Regional

Chennai, Jan 28 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted extensive raids in the Tamil Nadu districts of Mayiladuthurai and Chennai on Tuesday. The operation commenced at 3.30 a.m. and targeted 20 locations.

Of these 15 locations are in Mayiladuthurai and five in Chennai, with teams from Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu participating. The Tamil Nadu Police were also assisting in the raids.

According to police sources, the raids focused on areas associated with the banned Islamic fundamentalist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI). The NIA has previously conducted similar operations in Tamil Nadu, targeting areas such as Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Madurai, and others. These raids primarily focused on former members of the outlawed PFI, which was banned by the Central government in 2022.

The latest operation is reportedly linked to the investigation into the 2019 murder of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Ramalingam in Thanjavur. Ramalingam was allegedly killed by PFI members on February 5, 2019, for opposing forced religious conversions among underprivileged communities.

The NIA had earlier filed a charge sheet against 18 individuals in connection with this case. In an earlier operation on September 24, 2024, the NIA raided 12 locations in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Kanyakumari, and Pudukottai. These raids were connected to the recruitment activities of the banned terror organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), which aims to establish an Islamic state governed by its founder Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani’s constitution.

The NIA took over the HUT case from Tamil Nadu Police and arrested an HUT activist, Aziz Ahamed (also known as Jaleel Aziz Ahmed), at Bengaluru International Airport on August 31, 2024, as he attempted to flee the country.

Aziz’s arrest was seen as a significant breakthrough in the crackdown on HUT’s activities in India. Earlier, on August 1, 2024, Tamil Nadu Police arrested six individuals associated with HUT based on intelligence inputs. Among them were engineering graduate Hameed Hussain, his father, and his brother, who were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects following raids in Chennai and North Tambaram.

Police revealed that Hameed Hussain was the mastermind behind the recruitment efforts for HUT and had been actively sharing videos on social media advocating for an Islamic Caliphate. He also criticised the democratic process in some of his videos, according to authorities. The NIA continues its investigation into these networks, focusing on their recruitment strategies and attempts to undermine national security through radicalisation efforts.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Jan 27 (IANS) The Odisha government has appointed former State Director General of Police Prakash Mishra as an advisor to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, officials said.

As per the notification issued by the Odisha General Administration and Public Grievances Department, Mishra has been accorded Cabinet Minister rank.

"Prakash Mishra, IPS (retired) is appointed as Advisor to the Chief Minister in the rank of Cabinet Minister," reads the notification.

Following the appointment, Mishra expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for giving him a huge responsibility.

"I hope that I will be able to perform the duty bestowed upon me properly and successfully address the concerns of the people of Odisha," he said.

He also added that his primary focus would be on the effective functioning of the new BJP-led government, addressing the concerns of the citizens.

The 1977 Odisha cadre IPS officer has earlier served as the Director General (DG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

He was the DG of Odisha Police from 2012 to 2014.

Mishra was later removed as the Odisha Police Chief in July 2014 and a vigilance case was also slapped against him in September 2014.

However, the Orissa High Court quashed the charges against Mishra in June 2015.

He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the general elections in 2019.

Mishra contested from Cuttack Lok Sabha constituency but lost to BJD candidate Bhartruhari Mahtab.

Mishra is known as a strong critique of former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik.

In another significant appointment, the Governor of Odisha Hari Babu Kambhampati also appointed retired 1999-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Madhusudan Padhi as the State Election Commissioner on Monday.

The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department issued a notification in this regard on Monday.

"In pursuance of clause (1) of Article 243-K of the Constitution, the Governor of Odisha is pleased to appoint Madhusudan Padhi, IAS (Retd.) as State Election Commissioner, Odisha," the notification said.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 27 (IANS) The Dharwad Bench of Karnataka High Court, headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, on Monday stayed the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, B.M. Parvathi, and Minister for Urban Development, Byrathi Suresh, in connection with the MUDA land scam matter.

The Bench questioned the urgency of the ED's actions, asking, "What is the tearing hurry?" while passing the order.

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

Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close confidant of the CM, was scheduled to appear before ED officers on Monday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Enforcement Directorate issued a notice to Parvathi, who is the second accused in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. The ED has also issued notice to the Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close confidante of CM Siddaramaiah.

