India

Hyderabad, Jan 22 (IANS) In a spine-chilling case, an ex-serviceman murdered his 35-year-old wife, cut her body into pieces and boiled them in a pressure cooker.

The heinous crime came to light at Meerpet in Rangareddy district on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Wednesday.

According to police, Guru Murthy had lodged a complaint with Meerpet Police Station under Rachakonda Police Commisisonerate on January 18 that his wife Venkata Madhavi was missing.

Police had registered a case and took up investigation. During the probe, police came to know that for last few days the husband and wife were having frequent quarrels between them.

The investigating officials questioned Guru Murthy, who confessed to the ghastly crime and revealed shocking details.

The accused told police that he murdered his wife, cut the body into pieces and boiled them in a pressure cooker.

Later, he dumped the boiled body parts into a lake in Jillelaguda.

Police recorded his statement and began collecting evidence. The search was on for the victim's body parts in the lake. Guru Murthy had served in Army and after taking retirement, he was working as a security guard at DRDO in Kanchan Bagh on outsourcing basis.

He married Madhavi about 13 years ago.

They have two children. After killing his wife, the accused approached Meerpet Police Station along with her parents so that no one suspect him.

Police said an investigation was on into the case and they would soon reveal all details.

In a similar case in Mumbai in 2023, a 32-year-old woman was murdered by her 56-year-old live-in partner.

The accused had cut the corpse into pieces with a tree cutter, boiled the pieces in a pressure cooker to ensure there was no foul smell and then filled them in plastic bags to dispose them off.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed anguish over the rail accident in Maharashtra's Jalgaon in which eight to 10 people reportedly died and several others were injured.

“Anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” PM Modi wrote on X.

The tragic incident took place after passengers of Pushpak Express were hit by the Karnataka Express train in Pachora taluka of Jalgaon district in North Maharashtra.

The accident occurred around 5 p.m. on the railway line between Mahiji and Pardhade stations. The passengers were outside their coaches suspecting some fire in the train.

The chaos erupted at Paranda railway station in Jalgaon district following rumours of a fire on the Pushpak Express.

Pushpak Express, en route from Lucknow to Mumbai, came to a halt after passengers pulled the emergency chain. At the same time, the Karnataka Express, travelling from Manmad to Bhusawal, was approaching on the parallel track.

Eyewitnesses say that the commotion started when sparks appeared from the wheels of the Pushpak Express as it halted near Paranda station. A rumour of a fire quickly spread among passengers, leading to panic. Some passengers leapt from the train and came into the path of the Karnataka Express.

Jalgaon SP confirmed the fatalities and injuries, stating, "Several passengers jumped off the train after rumours of a fire. Unfortunately, they were hit by the Karnataka Express coming from the opposite direction."

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 22 (IANS) On the first day of the second leg of the global outreach initiative in Japan for Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday met over 160 Japanese business leaders in Tokyo.

He presented stories of Assam's economic success and the ease of doing business by reiterating the northeastern state's increasing role as a catalyst to take the strong economic bond between India and Japan to a greater height.

Notably, Sarma, who is on a three-day tour to Japan, after the successful culmination of his South Korea tour, to woo Japanese industrialists and trade bodies, on Wednesday attended a road show in Tokyo where he presented Assam’s economy, its investment ecosystem and business-friendly policies.

He said that since 2014, Assam’s economy is on a robust growth trajectory.

The state’s GDP surged from $29 billion in 2013-14 to $68.7 billion in 2023-24, with an impressive annual growth rate of 12.4 per cent making Assam a beacon of peace and development.

Sarma inviting the attention of the industrialists and potential investors to Assam’s positive and investors' friendly landscape, said that the single window mechanism of $3.2 billion production linked incentives has made Assam a preferred end for investment.

Sarma also said that in recent years, Assam has taken giant strides in ensuring large scale investments to the state.

The Chief Minister moreover portrayed that Japan is a natural partner in Assam's pursuit of growth and development.

