Regional

Chennai, June 12 (IANS) In the wake of multiple incidents involving laser lights disrupting aircraft operations, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has initiated coordinated efforts with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Chennai police to curb the dangerous practice of beaming lasers at flights near Chennai airport.

In the past two weeks alone, at least three such incidents were reported, prompting heightened concern among aviation and law enforcement officials.

These laser beams, directed at aircraft during critical phases like landing and take-off, pose a serious threat to pilot visibility and flight safety.

To address the issue, the AAI convened a high-level meeting with representatives from the ATC, airlines, and the Greater Chennai Police.

The meeting focussed on identifying effective strategies to pinpoint the origin of laser flashes and enable quicker police response.

According to sources, police officials expressed difficulty in tracing the exact location of the laser emissions based on the current reports they receive.

In response, the airport authorities have assured that accurate coordinates and real-time data from the ATC will be provided to assist in ground-level enforcement.

“Once we have the precise location of the laser source, our teams can act swiftly and apprehend those responsible,” said a senior airport police official.

In a related move, the city police recently issued a prohibition order banning the use of lasers, hot air balloons, tethered balloons, and other light-emitting flying objects in the vicinity of Chennai Airport.

The order aims to eliminate visual distractions and hazards that could jeopardise aircraft operations.

Laser beam incidents are not new to Chennai airport. Over the past year, several flights have reported sudden flashes of green or red laser lights during descent, forcing pilots to take precautionary measures and sometimes delaying landings.

In a few cases, pilots have filed safety incident reports with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), citing temporary vision impairment and cockpit distractions due to laser exposure.

Aviation safety experts warn that such pranks can have catastrophic consequences, particularly in low-visibility conditions or during night operations.

“It’s not just a nuisance, it’s a potential disaster in the making,” one senior pilot noted.

Authorities have urged the public to refrain from using laser devices near flight paths and warned of strict action against violators.

With enhanced coordination now in place between AAI, ATC, and the police, officials hope to clamp down effectively on this recurring menace.

—IANS

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Chennai, June 12 (IANS) Amid rising concerns over a possible fresh wave of COVID-19 cases across the country, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that the state’s population continues to show a very high level of immunity against the virus, thanks to effective vaccination coverage.

According to the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH&PM), the fifth phase of the statewide serological survey revealed that 97 per cent of blood samples collected had developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

The survey, which began in April this year, focussed on elderly individuals across the six districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchirappalli, Dharmapuri, and Kanniyakumari.

A total of 3,643 blood samples were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies.

Officials stated that the presence of antibodies even after three years since the onset of the pandemic highlights the long-term effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines administered across the state.

These antibodies play a crucial role in the body’s defence mechanism by neutralising the virus and preventing severe illness.

“The high prevalence of antibodies among the general public is the primary reason why recent COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu have shown only mild symptoms, and fatalities are almost nil,” the DPH&PM said in a statement.

Dr. Rajani Varrier, Associate Professor of medicine at a private medical college in Salem, noted, “When any infection enters the body, it naturally develops antibodies to fight it. However, vulnerable groups — such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities — should continue to exercise caution despite the presence of antibodies.”

While the Tamil Nadu government claims that no COVID-19-related deaths have been reported so far this year, data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicates otherwise.

According to the Centre, six COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in the state since January, with over 200 active cases currently under observation.

In response to the nationwide uptick in cases, the Union government recently convened a high-level meeting to assess preparedness.

All states and Union Territories have been instructed to ensure adequate supplies of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines.

As a precautionary measure, Tamil Nadu’s health authorities have begun reintroducing certain safety protocols.

In the last week of May, the Directorate of Public Health issued an advisory recommending the use of face masks and physical distancing in public places.

Following this, the Coimbatore Government Medical College Hospital made mask-wearing mandatory within its premises.

Officials maintain that while the current situation is under control, continued vigilance and preventive measures are essential to avoid any resurgence of the virus.

--IANS

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Chennai, June 12 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an orange alert for several ghat districts in Tamil Nadu, forecasting intense rainfall between June 13 and 16.

The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and adjoining hilly regions are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain, with isolated areas in the Nilgiris likely to witness extremely heavy downpours exceeding 204.4 mm on June 14 and 15.

Authorities have urged residents in these districts to remain alert and take necessary precautions against potential disruptions such as landslides, waterlogging, and reduced visibility.

According to the MeT department, an orange alert in weather forecasts signifies a potentially disruptive weather situation, often due to heavy rainfall, and requires people to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.

Gusty winds ranging from 30-40 kmph are also expected to accompany the rains, heightening the risk in vulnerable zones.

The seven-day weather outlook suggests a gradual intensification of rainfall across the state.

