Regional

Kolkata, March 10 (IANS) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court will this week hear a crucial public interest litigation (PIL) on the risk of foreign nationals participating as candidates in the polls in West Bengal.

It is learnt that the division bench of Calcutta High Court’s Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Chaitali Chattopadhyay will hear the PIL filed by an individual, Manik Fakir, in which the External Affairs Ministry, Election Commission of India (ECI), and the West Bengal Election Commission have been made parties.

High Court insiders said that the matter is expected to come up for hearing at the division bench headed by the Chief Justice on March 13.

It is reported that in his PIL, the petitioner pointed out that there have been past instances of controversies arising over foreign nationals contesting both state Assembly elections conducted by the ECI and the Panchayat and rural civic body polls conducted by the State Election Commission.

That is why the petitioner has made both the ECI and the West Bengal Election Commission parties in the public interest litigation. And since the issue involved foreign nationals, the External Affairs Ministry has also been a party in the case.

In the PIL, the petitioner has argued that since West Bengal will be heading for the crucial Assembly polls next year, the administrative bodies responsible for the smooth conducting of the polls should also ensure that not a single foreign national can contest by using forged identity documents establishing his or her Indian citizenship.

As an example, the petitioner highlighted the case of Trinamool Congress Panchayat Chief Lovely Khatun, who got elected and also became the chief of a village panchayat under the Harishchandrapur block in the Malda district of West Bengal in the 2023 polls for the three-tier panchayat polls in West Bengal.

Later, it was revealed that her actual name is Nasia Sheikh, a resident of neighboring Bangladesh, who entered India in 2015 and subsequently arranged fake Indian identity documents for herself.

The petitioner has also cited an example where questions were raised about the Trinamool Congress candidate from the Bangaon (Dakshin) Assembly constituency in the North 24 Parganas district in the 2021 state Assembly polls, Alo Rani Sarkar.

Although she was defeated by BJP’s Swapan Majumdar, an election petition was filed at the Calcutta High Court challenging her Indian identity. Later, it was revealed that her name was enlisted in the voters’ list in Bangladesh.

--IANS

src/dpb

Imphal, March 10 (IANS) The Manipur Police have arrested 17 militants from three different districts and recovered cars, two-wheelers, and cash amount from the extremists of different outfits, officials said here on Monday.

A police official said that 13 militants were apprehended on Sunday from Imphal West district, while three extremists were nabbed in Imphal East district and one from Tengnoupal district, bordering Myanmar.

Of the 17 militants arrested, three are women cadres.

According to the official, the militants belonged to the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL).

The arrested militants were involved in extortion of money from officials, contractors, traders and common people, transportation of arms and ammunition and various other crimes.

The police personnel also recovered 14 mobile phones, two cars, one two-wheeler, Rs 1.07 lakh cash amount and many incriminating documents.

The official said that joint search operations by the Army, paramilitary and other Central and state forces continued in more than 10 districts to recover the looted arms and ammunition.

The security forces also conducted area domination in the fringe, vulnerable, mixed populated areas of hill and valley districts to apprehend the militants and other armed cadres.

Meanwhile, the situation in five hilly districts, including Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Tengnoupal, remained tense but calm.

A police official in Imphal said that a huge contingent of security forces, comprising both Central and state forces, have been deployed in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl and Jiribam districts.

On Saturday, at least 43 people, including 27 security personnel, were injured and a protester killed during the clashes in Kangpokpi and a few other districts as the Kuki-Zo tribal organisations protested against the resumption of the bus services between Imphal and the hill districts to alleviate public inconvenience and as an initiative to bring back normalcy in the state.

--IANS

sc/dpb

New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) At least five people were killed when the car they were travelling in was hit by a truck on the National Highway in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday.

The incident took place when a high-speed truck, bearing the registration number RJ18GB5710, was heading towards Ayodhya. While attempting to change lanes, the truck collided with a car travelling in the opposite direction, coming from Ayodhya towards Basti.

The impact of the collision was devastating. Five of the eight people in the car died on the spot due to the intense crash. The passengers in the car were reported to be severely injured, with three of them still in critical condition.

The injured individuals were rushed to the district hospital for immediate medical attention, and their condition is still being monitored.

Local police reached the site of the accident promptly after receiving the distress call. They immediately began rescue operations and later took the bodies of the deceased for post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death. The police are investigating the cause of the crash, with the truck's high speed and the lane change being key factors under scrutiny.

The accident took place on the National Highway under the jurisdiction of the Nagar Police Station, near Gotwa Bazaar. The horrific scene left the local community shaken, and authorities are working to ascertain whether any further negligence or road conditions contributed to the incident.