Sources said the notice was issued to Parvathi under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) Act.

The notice, signed by senior ED officer Murali Kannan, has asked her to be present before the ED sleuths on January 28 (Tuesday).

The sources further revealed that this was the second notice to CM’s wife Parvathi by the ED. On the first occasion, Parvathi had sought two weeks citing the reasons of ill health, age and inability to appear before the ED officers. She had also pleaded with the officers to allow her to appear before them online. However, the ED has not considered the pleas.

It was revealed that since there is a possibility of the ED initiating legal measures against CM Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi this time, the CM’s family had approached the High Court to seek a stay on the notice by the ED.

The counsel for Parvathi had requested the High Court bench to take up the petition on an emergency basis. Considering the request, the court has agreed to take up the petition by Monday.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 27 (IANS) Assam Police have thwarted an attempt by the Bangladeshi infiltration along the international border and pushed back two citizens of the neighbouring country following their arrest here on Monday, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Sarma said in X post, “Maintaining strict vigil along the international border, @assampolice apprehended two illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators near the border and promptly pushed them back.”

Two Bangladeshi nationals were identified as Md Zulmat Ali and Md Sakil. Both of them were pushed back to Bangladesh. The security vigilance along the international border with Bangladesh was heightened following the unrest in the neighbouring country.

Sarma earlier asserted that although some of the Bangladeshi infiltrators managed to get Aadhaar cards, they could not enrol themselves in the voter list.

He said, “There is no chance that people cross illegally the international border from Bangladesh and get themselves enrolled in the voter list in Assam because we have caught many people who illegally entered Indian territory and they were pushed back within a few hours,” he said.

He added that most of the infiltrators were arrested in the morning around 5 AM and before 9 AM in the morning and pushed back to the neighbouring country.

“In two or three hours, they can not register themselves in the voter list,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the security forces must remain double vigilant in this matter.

“We have decided to take a slew of measures against the detection of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh,” he added.

The Chief Minister asserted that people from Bangladesh come to India as poverty has climbed up in the neighbouring country after the recent unrest following the departure of the Sheikh Hasina government.

He also claimed that contrary to conventional apprehension, mainly people who belong to the Muslim community have been trying to cross the border and enter India illegally for the sake of jobs.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 27 (IANS) Unable to bear alleged harassment by his wife, a man reportedly committed suicide by hanging himself on Monday at Hubballi in Karnataka. The victim ended his life on the same day his divorce petition was scheduled for a hearing in court.

The deceased has been identified as Peter. He reportedly left a suicide note alleging that he took the extreme step due to "torture by his wife".

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

Family sources confirmed that, as per Peter’s wishes, his family had it written on his coffin box that he died because he was unable to bear the harassment by his wife.

It has been alleged that Peter's wife, who worked as a teacher at a private school, was in a relationship with another man.

When Peter and her family confronted her, she reportedly asserted that "it was her life and her choice".

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

Peter's family further alleged that his wife had demanded Rs 20 lakh as compensation and also mentally harassed him for money.

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

Police said that the deceased husband is identified as 39-year-old Manjunath, a resident of Kunigal town. He owned a cab.

According to the police, Manjunath had got married in 2013 and lived in a flat after marriage in Bengaluru. The couple had a nine-year-old boy.

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

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

--IANS

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Imphal, Jan 27 (IANS) Opposition Congress in Manipur on Monday filed disqualification petitions before the Speaker's Tribunal of the Assembly against four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs for extending support to the BJP-led government, despite the party withdrawing its support to the saffron party in November last year.

Manipur Congress Vice-President Hareshwar Goswami, a retired bureaucrat, filed four different disqualification petitions against the NPP MLAs at the Speaker's Tribunal of the Assembly.

Speaking to the media, Goswami's lead counsel, N. Bupenda Meitei, said that his client (the petitioner), filed the disqualification petitions against four NPP MLAs for extending support to the BJP-led government in the state.

"The four MLAs attend a meeting of the ruling MLAs in November.

