Bengaluru, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Home Minister, Dr. G Parameshwara said on Wednesday that the central government was not being responsive to the state government's request to cancel the passport of fugitive JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is the prime accused in the sex video case.

Speaking to the media at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, Home Minister Parameshwara stated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had written a letter seeking the cancellation of the passport of Prajwal Revanna.

He said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had also written a letter in this regard, however, there has been no reply from the Centre.

"The Centre should assist within the legal framework. There is no use if they indulge in criticism. It has been communicated to the Centre that a warrant is being issued against Prajwal Revanna. It becomes the duty of the central government to cancel the passport once the warrant is issued," he said.

When asked about an audio clip and the demand by former CM HD Kumaraswamy to sack Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Parameshwara said, "The SIT is taking action as per the provisions of the law. It seems Kumaraswamy is issuing directions to the SIT to investigate the matter."

Addressing questions being raised on the law and order system in the state, HM Parameshwara stated, "The statistics presented by me and the CM prove that law and order in the state is better now. There is data to show under which government the number of murders was high. Let the BJP answer these questions first."

Answering a question about the possibility of changing the state Congress President, Parameshwara clarified that there was no discussion in the party regarding the matter.

"This is a matter to be decided by the high command. If they want to change the state President, they will; otherwise, there will be no changes," he said.

HM Parameshwara added, “We vouched for reservation in the private sector. Lakhs of posts were filled without any issues. In this context, reservation is provided in outsourcing jobs as well. There should be no compromise on merit.

“Graduates from the Dalit community are emerging. If merit is maintained, the quality won’t be affected.”

The state government had recently announced reservations for outsourced government jobs.

Source: IANS

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Gaza, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 35,647, health authorities in the Palestinian enclave said in a press statement.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 85 Palestinians and wounded 200 others, bringing the total death toll to 35,647 and injuries to 79,852 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out in October 2023, Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday.

The Israeli army said in a statement that drones and fighter aircraft bombed nearly 70 "terrorist targets" in the Gaza Strip during the past 24 hours, including military buildings, weapons depots, warehouses, rocket launchers, surveillance units, and other military infrastructure.

Israeli forces killed several militants in the Jabalia area of the northern Gaza Strip, including a "terrorist group" that was shooting at soldiers, the statement said.

It added that the Israeli forces were continuing their operations in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, where a drone killed a "terrorist" who was firing mortar shells at Israeli soldiers.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, May 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging the bail to former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda’s son and JD(S) MLA HD Revanna in a sexual assault case registered by a former maid.

Sources confirmed that the petition has been filed by the SIT in this regard and the Karnataka government has appointed former Advocate General Prof. Ravivarma Kumar as the Special Public Prosecutor to argue for the SIT.

Senior counsel CV Nagesh is most likely to appear for HD Revanna, who is the father of the main accused Prajwal Revanna in the sex videos case that has taken the state by storm.

The 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s (ACMM) court had granted bail to HD Revanna recently.

The counsels representing the SIT had put forth vehement arguments to send HD Revanna to judicial custody in the case. They had also argued that the ACMM court does not have jurisdiction to deal with the case as the prosecution has added rape charges in the case.

To recall, HD Revanna recently came out of prison in a kidnapping case involving a victim of the sex video scandal in which JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna can be seen sexually abusing the woman.

The prosecution had argued that, “The victim claimed that she had left her house, as she was unable to bear the harassment at the hands of HD Revanna and his son Prajwal Revanna. The house allotted to her under the Ashraya scheme was taken back, but a complaint to the District Commissioner in this regard made no difference.”

"HD Revanna and Prajwal Revanna both committed sexual assault, and the court should not see the case against Revanna as separate from that of Prajwal Revanna. Under no circumstances should he be granted bail. Since the rape charge has been added to the case, the trial should be conducted in the session’s court," the prosecution argued.

"Repeated atrocities were committed against the same victim. The father and son committed the same offence. The first accused, HD Revanna, is protecting the second accused, his son Prajwal Revanna. The first accused helped his son to escape from India," the prosecution had submitted.

CV Nagesh, the counsel for HD Revanna, had claimed that the complaint in this regard was not lodged by the complainant.

"It is a false case created intentionally. The victim does not know what sexual assault is," he argued.

"The rape charge against Revanna has been added only now. The alleged act was not committed on the day when the complaint was lodged. It did not occur a week ago or even a year ago. The complaint states that the alleged act was committed years ago,” he had submitted.

"The victim did not register the complaint at the Holenarasipur Police Station. Instead, the Sub-Inspector from Holenarasipur Police Station went to Bengaluru and got the complaint written as wanted by the victim. The station book mentions that at 11 P.M. on April 24, one victim had come from Bengaluru who was in a distraught state," Nagesh stated.

Source: IANS

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Moscow, May 21 (IANS/DPA) Rocket attacks on a town in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine have caused a fuel depot to catch fire, according to the occupation authorities.

"As a result of a missile strike with cluster munitions on Sverdlovsk, a fuel and lubricants storage facility was damaged," wrote Leonid Pasechnik, the head of pro-Russian separatists forces in the Luhansk region, on Monday on his Telegram channel.

Ukraine renamed the small town of Sverdlovsk, which has been occupied by Russian forces since 2014, and Dovzhansk in 2016.

