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Fri, 20 November 2015
Al-Mourabitoun owns up Mali attacks. Who are they?
Timeline Refresh
22:50 Al-Mourabitoun owns up Mali attacks. Who are they?
Al-Mourabitoun is led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar the notorious jihadi believed responsible for the deadly attack on a gas plant in Algeria in 2013. The US has claimed that Belmokhtar was killed in an American air strike in June, although his fate remains unclear.
It was formed in 2013 out of a merger between Belmokhtars battalions and the Mali-based Movement for Monotheism and Jihad in West Africa (Mujao). The merger brought hundreds of largely Malian recruits into the militant group.
The group, based in the north of the country, is said to have carried out several attacks in the central and southern areas this year.
It claimed responsibility for an attack on a hotel in Sevare in central Mali in August, in which 13 people were killed, and an attack in Bamako on 7 March in which five people died when a gunman opened fire with a Kalashnikov inside the La Terrasse restaurant, on the roof of the VIP discotheque.
22:40 Trump's remarks on registering Muslims shocking: Clinton
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton today condemned as "shocking rhetoric" Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump's comments that Muslims in the US should be registered in a data base.
"This is shocking rhetoric. It should be denounced by all seeking to lead this country," Clinton said in a tweet, a day after Trump in an interview did not rule out a Muslim database, if elected to power.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, a Republican presidential candidate also denounced the idea.
"You talk about internment, you talk about closing mosques, you talk about registering people that's just wrong," Bush told CNBC in an interview.
"It's not a question of toughness. It's manipulating people's angst and their fears. That's not strength; that's weakness," he said.
Trump, however, insisted on his idea of a database of the Muslims.
"I would certainly implement that, absolutely," he told the NBC news last night.
21:38 No word from CBI over police lapse in Sheena Bora case: Maha
Amid reports that a senior police officer is under scrutiny of the CBI over an apparent lapse in the Sheena Bora murder case, the Maharashtra Government today said they have not yet received any official communication from the investigating agency.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) K P Bakshi clarified that a "one-page" report submitted by former state DGP Sanjeev Dayal into alleged botch up by the Raigad police after Sheena's body was first found, was "insufficient" in taking action against any senior police official.
"We have not received any authentic communication from the CBI that they have found a lapse on the part of any police official for either deliberately delaying the case or for destruction of evidence," Bakshi told PTI.
"If we receive some communication, we will see what needs to be done. It all depends on the evidence the CBI provides, the seriousness of the officer's lapse. We will have to see whether it was deliberate or was it just an unintentional lapse," he said.
21:36 Bomb scare at London underground station
A controlled explosion was carried out by the British police close to an abandoned car following a bomb scare near a central London underground train station.
Scotland Yard officers evacuated Baker Street station after the vehicle was left in the middle of the road last night.
"There was an abandoned vehicle in Baker Street. There was a controlled explosion. This is not a criminal investigation," a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.
A car was pictured abandoned near traffic lights with its doors and bonnet opened. Concerns were raised after the car was left with its hazard lights on in the middle of the road.
The incident turned out to be a false alarm after the vehicle was investigated by officers.
A police cordon and station closure raised security fears, coming just days after the terror attacks in Paris.
Scotland Yard is on high alert since the attacks claimed by the Islamic State group in the French capital on November 13 that killed 129 people.
20:04 Govt will continue to pursue Rs 640 cr Maggi suit
Government will continue to pursue its Rs 640-crore class action suit filed in NCDRC against Nestle India, although the company's instant noodles Maggi has returned to the market after the Bombay high court lifted the ban imposed by food safety regulator FSSAI.
The Department of Consumer Affairs had filed a suit against Nestle India in August seeking damages for alleged unfair trade practices, false labeling and misleading advertisements.
Before that Maggi was banned by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India alleging it was "unsafe and hazardous" for consumption due to excess presence of lead.
"The case will continue. We will pursue the case against Nestle India in NCDRC," a top ranking official in the ministry said when asked whether the department will withdraw the case.
In last hearing of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, the court had ordered to withdraw 100 samples of Maggi from the stock seized in Uttar Pradesh for the testing. The next hearing is on November 30, sources said.
This is for the first time that a company was dragged to NCDRC using a provision in the three-decade old Consumer Protection Act.
20:01 HC stays order cancellation of Greenpeace India's registration
The Madras High Court today stayed a recent order of a Registrar of Societies in Chennai cancelling the registration of environmental group Greenpeace India Society.
Hearing a petition by the Greenpeace seeking to quash the November 4 last order of the District Registrar, Chennai Central Registration Department, Justice M M Sundresh granted the interim stay and issued notice to the District Registrar to reply within four weeks.
