Patna, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Six people, including five members of a family, sustained burn injuries in an acid‑like substance incident linked to a financial dispute in East Champaran’s Kesariya police station area, prompting police to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The incident occurred on August 29 at Purani Bazar in Ward No. 9 under Kesariya police station. Police said the dispute was between Amit Kumar, alias Bittu, a goldsmith, and Praveen Prakash Singh, alias Gunjan Singh.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Praveen had gone to Amit’s house, where a heated argument broke out. During the confrontation, an acid‑like substance kept at Amit’s house for cleaning silver was allegedly used, causing burn injuries to people from both sides.

The injured have been identified as Amit Kumar, his three children, Yash Kumar, Saksham Kumar and Aarush Kumar, a female family member, and Praveen Prakash Singh. All six are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Following the incident, the Sub‑Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Chakia and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team inspected the scene and collected evidence. On the directions of the East Champaran Superintendent of Police, an SIT has been formed for detailed investigation.

The site was inspected in the presence of a magistrate, who has also been deputed to oversee security arrangements in the area.

Police registered Kesariya Police Station Case No. 321/26 on the basis of Amit Kumar’s complaint. Four people have been named as accused: Gunjan Singh alias Praveen Prakash, Prabhat Prakash, Sudhanshu Ranjan alias Ranjan Singh and Shravan Kumar.

Officials said the investigation is underway and further action will be taken based on evidence and statements from both sides.

Source: IANS

The post Bihar: Six injured in acid-like substance attack during financial dispute in East Champaran appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Ahmedabad, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Forty people were safely evacuated and frisked after an Air India Express flight from Dammam to Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad on Monday evening following the discovery of a tissue paper carrying a bomb threat inside the aircraft’s bathroom, officials said.

According to a statement from the Airport Police Station, the Operation Control Centre informed authorities around 2:40 p.m. that Air India Express flight IX-170, travelling from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to Delhi, had been diverted to Ahmedabad Airport.

The diversion followed the discovery of a tissue paper in the aircraft’s bathroom by the First Officer.

The tissue reportedly carried the words “Bomb RED 4:30” written in English, along with a drawing of a bag.

The aircraft landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 4:27 p.m. and was parked on the Terminal 2 taxiway, following which police and security agencies initiated the prescribed security procedures.

Police Inspector A.D. Chavda, accompanied by police personnel, reached Terminal 2. "A total of 32 passengers and eight members of the flight crew — four crew members and four air hostesses — were safely brought out of the aircraft and frisked," the police said.

The passengers and crew were subsequently checked by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), while interrogation proceedings were underway. Police said no suspicious object had been found so far.

The latest development comes after the flight, which had departed from Dammam at 10:25 a.m., was diverted to Ahmedabad instead of continuing to its scheduled destination in Delhi.

Security personnel have kept the aircraft in an isolated area while checks are being conducted.

The airport authorities are also carrying out the necessary security and sanitation procedures as part of the response to the threat.

Police said the investigation into the message and its origin is continuing. The flight will be allowed to depart as soon as the investigation and security checks are completed.

Meanwhile, the process of registering an offence in connection with the incident is also underway.

Source: IANS

The post 40 passengers, crew evacuated after ‘bomb’ note found on Dammam-Delhi Air India Express flight (Lead) appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Patna, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) A police team investigating a dispute between two groups in Katsikari village under Ramnagar police station faced resistance from villagers on Monday afternoon, leading to a scuffle and damage to a police vehicle.

According to police, tension escalated when personnel attempted to intervene in the dispute. Villagers allegedly pushed and shoved the team, while the windshield of a police vehicle was smashed. Assessing the situation, the police temporarily withdrew.

A larger contingent from Ramnagar and Gobardhana police stations was later deployed, bringing the situation under control. Three people were detained for questioning. Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar and SDPO Nihar Bhushan reached the village to take stock.

Police said the dispute is linked to a long‑running marital issue between Satan Ram of Garhwa Bhogadi Piparpati under Majhaulia police station and Naina Kumari, daughter of Mukhlal Ram of Katsikari. The couple married in 2016 and have two daughters.

Satan, who worked in a Gulf country for about seven years, claimed he regularly sent money to his wife, which was used to purchase land and build a house in her name in Katsikari. After returning, he raised objections over her conduct, alleging that since Holi last March she had begun living with Pappu Ansari of Mathiya village.

On Monday, Naina allegedly arrived at the house with Pappu, his mother Gauda Khatoon and others. They reportedly broke open the lock and entered. Residents latched the house from outside, citing the ongoing dispute. Satan’s family was informed, and people from his side arrived, leading to a confrontation.

SI Imtiyazul Haq reached the spot with police personnel to bring those inside out, but villagers resisted. During the intervention, police faced pushing and shoving, and a vehicle was damaged.

A larger force led by Circle Inspector Joginder Ravidas and SHO Mahendra Kumar, along with Sub‑Inspectors Jyoti Maurya, Rupesh Kumar, Pramod Singh and Imtiyazul Haq, joined by Gobardhana police, restored calm.

SHO Mahendra Kumar said the situation is now fully under control. Three people have been detained, and further action will follow after investigation and receipt of a formal complaint.

Source: IANS

The post Bihar: Police face resistance in West Champaran village dispute probe, 3 detained appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Ahmedabad, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) An Air India Express flight from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to New Delhi made an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) on Monday evening following a reported bomb threat, prompting security agencies to initiate a detailed safety protocol.

The flight took off from Dammam at 10:25 a.m. IST and landed at Ahmedabad airport at 4:22 p.m., after the threat was reported while the aircraft was en route to Delhi.

The aircraft was subsequently moved to an isolated area of the airport as security personnel began checks.

According to reports, a crew member found a tissue paper in the aircraft’s lavatory bearing the word “bomb”.

The discovery prompted the crew to alert the pilot, who informed air traffic control and sought permission to divert the aircraft to Ahmedabad as a precautionary measure.

After the aircraft landed, passengers and crew were taken through the prescribed security procedure.

Airport authorities began preparations for a thorough search of the aircraft, including checks of the cabin, baggage and other areas.

Security agencies, including the Central Industrial Security Force and bomb disposal personnel, were deployed as part of the response.

Airport terminal staff are also undertaking a sanitation process while the aircraft remains in the isolated area.

Following the process, a headcount of all passengers and crew members on board will be conducted as part of the security measures.

The aircraft landed safely, and there were no immediate reports of injuries. Initial checks reported by local sources did not find any suspicious or explosive material, although security agencies were continuing their examination and investigation into the threat.

The incident comes amid heightened security procedures followed by airports and airlines whenever a potential threat is reported. Authorities are expected to establish the source and credibility of the threat as the security checks continue.

Source: IANS

The post Bomb threat: Air India Express Dammam-Delhi flight makes emergency landing in Ahmedabad appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi/Imphal, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a significant development, the Union Government on Monday deferred the Census 2027 operations in Manipur, officials said.

A senior official in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that the decision to defer the Census 2027 operations came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi on Monday to assess the prevailing situation in Manipur.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, was attended by the Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, along with other senior officials.

"The meeting discussed in detail the demand raised by the people of Manipur to defer the Census exercise in the state before the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The meeting agreed to defer the proposed Census exercise 2027 in the state considering the feelings and aspirations of the people of Manipur," the official said.

Following the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other central leaders for listening to the voices of the people and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the state.

He also thanked BJP President Nitin Nabin for his continuous support in fulfilling the wishes of the people of Manipur.

Khemchand Singh also appreciated the efforts of the leaders of 14 civil society organisations (CSOs) and the delegation of BJP MLAs, who had recently campaigned in New Delhi for the implementation of the NRC in Manipur. He said that their regular engagement with central leaders and officials has resulted in Monday's decision.

He also said that calling bandhs and general strikes will not help in pressing demands before the government, noting that such actions would cause more hardship to the common people. Instead, he urged civil society groups to continue dialogue and extend full cooperation to the administration in addressing the state's socio-political challenges.

"The government is for the people and any issues of the state should be consulted with the government for getting a better solution," he said in a statement.

Before leaving for New Delhi on Sunday, the Chief Minister had said that both the Manipur and Union governments are always committed to fulfilling the aspirations and addressing the concerns of the people of the state.

The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) organised massive agitations mainly in the Imphal Valley region from midnight on August 17, demanding updation of the NRC in Manipur before Census-2027. Normal life was badly affected on August 18 and 19 in view of the 48-hour shutdown. Various student and youth organisations, women’s bodies, including the influential ‘Meira Paibi (women torchbearers)', and civil society organisations have supported the shutdown. The Education Department even closed all educational institutions in the state for three days from August 20, citing the “prevailing law and order situation”.

Several district administrations in the Imphal Valley region of Manipur have either deferred or cancelled the training programmes for enumerators and supervisors under Census-2027 amid protests demanding the updation of the NRC. Amid the protests, the Chief Minister had told a student delegation that the issue would be discussed in the ensuing Assembly session beginning September 2.

Source: IANS

The post Centre defers Census 2027 operations in Manipur amid prevailing situation appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Imphal, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Two villagers were killed and another injured in an attack by suspected militants in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday, police officials said.

However, a leading Kuki tribal organisation claimed that three innocent villagers, including two women, were reportedly shot dead, while four others sustained bullet wounds and remain critically injured.

A police official in Imphal said that armed militants belonging to a suspected militant group opened indiscriminate fire at N. Teikhang, a Kuki-inhabited village in the mountainous Kangpokpi district, using sophisticated weapons, killing two persons and injuring another.

Several houses were also set ablaze during the attack.

The heavy firing forced several villagers, including women and children, to flee their homes and take shelter in nearby forests, the official said.