According to Ukrainian media, a Russian military base was also hit in the missile attack.

Videos on social networks show heavy clouds of smoke, but also a burning multi-storey barracks-style building.

The Russian authorities on the ground have not officially released any information on casualties or injuries.

Ukraine has been fending off a full-scale Russian military invasion for more than two years.

Kiev has recently fired missiles at oil processing plants and fuel depots in addition to purely military targets to hamper the Russian military's logistics.

Source: IANS

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Gaza, May 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 35,562, Gaza health authorities said in a press statement.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 106 Palestinians and wounded 176 others, bringing the total death toll to 35,562 and injuries to 79,652 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out in October 2023, Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement noted on Monday that some victims remained under the rubble amid heavy bombardment and a lack of rescue crews.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's grand old friend, Mithai Lal Singh -- a sprightly, 94-year 'young' milkman who has been voting in almost all general elections since 1952 -- proudly exercised his franchise at a polling station here on Monday for the ongoing Lok Sabha 2024.

An excited Mithai Lal Singh was brought in a car to the familiar 110-year-old Savla School in Matunga - which is now known Shishuvan School - and then gently wheeled by his doting family members to a polling booth where he was helped to cast his vote.

"He has been voting at this very same polling centre from the age of 22 - or the past 72 years - religiously in almost every Lok Sabha elections," his beaming son C.K. Singh told IANS after the voting.

Hailing from Varanasi, Mithai Lal -- a milk vendor who ran his bustling shop near the Matunga railway station -- even today remembers seeing the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi getting off a train there, and mingling with the masses thronging around.

He also has clear memories of his long association with the Congress, how he had closely worked and interacted with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, especially after the Congress debacle in the 1977 elections held post-Emergency.

"Indiraji held my father in great esteem, and used to address him by his first name ('Mithai Lalji'), and listened carefully to his critical analysis of the Mumbai-Maharashtra political situation of the day, as he was a respected and dedicated grassroots worker, in tune with the pulse of the people," said C.K. Singh.

However, after getting disillusioned with the Congress, Mithai Lal, then 80, withdrew and virtually quit active politics, and in Uttar Pradesh came closer to his friend, Rajnath Singh (of Mirzapur in Varanasi district), particularly when the latter became the BJP president twice.

In 2014, Rajnath Singh, 72, requested the senior 'Banarasi Babu' Mithai Lal to help the BJP as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was then contesting from the Varanasi LS seat, said C.K. Singh.

Mithai Lal changed allegiance to the BJP at that ripe old age while Narendra Modi emerged as the Varanasi LS winner and went on to become the Prime Minister of India in 2014 and again in 2019, and now aiming for a hat-trick in the 2024 elections.

Running a thriving family business of dairy and milk in Mumbai, Mithai Lal is the founder of the much-celebrated and awarded Pratap Cooperative Bank Ltd. (PCBL), the Matunga Arya Samaj, and was the President of All India Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.

Now, Mithai Lal's gen-next in the form of son C.K. Singh and his grand-children are carrying forward the family dairy business and the PCBL legacy to new heights.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in )

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) A Vishesh Sampark Abhiyaan (Special Outreach Campaign) organised at Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's residence during the weekend, saw the participation of a special category of citizens including retired Defence Services chiefs, retired High Court judges, ex-bureaucrats and former diplomats.

The group of eminent citizens, hosted by the Union Minister and MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the former's residence were impressed upon about the milestone achievements and trendsetting initiatives taken in the last 10 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and were also informed about PM Modi's vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, later speaking to IANS, gave some valuable insights into the intricacies of Council of Ministers meetings and shared how PM Modi's workaholic nature motivates his colleagues for better output.

"Sometimes, the meeting of Council of Ministers extends beyond 6-7 hours. The Prime Minister not only pays attention to details but also shares his views and feedback after such marathon meetings. Every month, PM Modi reviews progress of various departments by taking updates from the concerned secretaries on PRAGATI forum," Hardeep Singh Puri told IANS.

Notably, the Vishesh Sampark Abhiyaan, also dubbed as 'Dinner pe charcha' is an attempt to win over the support of retired bureaucrats, retired judges, Army veterans and more.

On Monday, the Union Minister's official X handle also shared some reviews of Modi government's works by the Army veterans.

Major Gen S.P. Sinha (Retd.) spoke about the enhanced morale of security personnel and increased trust of armed force chiefs in the government.

"Better equipment profiles, reduced dependency on imports, the creation of a defence industrial base, greater operational freedom and more decisive responses to threats mark a stark contrast to the pre-2014 era," he said.

Major General S.P. Rai, AVSM, highlighted how Modi government played a pivotal role in simplifying the lives of veterans while at the same time bolstering the morale of defence forces.

Sunil Kumar Gulati, a retired IAS officer, showered praise on Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which provides free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to poor families.

"This is Modi ki guarantee," he said, with fellow retired personnel nodding in the affirmative.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday penned a letter to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma taking umbrage at his “harsh and distasteful” comments directed at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

“Your recent public utterances have deeply concerned me, particularly regarding your views on the Indian Constitution,” Congress Working Committee member Khera wrote in a letter to the BJP leader and Assam CM.

Notably, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been showing a copy of the Constitution at his public rallies and vowing to defend it from the ruling party’s ‘repeated onslaught’.

