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Mon, 24 December 2012
Police commissioner no quitter, says Delhi Lt Gov
Timeline Refresh
23:48 Police commissioner no quitter, says Delhi Lt Gov
Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna, who is the administrative head of Delhi Police, on Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar:
"When we were going for Commonwealth Games, Delhi was under severe security threat. He briefed all the participating countries. He was part of the operation to ensure security during the event. He was invited by the London Olympic Security organisation to come and share his security perception."
"He is not a quitter. If we do only police bashing, if we do bashing system everyday, it is not going to lead us anywhere... If sacking the police commissioner improves the safety of women, then do it everyday."
23:43 PM greets people on Christmas eve
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the people on the occasion of Christmas and hoped the festival would strengthen values of brotherhood.
In a message, the Prime Minister said "the festival of Christmas gives hope to strengthen the values of brotherhood, tolerance and caring."
"May the festival bring happiness and prosperity to all," he said.
Conveying his greetings, BJP chief Nitin Gadkari hoped the joyous festival would strengthen universal brotherhood and promote unity, peace and social harmony among all sections of society.
21:50 Hazare writes to PM, asks for a strong law to protect women
Against the backdrop of strong protests on the gang-rape of a student, Anna Hazare today shot off a letter to the Prime Minister demanding strong punishment like death penalty or life imprisonment for rapists.
Hazare said that there was a lot of anger among the youth of the country and government needs to understand that there was a need for change.
Hazare said that there was a lot of anger among the youth of the country and government needs to understand that there was a need for change.
21:15 Gunman shoots firefighter in New York
Firefighters, who were responding to a blaze in a house in western New York today, have been shot at by an unidentified person and at least two of them have been rushed to local hospitals.
The firefighters were responding to the blaze in the Webster area of New York at around 6 am when they were shot at.
One firefighter, who was shot in the back, was rushed to the Strong Memorial Hospital where he is being treated for injuries, the Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester reported.
The hospital said another firefighter was also being treated, but did not elaborate if he was shot or injured in the fire.
The firefighters were responding to the blaze in the Webster area of New York at around 6 am when they were shot at.
One firefighter, who was shot in the back, was rushed to the Strong Memorial Hospital where he is being treated for injuries, the Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester reported.
The hospital said another firefighter was also being treated, but did not elaborate if he was shot or injured in the fire.
20:59 Punish gang-rape culprits severely: PM's wife
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur on Monday expressed outrage over the gang-rape of a young girl and said severe punishment should be meted out to the culprits.
She, at the same time, said any protest against the "ghastly" crime should be peaceful as it would yield more results than violent demonstrations.
The December 16 incident in a moving bus in New Delhi was a "very bad incident" and that she was at loss of words in expressing her condemnation, she said.
She, at the same time, said any protest against the "ghastly" crime should be peaceful as it would yield more results than violent demonstrations.
The December 16 incident in a moving bus in New Delhi was a "very bad incident" and that she was at loss of words in expressing her condemnation, she said.
20:44 Govt not able to handle situation in Delhi: Advani
The government is not able to handle the situation in Delhi properly. Home Minister refused to call for an all-party meeting, said senior BJP leader L K Advani.
20:35 Delhi gang-rape: CM Dikshit meets Dr Singh
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. to discuss the prevailing situation in the city in wake of the protests against the gang-rape of a 23-year-old.
19:49 Pranab lauds Delhi gang-rape victims 'courage, tenacity'
President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday praised the courage and tenacity of the Delhi gang-rape victim and asked people to redouble efforts for women's protection.
In a message on the eve of Christmas, the president expressed "anguish and distress" over the horrific attack on the 23-year-old girl in the national capital on December 16.
"We mark Christmas at a time when the nation is joined in anguish and distress over the recent horrific attack on a young girl in New Delhi," he said.
In a message on the eve of Christmas, the president expressed "anguish and distress" over the horrific attack on the 23-year-old girl in the national capital on December 16.