Therefore, participation of Japanese industrialists, investors and entrepreneurs in the forthcoming Advantage Assam 2.0, Investment and Infrastructure Summit besides fostering stronger ties with Japan would turn out to be a win-win business interface for mutual benefits of both Assam and Japan.

CM Sarma also highlighted Assam's robust infrastructure, seamless connectivity and vibrant academic environment positioning the state as a promising investment destination.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unstinted support to Assam's ambitions of being a premier industrial state to ensure holistic growth of the state, Sarma highlighted the opportunities created by the Act East Policy of the Central government in Assam.

Earlier on Wednesday, the CM held an all-important meeting with Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Vice President of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

It may be noted that JETRO is playing an important role in promoting trade between Japan and global companies.

He sought JETRO’s expertise in enhancing collaboration between Japan and Assam in trade, commerce and industry to enable mutual growth.

His discussion with Nakajo focussed on strengthening trade relations and exploring JETRO’s expertise in fostering collaboration between Assam and Japan in trade, commerce and industry to pave the way for mutual growth.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Jan 22 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasised the state government's commitment to strengthening farmers and cattle rearers economically, stating that empowering them is key to building a developed Rajasthan.

During the pre-budget dialogue with representatives of farmers, cattle rearers, and dairy associations held at the Chief Minister’s Office on Wednesday, Sharma assured that the suggestions received would be incorporated into the 2025-26 state budget wherever feasible.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the vital role farmers play in ensuring food security for the nation and the state.

With agriculture and allied sectors contributing 30 per cent to the state’s GSDP and employing over 85 lakh families, the government’s focus remains on their welfare and progress, he added.

Sharma further said that water and electricity are priority areas for the state government.

"Over the past year, the government has prioritised providing adequate water and electricity to farmers. Projects such as ERCP-PKC, the Yamuna Water Agreement, Mahi Dam, and Dewas Project aim to ensure sufficient water supply,” he added.

Sharma further said that the state government will send progressive farmers abroad to learn modern farming techniques to encourage innovation.

He said that additionally, the implementation of Agristek will address challenges in the agriculture sector through information technology, with farm registry camps set to begin in all gram panchayats on February 5.

“Women farmers have also been empowered. Over 32 lakh women farmers have received free seed mini kits. The state is also leading in solar energy-based pump installations,” said Sharma.

He added that under the Rajasthan Cooperative Gopal Credit Card Loan Scheme, cattle rearers are offered interest-free short-term loans of up to ₹1 lakh for dairy-related activities.

“Grants to registered gaushalas have been increased by 10 per cent, and subsidies are being provided under the Mukhyamantri Dudh Utpadak Sambal Yojana through direct benefit transfers,” he said.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to uplifting the state's farming community through innovative solutions, financial support, and infrastructure development, ensuring a sustainable future for Rajasthan's agriculture and dairy sectors.

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 22 (IANS) Bihar Police on Wednesday arrested two individuals, Rahul Generator and Shubham Kumar alias Chadda, in connection with the Ranjit Yadav alias Dahi Gop murder case.

The arrests were made in Nagpur, Maharashtra, as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident, which was linked to a fight for supremacy in the Danapur cantonment area.

According to a police official, both Rahul Generator and Shubham Kumar have multiple cases registered against them across various police stations in Patna. They are known to be involved in several criminal activities.

So far, police have arrested four individuals in connection with this case, with raids continuing to apprehend other suspects.

Police continue to make progress in the case involving Ranjit Yadav alias Dahi Gop, the former vice-president of the Danapur Cantonment Board.

The incident, which occurred on December 21, 2024, left Dahi Gop badly injured and his aide Gorakh Rai was gunned down at the crime scene Dahi Gop also sustained five gunshot injuries and succumbed due to injuries two days later.

The police said two suspects, Ankit Rajput (19) and Ankit Kumar Gupta (21), were arrested two days ago. Both have confessed to their involvement in the crime during police interrogation.