CM Sarma, while taking a swipe at the Congress leader had said that he was flaunting the Chinese Constitution and not Indian Constitution at the poll rallies.

Congress’ Media and Publicity Chairman Khera, taking to his X handle, shared his one-page letter to CM Sarma and said that the latter’s remarks were “deeply disrespectful to the sacrifices of our soldiers.”

Claiming that he was troubled over statements linking the Constitution of India and China, the Congress leader said, “This comparison is not only unfounded but also deeply disrespectful to the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers, especially those who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash.”

Khera further said that he was also sending CM Sarma, a pocketbook version of the Constitution of India as that will keep “reminding him of the principles that should guide our nation.”

“The Indian Constitution is more than a document. It represents the soul and spirit of our country, reflecting the aspirations and hopes of our people. Crafted with great care by our Founding Fathers, it captures the essence of India’s cultural heritage and remarkable journey of our civilisation,” Khera also wrote.

Source: IANS

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Chandigarh, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Farmers on Monday ended their 34-day-long sit-in protest at the Shambhu Railway Station near the Punjab and Haryana border.

However, the farmers announced that they would start their sit-in protests outside the houses of prominent BJP leaders of Punjab and Haryana.

Their names will be announced at a protest rally at the Shambhu border on May 22.

The farmers had been squatting on the railway tracks at the Shambhu Railway Station near the Punjab and Haryana border, impacting the movement of trains bound for Punjab.

The farmers started the blockade at the railway station on April 17 demanding the release of three protesters.

However, Haryana Police has still not accepted their demand to release the three farmers arrested during the protest bordering the state.

“Since BJP leaders have been trying to defame farmers, we have decided to focus our protest at Shambhu and Khanauri borders and also at locations where the BJP’s star campaigners have been visiting the state,” said Jagjit Singh Dallewal, coordinator of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political).

The three farmers, Navdeep Jalbera, Gurkirat Shahpur and Anish Khatkar, were arrested during the ongoing farmers’ stir.

The farmers have been pressing the Centre to accept their demands which include a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

Farmers led by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM (non-political) have also been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders ever since February 13, when they were stopped on their way to Delhi to demand a legal guarantee for MSP for their produce.

Source: IANS

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Kochi, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) In the aftermath of a suspected simmering difference of opinion between an elderly couple over property, after a heated argument, the husband slashed his wife with a knife and she died soon thereafter at Kolenchery near here.

According to reports, on Sunday late evening, following a verbal duel, 71-year-old Joseph, losing his cool rushed to the kitchen and came out with a knife and slashed the neck of his 64-year-old wife, Leela.

After ensuring that his wife had breathed her last, Joseph dressed up and after lighting a candle at a roadside Christian tomb, he walked into the police station and confessed to the crime.

Only after the Police came to their home, did the neighbours understand that Joseph had killed his wife.

The couple have three children, all of whom are settled abroad.

The two, for a few months, were staying at their son’s place in Australia and the first difference of opinion between Joseph and Leela broke out there over property.

While Joseph had returned from Australia earlier, Leela came last week.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested a young voter in connection with a viral video doing rounds on social media, which showed him casting multiple votes in favour of a BJP candidate at a polling booth.

The accused, identified as one Rajan Singh, was arrested late on Sunday after several leaders of the opposition parties, including Congress and Samajwadi Party, shared the video of the incident on X.

In the two-minute-long video, the voter can be seen voting for a BJP candidate, Mukesh Rajput, on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at least eight times.

Rajput is a BJP candidate from the Farrukhabad Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

Following the revelation, an FIR was filed at the Naya Gaon police station based on a complaint by the Assistant Returning Officer, Prateet Tripathi.

The case has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other relevant laws, including IPC Section 171F (offence related to elections), IPC Section 419 (punishment for cheating by personation), Sections 128, 132, and 136 of the Representation of the People's Act (related to maintaining the secrecy of voting, fraud at elections, and other election offences) and others.

Even the Election Commission took cognisance of the matter and has directed concerned authorities to take prompt and effective action.

"Cognisance of the circulating video has been taken. Concerned District Election Officer has been directed to take prompt and effective action," Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said.

The poll panel has also directed authorities to suspend and institute disciplinary proceedings against all officials present at the polling booth when the incident took place.

The crackdown came soon after the Congress and Samajwadi Party shared the video of the incident on social media platform X and sought action from the Election Commission (EC).

"Dear Election Commission, do you see this? One person is voting eight times. It is time to wake up," Congress wrote on X.

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav also shared the video and sought action from the EC.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) A man has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district after a video surfaced on Sunday on social media in which he was seen voting multiple times, an official said.

The arrested individual has been identified as Rajan Singh, a resident of Khiriya Pamaran village, a statement noted.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa said in a statement that an FIR has been registered in connection with the matter.

"Instructions to suspend and institute disciplinary proceedings against all members of the polling party have been issued. Repolling has been recommended to the Election Commission of India in the polling station concerned," the CEO said.

Navdeep Rinwa further said that strict instructions to rigorously follow the procedures for proper identification of the voters have been issued to all District Election Officers in Uttar Pradesh for the remaining phases of polls.

