India

Palakkad, Jan 28 (IANS) Public outrage has erupted against the Kerala Police following the brutal murders of 54-year-old Sudhakaran and his 76-year-old mother, Lekshmi, allegedly by their 58-year-old neighbour, Chenthamara.

Despite prior complaints about the suspect’s behaviour, police inaction is being blamed for the tragedy.

A massive manhunt involving a 150-strong Kerala Police force is underway in the Nenmara area to apprehend Chenthamara, who previously served time for the 2019 murder of Sajitha, Sudhakaran’s wife.

Released on bail just two months ago, Chenthamara is now accused of this latest gruesome crime, which took place as the trial for Sajitha’s murder was set to begin.

The victims' daughters -- Akhila and Athulya, expressed their anguish, condemning the local police for ignoring their written complaints about the accused.

“We have no faith in the Kerala Police. We alerted them about this man who first killed our mother and now our father,” said Akhila, a second-year college student. “Why was he allowed near us when the bail conditions were so clear? We have lost everyone. It’s just the two of us now.”

The police have recovered the weapon allegedly used in the murders and are conducting a massive search in Nenmara, utilizing drones and searching deserted locations and water bodies. A bottle of poison found in Chenthamara’s house has sparked speculation that he may have taken his own life.

The Nenmara Police Station witnessed clashes after Youth Congress workers staged a protest against the perceived negligence of the police.

Meanwhile, the State Police Chief has ordered an urgent report from the Palakkad Superintendent of Police (SP) to investigate potential lapses in allowing Chenthamara to roam freely while out on bail.

Chenthamara and Sudhakaran were neighbours, and locals claim that the former held Sajitha responsible for his separation from his wife and daughter. Since his release from jail, Chenthamara had been living alone.

Just two months ago, Sudhakaran, his mother, and several locals had filed a written complaint with the police, warning that Chenthamara posed a renewed threat. Their warnings, however, appear to have gone unheeded, culminating in this tragic double murder.

--IANS

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Hubballi, Jan 28 (IANS) The mother of a man, who died by suicide alleging harassment by his wife, claimed on Tuesday that her son, a naive and kind-hearted individual, was "tortured to death" by his spouse.

Speaking to the media, Rebecamma, the mother of deceased Peter Gollapalli, who allegedly hanged himself at his residence, said his wife never respected him and was cheating on her son.

Rebecamma said that her daughter-in-law's behaviour was not good.

Citing an instance, Rebecamma shared that her son and daughter-in-law left for a trip to Goa but she returned from the midway, claiming that she was unwell.

Rebecamma claimed that her daughter-in-law was having an extra-marital affair.

She said that her daughter-in-law was a teacher but returned late at night and always insisted on staying at her parents' house.

She also shared that when her son questioned his wife about the man she frequently met, the latter denied it and said that it was her personal life and he had no right to interfere.

Following frequent arguments and disputes, she moved out of the house and filed for divorce, police said.

Peter reportedly committed suicide by hanging himself on Monday at Hubballi in Karnataka. The victim ended his life on the same day his divorce petition was scheduled for a hearing in court.

As per Peter's wishes, his coffin box had in writing that he died because he was unable to bear the harassment by his wife, his family said.

Peter reportedly left a suicide note alleging that he took the extreme step due to "torture by his wife".

According to the police, Peter, a resident of Chamundeshwarinagar, stated in his note: "Daddy, I am sorry. Pinky (my wife) is killing me. She wants my death."

Peter's family further alleged that his wife demanded Rs 20 lakh compensation.

Earlier, in a shocking incident, a husband set himself on fire in front of his wife's residence in the Nagarbhavi locality of Bengaluru last Thursday after he was unable to convince her to withdraw the divorce petition.

Earlier, Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash had committed suicide over alleged torture and demand of Rs 3 crore by his wife Nikita Singhania for a divorce settlement.

Amid public outrage and furore over the sensational suicide case of Atul Subhash, another case of suicide involving a police officer, allegedly due to similar reasons of torture by his wife and her family, was reported from Bengaluru on December 14, 2024.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, Jan 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Coldplay band’s successful India tour and emphasized the country’s vast potential for live music events.

Coldplay's recent performances in India created a buzz, with their two sold-out concerts in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The British band’s electrifying 'Music of the Spheres' World Tour culminated with their Republic Day concert on January 26 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Adding to the excitement, the event was live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, attracting millions of viewers across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, on Tuesday praised Coldplay's concerts, emphasizing India’s massive potential for live entertainment.