"We mark Christmas at a time when the nation is joined in anguish and distress over the recent horrific attack on a young girl in New Delhi," he said.
19:34 Women groups against death penalty for rapists: MoS Home
The government has been rattled by spontaneous protests against the gang-rape rape of a 23-years-old physiotherapist in New Delhi.
India has risen to express solidarity in her tragedy. The government is trying hard to put up a brave face after failing in providing safety to it's citizens.
Ratanjit Pratap Narain Singh, minister for state for home affairs, a young face of the government, is trying hard to articulate what young protesters want to hear.
In a conversation with rediff.com's Sheela Bhatt he presents the UPA government's defence. Almost all women organisations in the country are against capital punishment for rapists, he said.
Read his interview on rediff.com in a short while from now.
India has risen to express solidarity in her tragedy. The government is trying hard to put up a brave face after failing in providing safety to it's citizens.
Ratanjit Pratap Narain Singh, minister for state for home affairs, a young face of the government, is trying hard to articulate what young protesters want to hear.
In a conversation with rediff.com's Sheela Bhatt he presents the UPA government's defence. Almost all women organisations in the country are against capital punishment for rapists, he said.
Read his interview on rediff.com in a short while from now.
19:09 J&K: 2 LeT terrorists, 1 cop killed in gunbattle
Two Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorists and one head constable was killed today in a fierce encounter in Kulgam, south Kashmir.
Among the two LeT men killed, one was a commander.
The gunbattle is still on.
Among the two LeT men killed, one was a commander.
The gunbattle is still on.
19:06 Rape victim's dad: Want death penalty for accused
The father of the 23-year-old gang-rape victim told a news channel, "I want death penalty for all accused. If they remain alive they will continue to commit such a crime. If anything less punishment is given to them, I will not be satisfied."
He appealed to protesters to maintain calm and not resort to violent ways. He also appealed to pray for his daughter's health.
"My daughter has always fought against all odds since her childhood whether it was poverty or her studies and I hope she will continue to fight now also and overcome all difficulties," he said.
He appealed to protesters to maintain calm and not resort to violent ways. He also appealed to pray for his daughter's health.
"My daughter has always fought against all odds since her childhood whether it was poverty or her studies and I hope she will continue to fight now also and overcome all difficulties," he said.
18:43 Advani to meet Pranab, to demand for spl session on rape cases
The BJP delegation led by senior leader L K Advani will meet President Pranab Mukherjee today at 8 pm at Rashtrapati Bhawan. They are demanding that the United Progressive Alliance government must convene a special Parliament session on rape victims.
18:25 Gang-rape protests: Ex-army chief, Ramdev booked
Former army chief VK Singh and yoga guru Baba Ramdev have been booked by the Delhi police for inciting mob, provoking crowd, rioting and damage to public property at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi yesterday.
Four cases have been registered against them.
Four cases have been registered against them.
18:06 Andhra Cong chief's shocking remarks on Delhi rape
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana today stirred by a controversy when he said "they should also think that they should not go in a private bus at night... We say we got freedom at midnight but doesn't mean we can roam free around at midnight.''
Satyanarayana was referring to the case of the 23-year-old student who was gang-raped in a moving bus in New Delhi on December 16, reports NDTV.
Read the full story here
Satyanarayana was referring to the case of the 23-year-old student who was gang-raped in a moving bus in New Delhi on December 16, reports NDTV.
Read the full story here
17:49 Can Kasab's execution bring end to death penalty in India?
With the pressure to execute Ajmal Kasab now past, perhaps India can proceed with caution towards ending executions, as every democracy in Europe has already done, write Franklin E Zimring and David T Johnson in the Economic&Political Weekly.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
17:39 Gang-rape vicitm conscious, but critical: Doctors
Doctors at the Safdarjung Hospital said today that the 23-year-old gang-rape victim has fever and continues to be critical. She is conscious and is communicating. She is still put on ventilator support.
The doctors said that the rape victim suffered from internal bleeding last night.