Source: IANS

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Bishkek, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Embassy of India in Kyrgyzstan said on Sunday that all Indian students are safe as the situation in Bishkek remains normal after incidents of mob violence, mainly involving Pakistani students and locals, rocked the Kyrgyz capital on the night of May 17.

"The situation in Bishkek is normal. All Indian students are safe. They are requested to continue to follow the guidelines prescribed by authorities in the Kyrgyz Republic," the Indian Embassy posted on X on Sunday, advising Indian nationals to contact the helpline number in case of any issue.

Earlier this week, the Embassy had urged Indian students in Bishkek to stay indoors "for the moment" as the violence which left several people injured, including a Pakistani who suffered a fractured jawbone, took an ugly turn.

Strongly advising students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar also said that he was "monitoring the welfare of Indian students" as the situation turned calm.

Meanwhile, as a special flight carrying the first batch of Pakistani citizens from Bishkek landed at Lahore airport earlier on Sunday, Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev dialled his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar, expressing "serious concern about the spread of false and unverified information" about the incident and situation in Kyrgyzstan in Pakistani media.

"J. Kulubayev emphasised the importance of using verified information, as well as the importance of stopping false information and publications that could harm Kyrgyz-Pakistani relations in Pakistan's information space," said a statement issued by Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry.

Source: IANS

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Imphal, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) A labourer from Jharkhand was killed and two others injured in an attack by unidentified assailants in Manipur's Imphal West district, police said on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the Naoremthong area on Saturday night.

A police official said that the assailants pulled out the three labourers of a construction company from their rented accommodation and shot them on the spot. One of them, identified as Shree Ram Hangsada, 41, subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

The injured, also for Jharkhand, are undergoing treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital in Imphal

Police launched a search operation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators while also seeking to ascertain the reason behind the shooting.

Source: IANS

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Jammu, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Three youths were injured in a knife attack incident on Sunday at an election rally of the National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

The incident happened when the NC chief and former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was present at the venue along with the party candidate.

“There was an election rally by NC in Mendhar area of Poonch district today in which NC president, Dr Farooq Abdullah and party candidate for Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat, Mian Altaf Ahmad were also present. A scuffle took place between two groups on the sidelines of the rally in which three youths sustained knife injuries," said officials.

“The injured youths were shifted to a government medical college hospital in Rajouri town for specialised treatment. Doctors have described the condition of one of the injured identified as Suhail Ahmad of Mendhar as serious. The other two injured youths admitted to the hospital have been identified as Yasir Ahmad and Imran Ahmad," the officials further said.

These two injured youths -- Yasir Ahmad and Imran Ahmad -- fled from the hospital. The officials said, "They fled the hospitals for unknown reasons."

A case has been registered in this incident and police have started an investigation.

"No arrests have been made so far in this incident,” the officials said.

Meanwhile, people started protests against the incident in Mendhar Chowk and authorities were trying to pacify the protesters.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Assam has registered a significant growth in mutual funds over the last five years, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday.

According to him, at least 159 per cent rise in mutual funds in Assam was noticed during the last five years where the investment rose from Rs 11,298 crore to Rs 29,268 crore.

Sarma also claimed that the state has significantly contributed to the growth story of India.

Taking to his X handle, the Chief Minister wrote: “A mammoth 159 per cent growth of Mutual Funds in Assam in the last 5 years, from ₹11,298cr to ₹29,268cr, speaks volumes about the India Growth Story; the trust people of Assam have in our markets and the rise in the incomes of our people.”

Moreover, he also mentioned that Assam was the leading contributor in the mutual funds from the northeastern region from 2020 to 2024.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that his administration has given a free hand to the security forces to deal with the terrorists involved in the two terror attacks in Shopian and Pahalgam districts of Kashmir.

“I have complete faith in the bravery of our personnel and the perpetrators of this attack will be punished soon. We have given them (J&K Police and security forces) a free hand to crush the terrorists and their associates,” the L-G, in his condemnation message, said.

Terrorists shot and killed a former Sarpanch and BJP worker Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh in Hurpura village of Shopian district and also fired and wounded a tourist couple from Jaipur Rajasthan in Pahalgam area.

The L-G said that the security forces will also hunt down those elements who are helping the terrorists and trying to disrupt J&K's developmental journey.

“I am deeply shocked at the terrorist attack and the brutal killing of former Sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh,” the L-G said.

The L-G said that Aijaz was an exemplary grassroots leader and will be remembered for his selfless service to the people.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and admirers. We stand in solidarity with the family at this difficult hour,” the L-G said.

He said that the heinous attack on tourists at Pahalgam is also distressing.

“I have already instructed the administrative and police officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured couple,” the L-G in his condemnation message said.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday continued its investigation into poll-related violence in Andhra Pradesh.

A group of SIT members visited Narsaraopet town of Palnadu district, one of the districts which witnessed violence on polling day (May 13) and the following days.

SIT members investigated the I Town police station and analysed the records including the CCTV footage.

Another group investigated poll-related violence in Tirupati. They visited the SUV campus police station and checked the records relating to cases registered.

The 13-member SIT, headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Vineet Brijlal, is probing the violent incidents that occurred in Palnadu, Anantapur and Tirupati districts.