Security forces comprising Manipur Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have rushed to the area and launched operations to bring the situation under control.

The attack came days after suspected militants ambushed a vehicle in the district, killing four Naga civilians and injuring another.

More than 20 people of both Naga and Kuki communities have been killed in separate firing incidents, and several houses have been burnt since violence broke out between the Naga and Kuki communities in the state in February this year.

The Twilang Area Kuki CSO Working Committee vehemently condemned what it described as "an unprovoked and barbaric attack allegedly carried out by armed cadres of the NSCN-IM and its alleged proxy force, ZUF-K, on the innocent residents of Teikhang village".

The Kuki tribal organisation, in a statement, claimed that around 50 heavily armed cadres of the separatist NSCN-IM attacked the village, indiscriminately opened fire on civilians and set several houses ablaze. "Three innocent villagers, including two women, were reportedly shot dead, while four others, including a woman, sustained bullet wounds and remain critically injured," the statement said.

According to the statement, the deceased have been identified as Tingneichin Lhouvum, 40, Hoineineng Lhoujem, 21, and Lamtinthang Lhoujem, 36. The critically injured villagers have been identified as Nemneichong Lhoujem, 50, Seilun Lhoujem, 70, Deilhing Haokip, 55, and Kamtinsei Chongloi, 38.

The tribal organisation strongly condemned the attack and alleged that innocent civilians were targeted without any provocation, triggering panic among the residents of the Kuki-inhabited village.

Kuki Students’ Organisation also strongly condemned the attack. Police and security officials said that additional details were being ascertained and security forces were continuing operations in and around the affected area.

Source: IANS

The post Two villagers killed, several injured as militants attack Kuki village in Manipur appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Tel Aviv, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a major defence export deal, one of the largest-ever in Israel's history, Israel and Greece on Monday signed the giant 'Achilles Shield' deal, under which Israel will establish a multi-layered defence system in Greece, which includes Israeli systems architecture, including the 'David's Sling' and 'Spider' systems manufactured by Rafael and the 'Barak MX' system manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Israel's Director General of the Ministry of Defence, Major General Amir Baram, and the head of the Greek Procurement Directorate, Yannis Boras, signed the huge defence deal worth approximately three billion Euros (over 10 billion NIS), within the framework of which the State of Israel will establish a comprehensive multi-layered air defence system for Greece, based entirely on Israeli-made architecture and systems and on the extensive operational experience gained by the defence establishment in the war.

According to the Israeli Defence Ministry, the signing ceremony took place in Tel Aviv with the participation of the head of SIVAT, Brigadier General Yair Koles, the head of the Defence Intelligence Agency, Brigadier General Danny Gold, the CEO of Rafael, Yoav Turgeman, the CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, Guy Bar Lev, the head of the Defence Intelligence Agency's Wall Directorate, Moshe Fattal, and other senior officials.

The programme, it said, known in Greece as the 'Achilles Shield', is one of the largest defence deals in the country's history. It is the first time the Israeli Defence Ministry will provide a complete defence system against a wide range of threats - from ballistic missiles and air strikes to hostile unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Israeli Defence Ministry stated that 'Achilles Shield' deal includes the 'David's Sling' system, whose development is led by the "Homa" Directorate at the Ministry of Defence's MAPAT, together with Rafael as the main developer

BARAK MX system manufactured by IAI Aerospace Industries; 'Spider' system manufactured by Rafael; MMR multi-mission radars for air control manufactured by the Elta division of IAI Aerospace Industries; and, a new national command and control system, which will centralise all air defence capabilities and will be developed under the leadership of Rafael.

In addition, as part of the meeting, an additional complementary deal was signed in the amount of 26 million Euros (approximately 92 million NIS) for the sale of Rafael's Drone Dome systems for protection against drones and drones at strategic sites and to strengthen existing defence.

Israel will also increase industrial-security cooperation, including the transfer of knowledge and technology to local Greek industry.

The Israeli government mentioned that the project marks another milestone in the security cooperation between Israel and Greece, a key strategic partner of Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece’s choice of Israeli technology, it said, as the backbone of its most ambitious air defence programme in the past decade reflects the depth of trust built between the countries.

"My visit to Greece several months ago as a guest of Greek Defence Minister Dendias was another expression of the depth of the strategic relationship between Israel and Greece and our shared determination to continue to strengthen it. At the meeting, we agreed to strengthen security cooperation between the countries. Israel and Greece share common strategic interests and face common regional challenges. Precisely at a time when elements with hegemonic ambitions seek to expand their influence and destabilise the region, Israel and Greece will continue to deepen their security and strategic cooperation, and will act resolutely to preserve stability and strengthen their security and common interests," said Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Source: IANS

The post Israel and Greece sign giant ‘Achilles Shield’ defence deal to tackle ‘common regional challenges’ appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Bishkek, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek on Monday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and other top Iranian officials were also present during the meeting.

During the meeting, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, the two sides reviewed the latest status of bilateral relations and emphasised the need to strengthen and expand joint cooperation between Iran and India in areas of interest to both countries.

In June, PM Modi and Pezeshkian held a telephonic conversation, where the Iranian President briefed the Indian PM on the developments in West Asia and the way forward. During the conversation, PM Modi welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict and reiterated the need for continued efforts for lasting peace and stability.

Both leaders had earlier spoken on March 21, during which they had discussed in detail the security situation in the West Asia region.

PM Modi is on an official visit to Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors besides the West Asia situation.

Following the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took to X and said, "The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various areas including defence, economic, pharma, science and technology, culture and education. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia."

"PM Narendra Modi reiterated that India looked forward to working closely with Armenia to further deepen and expand bilateral ties," the MEA added.

PM Modi also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Bishkek and interacted with the Indian community members who were present there to welcome him. The statue was unveiled during the Prime Minister's visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015.

"In Bishkek this morning, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the city. Gandhi Ji’s thoughts will always have an unparalleled impact on our minds," PM Modi posted on X.

He also met members of various communities, including Yoga enthusiasts, academics, Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) alumni and researchers, in Bishkek.

"Met a group of people who have a close association with India. This includes prominent diaspora members, those passionate about the environment, Yoga enthusiasts, academics, ITEC alumni, researchers and more. Happy to see such continuous engagement with India. One of the Yoga practitioners was in Ahmedabad for the World Yogasana Championship and won a medal," PM Modi posted on X.

Source: IANS

The post PM Modi and Iranian President hold talks in Bishkek, discuss West Asia situation appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Srinagar, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Joint security forces on Monday busted a terror hideout in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district and recovered arms and ammunition during the operation.

Officials said the joint operation was launched by the J&K Police, 44 Rashtriya Rifles of the Army and the CRPF at Naikpora Memender in the district on specific input.

“During searches in an orchard area, the team busted a hideout and recovered arms and ammunition including one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one pistol, one grenade and six rounds of 9 mm ammunition," the officials said.

“Further investigation has been launched to ascertain the origin and intended use of the recovered weapons,” the officials added.

The security forces have recently conducted multiple intense anti-militancy operations and cordons in South Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, and Shopian amid heightened security measures.

In Kulgam district, joint operations were launched in the Akhal Devsar and Guddar forest areas, utilising high-tech surveillance equipment and elite forces. Encounters earlier in the summer also resulted in terrorist killings.

In Anantnag district, operations were carried out in the Achabal and Kokernag (Ahlan Gagarmandu forest) areas following intelligence inputs regarding terrorist movements, leading to intense gunfights and exchanges of fire.

In Shopian district, anti-terrorist sweeps resulted in the elimination of several Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, including Zakir Ganai, following extended engagements in the area.

Northern Army Commander Lt General Pratik Sharma recently visited South Kashmir to review the security grid, operational preparedness, and the integration of advanced technology for enhanced intelligence gathering and surveillance.

Joint control centres and inter-agency coordination between the Army, Police, and the CRPF have been heavily reinforced across South Kashmir

In addition, massive cordon and search operations are being carried out in the hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Udhampur and Reasi in the Jammu division.

These operations have been launched after reports of movements of terrorists in the higher reaches of these districts.

Source: IANS

The post Security forces bust terror hideout in J&K’s Shopian; recover arms, ammunition appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Ahmedabad, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Even as Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, the Pahalgam terror attack and its fallout was unfolding not only across the border but also in cyberspace, as Indian government websites were being targeted in a separate campaign that investigators later described as an attempted act of "cyber terrorism".

More than a year after the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) first busted the case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has now widened the probe, conducting searches at five locations across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Bihar and Delhi last week.

The searches have brought renewed attention to a largely less visible dimension of the security challenge during Operation Sindoor: Attempts to disrupt India's digital infrastructure at the same time that the country was confronting a conventional terror threat.

The NIA searches on August 24 were carried out in Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra, Nadiad in Kheda district of Gujarat, Ramagundam in Karimnagar district of Telangana, Gopalganj in Bihar and Delhi.

The agency said the case, registered by the NIA on June 25 last year, concerns attempted sophisticated Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks against 54 websites belonging to Central government entities during the period of Operation Sindoor.

The agency said the targeted websites included critical computer resources and Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), and that the alleged attacks were intended to compromise national sovereignty, security and unity and incite public fear.

Three laptops, five mobile phones and other digital devices, including pen drives, along with documents containing allegedly incriminating material related to hacking activities, were seized during the searches.

Suspects identified through technical analysis for allegedly providing support and assistance to the accused were also examined about their links to the case.

The investigation goes back to the immediate aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people, including a Nepali citizen, were killed.

The attack triggered a series of security and diplomatic measures by India and culminated in the operation. On the intervening night of May 6 and 7, the Indian Armed Forces struck nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

The Ministry of Defence said the targets were linked to infrastructure from which terrorist attacks against India had been planned and directed.

