India

Hyderabad, Dec 14 (IANS) Tollywood actor Allu Arjun's lawyers plan to initiate legal action over his "illegal detention" despite the High Court's orders to release him immediately.

After Allu Arjun's release from Chanchalguda Jail on Saturday morning, his lawyer Ashok Reddy told media that he was kept in illegal detention despite Jail authorities receiving order copy from the High Court.

The lawyer said the High Court had clearly stated in its order that the accused should be released forthwith.

"Despite receiving the order copy, they did not release him. You should question the government and department why the actor was not released. The High Court order was very specific that forthwith, the moment you receive the order, you have to release the actor. Despite that, they have not released. They have to answer," the lawyer said.

"We have to take further steps. Whatever legally permissible we will take," he added.

The actor's legal team maintained that there was no delay in Jail authorities receiving the order. They claimed that they submitted a certified copy of the High Court order and the messenger of the High Court also furnished a copy to the authorities.

Soon after his release, Allu Arjun drove to Geetha Arts, the film production house of the family, and spoke to his lawyers for an hour.

The national award-winning actor was released from Jail at 6.40 a.m., nearly 12 hours after the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail for four weeks.

Jail authorities said they received the bail order late in the night and since the prisoners can't be released during night hours as per the jail manual, the actor was released the next morning.

Allu Arjun was granted interim bail by the High Court, an hour after a lower court had sent him to judicial custody for 14 days in the case relating to a stampede at a theatre during the premiere show of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'.

The interim bail capped the day-long dramatic developments that began on Friday morning with the actor's arrest from his residence in Jubilee Hills.

A woman died and her son was critically injured during the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the premiere show attended by Allu Arjun on December 4.

Police had registered a case under sections 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 118(1) (Voluntarily causing hurt) r/w 3(5) BNS against Allu Arjun, his security team and the management of the theatre.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) The Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has seen female participation in vocational training rose from 12 per cent in 2017-18 to 20 per cent in 2022-23.

According to Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE), the initiative has focused on strengthening the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) ecosystem across the country.

“Under STRIVE, financial support has been provided to enhance the capacity of ITIs in various states and union territories, said Tiwari, adding that the initiative has achieved a utilisation rate of over 92 per cent of the funds allocated to implementing agencies.

“STRIVE has contributed to improving the ITI system. It has enhanced vocational training infrastructure and addressed key gaps, leading to better outcomes for students and stakeholders,” said Tiwari at the event, attended by World Bank representatives and officials from partnering state governments.

The STRIVE project, supported by the World Bank, achieved milestones during its seven-year implementation. By fostering industry partnerships, the project aimed to enhance apprenticeship opportunities and collaboration across sectors.

Capacity-building programmes for ITI trainers were introduced to improve teaching methodologies and learning outcomes.

The initiative also recorded a 35 per cent compliance rate in tracking on-the-job training (OJT). Furthermore, 15 states successfully reduced trainer vacancies, and nine states developed career progression policies for trainers, guided by a model policy prepared by the Directorate General of Training (DGT).

“The implementation of STRIVE has identified areas for further improvement. The recent budget announcement for the revival of it is through the hub-and-spoke model is a step in the right direction,” said Tiwari.

The STRIVE initiative has laid the groundwork for strengthening India’s vocational training ecosystem, according to the ministry.

—IANS

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Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh), Dec 14 (IANS) Sambhal authorities early on Saturday launched a raid to crack down on electricity theft, uncovering illegal power supplies allegedly routed from some religious places to nearby areas.

The operation, spearheaded by the Electricity Department in collaboration with the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP), began at 5 A.M. on Saturday.

Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya stated that the initial inspection aimed to monitor loudspeaker usage at religious sites to curb noise pollution but revealed extensive power theft.

"Today at 5:00 A.M., we began checking loudspeakers for pollution concerns at religious places, as this has been an issue. Many loudspeakers have been removed, and an arrest was made in this regard on Friday. During this process, we found numerous illegal electricity hooks supplying power to around 250 to 300 houses, including mosques and madrasas," he said.