“You must have seen fabulous pictures of Coldplay’s concerts organised in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. It shows that India has a massive scope for live concerts. Big artists from around the world are attracted towards India,” said PM Modi.

“I expect the state and the private sector to focus on needed infrastructure and skills,” he added.

The Narendra Modi Stadium, known as the world’s largest cricket venue, became the epicentre of Coldplay’s performances, which were lauded not only by the audience but also by the band itself.

Frontman Chris Martin called it “the best stadium in the whole wide world,” cementing its status as a premier venue for global events.

Coldplay's live-streamed concert on January 26 attracted an impressive 8.3 million viewers, accumulating a staggering 165 million minutes of watch time, according to reports.

The virtual broadcast allowed fans from across the country to experience the concert in real time, further expanding the band's reach in India.

Chris Martin had a special message for the crowd in Ahmedabad, “It's so good to be back in India. You have one of the most vibrant cultures we’ve ever seen. This is one of our favourite places to play.”

As for the live stream, he acknowledged the global nature of the concert, saying, “It's amazing that we’re not just playing for you here but for everyone watching on Disney+ Hotstar. You're all part of this concert, no matter where you are.”

The economic impact of Coldplay’s concerts on India is already being felt. Analysts highlighted the emerging potential of India’s live music and entertainment industry. According to their analysis, the sector could generate Rs 6,000-8,000 crore in spending. The announcement of Coldplay’s concerts alone could have driven an increase in private consumption demand, with spending in the last two to three months alone ranging from Rs 1,600-2,000 crore.

--IANS

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Prayagraj, Jan 28 (IANS) As the sacred waters of Triveni Sangam beckon millions of pilgrims for the largest Amrit Snan (holy bath) of the Maha Kumbh, the city of Prayagraj is brimming with meticulous arrangements to accommodate the expected 10 to 15 crore devotees. This once-in-a-lifetime event, coinciding with the revered Mauni Amavasya, has sparked a flurry of activity, as preparations are underway to ensure the comfort and safety of every visitor.

The fervour around Mauni Amavasya is undeniable. As one of the most auspicious days in the Kumbh Mela calendar, the new moon day in Magha is believed to carry immense spiritual power. Pilgrims from all over India are flocking to the Sangam to immerse themselves in the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati rivers, in hopes of purifying their souls and erasing their sins.

In anticipation of this grand event, crowds have already begun gathering in Prayagraj, two days ahead of the main bath on January 28.

To support the monumental influx, the city's traders' association has organised a massive community feast, that is set to begin on the evening of January 28 and continue through January 30. The community feast, spread across various parts of Prayagraj, will ensure that the visiting devotees have access to nourishment and sustenance during their spiritual journey.

Beyond food, the authorities have also made provisions for rain shelters and other basic facilities to ensure pilgrims' comfort in the face of unpredictable weather. Local volunteers and organisers have worked tirelessly to ensure that all necessary services are readily available to maintain a smooth flow of traffic and keep devotees safe.

The security arrangements around the festival are nothing short of stringent. In a bid to manage the crowds and maintain order, local authorities have sealed several streets leading to the Prayagraj station, directing pilgrims through clearly marked paths. Every detail has been taken into consideration, from maintaining crowd control to providing easy access to key locations.

Local residents have voiced their unwavering support for these initiatives, emphasising the need for such measures.

"The streets may be closed temporarily, but it’s for the safety of all," said one local.

"With clear markings in place, no one will get lost, and we are confident that our pilgrims will have a safe and smooth experience."

Another resident added, "The efforts by our government and administration cannot be praised enough. They’ve done an exceptional job ensuring that the city remains organised and that no one is inconvenienced. This is a small sacrifice for a few days, but once the pilgrims return home safely, our city’s fame will spread far and wide."

For the people of Prayagraj, the Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event; it’s a testament to their commitment to serving others and upholding the principles of Sanatan Dharma.

"Our duty is to serve as much as we can. Our Sanatan Dharma teaches us to give, to help others along their spiritual path," shared another local.

"These arrangements are a reflection of that spirit. We are proud to welcome the world to our city, and we know that after the Mela, people will remember Prayagraj as a place where faith and service came together."

Bathing in the holy waters of Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya is thought to bestow blessings and offer tranquility and fulfillment to the souls of one's forebears. However, individuals planning to immerse themselves on the day of Amrit Snan should be cautious to avoid certain missteps.

On Mauni Amavasya, it is believed that ancestors visit the Earth. After performing the Amrit Snan, it is important to conduct a tarpan ritual in their honour. Utilise the sacred waters of Sangam to perform this rite by offering 'arghya' (water offering) while invoking the memory of your ancestors. This gesture is believed to attract their blessings.