The strikes were described by the government as "focussed and non-escalatory", with Pakistani military facilities initially not targeted.

The military operation was followed by several days of escalation, including Pakistani drone and missile attempts against Indian military targets and heavy firing along the Line of Control.

India said its air defence and counter-drone systems intercepted the incoming threats. On May 10, the two sides agreed to halt military actions on land, air and sea.

It was against this backdrop that the cyber activity under investigation intensified.

According to the Gujarat ATS investigation, 18-year-old Jasim Shahnawaz Ansari of Nadiad and a juvenile were involved in attempts to carry out DDoS attacks on Indian government websites.

The ATS had been monitoring anti-national activity on social media and the Dark Web when it received Intelligence about Ansari and other juveniles allegedly associated with a Telegram group called Anonsec.

The investigation found that the group had earlier operated through channels called EXPLOITXSEC and ELITEXPLOIT, using Telegram identities including @BYTEXPLOIT and @YourMindFvcker.

According to the ATS, the participants used programming knowledge and applications including Termux and Pydroid3, while obtaining DDoS scripts from GitHub.

They would then attempt to overwhelm targeted websites and use CheckHost.net to verify whether the sites were accessible, before posting screenshots and messages on their Telegram channel.

The ATS said more than 50 government and state government websites were targeted between April and May 2025.

On May 7 alone, the day Operation Sindoor was launched, the group allegedly planned attacks against 20 Indian government and state government websites.

Its Telegram channel carried messages claiming that Indian websites and servers had been taken down.

The messages were: "Several Government sites of India has been touch by AnonSec..!", "Hi, India we just took down your financial shield and servers", "Hi, India we just took down your shield and servers", and "India may have started it, but we will be the ones to finish it".

The subsequent investigation, however, established an important distinction between what the group claimed and what it was technically capable of achieving.

In an interview with IANS following the latest NIA searches, Gujarat ATS SP, K. Siddharth, said the accused had attempted to take down websites but did not have sufficient computing or server capacity to cause a sustained disruption to the targeted systems.

“They were not breaching per se, it was an attempt to take down the websites,” Siddharth said, explaining that breaching would involve obtaining access to data, whereas a DDoS attack attempts to make a service unavailable to legitimate users.

He said the accused had run scripts that generated traffic towards the targeted websites and then checked their status on CheckHost.net.

A website becoming temporarily inaccessible was treated by the accused as evidence of a successful attack.

However, according to Siddharth, their mobile phone-based set-up did not possess enough computational power to sustain an attack capable of overpowering the government infrastructure. Yet investigators did not treat the limited technical success of the attacks as eliminating the security concern.

"The material recovered from the accused's phones, including chats, screenshots and communications, established their intention to target Indian websites," Siddharth told IANS.

The case was initially registered by the Gujarat ATS under Sections 43 and 66(F) of the Information Technology Act. The investigation was subsequently taken over by the NIA.

On August 14 last year, the NIA filed a charge sheet against Ansari, claiming that he had conspired with a juvenile to launch multiple DDoS attacks on central and state government websites between March and May 2025.

The NIA said its investigation had also found the use of anonymising technologies and encrypted platforms. The investigation also found that the online network was broader than the two individuals from Nadiad.

Siddharth told IANS that the Telegram group had members from several nationalities, including Bangladesh and Palestine, although he said the Gujarat ATS investigation did not establish a specific conspiracy linking Pakistan to the attacks.

“There was no specific conspiracy which we could figure out that Pakistan was behind this,” Siddharth said. That distinction is significant.

Instead, the evidence pointed towards an attempted disruption of government websites, accompanied by the "public celebration" of the attacks on Telegram.

Siddharth also said the accused were not found to have been traditionally radicalised in the sense of possessing material that would have led investigators to invoke the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

“That is why we did not register under UAPA or anything,” he said. The accused were young and had acquired their knowledge largely through material available online.

Siddharth said they were not necessarily highly technically skilled but were willing to learn how to run scripts and tools. "The activity was carried out primarily through mobile phones, making it difficult for their families to detect what they were doing," he recalled.

The case, therefore, showcases a different form of vulnerability that emerged during one of India's most consequential security episodes of 2025.

The NIA's latest searches indicate that the investigation has not ended with the arrest and prosecution of the original accused.

Technical analysis has since led investigators to people suspected of providing assistance to them, leading to searches across five states and the seizure of additional digital evidence.

The attacks may not have succeeded in bringing down the targeted government infrastructure for any sustained period, but investigators' focus has remained on the intent, coordination, tools and network behind the attempts.

Source: IANS

The post 54 govt sites, Telegram group and young minds: Inside the cyber threat during Op Sindoor appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) A 20-year-old woman was safely rescued from the terrace of Unity One Mall in Delhi's Rohini after she allegedly threatened to jump from the building, prompting a swift response from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Delhi Police and mall security personnel.

According to the Delhi Fire Services, information about the incident was received at around 8:55 p.m. on Sunday.

The incident took place at Unity One Mall near Ambedkar Hospital Metro Station and which falls under Rohini division.

Following the alert, a DFS team and police personnel reached the mall within a short time and began efforts to bring the woman to safety.

Mall guards also joined the rescue operation and helped the emergency responders secure the terrace area.

At around 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, DFS officials reported that the woman had been successfully rescued from the terrace without sustaining injuries. She was subsequently handed over to the Delhi Police.

The police are investigating the matter to find out more details related to the case.

The fire department had deployed one water tender for the emergency response.

Personnel from the fire department played a crucial role in rescue operation.

Officials said the coordinated intervention by the fire service personnel, police officers and mall security staff helped prevent the woman from taking the potentially fatal step.

The incident comes as a reminder of the importance of a rapid emergency response when individuals are found in situations involving a possible fall from height, officials said.

In such cases, trained emergency personnel work to secure the area, communicate with the person in distress and safely remove them from danger, according to officials.

The woman was handed over to the Delhi Police following the rescue.

Further details about the circumstances leading to the incident were not immediately available.

Source: IANS

The post Girl rescued from shopping mall terrace in Delhi’s Rohini before attempting to jump appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Ahmedabad, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Ahmedabad City Police have collected 263 sharp and lethal weapons abandoned by citizens across 22 police station areas of Sector-2 after launching an awareness campaign urging people to voluntarily give up knives, swords, daggers and other prohibited weapons.

The initiative, titled 'Samarpan Se Suraksha' (Security Through Surrender), was launched under the supervision of Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut to prevent bodily offences and assaults involving sharp weapons.

Police used public address systems fitted to vehicles to appeal to residents in identified pockets to surrender such weapons rather than keep them in their possession.

The Sector-2 area covers Zones 4, 5, 6 and 8, comprising 22 police stations.

Police said their assessment of previous bodily offences showed that sharp and lethal weapons, including knives, daggers and swords, were frequently used in such crimes.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Sector-2) Jaipal Singh Rathore said the campaign has started after identifying pockets where such weapon-related crimes had occurred in the past or where there was a possibility of such offences.

"Under the 'Security Through Surrender' campaign, the police stations in the Sector-2 area where crimes involving such weapons have occurred in the past or where there is a possibility of such crimes have been identified. For the last two days, an awareness campaign has been conducted in these pockets using public address systems fitted to different city police vehicles," Rathore added.

He said that citizens had been asked to surrender such weapons voluntarily so that the areas could be made safer.

"I am pleased to inform that so far, across the 22 police stations of Ahmedabad City's Sector-2 area, the police have collected and taken possession of around 263 sharp weapons. Most of these are weapons such as swords, knives and daggers," he added.

According to the police, the weapons are not generally handed over directly at police stations. Instead, people placed them at public locations, including outside their neighbourhoods and near dustbins, following the appeal.

"So far, the police have collected 263 weapons from different locations across the 22 police station areas. Most people have placed these weapons outside their neighbourhoods at public places or near dustbins," Rathore said.

The police said more than 250 weapons had initially been recovered during patrolling, checking and investigation, while the total collected under the campaign had subsequently reached 263 as of August 29.

The police station-wise figures include 11 weapons from Ramol, 27 from Bapunagar, 18 from Narol, 17 each from Gomtipur and Amraiwadi, 19 from Danilimda, 15 from Maninagar, 14 from Khokhra and 13 from Nikol.

Other recoveries were reported from Shahibaug, Airport, Sardarnagar, Naroda, Rakhial, Krishnanagar, Isanpur, Kagadapith, Vatva, Odhav, Dariyapur, Meghaninagar and Vatva GIDC police stations.

The police said a notification under Section 135 of the Gujarat Police Act is currently in force in Ahmedabad City.

Possession and carrying of prohibited weapons covered by the notification, as well as their use in crimes, can attract legal action.

Rathore said the police would now conduct deeper combing operations in the identified pockets.

"Ahmedabad City Police, particularly in the Sector-2 area, will carry out very deep combing operations in all the identified pockets in the coming days. If prohibited weapons are found in anyone's possession, legal action will be taken against them," he added.

He also appealed to people who may still possess such weapons to surrender them before the proposed operations.

"If anyone still has such weapons which are prohibited and fall under the category of an offence under the notification, they should immediately surrender them to the police," he said.

Asked whether people who surrender weapons could face cases, Rathore said the weapons collected so far had been abandoned in public places following the police appeal.

"The campaign was intended to prevent the use of sharp weapons in bodily offences and strengthen law and order, rather than to harass citizens. Similar awareness campaigns would continue and further combing operations would be carried out in the identified areas," he added.