Intensifying its efforts to prevent any further violence and also identify and arrest those involved in recent incidents, the police conducted cordon and search in Macherla and Gurazala Assembly constituencies in Palnadu districts. A similar operation was also conducted in the Pedkaurapadu and Sattenpalalli constituencies in the same district.

Acting on the directions of top officials, police personnel carried out extensive searches in villages.

The Election Commission of India has approved the state government’s proposal to probe the poll-related violence by the SIT.

Chief Secretary (CS) K.S. Jawahar Reddy and the Director General of Police (DGP), Harish Kumar Gupta, appeared before the Election Commission on May 16 to personally explain the reasons for the failure of the administration to contain post-poll violence.

The Election Commission also approved the transfer of the Palnadu district Collector and the Tirupati Superintendent of Police (SP) and the suspension of Palnadu and Anantapur SPs, and 12 subordinate police officers in the three districts. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against these officers.

The poll panel directed the Chief Secretary and the DGP to take stern action against those involved in the violence.

The SIT will submit its report to the Election Commission.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a public interest litigation (PIL) against the three criminal laws replacing the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a vacation bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal will hear the matter on May 20.

The plea said that Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita suffer from “many defects and discrepancies”.

“All three criminal laws were passed and enacted without any parliamentary debate as unfortunately most of the members were under suspension during the period,” said the plea filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari.

Further, the petitioner-in-person claimed that the title of the three laws is not accurate as per the Interpretation of Statutes and does not speak about the statute and its motive but is ambiguous in nature.

In a recent judgment, the top court urged the legislature to consider making necessary changes in the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 providing punishment to the husband and his family for inflicting any cruelty on a married woman.

It said that Sections 85 and 86 of the new penal code, which is to come into force with effect from July 1, are nothing but verbatim reproduction of Section 498A of the IPC, 1860 and the issue requires a relook by the legislature taking into consideration the pragmatic realities.

Source: IANS

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Hubballi, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Karnataka Police on Saturday suspended DCP P. Rajeev for alleged negligence in handling the case related to 20-year-old Anjali Ambigera, who was stabbed to death by a youth at her house in the Veerapur Oni area of Hubballi on Wednesday early morning.

Meanwhile, Ambigera's minor sister reportedly attempted to end her life by consuming poison, protesting against the "negligence" of police in the case and demanding the encounter of the accused youth, identified as Vishwa alias Girish. Police said that the girl was rushed to the hospital and is out of danger.

Savita Sawanth, mother of the accused, claimed that her son Vishwa had not come to the house for the last six months. "I will not see his face and don't want to secure bail for him. Let the court take a decision and award him any punishment," she said.

Earlier, Ambigera's family claimed that they had informed police about the threat to their daughter from the accused -- a jilted lover -- but the police did not heed their concerns. The Police Department later suspended Inspector Chandrashekar Chikkodi and Head Constable Rekha of the Bendigeri police station for negligence.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Shiv Sena (UBT) president and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no more use of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and it "will ban the RSS" soon.

Speaking here at a joint INDIA-MVA media conference, in which Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders were also present, while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the former Maharashtra CM referred to an interview by BJP President J.P. Nadda in which he has made certain references to the RSS that has become a hot political topic of debate.

"As far as J.P. Nadda is concerned, he feels that the BJP does not need the RSS anymore now. Currently, in its centenary year, even the RSS could be at risk. PM Modi called my party a 'nakli Sena' and said I am a 'nakli santaan'... tomorrow, they will also label RSS as 'nakli' and ban it," said Thackeray.

He took strong umbrage and pointed out how PM Modi has consistently referred to his party Shiv Sena (UBT) as a 'fake Sena' -- and the NCP (SP), too -- in many of his election rallies across the state during the past couple of months.

"Let the election results come out on June 4. Then they will realise which is the real Sena and which is the fake one. Balasaheb Thackeray always stood firmly behind Modi in all his times of crises. Now, the same Modi calls his (Balasaheb's) party as 'nakli'," said Thackeray.

In the media interview, J.P. Nadda reportedly said that in the beginning, when the BJP was smaller and less capable, it needed the help of the RSS but now the party has grown in strength so it can run and manage itself independently.

Source: IANS

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The prosecution presented statements from 43 witnesses, with 42 supporting its evidence, Special public prosecutor Mahavir Kisanawat said.

Kisanawat said, "Magistrate Anil Gupta of the Bhilwara POCSO court found two main accused guilty in the incident. The other seven have been acquitted."

However, the quantum of the sentence has been kept reserved and the next hearing is scheduled for Monday.

A 473-page charge sheet was filed in the case and the trial was on for the last 10 months, he said.

The investigation was conducted by then Deputy Superintendent of Police Shyam Sunder Bishnoi and monitored by ADG (crime) Dinesh MN and Ajmer Range IG Lata Manoj.

On August 2, last year, a minor girl from Giradiya panchayat, who went to graze her goats on her farm, was gang-raped and burnt alive in a coal furnace.

When she did not return home by evening, villagers searched for her and found a silver bangle and her remains in the coal furnace on the morning of August 3.

Source: IANS

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Pradeep Chandran, SHO at Mundakayam police station who was part of the probe team, told IANS that they registered the case after an 88-year-old lady Thankamma was knocked down and killed by a vehicle at Korathodu, falling under his station limit.