Residents have expressed their sorrow over the tragic loss of life and have urged authorities to take stronger measures to ensure road safety, especially on busy highways like the one where the accident occurred.

As the investigation continues, the families of the deceased and the injured are receiving support from the local community.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognizance of the accident and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families of the victims.

In a statement, the Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt sympathies and directed district officials to expedite relief efforts. He also instructed them to ensure the injured were provided with immediate and proper medical care.

--IANS

rs/dpb

Bhopal, March 10 (IANS) Moments after Rohit Sharma and his team triumphed over New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling final of the cricket Champions Trophy, celebrations turned chaotic in Mhow near Indore, Madhya Pradesh, late Sunday night.

The festive atmosphere quickly escalated into tension among two communities as stones were pelted at the joyous crowd.

The incident occurred around 10.30 p.m. on Sunday, when a procession in the Jama Masjid area sparked a dispute over firecrackers. This quickly escalated into a confrontation, with stone-pelting spreading to several areas, including Manak Chowk, Patti Bazaar, and Market Chowk, among others.

The situation spiralled out of control when two opposing groups faced off, further intensifying the chaos. Numerous videos have emerged showing individuals from a specific community targeting jubilant cricket fans with stones. In response to the incident, a heavy police presence has been deployed to prevent further unrest.

Additional security forces have been called in to maintain control, a senior police officer told IANS over the phone.

Even with the police present, the stone-pelting persisted, reports said, and some individuals brandished weapons.

Anger boiled over, leading to the torching of shops and vehicles by miscreants. The violence was exacerbated by the use of petrol bombs, video footage, and reports revealed. To quell the unrest, the police resorted to using mild force through lathi charges and fired tear gas shells. The violence left two houses, four shops, and a “magic” vehicle damaged. Over a dozen vehicles were set ablaze and vandalized, unconfirmed reports said.

However, the police took over and brought the situation under control. The full extent of the damage will be determined after further investigation.

The police continue to work towards restoring order, but the area remains on edge

As soon as the Indian cricket team won the Champions Trophy 2025, jubilations erupted across the country, with lakhs taking to the streets to celebrate the win.

--IANS

sktr/dpb

Mumbai, March 10 (IANS) Shiv Sena UBT President Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday accused the BJP and RSS of creating disputes over the language issue after they had started fights over gods.

“RSS people sit on the terrace with sticks, those sticks are good for drying clothes. These are the people who teach patriotism from the terrace of their houses even if the war against Pakistan starts. Just as they have no connection with the country's freedom struggle, they have no connection with the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Those who have no connection with freedom hold the reins of the country in their hands. Further, those who start fights over gods are now creating disputes over the issue of language,” he said in his speech at the party’s training camp here on Sunday.

He targeted RSS veteran Bhayyaji Joshi over his statement last week that “people coming to Mumbai don’t have to learn Marathi.”

“We have no hatred towards Gujarat. But these people are now starting linguistic regionalism. We are Hindus in the country, but in Maharashtra we are Marathi. The language of Ghatkopar is called Gujarati. Don't teach us. They (BJP and RSS) also worked to create division in the fight for a united Maharashtra,” he charged.

Thackeray further stated, “The battle is not a party battle. It is not a political battle but it is for our mother tongue and the identity of Maharashtra.” He claimed that RSS and BJP people teach patriotism from the rooftops, the country's leadership is in the hands of those who have no connection with the freedom struggle.

“We are followers of Mohan Bhagwat. If he did not go to the Kumbh Mela, how would I go?” he asked.

“We are also saying Jai Shri Ram. What right does BJP have over Ram?” he questioned. “We want a BJP-free Ram. We will say Jai Shri Ram, but we will make BJP people say Jai Shivaji, Jai Bhavani. Are you now instigating a fight over a deity?" he asked.

Thackeray said that BJP’s claim of being patriotic is a fake narrative. “It was Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray’s stand that India should not play a match with Pakistan until Pakistan takes a cordial posture towards our country. But now they (BJP and RSS) are teaching us patriotism,” he added.

Thackeray replied to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ taunt that he was not his predecessor to stay on ongoing projects saying “You are not Uddhav Thackeray and cannot become Uddhav Thackeray.”

Thackeray in his speech at the party’s training camp further stated “I did not let the work stop during the Corona period. I did not let the Metro work stop. I did not let the work of the Coastal Road stop. Even in hospitals, we provide services and facilities that you would never have had in your life. Just because I did not do the dirty work of your bosses' friends, I am not Uddhav Thackeray. You (CM Fadnavis) are not Uddhav Thackeray and you cannot become Uddhav Thackeray.”