Source: IANS

The post ‘263 weapons off the streets’: Gujarat Police step up action against illegal arms in Ahmedabad appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Ahmedabad, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Modern sports facilities are being developed at the Gujarat Institute of Prisons and Correctional Administration (GIPCA) in Ahmedabad with a view to supporting training requirements ahead of the proposed Olympics and Commonwealth Games in the city, Director General of Police (DGP) (Crime) K.L.N. Rao said on Sunday.

Speaking during the Prisons Department's National Sports Day 2026 celebrations at GIPCA, Rao added that the campus was undergoing modernisation under Phase-I through the Police Housing Corporation.

The upgraded facility will include smart classrooms, a computer laboratory and a library, besides other training infrastructure for officers and employees ranging from Jail Assistants to Deputy Superintendents.

"Sports are an excellent means of developing physical ability as well as team spirit and discipline," Rao said.

He added that modern grounds for different sports were also being developed on the GIPCA premises, keeping the Olympics and Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad in mind.

"The facilities would benefit trainees undergoing training at the institute," he said.

The event was organised as part of the Sports Authority of India's Nationwide Celebration of National Sports Day 2026, held from August 28 to 30 under the theme 'Khelega Bharat, Jitega Bharat'.

As part of the celebrations, zone-wise kabaddi and tug-of-war competitions were organised for officers and employees of the Prisons Department at GIPCA under Rao's chairmanship.

Rao also encouraged trainees currently undergoing the nine-month basic training programme to complete their training and perform their duties with dedication.

The celebrations also highlighted the performance of the Prisons Department's wrestlers at the DGP Cup 2026-27 Gujarat Police Wrestling Cluster Competition held at the Nadiad Sports Complex.

A total of 22 teams from across Gujarat participated in the competition.

Prisons Department players won 14 medals -- six gold, six silver and two bronze -- and secured the tournament's Champion Trophy.

Rao congratulated the players for their performance.

Meanwhile, the selection process for outstanding players from various prisons and GIPCA has been completed for the upcoming Gujarat Police DGP Cup Kabaddi (Men) 2026-27 competition.

Source: IANS

The post Gujarat: Modern sports facilities planned at GIPCA ahead of CWG, Olympics appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Gandhinagar, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) The number of people linked to Gujarat reported missing or uncontactable after the flash floods in Nepal has risen to 26, with an Australian national from Ahmedabad added to the state emergency list in its latest update, officials said on Sunday.

The new entry is Arpan Kothari, a native of Sabarmati area in Ahmedabad and an Australian citizen, who was travelling with Kailash Journeys on a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

According to the updated State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) record, Kothari was last seen on August 26 between around 7:20 and 8:30 a.m. at Timure in Nepal's Rasuwa district.

The record states that Kothari was staying at a lodge in Timure with five other Australian pilgrims and staff of Kailash Journeys before preparing to cross at Rasuwagadhi, the Nepal-Tibet border point.

The flash flood occurred at around 8:30 to 9 a.m., according to the information recorded by the authorities.

The record also provides a physical description to aid identification, including that Kothari is about 182 cm tall, medium-built, bald, with dark brown eyes, a trimmed beard and moustache and dark rectangular spectacles.

He was last known to be wearing a black or dark blue polo shirt, beige or tan cap, an orange/yellow tilak and multiple rudraksha necklaces.

The updated list includes people from Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Gandhinagar and Amreli, with several identified as foreign citizens or Indian-origin residents overseas.

Many were travelling towards the Kailash Mansarovar route through Kerung, Kyirong or the Rasuwa border corridor. The list also records cases where contact has been lost for 24 to 48 hours.

Roma Intwala, however, is noted as safe in Nepal, while Chauhan Kamtaprasad, known as Gomtibapu, was reported safe at a local ashram in Janakpur.

The latest update comes as rescue and recovery operations continue in Nepal following the flash floods in the Rasuwa region.

Reports on Sunday said that hundreds had died and thousands remained missing, while difficult terrain and damaged infrastructure continued to hamper rescue efforts.

Source: IANS

The post Gujarat’s Nepal flood missing tally rises to 26, Australian national added appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N.S. Raja Subramani reinforced the imperative to remain agile, innovative and future-ready in an era of rapidly evolving warfare as the fourth edition of Tri-Services Future Warfare Course concluded on Sunday, an official said.

The fourth edition of Tri-Services Future Warfare Course, conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), brought together officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with representatives from government organisations, academia, industry and strategic think-tanks to examine emerging trends shaping the future character of warfare, an official statement said.

"The course, coordinated by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), concluded on Sunday after four weeks of professional military education and deliberations at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi," it added.

The curriculum covered geopolitical developments, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cyber and cognitive warfare, information warfare, autonomous systems, future operations across land, maritime, air and space domains, grey-zone operations, multi-domain operations and technology-enabled warfare.

The participants engaged with senior military officers, policymakers, scientists, industry leaders and subject matter experts through lectures, brainstorming sessions, scenario-building exercises, cognitive warfare simulations, field visits and participant-led presentations, the statement said.

CDS General N.S. Raja Subramani interacted with the participants, seeking their views on the course and encouraging suggestions on emerging areas and additional subjects that could be incorporated in future editions.

The course also dwelt on out-of-the-box ideas for enhancing the operational and functional efficiency of the services in an integrated ecosystem.

The valedictory programme included the presentation of certificates to the participants by the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Air Marshal Tejinder Singh.

Lieutenant General SS Mahal (Retd), Managing Director Defence Research and Innovation Foundation at IIT Ropar, presented 'PG Diploma in Future Warfare' to the attendees.

The fourth edition further reinforced the importance of joint learning, technological awareness, strategic foresight and operational preparedness in preparing military leaders for the evolving character of warfare, the statement said.

The fifth edition of the course is scheduled from November 16 till December 11, the official said in a statement.

Source: IANS

The post Innovation, agility in focus at 4th Tri-Services Future Warfare Course appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) China portrays the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) as a world‑class clean‑energy frontier, but the rapid build‑out of hydropower, solar, wind, and ultra‑high‑voltage (UHV) transmission across the plateau is also creating a solid web of dual‑use infrastructure that can buttress long‑term military presence near the Indian border, according to an article.

Reliable power, roads and communications now knit together border villages, logistics hubs, and outposts in ways that serve both civilian development and the PRC’S military structure, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), turning Tibet into what one geospatial study calls China’s "high‑altitude power base", states the article by Italian journalist Marco Respinti in Bitter Winter.

Independent geospatial work has started to map how civilian energy projects intersect with military footprints. The Indian independent think tank Takshashila Institution’s “Geospatial Bulletin” shows that between 2013 and 2025, Tibet added several gigawatts of renewable capacity, with sharp jumps of 700 megawatts (MW) in 2023, 860 MW in 2024, and an estimated 2,600 MW in 2025, driven by just two large projects. Its analysis highlights solar farms near Shigatse, including in proximity to airport infrastructure and urban edges, and installations in Gar County whose location and grid links suggest a growing "energy‑security nexus" between solar plants and nearby military facilities.

In a related seminar sponsored by Delhi’s Institute of Chinese Studies, the same program notes Tibet as a "high‑altitude power base" where dense solar arrays, new hydropower and UHV lines sit close to key corridors and bases, providing dependable energy for sensors, logistics and sustained PLA operations in harsh conditions. A broader report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), based in Washington, D.C., describes Beijing’s approach as a "gray‑zone infrastructure strategy" on the Tibetan Plateau, using dams, roads, rail and digital systems to gain coercive leverage over neighbours like India and Nepal short of open conflict.

From an Indian perspective, this conjunction is troubling. As Bitter Winter has illustrated before, hydropower on transboundary rivers like the Yarlung Tsangpo raises familiar concerns about downstream water flows and the potential use of dams as "water bombs", while the transformation of the plateau into a vast energy‑industrial zone risks altering regional climate patterns and accelerating glacial melt. At the same time, the electrification of border villages, microgrids, and garrisons enables permanent settlements, all‑weather surveillance, and rapid mobilisation across sectors facing India’s Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Ladakh, even if the infrastructure is outwardly labelled "green development" by China.

Beijing’s renewable push in TAR is not a simple story of environmental shift; it is a coated strategy that fuses energy security, frontier consolidation and military logistics on one of the world’s most sensitive plateaus. Hydropower dams, solar farms, microgrids and UHV lines can legitimately light homes, power schools and lift incomes along the border—but they also supply the electricity for radars, communications, drones and barracks that anchor Beijing’s presence opposite India. The benefits that development brings thus become opportunities for further wrongdoings.

For New Delhi, Kathmandu, Thimphu, and Dhaka, the challenge is to recognise that what Beijing sells as a "clean energy miracle" in Tibet is simultaneously a long‑term hard‑power investment on the Himalayan crest line. Understanding the dual‑use character of these projects—through sustained satellite monitoring, open‑source analysis, and dialogue on transboundary river risks—will be crucial if India and South Asian countries are to craft a response that balances its own clean‑energy ambitions with the imperative of border security, the article observed.

Source: IANS

The post China beefing up military muscle under green energy cover in Tibet appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Imphal, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) At least one militant was killed, and six others were injured in an armed clash between two factions of a militant outfit in Manipur's Noney district, while unidentified men hurled a grenade at an oil pump in Thoubal district, officials said on Sunday.

A police official said that a heavy gunfight broke out between cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson (ZUF-K) and the Zeliangrong United Front-Jenchui (ZUF-J) in Noney.

During the clash, a self-styled second lieutenant of ZUF-J, identified as Jangailing Gonmei, 29, sustained bullet injuries and later died. Six other cadres belonging to the ZUF-J faction were also injured in the gunfight, the official said.

The injured militants were shifted to a hospital, where their condition was stated to be stable.

Details about the condition and whereabouts of the remaining militants were being ascertained, officials said.