The bath during Maha Kumbh represents spiritual cleansing. To preserve its sanctity, one should refrain from causing emotional distress to others, engaging in inappropriate behaviour, or nurturing negative thoughts. Furthermore, maintaining silence for a period following the dip on Mauni Amavasya is thought to yield even more favourable outcomes.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande, strongly criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks regarding the Maha Kumbh, questioning his understanding of religious practices.

In a direct challenge to Kharge, Kayande asked, “Has Kharge never visited a temple? Does he not have a picture of God in his home? When he goes to temples, is it to eradicate poverty? Has he ever taken a dip in the Ganga or visited any holy places? Religious festivals are not something to be belittled. These baseless comments are wrong.”

Kayande’s remarks were a response to Kharge’s earlier comments while addressing the public during 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally in Madhya Pradesh, where he said, “I don’t want to question anyone’s faith. If anyone feels bad, I apologise. But tell me, when a child is dying of hunger, is not going to school, and labourers are not getting their dues, at such a time, these people are spending thousands of rupees and competing for taking dips.”

Kharge's statement was perceived by many as an attempt to highlight the disparity between religious celebrations and social issues like hunger and inequality.

In her response, Kayande not only addressed the religious issue but also took a jab at the Opposition alliance, calling it a "gang." “The INDIA bloc is the biggest gang from Wasseypur,” she remarked, adding, “I have already said that the INDIA alliance is broken. They are only putting up a facade of unity. In reality, it has been fractured for a long time. Even during the elections, they blame each other constantly. After the elections, they will be at each other's throats.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera on Tuesday sharply reacted to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia's comments criticising Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his remark on the role of royal families in India's freedom struggle and reminded the erstwhile royal of the now-abolished privy purse system for former Indian princes and pointed out that "the positive contributions of a few cannot overshadow the misdeeds of numerous royal families."

Scindia, in a post on Monday, had remarked, "The statement by Rahul Gandhi, a leader who considers the Constitution as his 'pocket diary', about the role of India's royal families before Independence exposes his narrow thinking and understanding. In his hunger for power and position, he has forgotten that these royal families laid the foundation for equality and inclusive development in India years ago."

Giving a sharp retort, Khera said in a post on X on Tuesday, "History points its finger at you and cries, Your Highness. If the 26th Amendment of the Constitution had not been enacted, even today the Government of India would have been paying crores of rupees as tax-free allowances to the Gwalior royal family – Rs 25 lakh annually in 1950, adjusted for inflation, would have been a staggering sum today. This practice continued until 1971."

The 26th amendment of the Constitution passed in 1971, abolished the privy purse system for former Indian princes.

Defending the royal families, Scindia had highlighted their contributions to social justice and education.

He said that Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda provided financial assistance to Dr B.R. Ambedkar for his education; Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj pioneered social justice in 1902 by introducing 50 per cent reservation for Bahujans in governance; and Madhav Maharaj I of Gwalior established education and employment centres for empowering Backward Classes in the Gwalior-Chambal region.

Khera countered Scindia's narrative, accusing him of whitewashing history, saying, "You may have forgotten the treachery of many royal families and their allegiance to the British, but we cannot. History reminds us that a royal family's pistol was used to assassinate the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The positive contributions of a few cannot overshadow the misdeeds of numerous royal families."

On Scindia's criticism of the Congress as fostering a "dictatorial ideology" and neglecting the rights of Dalits and the Backward Classes, Khera remarked, "The pain of Sardar Patel and Pandit Nehru compelling kings and princes to surrender their privileges and transfer power to the common people still lingers in some royal households. This is why they attempt to rewrite history to suit their narrative."

To buttress his argument, Khera quoted Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s remarks in the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947: "It is extremely heinous for any person, no matter how high his status, to claim that they have come to rule over mankind by God-given privilege. This idea is intolerable, and this Assembly will never accept it. We believed the concept of divine right was buried a long time ago. If someone in modern India speaks of divine right, their words are entirely inconsistent with the country’s present condition."

Khera also invoked the lines of Hindi poet Subhadra Kumari Chauhan to remind Scindia of history's verdict.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 28 (IANS) Karnataka Minister for Urban Development Byrathi Suresh on Tuesday denied his involvement in the MUDA scam and said he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, B.M. Parvathi, had "zero role" in the case.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Minister Suresh said, “I am very clear. The court granted the stay after considering that we had no role in the case. The matter has been adjourned to February 10, and we will see what happens after that,” he said. The High Court on Monday stayed the notice issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to him and the CM’s wife for appearance before the agency in the case.