From Tuesday, parts of North Tamil Nadu -- including Cuddalore and Ariyalur -- will begin to see an uptick in precipitation.

The ghat areas of Coimbatore and the Nilgiris will experience increased rainfall from June 12, leading up to the peak on June 14.

Southern districts such as Theni, Tenkasi, and Kanniyakumari are also likely to experience heavy rainfall throughout the week.

The meteorological department has advised district administrations to remain prepared with disaster response teams and emergency protocols in place.

In Chennai and its surrounding areas, the onset of rainfall over the past 24 hours has brought significant relief from the oppressive summer heat. Other parts of the city also experienced moderate showers during the day. By 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, the Nungambakkam weather station recorded 15.6 mm of rain, offering some respite as daytime temperatures had consistently hovered around 38 degrees Celsius in recent days.

The local forecast for Chennai over the next two days predicts partly cloudy skies with intermittent light to moderate showers, continuing the much-needed relief from the recent heatwave conditions.

--IANS

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Dehradun, June 12 (IANS) The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested Gurdas Singh, a fugitive wanted in connection with a shooting at a property dealer's office in the Mansarovar Park area of the national Capital, officials said on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off, Singh, who had been absconding after being granted bail, was apprehended by the Special Cell from Uttarakhand on June 6, where he had been deliberately evading arrest for an extended period.

In a significant revelation, authorities found that Singh was allegedly promoting the ideology of slain Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and designated pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

"Gurdas Singh's mobile phone has been found containing inflammatory material and statements made by designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, along with content glorifying Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, indicating potential ideological links to extremist and anti-national elements," the police said.

Additionally, the Delhi Police also mentioned that the security and Intelligence agencies will jointly interrogate Gurdas Singh to verify any formal or informal association with anti-national organisations.

The arrest is being treated as a major breakthrough in an ongoing investigation linked to the recovery of an illegal firearm.

Singh's capture has prompted the Special Cell to expand its operations, with plans to conduct multiple raids in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to identify and apprehend the original supplier of the illegal weapon recovered earlier.

Investigators are currently examining both forward and backward linkages of the recovered firearm, seeking to determine whether Singh is part of a broader arms supply network.

They also plan to explore any additional leads that may emerge during the ongoing probe.

Singh had been on the run since the shooting incident at the Mansarovar Park office and was the subject of a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) issued by the Karkardooma Court.

During the arrest, police recovered a pistol from the toolbox of his motorcycle in Dilshad Garden, as well as a photo from his phone showing him holding a firearm. The motorcycle, police said, was reported stolen from Sagarpur.

--IANS

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Shillong, June 12 (IANS) The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya was unravelled after investigators found a mangalsutra and a ring left behind in a suitcase by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, at a Sohra homestay, Meghalaya Police said.

The ornaments became the first crucial lead in what turned out to be a chilling case of contract killing, allegedly masterminded by Sonam and her boyfriend.

Raja, 29, and Sonam, 25, who had recently tied the knot in Indore on May 11, reached Meghalaya on May 20 for their honeymoon. The couple vanished on May 23 in Sohra, East Khasi Hills, just hours after checking out of a homestay in Nongriat village.

On June 2, Raja's body was discovered in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls. The search for Sonam concluded when she surrendered in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur on June 9.

Police also arrested her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, along with three contract killers allegedly hired by Sonam to carry out the murder.

Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) I Nongrang revealed that a breakthrough in the case came when police recovered a mangalsutra and a ring from the suitcase Sonam had left at the Sohra homestay.

"A married woman leaving behind the ornaments gave us a clue to pursue her as a suspect in the case," Nongrang said.

According to a police officer involved in the investigation, the couple had arrived at the Sohra homestay on May 22 without prior booking and were unable to secure a room.

They left their luggage at the property and planned to trek over 3,000 steps to reach Nongriat village, famous for its double-decker living root bridge.

The couple spent the night at a homestay in Nongriat and checked out early on May 23. After trekking back to Sohra, they collected their scooter from a parking area and rode toward Weisawdong Falls.

It was at this location that Raja was allegedly murdered in front of Sonam by the three hired assassins.

A tour guide later informed police that he had seen the couple accompanied by three Hindi-speaking men while trekking back from Nongriat to Sohra, a detail that significantly aided the investigation.

"All the accused have admitted to the crime, and with all the evidence gathered, there is no room for denial," the officer added.

The police on Wednesday also said that all five accused have confessed to their roles in murdering Raja.

A court in Shillong has since remanded Sonam, her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, and the three contract killers to eight days of police custody as the probe into the gruesome murder continues.