In a separate incident, unidentified men hurled a grenade at an oil pump in Manipur's Thoubal on Saturday evening. However, no one was injured in the explosion.

Police said that the attackers arrived in a car and lobbed the grenade, which exploded near an oil tanker parked inside the petrol pump premises.

An investigation has been launched into the incident, and police are examining CCTV footage to identify and trace the attackers, the official added.

Meanwhile, a joint team of Manipur Police and Assam Rifles arrested a hardcore militant and his accomplice, both belonging to the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) outfit, from Kakching district. The arrested militants were identified as Yumnam Rohenjit Meitei alias Akui, 26, and Shakachand Yumnam alias Chand, 26. Both were allegedly involved in extortion activities, officials said.

Security personnel recovered two empty INSAS rifle magazines, 27 live INSAS rounds, a BAOFENG handset, two slings, a bulletproof jacket with a single plate, a pair of tactical boots and a magazine pouch from their possession. Further investigation into the cases is underway.

Source: IANS

The post Militant killed, six injured in inter-factional clash in Manipur; grenade hurled at oil pump appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Tashkent, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Sunday agreed to expand cooperation in critical minerals through the implementation of joint projects in geological exploration, mining, mineral processing, and the development of integrated value chains.

The two leaders welcomed the discussions on advancing cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in the fields of renewable energy, modernisation of energy infrastructure, and the implementation of prospective investment projects.

Both leaders agreed to explore cooperation between the two nations in the fields of geology, mining, nuclear energy, industrial cooperation, and critical and strategic minerals, including projects for the processing of mineral resources and production of value-added products and recycling initiatives, according to the India-Uzbekistan Joint Statement.

"They also expressed interest in encouraging Indian companies to participate in the development of prospective mineral deposits in Uzbekistan and Uzbek enterprises for joint collaboration in India. The Leaders expressed interest in extended cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy," it added.

PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev agreed to establish a Foreign Ministers- led mechanism to provide high-level coordination and oversight of the implementation of the agreements and arrangements reached between the two nations, as well as to facilitate the timely realisation of priority bilateral initiatives and projects.

The two leaders recognised the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy and welcomed the increasing contacts between the parliaments of the two nations, including cooperation between parliamentary friendship groups and interaction within international inter-parliamentary organisations.

They unequivocally condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations and reiterated a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and rejected justification of terrorism on any ground whatsoever.

"Leaders called for concerted actions against terrorist entities and for disrupting terrorism financing networks, safe havens and infrastructure. Leaders stressed that those responsible for terrorism should be held accountable and their perpetrators, their backers, facilitators and affiliates should be brought to justice," the joint statement said.

PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence-sharing, combating violent extremism, and illicit drug trafficking, organised crime, and cyber threats. They reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation under the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, according to the joint statement.

Both leaders appreciated the growing cooperation between the defence and security agencies of Uzbekistan and India, including through institutional mechanisms, regular exchanges, capacity-building and joint activities, and expressed their commitment to further strengthen such cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.

The two leaders expressed appreciation for the progress achieved in regional cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen engagement within the Central Asia – India format at the level of Heads of State and other levels. Both leaders emphasised the importance of continuing regular consultations on regional issues, according to the joint statement.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev held delegation-level talks at the Presidential Palace in Tashkent, with discussions held on expanding cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including trade, investment and industries.

"The state visit continued with high-level talks at the Kuksaroy Residence. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed expanding trade, investment, industrial, interregional, and cultural cooperation, agreeing to take Uzbekistan-India relations to a new level," the Press Service of the Uzbekistan President posted on X.

Source: IANS

The post PM Modi, Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev agree to expand cooperation in critical minerals appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Chennai, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nainar Nagenthran has urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to take immediate steps to curb alcohol and drug abuse, alleging that the growing menace is endangering young people and threatening public safety across the state.

His remarks followed the murder of Thanigasalam, a Hindu Munnani functionary, near the old bus stand in Rajapalayam.

According to Nagenthran, Thanigasalam was waiting for a bus when a group of allegedly intoxicated youths chased him and brutally stabbed him outside a police station.

In a post on social media platform X, the BJP leader described the incident as heartbreaking and conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.

He said the killing had once again exposed the serious deterioration of law and order and the growing boldness of criminals in Tamil Nadu.

Nagenthran alleged that Chief Minister Vijay, who projected himself as a "pure force" before coming to power, had failed to prevent the state from falling under the grip of what he termed a "drug force".

He said the TVK government had repeatedly highlighted its decision to close 717 TASMAC liquor outlets after assuming office.

However, the measure had neither significantly reduced alcohol consumption among young people nor brought down crimes linked to alcohol and narcotic substances, he claimed.

The BJP leader also alleged that criminals no longer feared the police or the law-enforcement machinery.

Videos circulating on social media over the past three months reportedly showed alcohol bottles and drugs being used openly by men, women and even school students, the State BJP Chief said.

Nagenthran accused the Chief Minister and his Ministers of paying greater attention to producing social media reels than to addressing the real problems faced by the people.

The state government's publicity campaigns had not translated into effective action on the ground, he alleged.

He also criticised the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagham (TVK) government for spending time making what he called irrelevant allegations against opposition parties instead of concentrating on governance and public safety.

Nagenthran called upon the Chief Minister Vijay to strengthen policing, intensify action against drug networks and introduce measures to prevent alcohol and narcotic substances from reaching young people.

The state government must treat the issue as an urgent social and law-and-order challenge, he said, adding that decisive intervention was necessary to safeguard the future of Tamil Nadu's youth and restore public confidence.

Source: IANS

The post BJP’s Nainar Nagenthran urges CM Vijay to end ‘drug culture’ in Tamil Nadu appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Kolkata, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) The mobile phones and other internet devices recovered from the Presidency Central Correctional Home cell of Aftab Ansari, the mastermind behind the January 2002 attack on the American Centre in Kolkata, have been sent for forensic examination, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said on Sunday.

The sleuths are also trying to find out whether he used to make a call to Pakistan or not, what conspiracy was being hatched while in judicial custody and who Aftab Ansari used to meet.

Investigators are investigating who Ansari used to talk to over the phone.

Detectives say that the call went to a Pakistani number.

Sources said that the mobile phones recovered from Ansari have multiple apps, including WhatsApp and Telegram, which are used as a means of communication.

Meanwhile, security in Ansari's cell has been tightened.

It is learnt that investigators are questioning him inside the cell.

The detectives are also investigating the movements of those who have visited him so far.

Some of the prisoners Ansari used to talk to are also being identified and questioned.

Detectives are also investigating whether he was planning to commit sabotage in collaboration with a militant organisation or whether he was planning to escape from jail.

It may be noted that the sleuths of the city police's detective department recovered three cell phones with active internet collection and cash from the cell of Aftab Ansari.

Ansari, an erstwhile operator of the terrorist group, Asif Reza Commando (ARC), which had ties with Pakistan-based militant outfits such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami (HUJI) and Jaish-e-Mohammed. (JeM), is currently serving life imprisonment at Presidency Central Correctional Home in South Kolkata.

Recently, it came to the notice of the detective department sleuths that mobile communications were being made from the cell of Ansari at Presidency Jail, multiple times in a day. Accordingly, city police sources said, a sudden raid and search operations were conducted at his cell by the detective department sleuths.

"Three mobile phones, two routers, a WIFI device, two card readers, a pen drive, and earphones were recovered from his clothes and beddings. At the same time, the detective department sleuths recovered cash worth Rs 31,000, all in Rs 500-denominations, from Ansari's possession. An investigation has been launched into how such items reached the cell of a notorious terrorist like Ansari, who is currently serving life imprisonment," a city police officer said.

He added that the raid and search operations at Ansari's cell were conducted on Friday night.

A case had already been registered at the local Hasting Police Station and on the basis of that an investigation had been initiated.

The investigating officers are not ruling out the possibility of involvement of prison officials and staff behind the development.

The main focus of investigation in the matter is persons or places where Ansari used to communicate by using these devices.

Source: IANS

The post Mobile phones, internet devices seized from terrorist Aftab Ansari’s jail cell sent for forensic examination appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Chennai, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Tamil Nadu Police have scaled down the security cover provided to former chief minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin from Z+ to Z category following a periodic assessment of the threats faced by protected political leaders, officials said.

The decision followed a review by the Core Cell Security Wing at the State Secretariat. Chief Secretary Sai Kumar, Home Secretary K. Manivasan, Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal and other senior officers participated in the exercise, examining intelligence inputs and Stalin’s protection requirements.

Under the revised arrangement, Stalin will continue to receive substantial police protection. Security teams will be positioned in the front, core and rear segments of his convoy. The formation will include pilot, escort, backup and close-protection vehicles to safeguard him during travel and public engagements.

Officials described the change as a rationalisation of the deployment rather than a withdrawal of protection.

The number of personnel assigned to Stalin was not disclosed. The new cover will remain in force until the next assessment unless fresh intelligence prompts an earlier review.

Security provided to VIPs and VVIPs in Tamil Nadu is reassessed every six months. The exercise considers intelligence reports, the nature and immediacy of threats, public exposure, travel patterns and protection needs.

A security category may be retained, enhanced or reduced based on the committee’s findings. The downgrade comes months after Stalin and the DMK suffered a drubbing in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

The party, which won 133 seats in 2021 and governed for five years, was reduced to 59 seats as actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the largest party with 108 seats.

Compounding the setback, Stalin was defeated in Kolathur, his home turf and a constituency he had represented for three consecutive terms.

TVK candidate V.S. Babu secured 82,997 votes against Stalin’s 74,202, registering a victory margin of 8,795 votes. Stalin has since challenged Babu’s election before the Madras High Court.

