate in the democratic process.”

She further wrote: “As the President of BJP Mahila Morcha, Punjab, I strongly condemn these atrocities and demand immediate action from the National Commission for Women. It's imperative that the NCW takes concrete steps to ensure women's safety and dignity during elections.”

Jai Inder Kaur further highlighted: “The incidents in Patiala, where nomination papers of BJP women candidates were torn and women physically assaulted outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, are particularly alarming. Visual evidence clearly implicates senior AAP leaders, MLA Chetan Singh Jouramajra and MLA Ajit Pal Kohli.”

She further requested: “I urge the NCW to constitute a fact-finding team to investigate these incidents, recommend legal action against perpetrators, and direct the Punjab Women Commission to fulfil its statutory duties. Women's safety and empowerment are non-negotiable. We will continue to fight for justice and accountability.”

The elections to five Municipal Corporations and 41 Municipal Councils, besides Nagar Panchayats, will be held on December 21. The counting of votes will take place on the same day.

Out of the 37,32,636 registered voters, 19,55,888 are men, 17,76,544 are women and 204 others. The polling would be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the use of EVMs. The polled votes will be counted at the polling station itself.

--IANS

vg/dan

Bhopal, Dec 16 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at Congress leader Vishal Agnihotri's residence and office premises in Indore on Monday while arresting him from Indore airport.

The ED carried out searches in connection with an alleged betting scam which unfolded in June this year in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain.

Agnihotri, who is acting president of the Indore district Congress unit, was detained from Ahilyabai Airport in Indore when he was preparing to leave for Dubai.

He is said to be close to Congress veteran and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath.

When the ED team arrived at Agnihotri’s residence in the Chandan Nagar area in the city, they learnt that he had left for Dubai. However, the ED team along with local police arrested him at the Airport minutes before his departure.

The Congress leader was detained in connection with his alleged link with Piyush Chopra, a bookie who was arrested along with others during a raid in Ujjain in June.

Heavy police force and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were also been deployed outside Agnihotri's residence, while ED sleuths carried out a search till late Monday evening.

Notably, on June 14, the state police busted a cricket betting nexus operating from Ujjain and arrested 10 people. During the operation, cash amounting to Rs 14.58 crore, 41 mobile phones, 19 laptops, and several national and international SIM cards were recovered.

The main accused Piyush Chopra was found in possession of 3,000 bundles of Rs 500 notes, 7 kilograms of silver, and foreign currency from seven different countries. Sources say the authorities had to use machines to count the seized cash, which took the entire night.

ED had also conducted raids at multiple locations, including Indore and Raisen two weeks ago. One of the businessmen, who was targeted for ED's search, had in fact died by suicide along with his wife in the Sehore district.

--IANS

pd/dan

Patna, Dec 16 (IANS) Bihar Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saying that he lacks vision for the development of the state.

Yadav accused Nitish Kumar of lacking vision, innovation, and a concrete roadmap for the state's development. He also criticised the Chief Minister for relying on "retired officers" and outdated ideas, asserting that Bihar now requires "a new vision" to progress.

Tejashwi took to the social media platform X, alleging that Nitish Kumar routinely mocks opposition proposals only to adopt them later.

“First Nitish Kumar makes fun of our announcements and criticises us, calls them impossible, and finally shamelessly copies our schemes,” Yadav wrote.

Highlighting his role as an opposition leader, he added, “We are able to teach them so much by being in the opposition.”

He hinted at his party’s potential plans for Bihar’s future, mentioning that they are currently exploring initiatives such as scholarships for students and unemployment allowances for youth.

“The development of Bihar requires leadership with energy and foresight, rather than tired Chief Ministers and retired officers,” he said.

He also emphasised his commitment to the welfare of women, the elderly, the disabled, and other marginalised groups.

Speaking about the cornerstone of his future governance plans, he asserted that Bihar’s progress is incomplete without empowering women.

“When our government is formed, mothers and sisters will be given ₹2500 per month under the 'Mai Behin Maan Yojana',” Yadav announced.

The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to women, recognizing their role in the state’s development and ensuring their economic empowerment.

--IANS

ajk/dan

Parbhani (Maharashtra), Dec 16 (IANS) The provisional autopsy report of a Dalit man who died in judicial custody in Parbhani has stated that he succumbed to ‘shock following multiple injuries’, as the district observed a peaceful bandh to protest the incident here on Monday.

The autopsy of Somnath Vyankat Suryavanshi, 35, was conducted at the Government Medical College in Aurangabad this morning and his body was brought back to Parbhani for the last rites which were performed under tight police security this evening.

Many areas of Parbhani town and district observed a peaceful shutdown (bandh) on Monday after the alleged accused in last week’s violence -- after a statue of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was desecrated -- died under mysterious circumstances in judicial custody on Sunday.

Earlier, the Parbhani Police claimed that the arrested accused Suryavanshi was admitted to a hospital following chest pains, but the provisional post-mortem report has raised fresh questions, and senior leaders of Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) plan to visit the district soon.

Rattled by the incident on the eve of the Maharashtra Legislature Session which got underway in Nagpur on Monday, the Parbhani Police deployed tight security measures to ensure a peaceful shutdown.

