Regional

Bengaluru, June 28 (IANS) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav claimed on Saturday that the BJP is the “first party” since Independence to push for a caste census.

He said that under the "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Together with all, development for all) policy, the BJP aims to bring change to all sections of society based on scientific data.

He said that over the past 11 years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, numerous development and welfare schemes have been implemented for the benefit of the poor and marginalised.

He noted that it was PM Modi who gave constitutional status to the OBC Commission.

Yadav emphasised that the Registrar General of India is empowered to conduct caste censuses and said that for the first time since Independence, such an exercise is being carried out to responsibly collect data on social, economic, caste-based, and educational indicators.

He recalled that after the end of the Emergency, a non-Congress government, the Janata Party, came to power at the Centre and constituted the Mandal Commission.

Yadav asserted that the BJP is the first party since Independence to push for a caste census.

He mentioned that the Congress mouthpiece 'National Herald' had even published an article advocating for one-party rule in India. Following this, B.K. Nehru had written a letter, and a committee was reportedly formed within the Congress on this matter.

Yadav alleged that Congress had long been engaged in a systematic effort to equate the party with the family, and the family with the nation. This ideology, he said, led to the declaration of Emergency.

He concluded by saying that the Emergency is remembered as a dark chapter in Indian democracy, one that ignited a people’s struggle driven by national self-respect and democratic values.

--IANS

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Indore, June 28 (IANS) The Indore police have busted a gang involved in incidents of theft and arrested four members, including a minor, a senior police official said on Saturday.

The accused persons have been identified as Lekhraj, Shubham and Rahul and a minor from a residential colony when they were trying to lure passersby on the main road by offering gold and silver jewellery at cheap rates.

The busted gang was under police radar after a case of theft incident was registered at the Dwarakapuri police station in the city.

The complainant had told the police that jewellery and cash were stolen from his house.

While Dwarkapuri police team was in search of the thieves, it received a valuable input from its sources that some people were selling gold jewellery at cheap rates.

"Police received input that some people are selling gold jewellery at cheap rates, and the location was identified near residential colony under Dwarkapuri police station, which made them suspicious," Indore Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya said.

Upon receiving an input and confirming it, the police team decided to lay a trap to nab them.

"Cops approached them in civil dress, impersonating as buyers at Digvijaya multi society. While another police team had cornered the area so that the accused could not escape from the spot," Dandotiya added.

The police operation succeeded with the arrest of four persons.

"One of them is minor, and the action against would be taken as per the Juvenile Act. All of them have confessed their involvement in multiple theft incidents in the city for the last few months," the police officer added.

Dandotiya also told that the police have also recovered gold and silver jewellery valued at more than Rs 3.5 lakh from the accused.

"During initial inquiry, they have confessed their crime, and further investigation is underway. The police are questioning the accused on various aspects of the case," he added.

--IANS

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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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