Ankit Kumar Gupta, a resident of the Danapur Cantonment area, has a criminal history, adding weight to the investigation. Based on their confessions, police are conducted raids and apprehended Rahul Generator and Subham Kumar Chadda from Nagpur.

The investigation revealed that Rahul Generator, a resident of Danapur, orchestrated the attack on Dahi Gop.

Rahul suspected that Dahi Gop was involved in the murder of his father, prompting him to seek revenge. To execute the plan, Rahul hired accomplices and personally led the attack. Those involved included Sonu from Maner, Shubham Kumar alias Chadda from Danapur, Ankit Rajput, and Ankit Gupta at the time of the attack on Dahi Gop.

The deadly attack occurred late at night on December 21, 2024, while Dahi Gop was returning home by car after attending a shradh ceremony at Pethiya Bazaar.

Rahul Generator and his associates ambushed Dahi Gop and his associate. In light of the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under the direction of Patna SSP. The SIT is rigorously investigating all angles of the case and tracking down the remaining suspects.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 22 (IANS) The Maharashtra government has signed 54 MoUs for investment proposals worth a record Rs 15.7 lakh crore that will create 15.95 lakh jobs in the state.

These MoUs were inked in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior bureaucrats on Tuesday and Wednesday at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum at Davos.

The Chief Minister’s office said that of the Rs 15.7 lakh crore worth of MoUs, the Department of Industries signed MoUs of Rs 11.71 lakh crore, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Rs 3.44 lakh crore and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) Rs 55,200 crore.

“Over the past two days, MoUs have been signed with investments across all regions of the state, aiming for balanced development,” the Chief Minister said.

The largest investment among Wednesday’s MoUs was from the Reliance Group, which will invest Rs 3.05 lakh crore across sectors like petrochemicals, polyester, renewable energy, bioenergy, green hydrogen, green chemicals, industrial development, retail, data centres, telecommunications, hospitality, and real estate. This single agreement is expected to generate three lakh jobs.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mentioned that the agreement with Reliance, which includes significant investment in the service sector, will contribute significantly to job creation. Anant Ambani of Reliance Group stated that this investment is part of their vision to make Maharashtra the first state with a $1 trillion economy, a goal the government is committed to achieving under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Another major investment is from Amazon, which will invest Rs 71,795 crore in data centres in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This investment will create 83,100 jobs.

The government signed MoU with Gritta Energy for investment worth Rs 10319 crore in steel and metals to generate 3,200 jobs in Chandrapur, Vardhan Lithium for investment of Rs 42,535 crore in Electronics (Lithium Refinery, Lithium Battery) to generate 5,000 jobs in Nagpur, Indorama for investment of Rs 21,000 crore in textile to create 1,000 jobs in Raigad, Indira in technical textiles for investment of Rs 10,200 crore to create 3,000 jobs in Raigad, Sotefin India to invest Rs 8,641 crore in infrastructure in MMR, Blackstone to invest Rs 43,000 crore in infrastructure in MMR and Ceylon Beverages to invest Rs 1,039 crore in food and beverages to generate 450 jobs in Ahilyanagar.

Further, Larsen and Toubro Ltd will invest RS 10,000 crore in defence production to generate 2,500 jobs in Talegaon, Nelson Media Pvt. Ltd to invest Rs 1,100 crore in information technology to generate 1,100 jobs in MMR, Economic Explosives Ltd to invest Rs 12,780 crore in space and defence to create 2,325 jobs in Nagpur, MSN Holdings Ltd to invest Rs 14 652 crore in solar to create 8,760 jobs in Nagpur, Priyam Solutions Pvt. Ltd to invest Rs 300 crore.