The state-level bandh call was given by Republican Sena President Anandraj Y. Ambedkar, his elder brother and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President Prakash Y. Ambedkar, other Dalit parties/groups including Republican Party of India (A) President and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, Republican Party of India (K) chief Sachin Kharat, Communist Party of India (M) leaders Ashok Dhawale and Uday Narkar, also supported.

However, Suryavanshi’s supporters, Dalit parties plus the MVA allies Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sushma Andhare, Nationalist Congress Party (SP)’s Dr Jitendra Awhad and Congress leaders have pointed fingers at the law enforcers alleging he was brutally thrashed by the police after he was picked up and succumbed to his grave injuries -- as the provisional post-mortem report has said.

“The custodial death of Somnath Suryavanshi -- a Bhim Sainik belonging to the Wadar community -- in Parbhani is gut-wrenching, sickening and intolerable to say the least. What is more deplorable is that his death happened in judicial custody despite his bail application being approved,” said a grim Prakash Y. Ambedkar, who visited the town on Monday.

On December 10, an unidentified person vandalised a copy of the Constitution in the hands of Dr. Ambedkar’s statue outside Parbhani Railway Station, sparking tensions that degenerated into massive violence for the next couple of days.

Subsequently, the perpetrator of the act was identified as one ‘disturbed’ person named Sopan Pawar.

Post-violence, the Parbhani Police swooped down and booked or arrested around 300 locals, mostly Dalits including Suryavanshi, who was nabbed on December 12 and died in judicial custody barely in 72 hours.

Slamming the incident, Union Minister Athawale urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order a thorough probe into the custodial death, dismissal of the concerned police officials, a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for Suryavanshi’s family, and withdrawal of police cases filed against all the accused in last week’s violence, and sparing those people who were not involved in the mayhem.

--IANS

qn/uk

Amaravati, Dec 16 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reportedly to finalise his brother K. Nagababu’s induction in the state Cabinet.

The two are understood to have discussed the portfolio to be given to Nagababu.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena chiefs are also believed to have decided the date for Nagababu’s swearing-in

They also discussed the latest political situation, the final list to fill nominated posts, and other issues.

Naidu and Pawan Kalyan are also believed to have decided that they should coordinate for the victory in elections to cooperative bodies to repeat their performance in the recent elections to water users’ associations.

The Chief Minister had last week announced that Nagababu would be inducted into the Cabinet. Since he is not a member of the Assembly, he and Pawan Kalyan also discussed the plans to nominate him to the Legislative Council.

Nagababu, the elder brother of Pawan Kalyan and younger brother of megastar Chiranjeevi, is also an actor and film producer. As the General Secretary of Jana Sena, he had actively campaigned for the party in the recent elections.

As the TDP named two candidates for bye-elections to Rajya Sabha and left one seat for its alliance partner BJP, it decided to accommodate another partner Jana Sena in the Cabinet.

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by TDP has 164 MLAs in the 175-member Assembly. The TDP has 135 members while Jana Sena and BJP have 21 and eight seats, respectively.

Nagababu, also known as Nagendra Babu, will be the fourth minister from the Jana Sena. Since Naga Babu is not a member of the Assembly, the coalition is likely to nominate him to the Legislative Council to pave for his induction into the Cabinet.

Currently, Jana Sena President Pawan Kalyan, Nadendla Manohar, and Kandula Durgesh are the ministers from Jana Sena in the Naidu-led Cabinet.

The state Cabinet can have a maximum of 25 members. Naidu and 23 ministers had taken oath on June 12. The TDP had inducted three ministers from the Jana Sena and one from the BJP. One vacancy was left for the Jana Sena.

--IANS

ms/vd

Chandigarh, Dec 16 (IANS) Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Monday slammed the ruling AAP for its failure to address issues concerning the ongoing municipal council elections.

Beginning his day at the Khanauri border, the Ludhiana MP met farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on his 21st day of a hunger strike till death. Warring described his fight as one for all Punjabis and a testament to the relentless spirit of farmers who are the backbone of the nation.

Warring lashed out at the Central government for its indifferent attitude toward farmers' demands, stating, “The treatment of our farmers by the Central government is condemnable. I appeal to all Punjabis to unite and support Dallewal-ji in this struggle for our rights. The Congress has always stood with the farmers and will continue to do so.”

He emphasised how the issue has been consistently raised in the Parliament and added Rahul Gandhi has and will continue to amplify the farmers' voice on national platforms.

After Khanauri, Warring visited Samana, where he met with local leadership and addressed the atrocities committed by the state government during the recent municipal council election nominations. “The AAP government has stooped to new lows, tearing nomination papers, using the administration to suppress opposition candidates, and physically manhandling women candidates,” he said.

He condemned these acts as an attack on democracy and vowed to take the matter to the Election Commission, the High Court, and the Supreme Court to ensure justice. “We will not let democracy be destroyed by the AAP’s misuse of power. The people of Punjab will not forget such atrocities and will show the AAP government the door,” he added.

Interacting with the media in Patiala, Warring criticised the deteriorating governance under the AAP. “The Aam Aadmi Party has already ruined Punjab’s law and order, healthcare, and education sectors, and now they are destroying democracy itself. We demand that the municipal elections be restarted in a fair and transparent manner, free from the shadow of AAP’s high-handedness. FIRs must be filed against those who attacked and humiliated our women candidates.”

Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi and other Congress leaders joined Warring in condemning the AAP's tactics, calling them a blatant assault on constitutional values.

--IANS

vg/uk