India

New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Delhi Police have arrested a notorious criminal, who used to steal two-wheelers vehicles and later used them to commit robbery, an official said Sunday.

The accused, identified as Rahul Sharma (29), was previously found involved in six robbery cases and theft.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-West), Usha Rangnai, said that in order to curb incidents of snatching and robbery in the North-West district, a team was constituted to deploy anti-snatching pickets and to nab the suspicious persons.

"On Saturday, the team positioned near Laxmi Bai College was checking vehicles when they noticed a Scooty, which was coming towards them, taking a U-turn in order to escape. The police swung into action and nabbed the rider, Rahul, after a brief chase," the DCP said.

After a search, a button actuated knife was recovered from Rahul possession, while the Scooty he was riding was also found to be a stolen vehicle.

The police have lodged an FIR under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act and apprehended the accused.

On sustained interrogation, Rahul confessed that he was roaming in the area in search of parked two-wheelers, so as to steal them and them=n commit robbery using them. He was evading arrest and was on the run in two cases of robbery and under the Arms Act.

Further efforts are being made to trace his possible involvement in other cases, the official said.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Delhi Police have busted a gang of fraudsters and arrested four persons, including two women, who duped people in lieu of providing handsome salary for gigolo and masseur service, an official said on Sunday.

The accused, identified as Shubham Ahuja, Udit Mehta, Neha Chhabra and Archna Ahuja, cheated more than 100 people in the last two years.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-West), Usha Rangnani, said a complaint was received by the cyber police station wherein the complainant alleged that he received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number, offering him a male masseur's job which included going to people's houses and give them massage on payment basis.

"When he contacted the given mobile number, he was asked to pay Rs 3,500 as registration fee. The complainant paid the amount through Paytm," the DCP said.

He was then induced to pay Rs 12,600 for buying a massage equipment kit, Rs 15,500 for preparing an entry card and Rs 9,400 for booking a hotel room.

For every payment, the complainant was promised that he will get back the whole amount in cash from their clients. After he paid Rs 9,400, the accused asked for more money to get another entry card made which the complainant refused and asked for refund.

In total, the complainant paid Rs 47,200 to the alleged persons but no such job was provided to him. Thereafter, he realised that he has been duped in lieu of job offer.

The police registered a case under Section 420 of the IPC and took up the probe.

During investigation, a team was constituted which obtained the beneficiary account details and mounted technical surveillance.

The details were scrutinised and based on the findings, a raid was conducted in the Janak Park area in Hari Nagar, from where the police arrested all the four accused persons besides collecting digital evidence, including seven mobile phones, one laptop, ATM cards and other documents which were later found to be connected to the fraud in the instant case.

On sustained interrogation, the accused disclosed that they used to post advertisements on social media platforms, WhatsApp and dating apps. They used to assure the victims that all the money would be refunded by their rich female clients at the time of first meeting in a hotel.

"Shubham Ahuja was the mastermind of the racket and ran his network from a rented premises in Janak Park," the DCP said.

He paid a salary of Rs 20,000 per month to manager Udit Mehta and Rs 15,000 per month each to both Neha Chhabra and Archna Ahuja, who worked as tele-callers, the official added.

--IANS
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Chennai, Sep 18 (IANS) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said that the National Educational Policy (NEP) 2020 recognises all Indian languages as national languages.

In his address at the 36th convocation ceremony of SASTRA deemed to be University at Thanjavur, he also said that the country has the knowledge capability to find sustainable solutions at global level.

Pradhan, who is also Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Minister, said that NEP 2020 recognises the positive impact of the mother tongue in fostering critical thinking and innovation, as well as its potential in terms of teaching methodology and learning outcomes.

He also said that entrepreneurship should be promoted and that bridging the gap between education and skills was important.

Pradhan said that initiatives were in place for harnessing and integrating knowledge in Indian folklore and old literature.

He conferred degrees of Doctor of Science on Krishnaswami Alldi, Professor of Mathematics, University of Florida, and Doctor of Letters on Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bharathiya Basha Samiti, on the occasion.

--IANS
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Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) Indian-American singer-songwriter Subhi and Kanishk Seth of "Rang Saari" fame have collaborated for an upcoming track titled "Laapata". This will be Subhi's first Hindi track after a series of English releases, including songs such as "In My Way", "Wake Me Up", "Define Me", "Better", and "Water Raft".