“In 2012, we won Mumbai with just two words, ‘Karun Dakhavle’ (we have demonstrated) and we did the same in 2017 (BMC election). Devendra Fadnavis should be told that the Coastal Road is not your achievement, it is Shiv Sena's. I have done the foundation stone laying for it. Even though you have started the link road called Nhava Sheva-Sewri, I have laid its first girder as the Chief Minister,” he said replying to Fadnavis’s dig.

Thackeray declared that he would bring back the party to power again after opponents will be clean-bowled.

--IANS

sj/uk

Hyderabad, March 10 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday night announced ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the family of Gurpreet Singh, whose body was recovered from the partially collapsed SLBC tunnel in Nagarkurnool district on Sunday.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed condolences over the death of the worker engaged in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel works.

The rescue teams identified the human remains found in the tunnel as Gurpreet Singh from Punjab, who was one among eight workers trapped in the tunnel after a portion of the tunnel roof collapsed on February 22.

Gurpreet Singh was working as a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) operator in the American company Robbins.

Conveying deep sympathies to the bereaved family members, the CM announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia. The mortal remains of Gurpreet Singh have been sent to the home town in Punjab.

On the 16th day of the rescue operation, rescue workers on Sunday recovered the body of one of the eight missing persons after the cadaver dogs from Kerala identified a spot for the presence of human remains under the rubble.

The specially trained dogs identified human presence at D-2 point about 100 meters from the accident site in the final stretch of the 14-km-long tunnel.

The rescue workers carefully excavated silt at the identified location and pulled out a body on Sunday evening.

The rescue teams continued the search for the remaining seven persons in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project tunnel.

Four labourers, two engineers and two machine operators, hailing from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir were trapped in the tunnel on February 22 when a portion of the tunnel roof collapsed during the excavation.

The seven trapped persons are Manoj Kumar (UP), Sri Niwas (UP), Sunny Singh (J&K) and Sandeep Sahu, Jegta Xess, Santosh Sahu and Anuj Sahu, all from Jharkhand.

Several agencies of the state and Central governments have been making efforts for the last 15 days to trace the missing persons.

--IANS

ms/uk

New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) BJP leader Amit Malviya has raised alarm over what he perceives as the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal, pointing out a string of recent violent incidents that have left the state's residents in fear.

In a sharply worded statement posted on X, Malviya slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for failing to control the rising unrest.

"The law and order situation in West Bengal is spiralling out of control, rapidly resembling the chaos seen in Bangladesh," Malviya wrote, drawing an alarming parallel that has stirred political debate.

His statement followed a particularly violent incident earlier that day in Murshidabad District. Malviya recounted how Mamata Banerjee’s supporters, whom he described as extremists, had vandalised and set fire to shops and properties owned by Hindus in Patikabari Bazar, located in Nawda Block.

"Just a few hours ago, Mamata Banerjee’s extremist supporters vandalised and set fire to shops and properties owned by Hindus at Patikabari Bazar in Nawda Block, Murshidabad District. This is not an isolated incident -- in the past 48 hours, multiple reports of Hindu temples being desecrated have emerged," he added, underlining the broader nature of the violence that has been taking place.

Malviya’s post was not just a critique of Mamata Banerjee’s leadership but also a call for urgent intervention. He expressed concern over the inability of Bengal's leadership to restore order and called for immediate action from the central government.

"If Bengal Home Minister Mamata Banerjee is incapable of handling the situation, she must ask Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to requisition central forces immediately to restore normalcy," he demanded.

As Malviya's statement gained traction online, political tensions in West Bengal were further exacerbated, with both the state government and BJP supporters exchanging sharp rebuttals. The call for central forces has ignited a fresh political storm, as Bengal remains on edge.

--IANS

brt/uk

Guwahati, March 9 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna on Sunday said that a record allocation of Rs 10,440 crores has been made for Railways in the northeastern region in the Union Budget 2025–26.

After visiting the Guwahati Railway Station, the Union Minister said that till 2014, there was no railway electrification in Assam, but now 100 per cent railway electrification would be completed by the end of this year (2025).

He also highlighted the significant progress in railway infrastructure development, mentioning that doubling works are being carried out at an accelerated pace to enhance capacity and efficiency.

Additionally, new railway lines are being laid to improve connectivity and cater to the growing transportation demands of the northeastern region, Somanna told the media.

The Minister emphasised the importance of modernising railway stations to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

He reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure and connectivity, especially in the northeastern states.

During his visit to the Guwahati Railway Station, the minister reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects at the station. He was accompanied by Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager, NFR, along with senior railway officials from the headquarters and division.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the Guwahati Railway Station is being redeveloped with modern amenities under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) at an estimated cost of Rs 181.09 crore.