Despite losing power and his Assembly seat, Stalin remains the DMK president and one of Tamil Nadu’s most prominent opposition leaders.

Officials maintained that the revision of his security was based solely on a professional threat assessment and was part of a routine statewide review of protected persons, unrelated to political standing or the election result.

Source: IANS

The post Former TN CM Stalin‘s security cover downgraded after review appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) In two separate operations, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested four accused and seized around 14.9 kg amphetamine at Bengaluru and 2.53 kg amphetamine along with 878 grams MDMA tablets at Pune, cumulatively weighing more than 18 kg, an official said.

The four accused have been arrested in the two cases under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the official said on Saturday in a statement.

On August 25, in an intelligence-led operation, officers of DRI intercepted an Indian woman passenger at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station, who was travelling by train from New Delhi to Bengaluru and was suspected to be carrying a large quantity of contraband, the statement said.

Detailed examination of her baggage resulted in the recovery of seven packets containing a crystalline substance, weighing around 14.9 kg which, on preliminary testing using a field drug detection kit, indicated the presence of amphetamine, it added.

The recovered psychotropic substance, along with the relevant packing and concealment material, was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, the DRI said.

"Based on information gathered during the proceedings, DRI officers conducted a swift follow-up operation at the designated delivery location. A person who arrived at the spot to receive the baggage from the carrier was intercepted," the statement said.

"Further follow-up action led to the interception of another person who had come to receive the contraband from the first receiver. All three persons involved in the transportation and attempted receipt of the contraband were arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985," it added.

In another unrelated intelligence-led operation on August 25, DRI intercepted another Indian woman passenger at Pune Junction station, who was travelling by train from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi via Pune.

"Detailed examination of her baggage resulted in the recovery of a white/yellow-coloured crystalline substance purported to be amphetamine, weighing 2.53 kg and tablets purported to be 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), weighing 878 grams (gross). The recovered contraband was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, and the passenger was arrested," the DRI said.

The latest seizures form part of DRI's intensified efforts to interdict synthetic drugs and dismantle trafficking networks operating across the country.

In a fortnight, DRI has now seized around 150 kg Amphetamine Type Stimulant (ATS) class of drugs in five operations, including 76 kg methamphetamine tablets in two operations along India's North-Eastern frontier and 55.86 kg methamphetamine concealed by mixing it with maize/corn in an export consignment destined for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, the statement said.

Source: IANS

The post DRI seizes 18 kg of psychotropic substance, arrests four accused appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Bijapur, Aug 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Security forces have recovered a suspected Naxal dump containing a large quantity of explosives and other materials during an anti-Maoist operation in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.

The operation was carried out on Saturday by a joint team of Basaguda police and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in the forest area near Pegadapalli village.

During the operation, security personnel apprehended a suspected Maoist aide identified as Bogam Lakhmu, 39, the son of Pandu and a resident of Chinnagelur under Tarrem police station limits, police said.

According to the police, Lakhmu was questioned after being detained during the search operation.

During police questioning, he allegedly admitted to working as a member of the Chinnagelur unit of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Sangh (DAKMS), an organisation associated with the banned CPI-Maoist.

Police said that Lakhmu also admitted to transporting and concealing Maoist-related materials and explosives in the forest.

"A search of his possession led to the recovery of Rs 50,050 in cash, one BGL launcher, 18 BGL cells, 12 arrow bombs, one hand grenade, 15 live .303 rounds, 31 BGL cartridges, one empty INSAS magazine, electrical wire, three-round chargers and one emitter lead," the police added.

According to the police, the recovered materials were sealed as per procedure and a seizure panchnama was prepared.

Bijapur Superintendent of Police Umesh Prasad Gupta said continuous anti-Maoist operations are being conducted across the district to curb extremist activities and disrupt the supply and storage of arms and explosive materials.

Police said the accused has been booked under relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and other applicable laws. He was subsequently produced before a court and sent to judicial remand.

The operation is being viewed by police as another significant step towards disrupting Maoist networks and their logistical support system in the region.

The police team is said to be on the alert to nab any other individual who might have been in touch with the arrested man.

Source: IANS

The post Anti-Maoist operation in Bijapur: Explosives, BGL launcher recovered appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Jammu, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) On the demand of the bereaved family and locals, the probe into the rape and murder of the 15-year old minor in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district was handed over to the Crime Branch on Saturday, officials said.

The police in Kishtwar district had formed a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the case, but the family members of the minor victim had demanded that the probe be handed over to the Crime Branch.

The SIT has so far arrested six suspects in the crime.

A nurse in Kishtwar has been arrested in connection with the rape of a 15-year-old tribal girl by a school teacher last week, bringing the total number of people detained in the matter to six.

Sonika, a nurse at Kishtwar district hospital, was arrested on Friday following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Probe into the case has now been handed over to the Crime Branch, officials said.

The teenager had been allegedly raped by her school teacher over several months.

The victim died on August 20 during a pregnancy termination procedure.

The case transfer to the Crime Branch comes amid demands for a prompt and comprehensive investigation and strict action against the guilty.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Crime Branch, Sarah Rizvi, confirmed that the agency had received communication from the Police Headquarters regarding the transfer of the case.

She said that the Crime Branch is in the process of taking over the investigation of the case.

The heinous crime has shocked the people and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has also decided to probe the case.

The NCST has served a notice to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat and the Kishtwar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sunny Gupta on August 25, warning them of personal appearance if they failed to file reply to the notice within five days.

Source: IANS

The post Probe into Kishtwar minor’s rape & murder handed over to J&K Crime Branch appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Mumbai, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday that the government agencies are working round-the-clock to assist and evacuate tourists and residents from the state stranded in Nepal following severe flooding.

He has issued strict instructions to authorities to maintain high vigilance and coordinate travel logistics to ensure the safe return of all affected individuals to their hometowns.

Current data indicates that 404 citizens from the state are verified safe, while 338 individuals have been successfully contacted.

According to official updates, 41 people returned from Nepal's Saga on Saturday, while 106 citizens are scheduled to arrive in Nagpur at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Nearly 143 residents are currently on their way to the state.

In response to the crisis, helpline numbers have been launched, and the 24/7 Disaster Management Control Room at the Mantralaya is actively coordinating relief and assistance operations.

A group of 45 tourists from Nashik, Pune, Mumbai, and Ahilyanagar -- who travelled to Nepal via a tour operator based in Ahilyanagar's Sangamner -- have safely re-entered Indian territory.

The group was in Nepal's Chitwan during the flood outbreak.

"Due to road closures heading toward Kathmandu, they were re-routed through Lumbini in Nepal, and are expected to reach Ayodhya on Saturday. Further travel arrangements will follow state directives," the government statement said.

Under the direction of Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, the state government and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are actively providing necessary relief.

The Ministry of External Affairs released a list late on August 28 detailing 149 Indian tourists who safely entered Nepal from China.

State officials have been instructed to verify and compile details of residents belonging to Maharashtra districts to facilitate their safe return.

Following the immediate intervention of CM Fadnavis, buses and necessary transport services have been deployed to bring the tourists back.

A group of 106 individuals from Nagpur began their journey home today via Bihar, the statement said.

Authorities are tracking information regarding eight tourists from Borivali and Andheri currently stranded in Nepal. Efforts to reach Laxminarayan Acharya from Andheri and others in this group via mobile network have faced connectivity disruptions.

Officials remain in active communication with their relatives in Mumbai while continuing rescue and contact efforts.

Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Emergency Operations Centre (BMC EOC) reported receiving no distress calls regarding residents from Mumbai City or Mumbai Suburban districts so far.

Source: IANS

The post 404 citizens from Maha safe, 338 contacted: CM Fadnavis directs swift rescue relief for stranded tourists in Nepal appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Balaghat, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Saturday that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government will work with the Opposition on a comprehensive development plan for Balaghat, with the aim of turning the district from a Naxalism-free region into a prosperous one.

Chief Minister Yadav added that development in areas affected by Naxalism for decades required a coordinated effort involving all political parties, and announced that around Rs 225 crore has been sanctioned for basic infrastructure in 100 extremely backward villages of the district.

"We have formulated a development plan for the Balaghat and Lanji areas by involving elected MLAs from the Opposition as well as other public representatives. In the future, we will continue to work for the region's development by taking the Leader of the Opposition and all political parties along. We are striving to make Balaghat the number one district," he said.

The Chief Minister made this statement while addressing a press conference after attending the 'Jan-Vishwas Abhiyan' event in Lanji twon of Balaghat.

He shared that the sanctioned funds will be used for roads, electricity, water supply, education and healthcare facilities.

The state government will also establish hospitals, upgrade government schools and construct community centres in the backward villages.

Chief Minister Yadav said the administration was now reaching areas that had remained inaccessible for years because of Naxalism and would organise camps to ensure residents receive the benefits of welfare schemes.

He also announced the establishment of a Baiga Development Authority for the education, healthcare, employment and socio-economic development of the Baiga community, which is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.

"The goal is to bring the light of development to every village freed from the Maoist menace, ensuring prosperity for every family and dignity for every community. With this objective, the resolve is now to transform Balaghat from a secure district into a prosperous one," CM Yadav said.

The state government plans to promote animal husbandry, dairy farming and agriculture-based industries to generate local employment.

Cooperative societies are being established, while self-help groups are being linked with livelihood and nutritional initiatives.

Chief Minister Yadav said Balaghat also had significant potential for eco-tourism and tribal tourism, particularly around Kanha National Park, and announced plans to increase homestays in the region.

He added that local produce would be subjected to value addition within the region before being sent to major cities, helping create employment and improve incomes.

Chief Minister Yadav said that Naxalism had severely hampered development and delivery of government schemes in Balaghat over the years.