--IANS

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Indore, June 12 (IANS) A 65-year-old woman was allegedly strangled to death by her grandson, who later hid her body in a bed storage box, in the Malharganj area of Indore, police said on Thursday.

The accused, 28-year-old Vikas Gauhar, was arrested within hours of the crime after he attempted to flee to Rajasthan.

Additional DCP Alok Sharma said the incident occurred in Salvi Mohalla of Indiranagar late on Tuesday night.

The victim, Shanti, a retired muster roll worker with the municipal corporation, relied on her pension to support her grandchildren.

Speaking to IANS, Sharma said, "We received information about the dead body of a 65-year-old woman found in a trunk at her residence in Indra Nagar, Salvi locality. Acting swiftly, the police reached the spot, conducted an inspection, and called in the FSL team to gather forensic evidence."

"The deceased has been identified as Shanti Dhananjay, wife of Kishan Dhananjay. During the investigation, her body was found inside a storage trunk placed on the bed," he added.

He further said that Shanti had taken on the responsibility of raising her grandson Vikas's two young children -- a 7-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy -- after his wife left him a year ago due to his addiction and abusive behaviour.

Vikas, who was unemployed and battling substance abuse, often demanded money from his grandmother.

Around 4 am on the night of the incident, he allegedly asked Shanti for money to buy liquor. When she refused, he reportedly strangled her while his children were asleep in the house.

After committing the murder, Vikas hid her body in the bed’s storage compartment. Later, on Wednesday, Shanti’s daughter approached the police, expressing concern over her mother’s sudden disappearance and Vikas’s evasive responses.

She revealed that he had locked the house and evicted her following a brief conversation.

When questioned by relatives and the police, Vikas kept changing his statements, raising suspicion. Upon inspecting the house, police found the bed in the room disturbed.

When they opened the storage compartment, they discovered Shanti’s body hidden inside.

Vikas fled the scene before the police arrived but was tracked and apprehended within an hour. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime.

Police confirmed that his father, Dhanraj Gauhar, had passed away years ago, and Shanti had been solely supporting the family using her pension.

The accused remains in custody, and further investigation is underway.

--IANS

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Srinagar, June 12 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, on Wednesday, chaired a meeting of the Culture Department of the Union Territory to assess the measures taken for the revival, restoration, preservation and maintenance of heritage and unique architecture, an official statement said.

"During this meeting the Chief Secretary took comprehensive review of the status of each work undertaken under capex and heritage conservation scheme," the statement said.

"He emphasised upon the Department to take keen interest in completing all the works going on for the last year."

Chief Secretary Dulloo said that all the works for revival and restoration of heritage are significant for protecting our rich past for our future generations.

"He made out that every effort should be made to conserve this historical treasure trove in a highly professional manner in order to present it to heritage lovers in an aesthetic fashion," the statement added.

The Chief Secretary also enjoined upon them to accord the administrative approval to all the works that are to be taken up here.

He stressed on the fact that these works should be taken up without any delay for their completion on time.

On observing the current status of different architecture and heritage conservation projects, the Department of Archaeology and Archives was instructed to intensify the restoration efforts, ensuring visible progress on the ground.

"They were further asked to strike a balance in choosing the projects in each district so that the heritage and architectural monuments widely spread here are protected for posterity," the statement said.

As far as the cultural revitalisation of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex is concerned, the Jammu Divisional Commissioner was directed to transform Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex (MMHC) into a culturally vibrant space by organising cultural evenings in collaboration with the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

The Chief Secretary also emphasised upon the adaptive reuse of restored structures at MMHC.

The Department of Archaeology was tasked with developing a robust reuse plan for restored structures at MMHC.

He also called for putting to use the newly constructed reading room-cum-cafetaria, besides taking steps for creating enough parking space near this heritage complex at the earliest.

The Chief Secretary reviewed the progress made in conserving and modernisation of old Shri Pratap Singh Museum in Srinagar, besides the revised detailed project report for completion of new museum building here as per the past directives.

"The meeting also included an assessment of major heritage-related projects, including restoration and development of Shergarhi Palace, construction of Tehzeeb Mahal, and installation of a vertical lift between the Cable Car Project (Peerkho) and Mubarak Mandi Complex and creation of exclusive parking for heritage complex by Jammu Municipal Corporation," the statement said.

In his presentation, the Principal Secretary of Culture Department, Brij Mohan Sharms, told the meeting about the pace and progress of projects being executed here under different phases of revival, restoration, preservation and maintenance of architecture and heritage, besides those taken up under the capex by the Department.

He apprised the meeting that the Department is going to collaborate with Islamic University of Science and Technology and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University for the conservation and protection of our heritage here in the Union Territory.