“I and the Congress party have full trust in the judiciary and the Constitution. We will follow the court’s orders. The ED officials must explain why they issued notices to us,” the Minister asserted.

He further said, “I was surprised when I received the notice. When the scam occurred, I was not in charge of the Urban Development Ministry. I did not allot or acquire any sites. After questions were raised, the sites allotted to the CM’s wife were returned. The High Court Judge was convinced of these facts and issued the stay. This is the first notice I have received from the ED.”

Minister Suresh is close confidante of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. BJP has alleged that he had taken away all the documents pertaining to the MUDA case in a helicopter to Bengaluru and destroyed them.

The Dharwad Bench of Karnataka High Court, headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, on Monday, while granting the stay questioned the urgency of the ED's actions, asking, "What is the tearing hurry?"

CM Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi, who has been named as the second accused in the case, was asked to appear before the ED on Tuesday (January 28).

Minister Byrathi Suresh was scheduled to appear before ED officers on Monday.

Both Parvathi and Suresh had separately approached the court, seeking relief and requesting a stay on the ED summons.

The High Court granted a stay on the ED’s summons until February 10, pending the next hearing in the case.

Sandeep Chowta, counsel for CM Siddaramaiah's wife, argued that the allegations of illegal allotment of 14 sites against Parvathi did not involve monetary gain. He requested a stay on the investigation against her by the ED.

Justice Nagaprasanna questioned Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Arvind Kamat, representing the ED, asking why the agency was continuing its investigation when the matter was already being addressed in court.

ASG Kamat submitted that CM Siddaramaiah's wife is the second accused in the MUDA scam and is facing charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The bench noted that the illegal assets in question were no longer in the possession of the accused. It emphasized that the ED's investigation should not interfere with the proceedings of the court, which has reserved its judgment in the MUDA case.

The court further questioned the ED's urgency, stating: "What is the emergency to probe the matter at this juncture? The case has been reserved for judgment. Why should the investigation by the ED proceed now?"

ASG Kamat explained that the ED had only requested the accused to appear and produce documents and that this would not interfere with the court’s proceedings.

The bench responded that the MUDA case is based on an FIR filed by the Lokayukta and is currently reserved for judgment. The court observed: "I cannot allow this as it will frustrate the proceedings before me, especially since I have already heard the related case and reserved orders."

Previously, the High Court had also cancelled the summons issued by the ED to former MUDA Commissioner D.B. Natesh.

The bench stated that the argument that the ED is merely recording statements cannot be accepted, as failure to appear could lead to arrests by the ED. Appropriate orders were issued to stay the ED’s summons.

Senior counsel C.V. Nagesh, appearing for Minister Byrathi Suresh, submitted that his client is not an accused in the MUDA case.

Despite this, the ED had issued a summons directing him to appear before the agency at 11 a.m. on Monday. Nagesh requested similar protection for his client, arguing that the High Court had already cancelled the summons issued to former MUDA Commissioner, Natesh.

The Enforcement Directorate issued a notice to Parvathi and the Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh. Sources said the notice was issued to Parvathi and Minister Suresh under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) Act. It was revealed that since there is a possibility of the ED initiating legal measures against CM Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi this time, the CM’s family had approached the High Court to seek a stay on the notice by the ED.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 28 (IANS) The Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by the OTT platform Netflix, seeking to reject Tamil superstar Dhanush’s copyright infringement suit against actress Nayanthara.

The case pertains to the alleged unauthorised use of visuals from the Tamil movie ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ in the Netflix docu-drama ‘Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale’.

Justice Abdul Quddhose also dismissed another application filed by Los Gatos Production Services India LLP, an entity managing Netflix’s content investments in India, which sought to revoke the court’s earlier leave granted to Wunderbar Films, owned by Dhanush, to file the suit in the Madras High Court.

Los Gatos argued that the suit should not proceed in Chennai since the applicant company was based in Mumbai.

However, the judge ruled in favour of senior counsel P.S. Raman, assisted by Gautam S. Raman, holding that the applications by Los Gatos lacked merit.

The court scheduled a further hearing on February 5 regarding an interim relief sought by Wunderbar Films.

The interim relief pertains to the use of visuals from ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ in the Netflix docu-drama.

In the affidavit, Sreyas Srinivasan, director of Wunderbar Films, argued that neither Nayanthara nor Netflix had the right to use any footage, including behind-the-scenes (BTS) visuals from the 2015 film, without prior permission from Wunderbar Films, which had produced the movie.