The doctors said that the rape victim suffered from internal bleeding last night.
17:12 39 kg silver, 1.9 kg gold seized from K'taka Dy CM's house
The Karnataka Lokayukta has recovered Rs 10,70,000 in a raid conducted at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa, reports Vicky Nanjappa.
This was informed to the media by Additional Director General of Police Lokayukta S N Rao.
In addition, the Lokayukta also found 27 kilograms of silver and 1.9 kg of gold.
Some important documents were also sized, which the Lokayukta is examining.
Rao also informed that the raids would continue. All the seized amount is said to be unaccounted for.
Eshwarappa will have to explain the same before the Lokayukta who will now book him under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
This was informed to the media by Additional Director General of Police Lokayukta S N Rao.
In addition, the Lokayukta also found 27 kilograms of silver and 1.9 kg of gold.
Some important documents were also sized, which the Lokayukta is examining.
Rao also informed that the raids would continue. All the seized amount is said to be unaccounted for.
Eshwarappa will have to explain the same before the Lokayukta who will now book him under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
16:57 Delhi gang-rape: 2 ACPs suspended, says Lt Guv
After returning to India from the US, Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna spoke on the measures being taken to increase safety of women in the national capital.
Here is what he said: Two ACPs -- traffic and PCR -- have been suspended because they failed in their duty. Sudhir Yadav, special commissioner can be approached 24/7 on women's rights. His number: 9818099012 .
Public transport drivers will have to wear badges with photos.
Two DCPs asked to give explanation
Police on duty failed to stop bus with dark tinted glass --action will be taken against any cop who disrespects women.
16:25 Raisina Hill, India Gate become virtual fortresses
Sheela Bhatt reports from New Delhi: The government seems to the petrified by the protest that rocked New Delhi on the weekend. All roads leading up to Raisina Hill were completely deserted on Monday morning.
All entry and exit points are being manned by the police. Only those with authenticated government passes are allowed to pass. The parking lot is empty and the area resembles a ghost town.
Even India Gate has been turned in to a virtual fortress. The 8-10 entry and exit points to India Gate have been shut and are bristling with security forces. No protesters are allowed anywhere near the India Gate
16:20 Justice Verma commission on sexual assault begins work
Just In: Hours after the Union government issued a notification setting up a 3-member commission headed by former chief justice of India, JS Verma, the committee began work on Monday by seeking public comments on reviewing laws to provide speedier justice and enhanced punishment in sexual assault cases, said a news flash.
Further details are awaited.
16:02 Govt gags live TV reporting from Vijay Chowk
The ministry of information and broadcasting has issued a media advisory to TV channels telecasting live from Vijay Chowk in New Delhi:
A number of private satellite news TV channels have been showing programmes covering round-the-clock direct telecast of the events relating to public demonstrations being held in New Delhi in the wake of the unfortunate and tragic incident of gangrape of a young girl on December 16, in a moving bus.
The channels have been covering the agitation and the efforts of the law enforcing authorities to maintain law and order, as well as the commentaries of the channel reporters to portray the incidents from their own perspectives.
Whereas this incident and the public outcry in its aftermath are a very sensitive issue and any inappropriate media reportage thereon is likely to vitiate the law and order situation. It has been observed that some private satellite news TV channels in their 24X7 coverage have not been showing due responsibility and maturity in telecasting the events relating the said demonstration and such a telecast is likely to cause deterioration in the law and order situation, hindering the efforts of the law enforcing authorities.
Whereas Rule 6(1)(e) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, which contains the Programme Code to be strictly adhered to by all private satellite television channels, provides that no programme should be carried in the cable service which is likely to encourage or incite violence or contains anything against maintenance of law and order or which promotes anti-national attitude.
Now, therefore, all private satellite television channels are advised to scrupulously follow the Progarmme Code laid down in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 and to ensure to telecast the matter in a responsible manner with due care, maturity and restraint.
Any violation of the code will invite such action as provided for in the Cable Television(Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Rules framed there under as well as the terms & conditions stipulated in Uplinking & Downlinking Guidelines.