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Subhi has previously worked with leading digital platforms Y-Films (Yash Raj Films) and TVF (The Viral Fever) in India. Subhi's original composition "Lovely" is the title track of a series called "Zindagi In Shorts" and the song is also featured in one of the episodes.

"Laapata" will be Subhi and Kanishk Seth's first collaboration. Kanishk has produced the track and the track is mixed and mastered by Prathamesh Dudhane.

Subhi said: "'Laapata' is about feeling inspired and lost at the same time. I am grateful for the freedom I have to do what I love the most and at the same time, I realise how unpredictable and unknown this journey is. As I am getting older, and wiser, I am realising life is bittersweet. Many times I find myself feeling a little lost, questioning the purpose of my work and where it is taking me. "

"I keep reminding myself it is okay to feel lost, to wander, and in the process re-discover myself. 'Laapata' is about finding solace in feeling lost on a crossroad you've been on before."

Subhi also added: "When I created this song, it played in my head in a loop for days. That's when I knew I had to put it out there. I am so excited to share this song with the world. This is the first original song I have collaborated with Kanishk Seth on. I created the song and reached out to Kanishk. He liked the composition and came onboard as the producer."

"Originally I had a very different vision of how I'd like the music to be. Kanishk had his own ideas regarding how the track should sound. We started off by discussing ideas and with a lot of back and forth, landed at a sweet spot where we both fell in love with the track. I feel Kanishk did a fantastic job at producing the track and helped me complete the vision of the song."

Kanishk, about working on the track, said: "When I had started working on 'Laapata', I remember we had such different ideas in the beginning. Subhi had certain ideas that you will have to make it a momentabalistic yet a bit modern sounding track. And whenever I listen to the song I always imagine going on a road trip or just feeling lost at the same time very irrespective of life just like the lines of the song."

--IANS
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Chandigarh, Sep 18 (IANS) Donning black T-shirts, students of Chandigarh University in Punjab's Mohali district continued to protest demanding justice over the alleged 'leaked objectionable videos' on Sunday.

Following protests by the students on Saturday night, a female MBA student of the private university was arrested by the police on Sunday morning on charges of making an objectionable video.

She has also been accused of filming her fellow hostellers and making the videos viral.

As the matter drew angry political reactions, the university authorities clarified that "no videos were found of any student which are objectionable, except a personal video shot by a girl which she shared with her boyfriend".

Also dismissing reports of suicide attempt by some students who were allegedly filmed, the authorities said "there are rumours that seven girls have committed suicide whereas the fact is that no girl has taken any such step".

Senior Superintendent of Police Vivek Soni, who is leading the investigation team, categorically told the media that no attempt to suicide was reported after the incident came to light. Also, he said, so far there is no evidence of the video going viral.

"As per the investigation, the accused made her own video and shared it with her boyfriend. There is no video of other students made by her. There is no evidence of that so far. A lot of misinformation and rumours are doing the rounds. We should respect the modesty of the accused student as we are investigating the matter," he said.

Soni appealed to the people and the students to maintain calm and help the police probe the matter.

As per reports, the accused hosteller sent nude images and videos to her male friend in Shimla, resulting in the footage being circulated online.

As the news spread, a massive protest was staged on the university campus on Saturday night with scores of hostellers raising 'we want justice' slogan.

The police had to resort to lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

Amid the raging controversy, Chandigarh University Pro-Chancellor R.S. Bawa said there are rumours that seven girls have committed suicide. "No girl has attempted any such step. No girl has been admitted to the hospital," he said.

"Another rumour is doing the rounds that 60 objectionable MMS clips have been found of different students. This is totally false and baseless. During the preliminary investigation conducted by the university, only one personal video was found which was shot by a girl who shared it with her boyfriend," Bawa said in a statement.

He added that all mobile phones and other materials have been handed over to the police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, terming the incident as unfortunate, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered a high-level probe into the matter.

The Chief Minister said that "daughters are our dignity and pride", adding that any such incident is highly condemnable.

He categorically said that anyone found guilty will not be spared and severe action will be taken against the perpetrators of this crime.