Pensiya further disclosed that a makeshift power station was found on the roof of a mosque, providing electricity to 100 to 150 homes.

"An entire roof was transformed into an illegal powerhouse. This has been noted, and the hooks installed along the way will be repaired. Proper estimates will be calculated, and action will continue until Sambhal is 100 per cent free of power theft," he added.

Sambhal SP Krishan Bishnoi elaborated on the findings, saying, "Since 5:00 A.M. today, we have been inspecting loudspeakers at all religious sites, including temples and mosques."

"During this inspection, we discovered illegal electricity connections directly linked to poles, transmitting power to entire localities. Over 100 illegal connections were found in a three-hour operation," he said.

He revealed that four mosques were found to have electricity wires running from their towers, supplying power to entire localities.

"Investigations are ongoing, and cases will be registered against those involved in this illegal activity. The electricity theft, amounting to crores of rupees, is being addressed by the department. One mosque had a makeshift powerhouse on its tower, supplying electricity to nearby areas. We are also examining whether fees were collected from local residents for these illegal connections," he added.

Authorities have intensified efforts to curb electricity theft in Sambhal, which has caused significant financial losses. The crackdown will continue until the region achieves compliance with legal electricity usage, the officials mentioned.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Dec 14 (IANS) Tollywood actor Allu Arjun said after release from jail on Saturday that he is a law-abiding citizen and respects the law, while promising all support to the family of the deceased person.

Talking to the media after reaching his house in Jubilee Hills, he said he would cooperate with the law enforcing authorities and do the needful.

He thanked all his fans across the country for their love and support.

“I want to tell my fans that I am doing well. There is nothing to worry about. Thank you very much,” the actor said.

He once again expressed his condolences to the family of the woman who lost her life in the stampede at a theatre in Hyderabad during the premier show of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’.

“It was very unfortunate. They went to watch the film and there was an accident. It was totally unintentional. I am very sorry for whatever has happened. It was purely out of my personal control,” said Allu Arjun, who was booked by police for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The actor said he had been going to theatres to watch films for the last 20 years, but what happened on that day was very unfortunate.

He said he had been to that place (Sandhya Theatre) for more than 30 times.

“I will be there for the family to support them in whatever way I can. We can never cover the loss of the person but I will support them in whatever possible way” said the actor, who already announced Rs 25 lakh for the family of the deceased.

The pan-India actor spoke in English, Hindi and Telugu to thank his fans, saying he was here because of their love and support.

He did not reply when asked if he believed the Telangana government was behind his arrest.

“When the law is taking care of itself, I should not hamper the case,” he said and refused to answer any questions relating to the legal aspects of the case.

The National Award-winning actor agreed that it was a very challenging situation for the family.

Allu Arjun stepped out of Chanchalguda Central Jail on Saturday morning after spending the night in the prison.

The actor, who was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court on Friday evening an hour after a lower court sent him to judicial custody for 14 days, had to spend the night in the jail due to delay in the prison authorities receiving bail orders.

The actor drove straight to the office of Geetha Arts, the production house of the family. He spent an hour there, talking to his lawyers.

He later reached his house, where his family members received him. The actor was seen hugging his wife, children and other family members.

A large number of fans of the actor gathered outside his house to welcome him.

A woman died and her son was critically injured during the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the premier show attended by Allu Arjun on December 4.

Police had registered a case under Sections 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 118(1) (Voluntarily causing hurt) r/w 3(5) BNS against Allu Arjun, his security team and the management of the theatre.

--IANS

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Chennai, Dec 14 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an orange alert for Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu for Saturday. A yellow alert has also been issued for 11 other districts in the state.

On Saturday, Chennai city and its suburbs are expected to receive light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in some areas.

The skies may remain partly cloudy, with maximum and minimum temperatures forecasted at 30-31°C and 24-25°C, respectively.