“The accident occurred during the Sabarimala temple season and the only clue which they had to begin the probe with was a witness to the incident who mentioned the colour of the vehicle which knocked the lady,” said Chandran.

Chandran said that the team then began inspecting all CCTV’s from there to Munnar (at a distance of 120 kms).

“We would have looked at hundreds of CCTV’s and finally we identified a car which matched what the witness said. We found that it was a vehicle with a Telangana number plate. Soon we reached that state and located the owner,” added Chandran.

“The owner said that he gives his vehicle for rent and after checking the papers, the driver was one Dinesh Reddy from Karimnagar. We reached there and located him. When we asked about this, he instantly confessed to the accident. We brought him here on Friday and a case under Section 304 A (causing death by negligence) has been registered,” said Chandran.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, May 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda on Saturday turned 92 and was wished by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion.

The development assumes significance as rumours were spread that the BJP national leadership is maintaining distance from Gowda family after the alleged sex video scandal involving its members surfaced.

Prime Minister Modi posted on his X handle, "Best wishes to H.D. Deve Gowda Ji on his birthday. He is respected across the political spectrum for his service to the nation. His passion for agriculture and rural development is remarkable. Praying for his long and healthy life."

Deve Gowda offered special prayers at Lakshmi Venkateshwara Temple in J.P. Nagar locality of Bengaluru in the morning.

He participated in the special worship and various rituals.

Deve Gowda had on Thursday announced the cancellation of his birthday celebrations.

In a statement addressed to his fans and party workers, Deve Gowda said, "Due to various reasons, I am not celebrating my birthday. Against this backdrop, I urge all of you to convey your wishes from wherever you are."

Sources said that Deve Gowda is in no mood to celebrate his birthday in light of developments surrounding his grandson, JD(S) MP and Lok Sabha candidate from Hassan, Prajwal Revanna, who is the prime accused in an alleged sex video scandal and presently absconding.

Deve Gowda said that action against Prajwal will be as per law.

Deve Gowda's son, JD(S) MLA H. D. Revanna, was jailed and recently released on conditional bail in a kidnap case involving a victim of the alleged sex scandal related to his son.

The JD(S) had also requested party workers not to celebrate H.D. Revanna's release.

Source: IANS

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Tel Aviv, May 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a statement on Saturday, said that it killed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) leader on Friday night in an air strike.

The deceased is identified as Aslam Hamaisa, a commander of the Jenin brigade of PIJ. IDF said that in a joint operation with the Shin Bet, they located the Islamic Jihad operatives and struck the building where they were hiding.

The IDF said that the killed Palestinian Islamic Jihad was responsible for a major attack in the Hermesh settlement in West Bank, leading to the killing of many Jews.

Palestinian Health Ministry has also confirmed the killing of Aslam Hamaisa. In a statement on Saturday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said that Aslam Hamaisa has been killed and several injured in an attack by the Israel Air Force on a building in Jenin on Friday night.

Source: IANS

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San Francisco, May 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ming-Tung "Mike" Lee, president of Sonoma State University in California, resigned on Friday, one day after California State University (CSU) officials placed him on leave for "unilaterally" announcing that the campus would sever academic and financial ties with Israel.

CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia said that Lee "has informed me of his decision to retire", after she labelled Lee's action "insubordination" and named an acting president on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The heart and mission of the CSU is to create an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone we serve, not to marginalize one community over another," Garcia said in a statement on Thursday.

Lee had brokered an agreement with campus pro-Palestinian students who set up tents on the school's campus. He publicly apologized on Wednesday evening and said he acted without the approval of CSU leaders.

Lee had been the president of Sonoma State University for less than two years, following serving as an administrator and business professor at Sacramento State University for 28 years.

Source: IANS

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Hassan, (Karnataka) May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Arrested BJP leader G. Devaraje Gowda alleged on Friday that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar offered him Rs 100 crore to malign the names of former Chief Minister and JD-S state President H.D. Kumaraswamy, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to mediapersons from the police vehicle after being sent to judicial custody on Friday, Devaraje Gowda claimed that Shivakumar even sent him Rs 5 crore as advance.

“After I refused the offer, police cases were lodged against me and I was arrested. I am ready to expose him (Shivakumar) once I am released. The Congress government is going to collapse in Karnataka,” he claimed.

Devaraje Gowda added, “I was told to make a statement that it was Kumaraswamy who circulated the pen drives containing sex videos (involving Kumaraswamy's nephew Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of ex-PM H.D. Deve Gowda). But it was Shivakumar who obtained the pen drive from Karthik Gowda, who worked as a driver for Prajwal Revanna, and planned the entire episode.”

A team of four ministers, including N. Cheluvarayaswamy, Krishna Byre Gowda, and Priyank Kharge, was formed to handle the developments relating to the sex video scandal, Devaraje Gowda claimed.

“They had planned in a big way to bring disrepute to Prime Minister Modi, Kumaraswamy, and the BJP. They offered me Rs 100 crore and sent Rs 5 crore as advance to Room No. 110 at Bowring Club. A local leader from Channarayapatna, Gopalaswamy, was sent to negotiate the deal,” Devaraje Gowda claimed.

“Shivakumar made the Rs 100 crore offer to malign the name of Prime Minister Modi by linking him to the sex scandal. Shivakumar's main objective is to finish Kumaraswamy politically,” he added.