Drone manufacturing to create 300 jobs in Jalna, Renaissance Solar & Electronic Materials to invest Rs 5,000 crore in green energy to create 1,300 jobs in Vidarbha, Marathwada, or North Maharashtra, Hazero Industries to invest Rs 16,000 crore in two green energy projects to generate 10,000 jobs at Butibori, Toral India to invest Rs 500 crore in Aluminium and Metals to generate 1,200 jobs in Ahilyanagar and Temasek Capital Management to invest Rs 43,000 crore in infrastructure in MMR.

moreover, Hiranandani Group will invest Rs 51,600 crore in infrastructure in MMR, Everstone Group to invest Rs 8,600 crore in infrastructure in MMR, Amazon to invest Rs 71,795 crore in data centres to create 83,100 jobs in MMR, University of Birmingham to invest in Infrastructure, especially Sustainable Transport Infrastructure in MMR, MTC Group to invest in Infrastructure, especially Circular Economy Park in MMR and Crossrail International to invest in Infrastructure, especially Transport Infrastructure in MMR.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Jan 22 (IANS) The Odisha government on Wednesday constituted the 6th State Finance Commission(SFC). The Odisha Finance Department has issued a formal notification regarding the formation of the 6th SFC under the Chairmanship of retired IAS officer, Arun Kumar Panda.

The commission comprises four members, including Prof Asit Ranjan Mohanty of Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar, Prof Amaresh Samantray, Department of Economics Pondicherry University, Dr. Bibhu Prasad Nayak, Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

The Additional Secretary of Finance Department Dr Satya Priya Rath will function as the Member Secretary in the 6th Finance Commission.

"In pursuance of Article 243-1 of the Constitution of India read with Article 243-Y thereof and sections 3 and 8 of the Odisha Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1993 (Odisha Act 28 of 1993), the Governor of Odisha do hereby constitute a Finance Commission,” reads the notification.

The Chairman and other members of the Commission, including Member Secretary, will remain in office for a period of six months from the date of this notification.

“The Chairman and other Members (except the Member-Secretary) shall render whole time or part time service to the Commission. The Member-Secretary shall render whole time service to the Commission in addition to his own duties,” the Finance Department notification added.

The commission will recommend the framework for the distribution of financial resources between the state government and 3-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

The financial resources include the net proceeds from taxes, tolls, duties and fees levied by the state government, Grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of the state.

It will also recommend the principle for determination of taxes, duties, tolls and fees which may be assigned to, or appropriated by PRIs and ULBs in the state.

The SFC shall also review implementation of the recommendations of Fifth State Finance Commission.

The Commission will prepare its report within a period of six months from the date of publication of this Finance department notification covering an award period of five years commencing from 1st day of April, 2026.

The Commission in its report will indicate the basis on which it has arrived at its findings.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 22 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the book written on a selection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches should be made more accessible to the common people, as this would benefit society and inspire people.

The Chief Minister expressed his belief that the book on the Prime Minister would gain significant importance among the people.

Saha was speaking after launching a special book release program featuring a selection of Prime Minister’s speeches, translated into Bengali and compiled for the first time at Syama Prasad Mukherjee Bhasha Bhavan, National Library, Kolkata.

“This book should be made more accessible to the common people. This will also benefit society. People will get inspired by reading this book. Compiling it in Bengali makes it even more beneficial,” he said.

Saha highlighted the Tripura government’s efforts in developing the state’s socio-economic sectors.

“There has been significant development in the GSDP over the last 10 years. The per capita income has also increased substantially, and all of this has been possible because of the Prime Minister’s Act East Policy. I visited the state (Bengal) before the last elections. Although we (BJP) did not get the expected results, I am confident that changes will come in West Bengal in the coming days,” he said.

He added that since taking charge as Prime Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi has given special importance to the development of the northeastern states

Tripura Chief Minister emphasised how PM Modi consistently speaks about the development of the northeast region.

“Those who visited Tripura 10 years ago now say, ‘Has Agartala changed so much? Has Tripura transformed this significantly?’ These developments, which once seemed unthinkable, have been made possible by our visionary Prime Minister. Today, broad gauge rail service connects Agartala with Sabroom, the southernmost district of Tripura,” he said.