He credited the state government's efforts, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with ending the Maoist menace.

"Balaghat was the first district in the entire country to bid a final farewell to Naxalism," the Chief Minister added.

Source: IANS

The post CM Mohan Yadav outlines post-Maoist development push for MP’s Balaghat, seeks Oppn participation appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Jaipur, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a major operation in Rajasthan’s border area, police and CID (Intelligence Branch) arrested Balwinder Singh alias Bindra, 45, who was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000, for allegedly supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistani handlers and facilitating activation of WhatsApp accounts on Indian mobile numbers in Pakistan.

District Superintendent of Police Hari Shankar said the operation was carried out under directions from the Inspector General of Police, Bikaner Range. Anupgarh police and CID (IB) strengthened their intelligence network after receiving information about suspicious activities. Investigators said Singh, a resident of Village 27 A in Anupgarh, was allegedly moving through the border region to supply SIM cards belonging to Indian citizens to Pakistani handlers.

Police allege the SIM cards were used in Pakistan to activate WhatsApp accounts linked to Indian mobile numbers. Singh was reportedly working at the direction of Pakistani handlers, with activities detrimental to India’s sovereignty, unity, integrity and security. A case has been registered at Anupgarh police station, and Singh has been arrested.

He is currently being interrogated, with investigators seeking details about associates and the broader network involved in transporting SIM cards across the border. Police are probing communication links with Pakistani handlers and identifying others who may have been part of the racket.

Authorities said Singh was also wanted in a case registered at Jaitsar police station – Case No. 102/2026 – under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A reward of Rs 25,000 had been announced for information leading to his arrest in that case.

The operation was conducted by a team comprising Anupgarh SHO Kartar Singh, Intelligence Officer Pawan Kumar, Constables Keshar Singh and Thakraram, along with personnel from the Sri Ganganagar CID (IB). The investigation is ongoing.

Source: IANS

The post Man with Rs 25,000 reward held for supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistan appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Poonch, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district has achieved a significant breakthrough in a theft case registered at the Surankote Police Station, police said on Saturday.

The team arrested the alleged thief and recovered stolen property worth lakhs of rupees.

According to the police, the theft took place during the intervening night of August 19 and 20 at the shop of Sahir Ali, son of Shoukat Ali and a resident of Samote's Ward number 8 in Surankote.

According to the police, the thieves took away several items from the shop, including edible oil, cigarettes, ghee, a gas cylinder, cash and other valuables.

The incident caused substantial financial loss to the shopkeeper.

Following the incident, an FIR under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at the Surankote police station, and an investigation was initiated.

During the investigation, police teams carried out sustained efforts to trace those involved in the crime.

Through what police described as professional and systematic investigation, the suspect was identified and arrested.

The accused has been identified as Zaffar Iqbal, son of Barkat Hussain and a resident of Dundhak in Surankote.

Police said that based on the accused's disclosure and subsequent investigation, a substantial quantity of the stolen property, valued at lakhs of rupees, was recovered.

The recovered items include various articles reported missing from Sahir Ali's shop.

Officials said the investigation remains in progress.

Police are working to establish the complete modus operandi of the theft, determine whether other individuals were involved and recover any additional stolen property.

Police have also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities or information related to criminal incidents to the nearest police station.

Authorities said that timely information from residents can play an important role in preventing crimes and assisting investigations.

Source: IANS

The post J&K: Poonch Police crack theft case, arrest suspect and recover stolen property worth lakhs appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Chennai, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Delta farmers have expressed concern over whether water in the Mettur reservoir will be sufficient to sustain the Tamil Nadu government's proposed 45-day release for samba cultivation.

Thirteen Cauvery delta districts, including Thanjavur, known as Tamil Nadu's rice bowl, depend on water from the Mettur dam for irrigation.

Traditionally, the reservoir is opened on June 12 every year to support kuruvai cultivation.

However, water can be released on schedule only if the dam level is not below 90 feet.

At the beginning of June this year, the water level stood at only 79 feet, preventing the authorities from releasing water on the customary date.

Consequently, farmers dependent on Cauvery water were unable to undertake kuruvai cultivation, while those with access to groundwater proceeded with planting.

The area under kuruvai cultivation declined sharply from 5.66 lakh acres last year to 3.78 lakh acres this year.

Farmers had pinned their hopes on the samba season.

The state government has announced that the Mettur dam will be opened on September 1, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay scheduled to visit the reservoir and inaugurate the release.

Preparations are underway, and water is expected to be supplied for 45 days.

As of Friday evening, however, the dam level was 89.72 feet, with storage of 52.33 thousand million cubic feet.

Farmers fear that the reserve may not last for the announced period.

They said that between 15,000 and 20,000 cubic feet per second would have to be discharged daily for Cauvery water to reach the tail-end irrigation areas.

The present storage, they contend, is inadequate to maintain such a release.

The concern has been compounded by insufficient rainfall during the Southwest monsoon and uncertainty over whether the Northeast monsoon, expected to begin towards the end of October, will bring adequate rain.

An estimated 268.47 TMC of water is required to irrigate 12.10 lakh acres in the delta districts between September 15 and January 28.

In view of this requirement, farmers have suggested postponing the dam opening from September 1 to September 15.

They believe the delay could conserve storage and help bridge the period until Northeast monsoon inflows begin.

The state government has not yet indicated whether it will reconsider the announced opening date.

Source: IANS

The post TN: Mettur dam storage raises doubt over 45-day Samba water release appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Shillong, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday paid tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation during his visit to the Assam Regiment War Memorial in Shillong.

Sarma remembered the fallen soldiers and lauded their courage, dedication and commitment to the country, saying their sacrifices would continue to inspire generations to serve the nation.

“Paid my humble tribute to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. Their courage and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations to serve Bharat Mata with utmost dedication. Jai Hind,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

During his visit to the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong, Sarma also interacted with personnel of the armed forces and observed their daily life and training environment. He said he had a firsthand glimpse into the lives of the personnel who remain committed to protecting the nation and responding to challenges in the line of duty.

“Their daily lives are defined by discipline, dedication and courage to face every challenge that comes their way,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister’s visit to the War Memorial came as a tribute to the soldiers whose service and sacrifice remain an integral part of the history and traditions of the Assam Regiment.

Sarma highlighted the values of discipline and courage that guide the armed forces, while acknowledging the commitment of serving personnel who continue to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the country.

The Assam Regiment, with its strong association with the northeastern region, has a long record of service in various military operations and conflicts. The regiment has also played a significant role in the country’s defence preparedness.

The Chief Minister’s interaction with the personnel at the Assam Regimental Centre provided an opportunity to acknowledge their contribution and understand the demands of military service.

Sarma’s visit and remarks also underlined the importance of remembering fallen soldiers while recognising the dedication of those currently serving the nation. He concluded his tribute with a message of national pride, saluting the bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces and reaffirming the enduring spirit of service to the country.

Source: IANS

The post CM Sarma pays tribute to Assam Regiment heroes in Shillong appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Kolkata, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kolkata Police have arrested one Trinamool Congress activist in connection with the row over the removal of an illegal billboard from the roof of Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee's house on Camac Street in Kolkata on Thursday.

The arrested person has been identified as Toufik.

According to a city police officer, the arrested person took a lead role in the creating obstructions for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the police personnel on Thursday afternoon.

Toufik had been arrested by the sleuth of the Anti-Rowdy Squad (ARS), a wing of the detective department of the city police.

However, after arresting Toufik, the ARS sleuths have handed him over to the police personnel of the Shakespeare Sarani Police station, where three FIRs have been registered in relation to the billboard row earlier in the afternoon.

With the arrest of Toufik, the total number of arrests in the matter had increased to 14.

The 13 persons who were arrested earlier by the police in the same matter were produced at a lower court in Kolkata on Friday and the judge of that court remanded them to judicial custody till September 3. Their bail pleas by the counsels of these 13 persons were rejected.

Of the three FIRs registered at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station, one had been filed based on a complaint lodged by a police officer of the same police station, the second based on a complaint by a cop posted with adjacent Park Street Police Station and the third based on a complaint lodged by the KMC.

The two FIRs, filed on the basis of the complaints filed by the officer of Shakespeare Sarani Police Station and the KMC, named Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee; Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien; and party leaders like Humayun Kabir and Baishwanar Chatterjee, among others.

Tension broke out in front of Abhishek Banerjee's Camac Street office on Thursday afternoon, after the KMC officials, accompanied by Kolkata Police personnel, reached there to remove the illegal billboard.

Abhishek Banerjee, O'Brien and their other Trinamool Congress aides blocked the way of the KMC staff and the police personnel, with the Diamond Harbour MP challenging the legal validity of the KMC order for removal of the billboard.

The Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha MP said that the notice was invalid because the billboard picture was not attached to the order copy.

The KMC officials returned to get a revised order.

They returned soon with the revised order, and this time the police cordoned off the entire area. Thereafter, KMC officials, accompanied by the cops, climbed the stairs to reach the roof of the building to remove the billboard.

Abhishek Banerjee's aides tried to block their movement by forming human walls on the staircase. Those blocking the path included some Trinamool women activists.

A scuffle between the police and Trinamool supporters followed.

Finally, the police cleared the way for KMC officials to reach the roof, break the billboard and remove it.

Source: IANS

The post Trinamool billboard row: One more party activist arrested, total arrests rise to 14 appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Patna, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Protests continued in Patna on Saturday as Bhim Army activists staged a 'Rights March' from the Gandhi Maidan, demanding an 85 per cent domicile policy for government recruitments in Bihar.

The march began at Gate number 10 of Gandhi Maidan, with the protesters planning to proceed towards Raj Bhavan.