Srinivasan explained that Nayanthara had signed an artist agreement with Wunderbar Films on August 27, 2014, which transferred all rights related to her performance, likeness, name, and voice in connection with the movie to the production company in perpetuity.

Wunderbar Films claimed that on discovering the unauthorised use of the BTS visuals in the docu-drama’s trailer, a notice was issued to Netflix on November 9, 2024.

In response, Netflix and Tarc Studios LLP, the producers of the docu-drama, stated on November 11, 2024, that the visuals were personal in nature and had not been shot by persons commissioned by Wunderbar Films.

The dispute came into the public eye just days before the docu-drama’s release on November 18, 2024.

On November 16, 2024, Nayanthara addressed an open letter to Dhanush via her social media platform, alleging that she had repeatedly requested for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Wunderbar Films for two years but had not received one.

In her letter, Nayanthara explained that the docu-drama included a few seconds of visuals and songs from ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ because the film marked the beginning of her romantic relationship with her now-husband, director Vignesh Shivan.

She accused Dhanush of harbouring a personal grudge against her and Shivan, as he had sent her a legal notice seeking ₹10 crore in damages after the release of the trailer.

Nayanthara claimed that only three seconds of BTS footage shot on personal devices were used, making the legal notice unjustifiable.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Jan 28 (IANS) Ex-RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, who is facing charges of amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, was arrested by Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta police from Bhopal on Tuesday.

Sharma, who has been absconding since raids at his premises, was supposed to surrender before the Bhopal district court in the morning.

"Lokayukta Police arrested him (Saurabh Sharma) from outside the court premises," Sharma's advocate Rakesh Parasar told IANS.

Sharma moved the surrender application before a special Lokayukta court through his advocate Suryakant Bhujade on Monday.

The court has directed him to be present in the court on Tuesday at 11 am. Before Sharma moved a surrender application, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Sharma's family members, including his wife and mother in connection with the money laundering case.

However, after a few hours of questioning, the ED allowed them to go.

Earlier, Sharma's advocate told the media that he would surrender if the state government ensured his safety.

The Advocate had also said that the recovered money and other valuables, including 52 kg gold and documents of properties, did not belong to him and he was ready to cooperate with the agencies investigating against him.

Multiple agencies -- Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta, Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate teams conducted several raids in the past two and half months in different parts of the state, including Bhopal, Gwalior and Jabalpur in connection with the case.

In the past month, ED raided more than 12 offices and premises belonging to Sharma's relatives suspected to be connected to the case.

Sharma was appointed constable in the Transport Department in 2016 on compassionate grounds after his father, a government doctor died in 2015.

He worked as an RTO constable for 12 years and took a voluntary retirement from services (VRS) in 2023. The official said Sharma's application to take voluntary retirement was accepted in 2023 even though an inquiry was pending against him.

Last week, Sharma's close aide Sharad Jaiswal's advocate had also told media persons that Jaiswal was ready to surrender before the court if the state government ensured his safety.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 28 (IANS) Three minors were killed when a motorbike they were riding rammed into a road divider on Dr Manmohan Singh flyover here on Tuesday.

Police said the accident occurred in the early hours on the Bahadurpura-Aramghar flyover under the limits of Attapur Police Station of Cyberabad Commissionerate.

Two of the minors died on the spot while a third succumbed at Osmania Hospital. The deceased were aged between 14-15 years, said AIMIM MLA Mohammad Mubeen, who visited the Osmania Hospital.

The deceased were identified as Maaz Qadri, Mohammed Ahmed and Syed Imran. They were heading towards Aramghar from Bahadurpura.

According to police, overspeeding and triple-riding led to the mishap. Attapur police shifted the bodies to Osmania Hospital mortuary for autopsy and took up further investigation.

The flyover connecting Bahadurpura at Nehru Zoological Park to Aramghar crossroads was inaugurated early this month. This is the second-longest flyover in the city.

In another accident in the city on Tuesday, a 10-year-old girl died after coming under the wheels of a truck in the Sheikhpet area. The accident occurred when the girl was on her way to school with her father on a motorbike. The two-wheeler was hit by the truck and the girl fell under the wheels of the truck. The girl died on the spot. Gaddam Atharvi was a Class five student at the Delhi School of Excellence in Manikonda.

In the third accident, a Class 10 student died after the scooty she was riding was hit by a truck in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The accident occurred when the girl was returning home from tuition. She died on the spot. Police said negligence by the truck driver led to the mishap. A case was registered at Medipally police station of Rachakonda commissionerate. Police took the truck driver into custody and took up an investigation.

--IANS

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