Requesting the students to maintain calm, Minister of School Education Harjot Singh Bains said, "The guilty will not be spared. It's a very sensitive matter and relates to the dignity of our sisters and daughters. We all, including the media, should be very very cautious."

Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Manisha Gulati, who reached the university, said, "The probe is underway and law will take its course."

She also said that the commission will inspect all universities so that such incidents do not occur again.

Additional Director General of Police Gurpreet Deo told the media that a youth from Shimla is known to the accused girl.

"More details will be known once he is detained. Forensic probe of the girl's mobile phone will be conducted," he said.

Meanwhile, former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh tweeted, "The #chandigarhuniversity incident is shameful. Those responsible must be given exemplary punishment. The dignity & safety of our daughters should be of topmost priority. Hope police gets into action and sets an example against the culprits."

--IANS
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Panaji, Sep 18 (IANS) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant along with eight MLAs, who recently switched to the BJP from the Congress, will leave for Delhi later on Sunday to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior saffron party leaders.

On September 14, former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Michael Lobo, Delilah Lobo, Kedar Naik, Sankalp Amonkar, Rajesh Faldesai, Aleixo Sequeira and Rudolf Fernandes had jumped ship from the Congress to the BJP.

Sawant on Sunday attended a coordination meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) after which he told mediapersons that he will be leaving for Delhi later on Sunday.

"All the eight new joinees and the state BJP President (Sadanand Tanavade) are also going to Delhi with me. We will meet the Prime Minister and also will try to meet Home Minister Amit Shah," Sawant said.

He added that the meeting with Prime Minister Modi has already been fixed, while the meeting with Amit Shah is yet to be finalised.

When asked whether a Cabinet reshuffle will take place after the meeting with the Prime Minister, Sawant said there are no such plans.

The BJP had 20 MLAs in the 40-member Goa Assembly, which has now gone up to 28 after recent joinings. The BJP also has the support of two Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLAs and three Independent members. Hence, the total strength of BJP+allies has gone up to 33 now, while the Congress has been reduced to just three MLAs.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) In a latest development in connection with the AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan case, the Delhi Police on Sunday arrested four persons, who attacked the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) team in the Jamia area during the raid.

One of the accused is still on large, and all are said to be close aides of the AAP MLA.

The arrested accused were identified as Shakeel Ahmad, Anwar, Sikander and Afsar. The official said that the accused have been apprehended for obstructing the raiding party of ACB during the official discharge of their duty.

"Accused Kaushar Imam Siddique alias Laddan is still at large in one case of Arms Act of PS Jamia Nagar. Efforts are being made to arrest him," the official said.

Amanatullah was placed under arrest by the ACB on Friday. The ACB has sought a 14-day police custody of Amanatullah. The court after hearing their arguments, granted them four days' custody.

It has been alleged that Amanatullah Khan while working as the Chairman of Delhi Waqf Board illegally recruited 32 persons violating all norms and government guidelines. He was accused of indulging in corruption and favouritism.

The then CEO of Delhi Waqf Board had clearly given a statement and issued memorandum against such illegal recruitments.

Further, it was alleged that as Chairman of Delhi Waqf Board Amanatullah had rented out a number of properties of Delhi Waqf Board illegally with allegations of corruption and favouritism.

Amanatullah Khan had also misappropriated the funds of Delhi Waqf Board comprising grants in aid from the Delhi government.

"From the inputs received while questioning and on the basis of information developed by the Anti-Corruption Branch, four locations were searched. From these locations, Rs 24 Lakhs cash and two illegal and unlicensed weapons and cartridges and ammunition was also recovered. Also, at one of the locations, outside the residence of Amanatullah, the search team consisting of an ACP was attacked by the relatives and other known persons of Amanatullah and they also caused obstruction in discharge of Government duty to ACB officers," said Madhur Verma Additional Commissioner of Police, ACB.

Further investigation in the matter was on.

--IANS
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Valsad, Sep 18 (IANS) Four persons have been arrested in Gujarat's Valsad district for allegedly selling leopard skin by the District North Range Forest department, forest officials said.

All the accused will be produced before the court and the forest officials will seek their remand to investigate them further.