However, police personnel had erected barricades along the route to prevent the march from moving forward.

A large number of security personnel were deployed between Gandhi Maidan and Raj Bhavan in view of the protest.

Tensions escalated when Bhim Army activists attempted to cross the barricades, resulting in a scuffle between the protesters and police personnel.

Several activists were subsequently detained by the police.

The protesters demanded that 85 per cent of government jobs in Bihar be reserved for candidates with a state domicile, saying that local youth should receive greater opportunities in state government recruitment.

The activists also raised concerns related to various competitive examinations, including the upcoming Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) exams.

In addition, they demanded provisions allowing Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe applicants to file FIRs online.

Despite the planned march towards Raj Bhavan, the protesters were stopped by the police before reaching their destination.

The confrontation and subsequent detentions brought the march to an early halt.

The Bhim Army's march in Patna drew a relatively smaller turnout compared with several other protests held in the city in recent days.

The limited participation appeared to reduce the visibility and impact of the demonstration.

In comparison, recent protests organised by student groups and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) witnessed significantly larger gatherings, leading to confrontations between protesters and security personnel at several locations in Patna.

A large number of protesters were also detained during those demonstrations.

During an RJD protest, Bihar's Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav was also detained by the police amid the demonstrations.

The comparatively lower turnout at the Bhim Army march, therefore, stood in contrast to the scale of some of the recent student and political protests in the state capital.

Source: IANS

The post Bhim Army holds ‘Rights March’ in Patna, activists detained after clash with police appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Post Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's spy agency the ISI has ramped up espionage activity in India. Pakistan, which faced severe embarrassment at the hands of the Indian armed forces, is now on a mission to unearth as many Indian military secrets as it can.

The arrest of a young couple in Delhi on Friday has brought the focus right back on ISI-backed espionage activity in India, and has also revealed an interesting trend whereby SIM smuggling has become a major racket.

Delhi Police said that the accused persons Mohammad Sahil (25) and his wife Sameera (21) had between 2024 and 2025 procured eight Indian SIM cards and sent them to Pakistan via Dubai.

An official said that in all the recently-busted espionage cases it was found that there were persons who would pass on sensitive information.

However, there were a couple of people who were part of those modules whose specific task was to procure Indian SIM cards and send them to Pakistan.

The official said that the Pakistanis do not want any trail leading up to them and hence use Indian SIM cards.

Moreover, when an Indian SIM card is being used, it usually takes longer for the Indian agencies to get wind of what exactly is taking place, the official also added.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that this is part of the entire espionage operation. There are a select few who are tasked only with procuring SIM cards and sending them to Pakistan.

They normally use the Gulf or Nepal routes to send the SIM cards to Pakistan. Once the SIM cards reach Pakistan, they are used to activate WhatsApp accounts through which they lay honey traps and then blackmail people into collecting and passing on sensitive information.

This particular honey-trap module in Pakistan has focussed extensively only on the Indian defence sector. The ISI has also managed to procure through its Indian agents hundreds of SIM cards for such activity.

The official said that the demand is high for these SIM cards as the scale of the operation is huge. Pakistan may be planning a major misadventure and hence has stepped up surveillance and espionage activity in India, the official explained.

Another official said that these Pakistan-based modules that specialise in honey-trapping, work in multiple layers. There are recruits in Pakistan whose job is only to scout social media. They look for persons who have posted their pictures in uniform.

Persons who have links with the defence sector are also potential targets in this honey trapping network, the official said.

Other government officials, too, are potential targets of the ISI, the official said. In India the ISI’s recruits are tasked with procuring SIMs and sending them to Pakistan.

There are also recruits who are not part of the defence or government sector. These persons are tasked with collecting information around the defence installations and passing them to the ISI.

Almost 90 per cent of these operations are carried out by activating WhatsApp accounts using Indian SIM cards.

The first contact is always made using the social media before the conversation shifts to WhatsApp, officials say.

While the Indian agencies have bust multiple honey trapping modules, such cases continue to crop up quite frequently.

What is worrisome is that despite so many warnings and the agencies spreading awareness multiple times, there are still many who easily fall prey to the ISI’s honey trapping network, an official added.

Source: IANS

The post ISI’s espionage drive fuels demand for Indian SIM cards; spurs smuggling to Pakistan appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) The clamour to leave the country and join the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda either in Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan has gone down drastically over the last year. While on one hand this is a positive development for India, the other part of the problem is about online radicalisation.

An official said that the trend of Indian youth leaving or trying to leave the country to join the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda had peaked between 2014 and 2023.

However, since 2024 there has been a change in that pattern whereby the number of youth leaving the country or even trying to leave, has gone down drastically.

The data collected and analysed by the Indian Intelligence agencies say that the clamour to leave the country to join these terror groups was highest in South India with Kerala and Tamil Nadu being the leaders.

Currently, the number has come down to almost nil. An Intelligence Bureau official says that while analysing the chat patterns between Islamic State radicalised individuals and their handlers abroad, there are no calls that are made to leave the country.

In fact both the handlers or recruiters of the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda are today encouraging these youth to stay back in the country and carry out activities, the official said.

The Islamic State in particular has completely changed its pattern of operations. Not just in India, it is not encouraging its recruits across the globe to leave the country. This shift in pattern is dangerous, agency officials point out.

The Islamic State wants its recruits to stay back in their respective countries and undertake radicalisation and terror activities.

An official said that this is a deliberate shift in pattern by the Islamic State. It wants to create mini-Islamic States in every country. In fact in India, it is not looking to create a pan-India Islamic State, but is focussing on region specific operations, the official added.

The terror group wants to create Islamic States in every region of the country ranging from the North of the country to the South, the official added.

Another official said that the major focus is however on South India. There has been a surge in online communication especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Scores of youth are approached by the Islamic State handlers from across the country. While those in their 20s and 30s have been targeted, the latest strategy to approach teenagers who are in schools and colleges has only added to the headache of the security apparatus.

Counter-terror experts say that the strategy to approach teenagers is a well-thought out one. They want to radicalise these persons as they are of an impressionable age. By the time these people are in their 20s, they are completely radicalised and extremely dangerous, the experts also point out.

Officials say that if one studies the recent investigations that have been conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), it become clear that the Islamic State has focussed largely on Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Interestingly these were the states that reported the highest number of Islamic State recruits that left the country and went to either Syria or Iraq.

Investigators have found that in recent times there have not been cases where recruits are asked to leave the country. Instead the handlers have tried to establish a ‘liberated zone,’ or ‘Al-Sham’ in Padgha where the recruits take an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State.

In recent cases, it has also been found that once the 'bayath (oath of allegiance)' is taken, then these persons are part of Zoom lectures, Telegram and WhatsApp channels.

On the face of it for the agencies tracking such lectures, it appears to be just religious study. When they go deep into these events, it becomes evident that these are indoctrination classes during which the participants are prepared to propagate violent Jihad in India.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had reported that around 155 cases were linked to the Islamic State.

The US Department of State estimated that 66 Indian origin fighters were associated with the terror outfit. Of these 21 alone were from Kerala.

These persons had left Kerala to join the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) in Afghanistan.

Officials say that the number would have been way higher, but the Indian agencies carried out ‘Operation Chakravyuh’ by which scores of youth were tracked online and stopped from leaving the country.

While the agencies managed to stem to outflow into the Islamic State, the new scenario is a worrying one and the modus operandi has shifted from leave home to stay at home and propagate violent Jihad, an official noted.

Source: IANS

The post ‘Stay back home and fight’: Islamic State shifts strategy from foreign recruitments to homegrown radicalisation appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Kolkata, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) A major human trafficking attempt was thwarted along the India-Nepal border by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Thursday. Six girls, including four minors, were rescued, and two men were taken into custody.

“During routine checking at Old Bridge, Panitanki, around 6.30 p.m., the Border Intelligence Team (BIT) of ‘D’ Company Panitanki, 41 Bn, SSB, intercepted the group comprising six girls and two suspected adult male traffickers while they were attempting to cross the border from India to Nepal,” a senior official said.

After suspecting that it was a human trafficking attempt, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), Sector Headquarters, SSB Ranidanga, and the NGO Kosi Lok Manch were immediately informed and called upon. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other sister agencies were also called for a joint interrogation.

“During the joint interrogation, it came to be known that Anna, a resident of Cooch Behar, West Bengal, and Vicky Kaushik, manager of Lotus Dance Bar in Biratnagar, Nepal, were allegedly involved in facilitating the cross-border movement of minor girls. They were reportedly in contact with Nirmal Debbarma from Tripura and Chinmay Basak from Jalpaiguri for arranging and supplying girls to the Lotus Dance Bar in Biratnagar, Nepal,” the official said.

Kaushik allegedly forced the girls to dance at the bar and participate in other activities for the entertainment of customers. All six girls, including the minors, were residents of various districts of Tripura.

The men accompanying them were identified as Nirmal Debbarma (25), from Shimultai, East Dalu Chara, Dhalai, Tripura, and Chinmay Basak (32), from Danga Para, Jabaramli, Maynaguri, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.

After counselling, the girls were handed over to the Kharibari police station. Following further inquiry, they will be reunited with their families. Necessary legal action will be taken against the two suspected traffickers. A search has also been initiated for Anna, while authorities in Nepal will be urged to take necessary action against Kaushik.

Human trafficking is one of the major crimes along the India-Nepal border that allows unrestricted movement for citizens of both countries.

“While vigilance is maintained along the border, there are also sensitisation programmes for personnel as well as local citizens. Special camps and workshops are regularly held in nearby districts to create awareness about human trafficking,” the official said.

Source: IANS

The post SSB foils trafficking bid along India-Nepal border; rescues girls from Tripura appeared first on Social News XYZ.