15:26 Delhi gangrape: Trial to begin from January 3
IBNLive reports: Coming under serious attack from raging protests in Delhi over the gangrape of a young woman, the government has set, according to the sources, January 3, 2013 as the date to begin the trial of the case that has taken the nation by a storm.
Sources in the Union Home Ministry have said that the case would be heard on a daily basis.
The sources added that more fast-track courts would be set up in Delhi and rapes cases in the national capital would now be heard on a daily basis. Modalities of the plan would be worked out by the Delhi High Court administration.
Read the story here
15:17 Illayaraja gets Sangeet Natak Akademi award
Grammy Award-winning percussionist T H Vinayakram and veteran playwright Ratan Thiyam are among three personalities chosen for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowship, while legendary South Indian composer Illayaraja will receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
N Rajam, a violinist who performs Hindustani classical music, T H Vinayakram and Ratan Thiyam have been selected for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships.
15:15 What will go wrong in 2013?
An escalation of military nature between India and Pakistan, worsening of the border row between India and China, a third front complicating the Palestine crisis, United States and Iran coming to loggerheads in the Persian Gulf, chaos caused by the death of Cuban strongman Fidel Castro are some of the crisis scenarios that the world may witness in 2013.
15:09 Dr Singh meets Russian Prez Putin
Negotiations for the construction of Units 3 and 4 at Kudankulam have made good progress, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
15:07 Gangrape: BJP leaders to meet President
Senior BJP leaders will meet President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday to discuss the gangrape issue, said Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj.
15:04 Memo case: Pak SC tells Haqqani to appear before it
Pakistan's Supreme Court today issued a fresh notice to former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani to appear before it on January 28, when it will resume hearing a case related to an alleged memo that purportedly sought US help to stave off a feared military coup.
A nine-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry will hear the case pertaining to the memo -- allegedly sent by Haqqani to former US military chief Admiral Mike Mullen -- seeking US intervention to avert a possible overthrow of the government in the aftermath of the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden last year.
14:29 'Map of Life' will change the world as we know it
If it turns into reality, the ambitious project 'Map of Life' will change the world as we know it.
It will tell us the location of each and every animal and planet on Earth. It will tell us about the millions of species of flora and fauna around us and introduce us to the million more which exist beyond our knowledge.
14:27 Being a woman in Delhi!
A woman living in Delhi has to follow certain rules to stay safe. It may be almost like living in paranoia, but at least it keeps the women safe.
14:24 Better ties with India on our agenda: Putin
Better relations with India is on top on the foreign policy agenda of Russia, according to its powerful President Vladimir Putin.
Putin is currently on a three-day visit to India, during which he will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
13:26 Poll panel eyes March first week for poll in north-eastern states
The Election Commission on Monday decided to get into action to prepare for assembly elections in the three north-eastern states of Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya in the first week of March 2013.
"After the major success in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, where there was not one violent incident, the Election Commission will hold polls in these three states," said a EC source.
Since "it takes three to four months to prepare for a state poll", the EC will soon commence the process to hold polls in the north-eastern states, said a highly placed source in Nirvachan Sadan, and internal meetings have already begun to get into poll mode.
While Nagaland's assembly term ends on March 20, 2013, the Tripura assembly will end on March 16, 2013, and the Meghalaya assembly's tenure is up to March 10, 2013. Therefore, in all probability, the counting in these three states should be over by March 7, 2013 .
That, in other words, means the polls should be held in the last week of February 2013 and first week of March 2013. More the latter.
13:12 Despite restrictions, protests continue in Delhi
A day after violent protests rocked the capital, scores of people, mostly school students, today gathered at Jantar Mantar and asked the government to provide speedy justice to the accused in the gangrape case.
Police personnel in large numbers have been deployed across dharna-hotspots like India Gate, Raisina Hills and Jantar Mantar.
The protesters shouted slogans demanding quick justice to those arrested on charges of raping the 23-year-old para-medical student from Dehradun on Sunday night in a moving bus in Delhi.