He pointed out that since the BJP formed the government in Tripura (in 2018), there has been remarkable progress in communication systems, internet services, railways, highways, and airways.

“It is unclear whether any other head of state in the world has conducted a program like the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat. Through this program, our Prime Minister connects directly with the people of the country. Compiling the Mann Ki Baat program is, therefore, equally important,” he added.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Jan 22 (IANS) With the tragic series of student suicides in Kota showing no signs of abating, another teenager -- 18-year-old Parag from Assam -- ended his life by hanging from a ceiling.

Parag was in Kota preparing for the JEE, with his exam scheduled for January 27.

He resided in the Mahavir Nagar area under the Jawahar Nagar police station jurisdiction.

His mother is currently in Kota.

The reason behind Parag's extreme step is still unclear.

The body has been sent to the mortuary for further investigation.

In fact, on Wednesday morning, a NEET aspirant Afsha Sheikh from Ahmedabad, committed suicide.

She had been availing coaching classes from a Kota institute.

Overall, six students have committed suicide Kota in January this year.

Circle Inspector (CI) Ram Lakshman identified the student as Afsha Sheikh, a resident of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

She came to Kota about six months ago. Afsha was staying at 'Pratiksha Residency' - a paying guest (PG) facility.

On Wednesday morning, the PG owner noticed the student hanging from a rope in the room.

Immediately, the police as well as the family members of student were informed.

The postmortem of the body will be conducted after the arrival of the family.

The reason for the suicide has not been revealed by the officials yet.

On January 7, Neeraj (19) from Mahendragarh, Haryana, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his hostel room in Jawahar Nagar.

Next day, on January 8, one Abhishek (20), a resident of Guna, Madhya Pradesh, who was living in Vigyan Nagar in Kota, ended his life by hanging. He was preparing for JEE Advanced.

On January 16, Abhijit Giri (18), another JEE aspirant from Odisha, also died by hanging himself from a fan in Vigyan Nagar.

On January 18, one Manan, a JEE aspirant from Indergarh, Bundi district, committed suicide.

He was, in fact, staying with his maternal grandparents for the past three years in Kota.

This alarming trend has raised serious concerns about the mental health pressures faced by students in Kota, a major hub for competitive exam preparation, said a police officer.

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 22 (IANS) Former MLA Anant Singh, an influential figure in the Mokama region of Bihar, narrow escaped on Wednesday a shooting attack allegedly carried out by the notorious 'Sonu-Monu gang'.

The incident happened at Nauranga village.

According to sources, heavy firing took place between "two groups".

Anant Singh came under attack when he along with his aides visited Nauranga village under the Panchmahala Panchayat.

According to sources, the Sonu-Monu gang had allegedly captured a house in the area, prompting Singh to intervene and hold negotiations to resolve the matter.

Upon reaching the house, Sonu and Monu allegedly misbehaved with Singh and his aides.

The confrontation escalated, leading to firing from both sides.

Following the incident, police personnel from five police stations arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation.

Confirming the incident, Rakesh Kumar, SDPO of Barh Range, said: "An application has been received, and appropriate action will be taken. The confrontation occurred when Anant Singh visited Nauranga village."

Anant Singh, popularly known as “Chote Sarkar”, is a controversial leader and former MLA from the Mokama Assembly constituency in Patna district.

Singh is known for his influence and his association with crime. He was recently acquitted in an Arms Act case.

In August 2024, Singh was released from Beur Jail in Patna due to a lack of evidence. This case had earlier led to a 10-year sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Anant Singh’s political career spans associations with several parties, including the BJP, JD-U, and RJD.

Despite his controversial image, Singh has held significant influence in the region.

Currently, his wife, Neelam Devi, serves as the MLA from the Mokama Assembly constituency.

Meanwhile, a police investigation into the confrontation at Nauranga village is underway.

"Further details about the incident and subsequent actions are awaited," an official said.

--IANS

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