Top Stories

New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) On a day when two AAP legislators were suspended from the Assembly for unruly behaviour, the Delhi government on Thursday announced action against all illegal sellers of meat encroaching pavements, an assurance given to two BJP MLAs who raised the issue in view of the approaching Navratri festival.

The suspension of the legislators followed PWD Minister Parvesh Verma mentioning “Bhai” while complaining about frequent attempts to disrupt his reply in the House.

Speaking in Hindi, Verma objected to interruptions and said, 'Where have you brought such misbehaviour from, Bhai?”

Karol Bagh MLA of AAP Vishesh Ravi and Kondli legislator of AAP Kuldeep Kumar raised loud protests, alleging the use of unparliamentary language by Verma against Leader of Opposition Atishi.

Subsequently, Speaker Vijender Gupta asked them to tell him about the unparliamentary word used by Verma, but the two failed to respond and continued to create a ruckus. Following this, the Speaker ordered marshals to escort the two AAP MLAs out of the House.

Talking to IANS, Vishesh Ravi alleged that Minister Verma disrespected LoP Atishi by making a comment while pointing towards her.

“It is unfortunate that such language has been used against a woman legislator who is also a former Chief Minister,” Ravi said after being marshalled out.

Kuldeep Kumar also objected to Verma’s remarks. “His comments show that the BJP is anti-woman,” Kumar told IANS.

Earlier, while replying to a question in the Assembly, Minister Verma said that strict instructions had been issued to all officials to remove all illegal sellers of meat and fish from the city.

The PWD Minister assured the legislators that a Special Task Force (STF) would be formed, comprising officials of PWD and SDM, to remove encroachment.

“Encroachment which could not be cleared in the past 10 years would be removed now. The local PWD officials and police will be responsible for ensuring that the encroachers do not return to the pavements,” he said.

He was responding to a question from BJP’s Shakur Basti legislator Karnail Singh, who asked if there was any plan to act against illegal meat sellers operating from pavements in view of the ensuing Hindu festival of Navratri.

“Apart from encroachment, the illegal sale of meat from pavement also hurts religious sentiments,” he said.

Another BJP legislator, Ravinder Singh Negi, representing Patparganj, also objected to the illegal sale of meat and fish from pavements during Navratri.

Later, AAP legislator Som Dutt asked if the government had any proposal to give Rs 20,000 a month to temple priests.

Minister Verma took a swipe at the previous AAP government and said it was a welcome sign that after being in power for 10 years, the Opposition party has started caring for temple priests.

The Minister said, “The previous government during the past 10 years was paying monthly honourarium only to maulvis.”

Verma also slammed the previous AAP government for not spending any money despite allocating Rs 80 crore for taking Delhiites on pilgrimage.

He objected to attempts by the AAP legislators to disrupt questions related to Chhath Puja, Kawar Sewa, pilgrimages and Urs.

The treasury benches, subsequently, erupted over alleged attempts by the Opposition AAP to block questions over Chhath Puja.

--IANS

rch/dpb

Chennai, March 27 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, citing concerns that it undermines the interests of Muslims in the country.

While all major political parties, including the AIADMK, supported the resolution, the BJP staged a walk-out ahead of the vote.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who moved the resolution, said the Indian Constitution guarantees all religious groups the right to practice and preserve their faith, and it is the duty of a democratically-elected government to uphold these rights.

He expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1954, stating that they would severely impact Muslim minorities.

CM Stalin further noted that DMK representatives A. Raja and M.M. Abdullah, who are members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), were not allowed to voice their opinions on the proposed changes during committee discussions.

In a display of democratic courtesy, CM Stalin also requested Speaker M. Appavu to allow BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan to express her views on the matter.

He added that the DMK has consistently upheld democratic values by allowing Opposition voices to be heard in the Assembly.

Speaking in defence of the Bill, Vanathi Srinivasan said the Centre had decided to amend the Waqf Act following numerous complaints regarding irregularities in the management of Waqf properties across various states.

She maintained that the Bill aims to protect the interests of the “backward sections” of the Muslim community and to ensure better representation for women.

However, Tamil Nadu Law Minister, S. Regupathy, countered her claims, stating that the views of certain JPC members were ignored during discussions.

He further described the Waqf Amendment Bill as an “economic assault” on the Muslim community.