Valsad North District Forest Conservator, Nisha Raj told IANS, "We were tipped off by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau that some persons from the area are planning to sell leopard skin. Therefore three teams were formed and started searching for the persons and were able to catch the accused identified as Chintu Gavit, Nagin Chaudhary, Narottam Bhoye and Ranjit Valvi with leopard skin. All accused belong to the tribal community and are not part of any gang."

The Forest department official said that during questioning, the accused claimed that a year ago a leopard had died after falling into a well in Ranjit's farm. He pulled out the body with help of the rest of the accused and excoriated the skin, and then buried the skeleton in the corner of the farm.

She added that the skeleton of the leopard has been recovered but its claws are missing and search for it is underway.

The accused had handed over the leopard skin to a 'sadhu' along the Gujarat-Maharashtra border from whom they recently got the possession and were planning to sell it out.

An investigation is underway that whether other persons are also involved or they were in contact with any hunters or buyers and reveal their names and how they came into contact.

--IANS
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Agartala/Itanagar, Sep 17 (IANS) Various state governments in the northeast region undertook several campaigns to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modis 72nd birthday on Saturday.

The BJP government in Tripura launched a two-and-a-half-month long campaign on good governance in every household from Saturday.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha launched the 'Proti Ghore Shushashon' (good governance at every household) campaign to take the benefits of the flagship schemes of the Centre and the state government to the doorsteps of the people, from the district to the gram panchayat level.

Saha also announced to increase the monthly allowance given under the 31 social welfare schemes from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000, which will benefit around 3.90 lakh people in Tripura.

The campaign would continue till November 30.

Pradip Chakraborty, Secretary in the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, said that as part of the good governance campaign, developmental meetings, fairs, rallies and various other events would be organised in each block.

Meanwhile, the BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh launched a fortnight-long 'Seva Pakhwada' (Service Fortnight) in Itanagar.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that India is a diverse country and running it is not an easy job and the right person became the Prime Minister of the country at the right time.

Recalling his first meeting with Modi after becoming the Chief Minister, Khandu said the PM had only one thing in mind for the state -- its overall development and welfare of the people.

"He had advocated productive and people-friendly reforms in governance. We are trying our best to follow his advice and with much pride we can say that we have brought in several game-changing reforms," Khandu said.

During the fortnight, party workers will render their services in various activities like blood donation camps, free health camps, vaccination drives etc.

In line with Modi's call to make India TB-free by 2025, the party workers will also adopt TB patients in their respective areas.

The Chief Ministers of all the eight northeastern states extended their wishes to Modi on his birthday.

"We rever you as a Vishwa Guru. Your leadership, vision and passion for Bharat have given India a new glow, a rare glory, a supreme pride on the global arena. We feel deeply blessed to have you around us. Heartiest Birthday Greetings Adarniya Pradhan Mantri Shri Narendra Modi ji," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the National Logistics Policy, calling it a significant step in fulfilling the 'Pran' (vow) of India being a developed country.

"To ensure quick last mile delivery, end transport-related challenges, save time and money of the manufacturers, prevent wastage of the agro-products, concerted efforts were made and one of the manifestations of those efforts is today's National Logistics Policy," he said.

The resulting improvement in coordination will lead to the desired speed in the sector, he added.

The Prime Minister noted that in India, which has become the fifth largest economy in the world, things are changing rapidly.

Giving the example of a "Cheetah" - incidentally on the day when he witnessed the release of the felines from Namibia in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, the Prime Minister said that luggage should move at rapid speed.

"The echo of Make in India and India becoming self-reliant is everywhere. India is setting big export targets and is also fulfilling them. The notion that India is emerging as a manufacturing hub, is stabilising in the mind of the world. If we study the PLI scheme we will find that the world has accepted it," Modi said.

In such a situation, he said the National Logistics Policy will bring new energy to all sectors.

Modi pointed out that the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan will be supporting the National Logistics Policy in all earnest.

He emphasised that for the products manufactured in India to dominate the world market, it is crucial to have a strong support system.

"The National Logistics Policy will greatly help us modernise this support system," he said.

Modi also pointed out that the issues related to logistics are reduced and when the country's exports increase, small industries and the people working in them benefit the most.

"Strengthening of the logistics sector will not only make the life of common man easier but will also help in increasing the respect of labour and workers," the Prime Minister added.

--IANS
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