--IANS

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Jaipur, June 12 (IANS) In a shocking incident, Army Havildar Vikram Singh (40) was allegedly beaten to death by two youths in Palota Ka Bas village, under Surajgarh police station limits in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district.

The incident was reported late Tuesday night as the jawan was leaving home to rejoin duty.

According to police, Vikram Singh, who was serving in the 18 Raj Rifles and posted in Abohar, Punjab, had come to his native village on leave on June 7. As per the complaint filed by his brother Vinod Kumar, Vikram left for duty on Tuesday night, but was intercepted on the way by two local youths in a Scorpio SUV. The accused allegedly forcibly took Vikram to their house, where they brutally assaulted him.

Later, they dumped him outside their home in a critical condition. Upon receiving information, the victim’s family rushed to the spot and took Vikram to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Station Officer Hemraj Meena confirmed that a case of murder has been registered based on the family's complaint.

Two suspects were detained on Wednesday for questioning, and police are currently analysing their mobile locations, call records, and other electronic evidence to ascertain the motive behind the killing. Sources indicate that Havildar Vikram Singh was nearing retirement, with just one year of service left.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the village and armed forces community, as the police continue their probe to ensure justice for the slain soldier.

Police station officer Hemraj Meena said that a case of murder has been registered on the complaint of the family, and two youths have been detained and are being questioned. Mobile location, call details, and other electronic evidence of the accused are also being investigated regarding the murder.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 12 (IANS) As Covid-19 cases continue to rise across India, the number of active infections has now crossed 6,815 nationwide.

In Gujarat, the situation remains under close observation as the state recorded 203 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours till Wednesday.

This brings the total number of active cases in Gujarat to 1,281.

Of these, 23 patients are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while the remaining 1,258 are being managed through outpatient-based care (OPD).

As many as 149 patients recovered and were discharged during the same period.

The state Health Department has noted a slight decline in daily new Covid-19 cases over the past three days, which officials consider an encouraging sign amid the broader national increase.

The trend in Gujarat over the past 10 days shows fluctuating but gradually declining number of daily Covid-19 cases.

On June 10, 223 new cases were reported, a slight decrease from 235 cases on June 9.

The daily case count dropped further on June 8 with 185 cases, followed by 183 on June 7 and 170 on June 6.

Earlier this month, on June 1, the state had reported only 55 Covid-19 cases.

The active Covid caseload rose steadily through the first week of June, from 320 on June 1 to 1,281 as of June 11, indicating the virus is still circulating actively in the community.

With the annual Rath Yatra approaching, state health authorities have issued advisories urging vulnerable population -- including senior citizens and people with pre-existing conditions -- to avoid crowded areas and watch the event from home.

State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel has appealed to the people to take sensible precautions as a preventive measure.

The Gujarat government is actively preparing for the rising Covid-19 cases by closely monitoring trends, ensuring hospital readiness, and coordinating with health departments across districts.

With more than 1,200 active Covid-19 cases in the state, officials have emphasised outpatient-based care to manage the majority of infections, as only a small fraction require hospitalisation.

Regular updates are being issued, and health advisories have been circulated, especially for the elderly and immunocompromised patients.

Additionally, the state Health department has urged citizens to remain cautious and adhere to preventive measures while also ramping up testing and recovery monitoring across urban and rural areas.

--IANS

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Bhopal, June 12 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will transfer Rs 150 crore with a single click under the 'Sambal Yojana' in 6,821 cases of ex-gratia assistance during a programme in Jabalpur on Friday.

The Sambal Yojana is a welfare scheme for millions of workers in the unorganised sector in Madhya Pradesh. Since its inception, over 1.76 crore workers have been registered under the scheme, and the registration process is ongoing. Under the scheme, the government provides Rs 4 lakh in case of accidental death, and Rs 2 lakh in case of natural death. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh is given for permanent disability, and Rs 1 lakh for partial permanent disability.

Additionally, it also provides Rs 5,000 for funeral expenses and Rs 16,000 for women as maternity assistance. All Sambal beneficiaries are also enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat - Niramay Yojana, enabling them to avail free annual medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the state government informed that following direction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labourers working at railway platforms in the state have also been included under the Sambal Scheme. Sambal beneficiaries also receive a ration eligibility slip, allowing them to access subsidised food grains provided by both the central and state governments, according to the MP government.

"The Sambal Yojana stands as a lifeline for unorganised sector workers, offering financial support from birth to death. It is support for labourers, and the credit for implementing this welfare scheme goes to the state government," the MP government said. Moreover, several schemes are being run for registered construction workers through the Construction Workers Welfare Board. These include ex gratia assistance in case of death and support in cases of permanent or partial disability.

--IANS

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