12:52 PM refuses to meet AIADMK MPs
A correspondent from Delhi reports: The Prime Minister's Office on Monday refused to give time to AIADMK MPs to submit a memorandum to the PM on the release of Cauvery River's water to Tamil Nadu.
The PMO conveyed to AIADMK MPs that Dr Manmohan Singh was busy with the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The PMO has kept mum on the issue since the apex court took it up; it had refused to give a hearing to the Karnataka chief minister too.
The AIADMK MPs had sought a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to submit a copy of the letter from TN Chief Minister Jayalalithaa about the release of Cauvery River water for the state.
12:49 Even AIADMK MPs find it difficult to enter Parliament!
A correspondent from Delhi reports: AIADMK MPs on Monday garlanded the statue of party founder M G Ramachandran inside the Parliament House
On being deputed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, AIADMK MPs Dr V Maitreyan, OS Manian, Ilavarasan and Chinnasamy were unable to get inside the main gate of Parliament, despite producing their photo ID cards.
The security was so strict these MPs had to take a different route -- behind the President's palace -- to reach North Avenue so that they could enter the northern side of the Parliament premises.
The southern side of Parliament could not be used as it is just a few metres away from Vijay Chowk -- where protests against the gangrape incident were held on Sunday and Sunday.
12:42 Meet of top cops to discuss crimes against women
The Centre will hold a meeting of chief secretaries and DGPs of all states on January 4 to discuss crimes against women, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has said.
12:41 Indefinite curfew imposed in four Manipur districts
An indefinite curfew has been imposed in four valley districts in Manipur from 11 am today following large-scale violence, said sources.
12:36 NBA slams attack on journalists at Delhi protests
A correspondent from Delhi reports: The News Broadcasters Association has expressed deep shock and concern that several journalists, camera persons and media crew from various news channels have been injured in the police action on Sunday at India Gate and expensive broadcast equipment has been damaged.
The fact that water canons were used at specific media locations and journalists even with mikes in their hands were injured suggests that the media was targeted.The News Broadcaster's Association asserts that all member channels have reported the protests over the last few days with great maturity, sensitivity and restraint.
Any police action against reporters is therefore unacceptable and condemned in no uncertain terms. It would be a sad day for the country, and democracy, if any attempt is made to muzzle the media.NBA member channels, and indeed, most of the news media, have condemned the violence that has crept into the protests and have repeatedly advised restraint and requested for peace and calm.
However, it is the job of the news media to report on events factually and it has done this in the last few days in a balanced manner. The NBA appeals to the government to ensure that the media is allowed to perform their duty in a free and fearless manner.
12:34 OB vans near Parliament, India Gate shunted out
A correspondent from Delhi reports: No media OB van is being allowed to park near Parliament House or India Gate This wireless message was heard broadcast over Delhi police's wireless communication around 9.30 am.
Soon after this, at least six OB vans of various news channels were removed.
At least 85 to 100 OB vans used to be parked near Parliament House and the news TV channels used to uplink from Vijay Chowk.
But on Monday, this facility was withdrawn due to security reasons.
12:31 Shut Metro stations, Delhi police tell authorities
A correspondent from Delhi reports: On Sunday, an advisory was sent by the Delhi police to Delhi Metro authorities to close nine Metro stations near Parliament House. This would obviously reduce the likelihood of protests in the area. These Metro stations are just a walkable distance from India Gate.
12:29 Delhi senior cops busy managing traffic
A correspondent from Delhi reports: Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar has ordered the closure of 26 important link roads in and around Parliament, India Gate and the Supreme Court.
Almost all police officers -- even senior traffic police personnel of deputy police commissioner rank -- have come to the street corners to control the traffic movements.
11:50 Victim conscious but still critical: Doctors
The condition of the student, who was gangraped in a moving bus in Delhi, continues to be critical, according to the doctors treating her.
The victim is conscious but still on ventilator support, they said.