The coastal and delta regions of Tamil Nadu are likely to experience heavy rains starting December 16.

The RMC has also forecast the formation of another low-pressure area in two days, which could trigger intense rainfall.

S. Balachandran, Additional Director-General of Meteorology, Chennai, noted that the active Northeast Monsoon has been influencing the formation of back-to-back weather systems, calling for studies and better disaster management preparedness.

Rainfall continued across several parts of Tamil Nadu until Friday evening, with Virudhunagar receiving 12 cm of rain and Thoothukudi recording 10 cm by 5:30 p.m.

After a brief break, the RMC predicts fairly widespread rainfall will resume from Monday. An upper-air cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over the South Andaman Sea on Saturday, leading to the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the southern Bay of Bengal.

This system is expected to move west-northwestward toward the Tamil Nadu coast by Monday.

The Tamil Nadu government reported five rain-related fatalities on Friday and early Saturday. Three people died in wall collapses in Ariyalur and Ramanathapuram districts, while two others were electrocuted in Sivaganga and Ranipet districts.

Over 2,000 people have been relocated to 50 relief camps in districts severely affected by the rain.

Additionally, more than 100 cattle have perished across 10 districts, including Mayiladuthurai and Ramanathapuram.

The rain also caused significant property damage, with over 400 houses affected in 20 districts, including Ariyalur and Chengalpattu. The flow in the Thamiraparani River has risen to 50,000 cusecs due to heavy rainfall in surrounding areas.

Residents living near the riverbanks and in low-lying areas have been moved to relief camps. Warning messages have been sent to over 11.75 lakh mobile phones to ensure public safety.

--IANS

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Prayagraj, Dec 14 (IANS) The Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara will take out its grand procession on Saturday as part of the Maha Kumbh festivities in Prayagraj.

The procession will begin at 11 A.M., with a large crowd accompanying the sadhus and seers as they make their way to the Maha Kumbh cantonment. The sadhus and seers will proceed to Triveni Marg Akhara's camp from the Shri Maujgiri Ashram.

Prominent figures such as Mahants, Mahamandaleshwars, Jagadgurus, and Naga sadhus will lead the procession, which promises to be a spectacular display.

In royal style, they will ride chariots, carriages, and horses, with musical bands from Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand adding grandeur to the event.

The Mahamandaleshwar of the Akhara will ride in a silver howdah, while the Naga sadhus will take the lead on horseback.

Mahant Hari Giri, International Patron of Juna Akhara, and President Mahant Premgiri Maharaj will oversee the arrangements.

The preparations come after the sadhus and sages of the Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara made a grand entry into Sangam city last month, marking the start of their participation in the Maha Kumbh.

Under the leadership of Mahant Hari Giri, the procession had commenced from Ramapur in Andawa and concluded at the Shri Maujgiri Panch Dashnam.

Additionally, the entry procession featured well-equipped chariots, carts, and horses, with sants riding in royal splendour to the accompaniment of drums and musical instruments. Crowds lined the streets to welcome them and the sants from different parts of the world who were also present.

The Maha Kumbh festival, held on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj, will officially commence with the first main bathing day on Makar Sankranti on January 13.

This religious gathering is expected to draw millions of devotees and pilgrims, highlighting the spiritual significance and cultural heritage of the event.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Dec 14 (IANS) Farmers are set to resume their 'Delhi Chalo' foot march on Saturday, pressing for the fulfilment of their long-pending demands, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and loan waivers.

The march will involve a group of 101 farmers heading towards the national Capital as part of the ongoing protest that has now completed 10 months.

The farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after security forces stopped their earlier attempts to proceed to Delhi.

The protest is being held under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the decision to march towards Delhi and mentioned that farmers had prayed at Sikh shrines to express solidarity and seek blessings for the movement's success.

Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for over 18 days at the Khanauri border, has seen his health deteriorate significantly. Doctors attending to him have reported decreasing weight and unstable blood pressure.