“When I refused to be a part of their plans, they first fixed me in an atrocity case, but couldn’t find any evidence. Later, they fixed me in a sexual harassment case. When this ploy also failed, they lodged a rape case against me. I was interrogated for four days, but they couldn’t get anything,” he claimed.

“I have the audio recordings of Shivakumar’s conversations. I will release them and the Congress government will collapse once I am out of prison,” Devaraje Gowda claimed as the police vehicle drove off.

On May 6, Devaraje Gowda claimed that Shivakumar was behind the release of the pen drive containing videos of sexual assault.

He also said that Prime Minister Modi was Congress' main target.

"I do not trust the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sex scandal. I will submit all the evidence to the CBI. The videos in my possession are different from those which have been released,” he had claimed.

Devaraje Gowda was arrested by the Karnataka police six days ago in a sexual harassment and atrocity case.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Friday turned out to be a politically eventful day in West Bengal which brought both relief and anxiety for the state unit of the BJP.

The relief came after the Calcutta High Court ordered the immediate release of a woman BJP leader from Sandeshkhali, Mampi Das, who was arrested after a sting operation video went viral in which a local BJP leader was heard saying that the women’s protest there was plotted and orchestrated by the BJP in which Das played a key role.

The order came as a political reprieve for the BJP as the single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta raised questions over the justification behind Das' arrest, and the justification of implicating her in a non-bailable section of the Indian Penal Code.

The state BJP is terming the order as an endorsement of the party’s claims that the viral video and the subsequent arrest of Das were nothing but conspiracies plotted by the Trinamool Congress and the state police.

However, the BJP also received a jolt on Friday after the Election Commission of India issued a show-cause notice to the former judge of the Calcutta High Court, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, over the latter’s derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The notice came after the Trinamool Congress filed a complaint with the poll panel against Gangopadhyay, who has been fielded by the BJP from the Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency in East Medinipur district.

The remarks by Gangopadhyay were made at a public meeting in Haldia district on Wednesday. They went public after a purported video emerged online a day later in which Gangopadhyay could be heard wondering about the "amount at which CM Banerjee was getting sold".

While Gangopadhyay has been asked to file a reply by 5 p.m. on May 20, there is anxiety in the BJP camp whether the reply will satisfy the poll panel.

If the Election Commission bars Gangopadhyay from addressing public meetings, holding roadshows, or giving interviews to the media, as demanded by the Trinamool, it will be a major embarrassment for Gangopadhyay before Tamluk goes to the polls in the sixth phase on May 25.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) A Mumbai court on Friday sent Bhavesh Bhinde, the owner of the gigantic hoarding that crashed in Ghatkopar claiming 16 lives, to police custody till May 26.

Bhinde, Director of EGO Media Pvt Ltd., was arrested from Rajasthan's Udaipur town on Thursday and brought to Mumbai.

He was produced before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Esplanade Courts, K.S. Zanwar who sent him to 10 days police custody.

On May 13, when a sudden dust storm followed by rains, thunder and strong winds lashed Mumbai, the mammoth illegal hoarding had crashed on some homes and a petrol pump, crushing more than 100 people and 71 big and small vehicles.

Soon after the tragedy, the Bhandup police booked Bhinde under various charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and launched investigations.

Seeking 14-day custody, the Mumbai police prosecutor said that Bhinde’s firm owns several more hoardings in the city and the police needed to carry out a thorough investigation. This would include the financial aspects as it requires at least Rs 5 crore to manage one hoarding, the details of who granted permission for erecting the billboards, its structural stability clearance, and related aspects.

Bhinde’s lawyer Rizwan Merchant contended that the grounds for the remand plea were invalid as the police did not inform his client about the reasons for his arrest.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The four phases of 2024 Lok Sabha elections have covered 39 Parliamentary seats of Uttar Pradesh and the remaining 41 seats are set to go to polls in the next three phases, including Varanasi.

While all eyes are set on Kashi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his supporters, mostly local youth, have launched a unique campaign, 'Har Dil Mein Modi'.

These youth have picked up a task to inform and enlighten the city residents about the progressive schemes of PM Modi-led government and how it is showing impact at the ground level.

Under the 'Har Dil Mein Modi' campaign, they have also been appealing to locals to exercise their right to vote as responsible citizens, as reiterated by PM Modi himself.

The city, days ago, saw a wave of saffron surge as PM Modi reached his constituency to file nomination for the third consecutive time.

Amrish Yadav, a local resident, said that the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath corridor has given the city a new appeal and recognition.

"Today, more people are visiting Kashi than Goa. The surge in religious tourism has changed the face of the city, and is also creating ample job opportunities," he said.

Ratnesh Singh, a banking professional, said that earlier, they used to run from pillar to post for opening bank accounts. But, after Jan Dhan account scheme, even the illiterate and uneducated are drawing benefits. "Now, there are no middlemen involved, the amount directly gets credited into account," he added.

Another volunteer of 'Har Dil Mein Modi' campaign described Ayushman Yojana as trendsetting and transformative. He said that lakhs of senior citizens and elderly are benefitting from it while the Jan Aushadhi Kendras have come as another 'lifeline store' in saving lives.

"Medicines available at Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras are cheaper by 90 per cent as compared to private medical shops," he said.