The meeting was convened by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, despite NPP National President (Conrad K. Sangma) and his party (NPP), had withdrawn support to the BJP government in Manipur," said Meitei, also an advocate in Manipur High Court.

Citing the Meghachandra case in the Supreme Court for deciding pending disqualification petitions within three months of the date of filing of the disqualification petitions, he expressed confidence that the Speaker would dispose of the disqualification petitions expeditiously.

The 4 NPP MLAs are Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh, Thongam Shanti Singh, Irengbam Nalini Devi, and Janghemlung Panmei. '

The NPP, led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Sangma, had on November 17 last year withdrawn support to the BJP-led government in Manipur, claiming that CM Biren Singh-led Manipur government "completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy" in the violence-ravaged state.

The NPP had seven MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly.

The withdrawal by the NPP, however, did not have any impact on Chief Minister Biren Singh-led Manipur government as the BJP has 37 MLAs' support in the 60-member Assembly and is also supported by five MLAs of Naga People's Front (NPF) and three Independents.

NPP MLA N. Kayisii, also the party's Manipur unit President, died on January 18 after a prolonged illness, leaving six-party legislators in the House at present.

However, after the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, 10 tribal, including seven BJP and two Kuki People's Alliance legislators, have been boycotting the Assembly sessions and demanding a separate administration or Union Territory for the tribals in the state.

Of the 10 tribal MLAs, two are Ministers -- Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen (lone woman Minister) –- are also not coming to the state capital due to security reasons and not attending the Cabinet meeting.

The ruling BJP and the Chief Minister did not yet take any action against the party's seven tribal MLAs.

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 27 (IANS) Two youths were killed while another was critically injured in a road accident on Monday in the Khagaul area of Patna in Bihar.

The incident occurred at Kothwa Mor under Rupaspur police station when a speeding black Creta SUV rammed into their bike. The deceased, identified as Rajiv Ranjan (20) and Shashi Nikhil (18) alias Nishu.

They along with Abhimanyu, were heading towards Khagaul when the SUV hit their bike, dragging it for a considerable distance. The driver of the SUV fled the scene after the collision.

Passersby quickly rescued the injured youths and transported them to Patna AIIMS, where Rajiv Ranjan and Shashi Nikhil succumbed due to their injuries while Abhimanyu is battling for his life in AIIMS Patna.

The SHO of Rupaspur said that an FIR under charges of rash and negligent driving has been registered based on eyewitness accounts.

“We are making efforts to trace the location of the Creta SUV and apprehend the driver. We are scanning the CCTV footage to identify the vehicle. We have also alerted the local automobile workshop to inform them of any accidental SUV to the police,” said the SHO.

According to the victims' families, Abhimanyu had gone to Nishu’s house earlier in the afternoon, inviting him to accompany him. The accident occurred around 3:30 PM.

Upon receiving information, the families of all three youths rushed to the spot and later to the hospital. The police have seized the bike, bearing registration number BR01FV3505, and are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Efforts are ongoing to locate the errant SUV and bring the driver to justice.

Earlier, a government school teacher was killed and the principal was grievously injured after a huge branch of a tree fell on them in Bihar's Muzaffarpur on Monday.

The incident, which was captured on CCTV, took place in the Meenapur area when the teacher and the principal were on their way to the school on a two-wheeler.

The teacher who died was identified as Vishakha. The principal, Phoolbabu Rai, is undergoing treatment in a local hospital.

--IANS

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Imphal/Aizawl, Jan 27 (IANS) The United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday reiterated its opposition to the border fencing along the India-Myanmar border.

In Mizoram, an apex student body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), on Monday wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the Central government to reconsider its decision to 'scrap' the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and erection of fencing the India-Myanmar border.

UNC President N.G. Lorho once again issued directives to all its units and subordinate organisations to initiate stringent steps to prevent the border fencing activities at their respective jurisdiction in unison without fear and favour.

"No activities in regards to the purported construction of border fencing along the imaginary artificial India-Mayanmar border would be allowed in the Naga ancestral homeland. Esteemed units and subordinate bodies of the Council of the impacted areas are requested to initiate stringent steps to prevent the fencing activities at their respective jurisdiction in unison without fear and favour," the UNC directive said.