On Friday, the Supreme Court directed the Punjab and Central governments to ensure medical assistance for Dallewal, emphasising that his life is more important than the agitation. The court also suggested that the farmers adopt Gandhian methods of protest.

In anticipation of the march, security along the interstate border on the Ghaggar rivulet has been heightened, with central paramilitary forces and Haryana police deployed.

During the earlier march attempts, teargas shells were used by the security forces to prevent farmers from crossing the barricades. Temporary barricades, heavily guarded by police and paramilitary personnel, were set up to restrict their movement.

The protesting farmers had briefly suspended their march on December 8 after clashes with security personnel at Shambhu resulted in injuries. However, the farmers remain steadfast in their demands, which include legal reforms to improve the agricultural sector.

The Haryana Police had previously invoked prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to justify their actions in preventing the protestors from advancing. Despite this, the farmers are determined to highlight their grievances in front of Parliament.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Dec 14 (IANS) Popular Tollywood actor Allu Arjun stepped out of Chanchalguda Central Jail here on Saturday morning after spending the night in the prison in the case relating to a stampede at a theatre during the premier show of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’.

The actor, who was granted interim bail by Telangana High Court on Friday evening an hour after a lower court sent him to judicial custody for 14 days, had to spend the night in the jail due to delay in the prison authorities receiving bail orders.

The prison authorities released the national award-winning actor from the rear gate of the jail. He was sent in an escort vehicle.

The actor drove straight to the office of Geeta Arts. He will arrive at his residence in Jubilee Hills later.

Police have made tight security arrangements around his residence.

Earlier, there was suspense on Friday night over his release.

Jail authorities said they received the bail order late in the night and since the prisoners can’t be released during night hours as per the prison manual, the actor would be released next morning.

Allu Arjun spent the night in Manjeera block as a special class status given by the Nampally Court that remanded him on Friday.

A large number of fans of the actor remained outside the jail till late in the night waiting for his release.

Allu Arjun’s lawyers submitted a personal bond of Rs 50,000 to Jail Superintendent as per the direction of the High Court.

While granting interim bail for four weeks, the High Court had directed police to continue the investigation.

It also directed the actor to cooperate in the investigation.

A woman died and her son was critically injured during the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the premier show attended by Allu Arjun on December 4.

Police had registered a case under Sections 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 118(1) (Voluntarily causing hurt) r/w 3(5) BNS against Allu Arjun, his security team and the management of the theatre.

The interim bail capped the day-long dramatic developments that began on Friday morning with the actor’s arrest from his residence in Jubilee Hills.

The bail orders came in the evening, barely an hour after a city court sent Allu Arjun to judicial custody for 14 days.

The High Court gave interim bail for four weeks during the hearing of the quash petition filed by the actor.

The pan-India actor received the respite even as the police were shifting him to Chanchalguda Jail from Nampally Criminal Court Complex.

The High Court also granted interim bail to three members of the theatre management who were arrested earlier in the case.

The Public Prosecutor raised an objection to the interim bail. The court adjourned further hearing to December 21.

During the hearing on quashing the petition, Allu Arjun’s counsel argued that BNS Section 105 does not apply to him as he had nothing to do with the stampede.

S. Niranjan Reddy argued that the actor can’t be held responsible for the stampede. He also informed the court that the theatre management and producer had informed the police in advance about Allu Arjun’s visit.

Niranjan Reddy cited the case of the 2017 stampede at Vadodara Railway Station during actor Shah Rukh Khan’s train journey from Mumbai to Delhi to promote his movie ‘Raees’.

The Gujarat High Court had quashed the complaint filed against Shah Rukh Khan for the stampede, which had killed one person and injured several others.

The Supreme Court later upheld the High Court order.

The Public Prosecutor told the court that Allu Arjun visited the theatre despite a request by police not to come, in view of the possibility of a huge gathering.