PMK leader G.K. Mani said the Bill should only proceed if the Union government is able to build a consensus among all stakeholders.

AIADMK member S.P. Velumani also voiced support for the resolution, adding to the united front against the Bill.

The Assembly concluded by reiterating its demand that the Union government fully withdraw the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

--IANS

aal/rad

Kolkata, March 27 (IANS) Five police personnel, including a Deputy Commissioner, were injured in an attack by the villagers in West Bengal's Burdwan district after the recovery of a youth's body under mysterious circumstances on Thursday.

After getting information, the police came and, as per the rule, recovered the body of the deceased youth Pallab (22) for sending it to the post-mortem.

However, the tension started after Pallab's family members accused the cops of taking away the body without informing them.

The charges by the family members irked the local villagers, who ransacked some local houses and shops and also smashed some bicycles and motorcycles parked there.

When a police contingent and Deputy Commissioner (East) of Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, Abhishek Gupta, reached the spot to bring the situation under control, angry villagers attacked the cops and pelted stones and bricks at them.

Several cops were injured. Gupta was hit on his forehead. Later, the police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the agitated mob.

Local people told the police and the media that Pallab had an affair with a local married woman. On Wednesday night, Pallab went to her residence and was caught by the woman's husband. Thereafter, the latter locked Pallab in a room.

Pallab's body was recovered from the room where he was locked in the morning.

The police had also started investigating the reasons behind his death.

"Prima facie, it seems that the youth committed suicide fearing loss of social prestige. However, the real reason behind the death will be known only after the post-mortem report is available," said a local police official.

Later, speaking to the media persons, Gupta said: "It is the prime duty of the police to recover the body of the victim and transfer it to a hospital. We have exactly done that."

He also informed that a total of five police personnel, including him, were injured in the chaos.

"However, the situation is under control now," said Gupta.

--IANS

src/svn

Bengaluru, March 27 (IANS) Karnataka BJP has accused the Congress-led government in the state of trying to implement the Greater Bengaluru Project with a hidden agenda, which will only harm the state capital's growth.

The statement came soon after Governor Thawarchand Gehlot returned the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2025.

BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra said on Thursday, “Bengaluru has a rich historical legacy of development. It has been expanding as one of the most well-planned cities in India since the time of its founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda. In the interest of preserving and developing Bengaluru, it is certainly possible to set aside party politics and formulate a robust plan by consolidating the views of senior politicians, retired officials, and public representatives across party lines who have worked sincerely for the city's progress.”

"The Greater Bengaluru Project is likely to give rise to economic and developmental disparities, which could ultimately disrupt the balanced and holistic development of the city. The Congress government's attempt to implement the project under the influence of those with a hidden agenda appears to be an ill-advised move that could hamper the city's growth," Vijayendra charged.

"Even now, it is not too late. The government should reject the defeatist attitude reflected in the saying, 'Even God cannot fix Bengaluru', and instead, engage in open-hearted discussions with all stakeholders. Though delayed, it is still worthwhile to formulate a good plan that protects the heritage of old Bengaluru while demonstrating a commitment to building a modern and well-developed city," Vijayendra further said.

The Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill was passed by both Houses of the State Legislature during the just-concluded budget session. It proposes to split the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into a maximum of seven city corporations in the Greater Bengaluru Area. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has taken the project as a matter of prestige for his government.

The Governor has sought an explanation for dividing the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into seven divisions. He has also mentioned that such an attempt had failed in Delhi. The bill has been sent back to the state government, seeking more clarification on many issues.

The Governor has also reportedly said that he has received petitions against the bill by opposition leaders, organisations, and concerned citizens. While returning the bill, the Governor said that it will lead to “interference on the powers of elected local bodies” enshrined by the 74th Amendment to the Constitution, and needs to be re-looked into.

--IANS

mka/dpb

Ranchi, March 27 (IANS) The Jharkhand Assembly witnessed a massive uproar on Thursday over the murder of BJP leader and former Zila Parishad member Anil Mahto Tiger in Ranchi.

Before the session began, the BJP MLAs staged a sit-in protest outside the House. As proceedings commenced, they stormed into the Well of the House, raising slogans against the government.

Countering the Opposition's charge, Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu and several ruling party MLAs also gathered in front of them, shouting slogans.

Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto repeatedly appealed for restraint, but the ruckus continued, forcing an adjournment of the House.

Outside, BJP MLAs continued their dharna, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order.

Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, said the murder of Anil Tiger, barely 100 metres from the Kanke police station, had exposed the deteriorating security situation in the state.

"The most shameful part is that Ranchi police attempted to malign the deceased. The DGP is overburdened, and the state police seem more focussed on protecting criminals than ensuring public safety," he alleged.

Former Chief Minister Champai Soren also condemned the incident, saying, "The rising crime shows that criminals in Jharkhand enjoy government protection. We demand that the central government dismiss this ineffective state government and impose President’s Rule."

Ranchi MLA and former minister C.P. Singh accused the Speaker of shielding the government. "It seems like jungle raj has returned to the state," he remarked.

The protesting BJP MLAs included Neera Yadav, Naveen Jaiswal, Raj Sinha, Alok Chaurasia, Purnima Das, Prakash Ram, Kushwaha Shashi Bhushan Mehta, and others.

The BJP has also called Ranchi bandh on Thursday to protest the murder of Anil Tiger. This has evoked a widespread response, with roads blocked and businesses shut across the city. Ranchi police detained many people who took to the streets in support of the bandh.

Bandh supporters have set up roadblocks at over 15 locations in the city, while major markets and business establishments remain closed.

Ranchi police have detained more than 20 BJP leaders and workers who took to the streets in support of the bandh.

--IANS

snc/skp/rad

Bengaluru, March 27 (IANS) The Karnataka Cabinet will decide on hiking the price of Nandini milk supplied by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) on Thursday.

Sources have confirmed that while KMF and farmers’ organisations are demanding a hike of Rs 5 per litre, the government has decided to increase the milk prices by just Rs 3.

Earlier, on March 5, the Karnataka government had stated that it was set to increase the price of the popular Nandini milk supplied by KMF in the state.

“We will definitely increase the price of milk. A discussion on how much to increase it by will be held with the Chief Minister,” said Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh on the floor of the House.

Minister Venkatesh made this statement during the Question and Answer session in the Legislative Council.

"Farmers are demanding a hike of Rs 10 per litre. We will definitely increase the price of milk. The quantum of the hike will be decided after discussions with the Chief Minister,” he said.

Earlier, KMF sources had stated that despite its pressure, the state government was yet to take a final decision on increasing the price of milk.

Sources revealed that the government was in the final round of discussions with authorities and experts, as KMF continues to strongly advocate for the increase.

However, the government is proceeding cautiously, anticipating potential public backlash over the issue.

The demand for a price hike is being supported by farmers, various organisations, and the Department of Animal Husbandry. Yet, the government has not reached a final decision.

Milk federations across the state are backing the price hike.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier opposed the hike but assured KMF that a decision would be taken by the Cabinet soon.

On February 10, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Green Brigade staged a protest at the KMF office in Bengaluru, demanding an increase in the milk procurement price to at least Rs 50 per litre.

They also called for an interim support price of Rs 10 per litre until the implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The Karnataka government revised the price of milk in the state by Rs 2 on June 25, 2024, with an additional 50 ml of milk added to each packet, which led to criticism.

The most popular blue packet of 1 litre of Nandini milk now costs Rs 44, up from Rs 42.

Speaking to mediapersons after announcing the price revision, the KMF Chairman Bheema Naik had said the decision was made to avoid losses for the KMF. The milk price per litre in Gujarat and Maharashtra is Rs 56, in Kerala it is Rs 54, while in Andhra Pradesh it is Rs 58, he said.

“Our rate is Rs 16 less compared to the other states. There will be no price hike for any of the other Nandini products,” Naik had said.

--IANS

mka/rad

Jammu, March 27 (IANS) Four policemen, including a senior officer, were injured in an ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Juthana area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on Thursday, officials said.

Officials said that during the exchange of gunfire between the security forces and the terrorists, Deputy Superintendent of Police Dheeraj Katoch and three other policemen sustained injuries.

The injured policemen were shifted to the hospital for treatment. There are reports of a terrorist being killed in this gunfight, but there is still no official confirmation of this.

After massive searches during the last four days, firing exchanges had started again on Thursday morning between the joint forces and the terrorists in Kathua.

"Contact has been re-established with militants in the forest area of Sufain under police station Rajbagh in Kathua," an official said.