It added that the Naga population in Manipur is called to remain steadfast to "fight against such sinister design of the colonial power to alienate the Nagas from their lands by the sinister move of the government -- constructing walls and fencing along the "imaginary" India-Myanmar border.

Nagaland and Mizoram governments and a large number of political parties in the two states have been opposing both border fencing and the FMR.

People belonging to different tribal communities living on either side of the India and Myanmar borders, and the Nagaland and Mizoram governments have been demanding to continue the old FMR regime.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently adopted a new scheme to issue a pass to the border residents of both India and Myanmar living within 10 km on either side of the frontier to regulate cross-border movements.

The new scheme would replace the previously suspended FMR, which earlier allowed citizens residing close to both sides of the India-Myanmar border to move 16 km into each other's territory without a passport or visa.

Four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km), and Mizoram (510 km) -- share a 1,643-km unfenced border with Myanmar.

The entire 1,643-km porous India-Myanmar border, known for the smuggling of arms, ammunition, and narcotics, will be fenced at a cost of Rs 31,000 crore.

In Mizoram, the apex student body, MZP sent its letter to the Union Home Minister through state Governor General (retired) V.K Singh.

The MZP letter said the FMR with Myanmar has played a vital role in preserving and fostering the Mizo way of life as well as cultural ties between ethnic Mizos of the two countries by facilitating cross-border contact, economic activities, sharing of resources and participation in each other's cultural, religious ceremonies and community events.

"The proposed termination of the FMR and the fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border threaten to sever these bonds, depriving the Mizo community's cultural rights and access to essential resources.

This decision of the fencing and scrapping of FMR disregards the geographical, historical, and economic interconnectedness of our communities, which have long transcended political boundaries," the letter said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) Ahead of visiting Prayagraj on Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Maha Kumbh is a unique symbol of the uninterrupted flow of Sanatan culture and he was eager to take a dip in the confluence and seek the blessings.

The Union Minister is set to attend the Maha Kumbh, where he will take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

In a post on X, Amit Shah wrote (in Hindi), "Mahakumbh is a unique symbol of the uninterrupted flow of Sanatan culture. Kumbh reflects our eternal philosophy of life based on harmony. Today, I am eager to take a dip in the confluence and seek the blessings of the saints in this great festival of unity and integrity in the holy city of Prayagraj."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will accompany the Home Minister during this significant event.

HM Shah will perform the ritual bath on the 15th day of the Maha Kumbh.

As per the schedule, Amit Shah will arrive at Bamrauli Airport at 11.25 a.m. He will then proceed to the DPS helipad by helicopter at 11.50 a.m. and reach Arail Ghat at noon. From there, he will board a boat to the VIP Jetty, arriving at 12.15 p.m.

Speaking during his recent visit to Gujarat, Shah highlighted the cultural significance of Maha Kumbh, urging everyone to attend this event, which occurs once every 144 years.

"Kumbh gives the message of harmony and unity. It does not ask which religion, sect, or caste you belong to. Food is available without discrimination. No event in the world conveys a stronger message of unity than Maha Kumbh," he had said.

The Home Minister also encouraged the youth of Gujarat to experience the Maha Kumbh, sharing that he has visited Kumbh nine times in his life and has also witnessed the Ardh Kumbh.

Meanwhile, in the fair area, a Dharma Sansad will be organised to unite Sanatanis across the country. The Virat Sanatan Dharma Sansad will take place at the Shanti Seva Camp in Sector 17, led by spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur. The assembly will feature participation from Shankaracharyas, heads of 13 Akharas, and sadhus and saints from across the nation.

The Dharma Sansad aims to foster unity among followers of Sanatan Dharma. The Maha Kumbh, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, commenced on January 13 with the 'Pavitra Snan' and celebrated its second day on Makar Sankranti, coinciding with the 'Amrit Snan.'

The festival will conclude on February 26, Maha Shivratri. Upcoming sacred bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Magh Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivratri).

Despite the harsh winter, thousands of devotees have been thronging the Triveni Sangam to partake in this sacred tradition. As of now, over 10 crore devotees have taken the holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, marking an unprecedented turnout at the Maha Kumbh.

--IANS

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