Another youth highlighted the transformation of the Ganga ghats in Kashi and explained how the clean and illuminated ghats are luring more and more people today for a serene walk as compared to the dingy and risk-prone ghats earlier.

Notably, Varanasi is gearing up for polls in the final phase of Lok Sabha elections on June 1.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday filed its eighth charge sheet before a court here in connection with the money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam, naming Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its national convenor Arvind Kejriwal as accused.

On Thursday, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the ED, informed the Supreme Court that a prosecution complaint against AAP and its national convenor was in the pipeline and would be lodged soon before the special court.

ASG Raju made the submission as the agency opposed CM Kejriwal’s plea filed before the apex court against his arrest in the case by the ED.

Earlier, the probe agency, while opposing the bail plea of former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia filed before the Delhi High Court, had said that it will soon file a supplementary charge sheet against the ruling party in the national capital.

A total of 18 persons have been arrested in the case so far, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, several AAP leaders, BRS leader K. Kavitha, and others.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Trinamool Congress on Friday moved the Election Commission of India (ECI) against the former judge of Calcutta High Court and BJP nominee from Tamluk Lok Sabha seat in East Midnapore district, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a public meeting recently.

In its plea, the Trinamool has urged the poll panel to bar Gangopadhyay from addressing public meetings, holding roadshows, or giving interviews to the media.

The remarks by Gangopadhyay were made at a public meeting in Haldia district on Wednesday. They were made public after a purported video emerged online a day later in which Gangopadhyay could be heard wondering about the amount at which CM Banerjee was getting sold.

The Trinamool has also requested the Commission to ensure that no other BJP leader makes such derogatory remarks about the Chief Minister in the future.

“We have lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer against the vulgar and objectionable remarks made by Abhijit Gangopadhyay against the Chief Minister. We expect the ECI to penalise him for his conduct and prosecute him under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code," state Minister Shashi Panja told mediapersons on Friday.

In its letter to the Commission, a copy of which is available with IANS, the Trinamool said, "It is shocking that BJP candidates are stooping to such low levels of indecency on a regular basis, making indecorous, unwanted, and degrading statements involving the integrity and honour of a woman just to garner votes."

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Friday pasted a notice at the residence of Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, after his family refused to accept it.

The NCW team along with the Delhi Police personnel served the notice for hearing to Bibhav Kumar but due to non-acceptance by the family members it was pasted on his residence gate, an official said.

“Officers of the NCW, along with the ACP of Civil Lines, New Delhi, attempted to serve a Notice of Hearing to Mr. Bibhav Kumar at his residence. When the occupants of the house refused to accept the notice, the officers affixed it on the gate of his residence. The hearing is scheduled for 18th May, 2024, at the NCW Office,” the NCW said in a post on X.

Earlier, addressing a press conference, NCW chief Rekha Sharma said the organisation was constantly monitoring the situation and encouraged AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal to file a police complaint against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's personal secretary Bibhav Kumar.

The Delhi Police on Thursday evening lodged an FIR against Kumar in connection with the alleged assault on Maliwal that took place on Monday at CM Kejriwal's official residence.

Sharma said that the NCW swung into action immediately after the matter came into the limelight.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), said on Friday that the organisation was constantly monitoring the situation and encouraged AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal to file a police complaint against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's personal secretary Bibhav Kumar.

The Delhi Police on Thursday evening lodged an FIR against Kumar in connection with the alleged assault on Maliwal that took place on Monday at CM Kejriwal's official residence.

Sharma said that the NCW swung into action immediately after the matter came into the limelight.

"I closely monitored the situation, spoke to Maliwal and encouraged her to come forward and file a complaint. I believe she was traumatised because no one would have expected her to be assaulted in such a manner at her party leader's residence," said the NCW chief.

"She (Maliwal) is a MP who has consistently advocated for women's issues. I assured her of my support and encouraged her to speak out and file a complaint. After careful consideration, she decided to file a complaint," said Sharma.

"I spoke with the Commissioner of Police, who informed me about the charges under sections 308, 341, 354 D, 306, and 309 IPC mentioned in the FIR," she added.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) An Air India flight, with 180 passengers onboard for Delhi, narrowly avoided a collision with a tug tractor as it was taxiing towards the runway at Pune Airport, an airline official said on Friday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at Pune airport.

The plane sustained damage to its nose and a tyre near the landing gear following the encounter with the tug tractor. However, despite the incident and resulting damage, all passengers and crew members aboard were reported as safe.

Air India spokesperson said, "There was an incident related to one of our aircraft, which was to operate Pune to Delhi, at the time of its pushback. The aircraft was held back for checks, all passengers were offloaded safely and the flight was cancelled."

"Passengers were eventually refunded their full fares and offered complimentary rescheduling. Those with onward international connections were flown to Delhi by other carriers. An investigation into the incident has already been initiated," said Air India spokesperson.

However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is yet to respond to the incident.

In March, an IndiGo aircraft narrowly avoided a collision with a Chennai-bound Air India Express plane, sending shivers down the spines of 169 passengers aboard the Air India Express flight.

According to reports, the IndiGo aircraft was awaiting clearance to enter the runway when it inadvertently brushed the wingtip of the Air India Express plane.

Source: IANS

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