Security forces launched a search operation in the area during the early hours.

Massive searches initially started in the Sanyal village of Hiranagar Tehsil and spread to other adjoining areas as the terrorists had not responded to any speculative firing by the security forces after the initial exchange of fire on Sunday.

A local woman informed the police on Tuesday that two men, in army uniform, asked her for water while they were having food in the area.

This prompted the area to be cordoned off. Security was tightened along the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway in the Samba-Kathua section, with increased vigilance on border roads, officials said.

The search operation was carried out in multiple areas from Sanyal to Ding Amb and beyond, covering several kilometers. The operation, involving the Army, the National Security Guard, the Border Security Force, police, the Special Operations Group, and the Central Reserve Police Force, armed with technical and surveillance equipment, is supported by helicopters, UAVs, drones, bulletproof vehicles, and sniffer dogs.

Security agencies have questioned several persons in various areas and picked up three suspects for questioning, the officials said.

During the search operation on Tuesday, security forces recovered two grenades among other material. The tracksuits found among a large cache of ammunition and other materials in the Sanyal forests were identical to those worn by the four Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) terrorists killed in the Assar forests and Doda in June and August last year.

Local people in the areas have joined the operation by security forces and urged those living in other areas to remain vigilant and inform of any movement of suspected persons in their areas.

Several village heads have requested people to come forward with information about the movement of terrorists in their areas.

The operation, led by the Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat, was launched on Sunday evening in the Hiranagar sector following an encounter between security forces and terrorists hiding in a nursery.

The Special Operations Group of police initiated the operation after receiving intelligence about terrorists hiding inside a ''dhok'' (local enclosure) in a nursery in Sanyal village, approximately five km from the International Border with Pakistan, officials said.

The hiding terrorists opened fire on the police team, resulting in a gunfight lasting over half an hour. Reinforcements were promptly dispatched as a manhunt began to apprehend the terrorists believed to have infiltrated on Saturday via either a ravine route or a newly constructed tunnel. Initial firing did not cause any casualties, and the area remained under tight security overnight before security forces moved in again at dawn, officials said.

The International Border between India and Pakistan is situated in the district, and in the past, terrorists have attempted to sneak into the Indian side over the border.

Recently in Kathua, three civilians -- Darshan Singh, 40, Yogesh Singh, 32, and Varun Singh, 14 -- went missing on March 5 while returning from a wedding in Marhoon village.

Their bodies were discovered on March 8 near a waterfall on the edge of an escarpment in a wooded area following an extensive search involving the Army, police, drones, and sniffer dogs.

“The brutal killing of three relatives by terrorists in the Bani area of Kathua is extremely sad as well as a matter of great concern," Union Minister Jitendra Singh said in a post on X.

In the wake of the incident, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan came to Jammu on March 9 and chaired a high-level security meeting regarding the safe and peaceful Amarnath Yatra beginning on July 3 and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which is shortly being inaugurated.

The Home Secretary laid emphasis on the security situation in the Jammu division while giving detailed directions on the overall security situation in the UT.

--IANS

sq/vd

New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) Companies under the PLI-Auto scheme have committed over Rs 25,219 crore in capital investment (till December 2024), including setting up new production facilities and upgrading technology while generating 38,186 jobs, the government said on Thursday.

For instance, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra have committed to massive investments in EV production capacity, said the Ministry of Heavy Industries in a statement.

The incremental sales under the PLI-Auto scheme reached Rs 15,230 crore till December 2024, with incentive disbursement at Rs 322 crore.

“FY 2023-24 was the first performance year of the scheme for which disbursement happened in FY 2024-25. Aggregate incentives of Rs 322 crore have been disbursed under the scheme as of now,” according to the ministry.

Sales growth in sectors like electric vehicles (EVs) and critical components have seen significant improvements. For example, the introduction of new models in the EV sector has led to a rise in sales.

“The scheme also has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs in manufacturing, supply chain management, and R&D. Notably, new EV production plants have led to localised employment in manufacturing hubs,” according to the ministry.

The PLI-Auto scheme is playing a transformative role in enhancing India's automotive manufacturing ecosystem, reducing dependence on imports, and integrating the domestic industry into the global supply chain.

The Union Cabinet approved the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components on September 15, 2021, with a budgetary outlay of Rs 25,938 crore.