11:48 Talk to the protesters: BJP tells government
The BJP has demanded a special Parliament session to discuss the gangrape of a 23-year-old student in a moving bus in Delhi and the nation-wide protests triggered by the incident.
The main opposition party also urged the government to talk to the protesters to help restore peace and calm in the national capital.
10:50 5 policemen suspended for Manipur firing
Five police personnel have been placed under suspension in connection with the incident in which a 29-year-old journalist was killed in police firing in Manipur, official sources said today.
The sources said a three-member enquiry committee headed by Principal Secretary, Home, Suresh Babu has been constituted to probe the incident and the panel would submit its report to the government for further action within a week.
The police fired on Sunday to disperse supporters of a general strike called to demand the arrest of a Naga militant who allegedly molested a film actress on December 18.
10:49 Sri Lankan navy arrests 27 Indian fishermen
Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 27 Indian fishermen and seized their four trawlers after accusing them of fishing inside the country's maritime area.
Navy spokesman Kosala Warnakulasuriya said the fishermen were arrested on Sunday night for "poaching inside Sri Lanka international maritime border limits off the eastern coast".
The boats and the trawlers would be handed over to the police in the harbour town of Trincomalee today for further action, the Navy said.
10:16 Shinde justifies use of force against protestors
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, in an interview to a TV channel on Monday morning, justified the use of force against the protesters at India Gate on Sunday.
Shinde claimed that the police had no choice but to use force after the protests turned violent and threatened to spiral out of control.
He added that a probe will be initiated into Sunday's incident.
10:14 PM speaks up: Anger is justified, not violence
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday appealed for calm and promised to take serious steps to curb crimes against women in a public address, in the wake of the violent protests in Delhi against the gangrape of a 23-year-old woman.
Stating that his family too had joined in the concern for the victim, he said, "The anger against the crime is justified, but not the violence".
"I appeal to all sections to maintain calm," said Dr Singh.
He added, "We will ensure safety and security of women. We will keep you informed of the various steps and measures taken for this".
09:07 Prohibitory orders at India Gate, media shunted out
After protests -- against the brutal gangrape of a girl -- turned violent at India Gate on Sunday, the government on Monday imposed prohibitory orders in the area.
All media personnel were removed from the vicinity of India Gate, Raisina Hill and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Nine Metro stations in the area will also remain shut.
In view of the protests, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the PM's residence, not at Hyderabad Bhavan where such meetings usually take place.
08:29 Five Indian sailors aboard MV Iceberg rescued
Twenty two sailors of the MV Iceberg 1, including five Indians, were rescued by a forces of the Puntland government of Somalia on Sunday.
The hostages had been held captive by Somali pirates for two years and nine months.
08:27 Renuka Choudhury fails to pacify protesters at India Gate
Congress leader Renuka Choudhury on Sunday night went to India Gate to persuade protesters to leave the spot, but her efforts to convince them did not bear any result.
This was the first time that a Congress leader came to India Gate to engage with the protesters who were demanding justice for the Delhi gangrape victim.
Choudhury tried to pacify the protesters for nearly an hour but the latter insisted on concrete action from the government to ensure safety of women.
08:25 Sachin's retirement a realistic decision: Prasanna
Former ace off-spinner Erapalli Prasanna today said Sachin Tendulkar's retirement from ODIs was a realistic decision as it brought relief to the national selectors over selecting him for one-day games.
"Sachin's retirement from ODIs is a realistic decision as it has relieved the selectors from facing the embarrassment of either picking or dropping him from one-day games. If he was dropped, many would have questioned the selectors and many would have questioned his capabilities," he said.
08:24 7 Metro stations near India Gate to remain closed
Seven Metro stations in central Delhi will remain closed on Monday as well, the Delhi Metro announced after protests continued near India Gate for the second day on Sunday over the gangrape incident.
Pragati Maidan, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Khan Market and Race Course will remain closed on Monday as well.
The decision to keep the stations closed followed a direction from the Delhi police.
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