The court was informed that the actor reached the theatre in a rally. The police, which arrested the national award-winning actor from his residence in Hyderabad, produced him before a magistrate at the Nampally Criminal Court complex. He was named accused number 11 in the case.

Earlier, police recorded the statement of the actor at Chikkadpally Police Station. He was then taken to Gandhi Hospital for a medical check-up.

--IANS

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Patna, Dec 14 (IANS) Bihar Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Yadav has criticised the Nitish Kumar-led state government for its inability to conduct examinations without controversies.

Referring to the ruckus at an examination centre in Patna during the 70th BPSC prelims, Tejashwi accused the government of gross negligence and incompetence.

During a Facebook Live session on Friday, he highlighted the grievances of candidates who reported a significant delay in receiving question papers—some as late as one hour—across multiple centres.

“This delay caused immense distress among the candidates. Despite the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has remained silent,” Tejashwi Yadav said.

He also pointed out the lack of accountability from the Deputy Chief Ministers of the BJP, who have yet to address the issue publicly.

The opposition leader called for immediate action and accountability to restore faith in the examination system.

Tejashwi Yadav further lambasted the Bihar government, calling the situation a "sheer injustice and fraud" against students.

He accused the administration of fostering an environment across the state where no examination can be conducted without controversy, particularly pointing to repeated instances of question paper leaks.

Tejashwi claimed that the state government has consistently failed to ensure fair and transparent examinations, even since the 10th BPSC exam.

Highlighting the frustration and anger among the youth, the Leader of the Opposition emphasised that the government’s failure to address these grievances shows its complete disregard for the aspirations and rights of the students.

Tejashwi said that this growing dissatisfaction among the youth will soon translate into action, as they prepare to "show the mirror to the government in the next election" and demand accountability for these repeated failures.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Dec 14 (IANS) The Rourkela Police in Odisha on Friday arrested a man and his brother-in-law, an Assistant Sub Inspector of Police, for hatching a plot to kill the pregnant wife at Jhirdapali village in Sundargarh district.

The accused persons were identified as Deben Kumar Behera (35), of Jhirdapali village under the Tikayatpali police limits and Satya Narayan Behera (48), of Gopinathpur village in Ghusura Police Station of Sundargarh district.

The accused husband Deben Kumar is a local Panchayat Extension Officer (PEO) while his brother-in-law, ASI Satya Narayan is posted at the Uditnagar Court in Sundargarh.

Speaking to media persons, DIG of Police (Western Range) Brijesh Kumar Rai said that the victim, Shamyamayee Behera’s husband Deben Kumar gave the statement before police that some miscreants, who came to his house with the intention to commit loot.

The victim Shamyamayee engaged in a brawl with the miscreants while they were trying to snatch away her gold chain and Mangalsutra.

In the meantime, the miscreants fired bullets at the pregnant Shamyamayee and decamped with the ornaments. She was rushed to the Bonai Sub-Divisional Hospital (BSDH) where doctors declared her brought dead.

Rai also revealed that after getting the information he and Superintendent of Police Rourkela Nitesh Wadwani immediately visited the scene of crime and took stock of the situation without delay.

A special team was formed by the Rourkela SP to collect the evidence and determine the timeline of events and veracity of statements given by family and neighbours.

The investigating team on the basis of the discrepancies in statements, timeline, contradictory forensic evidence and concealing of certain facts by the victim’s husband, Deben Kumar, arrived at the conclusion that this was a premeditated murder.

“The police during the course of investigation ascertained that he (Deben Kumar) has murdered his wife. He is engaged in an illicit relationship with another lady which was opposed by the wife. So, the accused husband killed his wife to get rid of her,” said DIG Rai.

The police also revealed that the accused Satya Narayan was involved in the concealing of the weapon of offence. He also helped the prime accused Deben Kumar to get away with the crime.

Police have seized one Scorpio (OD14AC3531), a country-made pistol with three rounds of live ammunition and one empty case of the ammunition of the country-made pistol.

--IANS

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