PLI-Auto Scheme envisages overcoming the cost disabilities to the industry for manufacturing and boosting domestic manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products in India.

The PLI Auto scheme has been responsive to the dynamic needs of the industry. The ministry notified the categories of 19 AAT vehicles and 103 AAT components that will be covered under the scheme after elaborate stakeholder consultations.

To promote the ‘Make in India’ campaign and boost domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive products, scheme applicants must achieve a domestic value addition (DVA) of 50 per cent to be eligible for incentives.

--IANS

na/dpb

Gaya, March 27 (IANS) An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Bihar Police, Neeraj Kumar, allegedly died by suicide using his service revolver at the police lines in Bihar’s Gaya district on Thursday morning, an official said.

Kumar, a native of Shringarpur village under Suryagarha police station in Lakhisarai district, had been posted at Mufassil police station in Gaya for the past one and a half years. He was residing in the police lines and had rejoined duty on Tuesday after a 39-day leave. Upon his return, he reported to the Mufassil police station SHO to request his duty allocation.

According to Bihar Police Men’s Association Executive President Vishwajit Singh, Kumar was reportedly under immense stress, both domestic and departmental.

"On Wednesday night, police personnel were watching an IPL match. After the match ended, everyone went to sleep. On Thursday morning, they found Kumar lying dead on the lawn in a pool of blood. He had a gunshot wound to the temple, and his service revolver was found nearby," Singh said.

The incident was immediately reported to senior officials. SSP Anand Kumar visited the scene and initiated a thorough investigation.

DSP Dharmendra Bharti confirmed that a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team had been called to collect samples from the spot.

"We have also informed Kumar's family members. Their statements may provide insight into whether he was experiencing any personal distress," Bharti added.

Sources indicated that Kumar had been suffering from persistent arm pain due to volleyball practice, which had reportedly worsened over time.

"The pain was adding to his stress and could have been a contributing factor," said a source familiar with the matter.

The police are awaiting the FSL report and family statements to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his death.

"Kumar’s body has been sent for post-mortem, which will be conducted in the presence of his family members," Bharti said.

--IANS

ajk/skp

Chennai, March 27 (IANS) The Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday arrested 11 fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

According to officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department, the arrested fishermen were taken to the Kangesuthurai Naval Camp in Sri Lanka. One mechanised fishing boat was also seized during the operation.

This latest arrest comes on the heels of another incident where 13 Tamil fishermen, previously detained in January, were released and returned to Chennai late Wednesday night.

Among them was 27-year-old Senthamizh from Karaikal, who sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg during the arrest when the Sri Lankan Navy opened fire. He was treated in Sri Lanka and, upon arrival in Chennai, was immediately taken by ambulance to MGM Private Hospital in Aminjikarai for further medical care.

The group, which hailed from Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal, had been arrested on January 27 after their two fishing boats were intercepted by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters. Both boats were seized at the time.

Since the beginning of 2025, Sri Lankan authorities have apprehended 119 Indian fishermen and seized 16 fishing boats, intensifying tensions between the two nations.

Fishermen’s associations in Tamil Nadu are voicing growing concern over these repeated arrests. V.P. Sesuraja, a fishermen’s leader, highlighted the financial strain on the families of those detained, who are often unable to afford the heavy fines levied by Sri Lanka. He said that fear now grips many fishing communities, with some fishermen reluctant to go to sea.

Various fishermen groups across the state are planning large-scale protests. Antony John, a leader from one such association, announced that a coordinated demonstration is being planned across all coastal districts. He urged the Union government to act decisively to secure the release of detained fishermen, recover impounded boats, and establish a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to prevent such incidents.

Fishermen’s associations have also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing for urgent diplomatic intervention to end mid-sea arrests and safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Rajagopal C.M., a fishermen’s representative from Thangachimadam, criticised the lack of government action, stating that many Indian fishermen remain in Sri Lankan prisons, leaving their families in distress. He also noted that since 2018, approximately 270 Indian trawlers have been impounded, severely impacting the livelihoods of fishermen.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reiterated the need for strong diplomatic efforts to prevent future arrests and ensure the safety and security of Tamil fishermen. He emphasised that resolving this long-standing issue is vital for the survival and well-being of the fishing community.

--IANS

aal/dpb