The Minister carried out a comprehensive inspection of the station's infrastructure.

He also evaluated key facilities, including waiting halls, QR code ticketing counters and security measures. Somanna visited the Executive Lounge and commended the railway officials for their efforts in keeping the station clean.

Earlier, on March 8, the Minister inspected Dibrugarh railway station to review the progress of its redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat station scheme.

He also visited the Bogibeel Rail-cum-Road Bridge over Brahmaputra river, which connects the north and south banks of the river, enhancing connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Minister's visit highlighted the commitment to providing world-class railway services while promoting economic growth and regional development, the CPRO said.

--IANS

sc/pgh

New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) In a remarkable initiative for the devotees attending the grand Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, a special camp named 'Netra Mahakumbh' has been set up to provide free eye checkups, spectacles, and medicines.

This camp, running since January 13, is also offering free eye surgeries for those in need, along with promoting awareness about eye donation.

The camp, supported by organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Saksham Foundation, and other social groups, has been helping thousands of pilgrims daily.

According to Satyavijay Singh, the RSS's Kashi region service head, the Maha Kumbh is held every 12 years, and this year, the Netra Mahakumbh aims to provide free eye care services to up to five lakh people, including free eye checkups for three lakh individuals, and distributing spectacles and medicines.

Additionally, free eye surgeries are being conducted for those in need. The camp is organised with the collaboration of several social organisations, including the Saksham Foundation, which focuses on empowering differently-abled individuals.

Rajesh Pratap, the RSS Uttar Pradesh publicity head, mentioned that hundreds of devotees are visiting the camp daily for eye checkups. Patients are sent to the OPD (Outpatient Department) where a team of 40 doctors examines them.

Medical staff, numbering over 100, are also available to assist. If a patient requires medicine, it is provided; if spectacles are needed, they are distributed free of charge. If a patient needs further treatment or surgery, they are referred to a hospital where their treatment is also provided at no cost.

Three cards are issued for each patient: one for the patient, one for the hospital, and one for the organisation’s records.

Shanti Bhushan Mishra from Prayagraj praised the camp, calling it an excellent initiative. Nimesh Pandey, who came from Hardoi, expressed his appreciation, stating, "This is a great initiative, benefiting hundreds of people."

Saurabh Shukla, another devotee, mentioned, "I came here for an eye checkup, but I also plan to donate my eyes."

The Netra Mahakumbh is not only providing essential healthcare but also fostering a sense of social responsibility and compassion among pilgrims, making it a significant part of this year's Maha Kumbh celebrations.

--IANS

rs/

New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) Aam Aadmi Party Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that the loan of rich people should not be waived off and, instead, the farmers and the middle class should be given the benefit.

He said if loans have to be waived off, then these should be for farmers and home loans of the middle class.

"I have just calculated that if loans are not waived off, then the tax rates would reduce to just half," the former Delhi Chief Minister said.

He pointed out that a person earning Rs 12 lakh per annum gives most of his/her money in tax, and this is a major concern for the middle class.

This is Kejriwal's third letter to the Prime Minister in the last fortnight.

Kejriwal on January 19 said he had proposed a joint housing scheme in a letter to PM Modi for government employees, especially sanitation workers. In the letter to the PM, Kejriwal raised the issue of challenges related to permanent housing faced by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sanitation workers after retirement.

On January 17, Kejriwal wrote to PM Modi proposing to give a 50 per cent discount to students travelling by Delhi Metro. In the letter, he wrote that the Delhi Metro is a joint venture between the Central and Delhi governments and both should share the financial burden of the Metro services as a result.

The latest letter by Arvind Kejriwal to PM Modi comes just weeks before the Delhi Assembly polls. The Delhi Legislative Assembly election is scheduled for February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.

Delhi is witnessing a triangular contest among the AAP, BJP and Congress and all have been making several promises to lure voters.

Congress has promised LPG cylinder for Rs 500, free ration kits, and free electricity of up to 300 units to the city residents if voted to power. It has also announced ‘Pyari Didi Yojana’, promising a monthly aid of Rs 2,500 to women in Delhi.

The AAP, seeking a straight third term to power, has promised free healthcare for all senior citizens, monthly assistance of Rs 18,000 to priests in temples and granthis in gurudwaras, Mahila Samman Yojana and existing welfare schemes.

The BJP has been promising continuing welfare and subsidy schemes and providing up to 300 free units of electricity for households and up to 500 free power units for religious places, free bus rides for students and senior citizens, monthly financial aid scheme for women.

--IANS

svn/dpb