Greenpeace India Executive Director Vinuta Gopal, in the petition, contended that the order was false and it contravened the orders already passed on August 4 this year.
He contended that the Registrar had failed to comply with the principles of natural justice in denying the petitioner an opportunity to defend his case before passing the order and thereby contravened the TN Societies Registration Act and the rules thereunder. The Registrar had no jurisdiction to do so.
As a charitable organisation, the petitioner depended on donations received from the public, he submitted.
He claimed that the action of the Registrar had already impacted the public contribution with a resultant "chilling effect on the fundamental rights" of the society and its members to establish and freely operate an association and the right to freedom of expression.
19:59 Nihalani has become a joke: censor board members
Two censor board members have come out strongly against chief Pahlaj Nihalani alleging that he is working without involving others and taking arbitrary decisions on movie certification.
Nihalani was criticised on social media forums after it was revealed that board had shortened the length of kissing scenes in James Bond movie "Spectre" and cut some words.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, one of the members on the board, said he is planning to write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Information & Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley to bring to their notice the problems plaguing the Central Board of Film Certification.
"I am going to write to the PM and I&B minister requesting that the situation should be rectified. Entire board has to be taken into confidence. Mr Nihalani has become a joke. You can't cut words without context," Pandit told PTI.
The filmmaker said that there is a verbal order to cut certain cuss words from Nihalani which is not in keeping with the rules.
"He cut words from Rajshri's film 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo'. How can anyone cut words from a clean film like this? They are known for making clean family movies but it was also censored," Pandit added.
19:09
124 guests, 13 staff still inside Radisson Blue hotel in Bamako following gun attack, says hotel company.
18:59 Pay hike: Experts warn on deficit; govt confident of targets
Rating agencies and brokerages today said the proposed 23.6 per cent hike in salaries and pensions of government employees could hurt India's finances even as the Centre expressed confidence that the fiscal deficit targets will not be breached. Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said he was confident that the government will stick to fiscal consolidation laid out in the Budget.
However, rating agencies such as Fitch and S&P as well as brokerages like Citi warned that implementation of 7th Pay Commission's recommendations will impact the deficit. Fitch Ratings said the Rs 1.02 lakh crore additional burden on the Centre, if the recommendation are implemented in toto, could challenge the government's goal of achieving a fiscal deficit of 3.5 per cent in 2016-17 unless expenditure is cut or revenues raised.
However, rating agencies such as Fitch and S&P as well as brokerages like Citi warned that implementation of 7th Pay Commission's recommendations will impact the deficit. Fitch Ratings said the Rs 1.02 lakh crore additional burden on the Centre, if the recommendation are implemented in toto, could challenge the government's goal of achieving a fiscal deficit of 3.5 per cent in 2016-17 unless expenditure is cut or revenues raised.
18:51 'Jab' Lalu's son tripped over oath
RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap Yadav fumbled twice while taking oath as a minister in Nitish Kumar government in Bihar today, prompting Governor Ram Nath Kovind to correct him. Yadav (25) uttered the word 'upekshit' (neglect) instead of 'apekshit' (expectation), virtually turning around the meaning of the sentence.
The Governor pointed this out and asked Tej Pratap, older of Prasad's two sons, to take the oath again.
In his second attempt, he said 'jab' (when) instead of 'tab' (then) and Kovind corrected him again.
The intermediate, equivalent to Class XII, pass out took his oath in Hindi like Kumar and all 28 members of his cabinet.
Tej Pratap has been given the portfolio of Health. Among 28 ministers, there were only two women with one each coming from RJD and JD(U).
The Governor pointed this out and asked Tej Pratap, older of Prasad's two sons, to take the oath again.
In his second attempt, he said 'jab' (when) instead of 'tab' (then) and Kovind corrected him again.
The intermediate, equivalent to Class XII, pass out took his oath in Hindi like Kumar and all 28 members of his cabinet.
Tej Pratap has been given the portfolio of Health. Among 28 ministers, there were only two women with one each coming from RJD and JD(U).
18:28 Female body found after Paris raid identified as mastermind's cousin
A third body found after a massive police raid that killed Paris attack ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud has been identified as his female cousin Hasna Aitboulahcen, prosecutors said today. Investigators had found the 26-year-old's passport at the scene of the raid, and she was formally identified through her fingerprints.
18:20 Elite French unit heads to Mali amid hostage crisis: ministry
An elite French unit of paramilitary police specialised in hostage situations left for Mali today where suspected jihadists stormed an upmarket hotel, the interior ministry said.
Around 40 paramilitary police from the GIGN unit were on their way to assist Malian security forces dealing with a hostage situation at the Radisson Blu hotel, said a ministry spokesman. The Twitter account of the paramilitary police posted a black-and-white image of the heavily-armed, black-clad troops upon their departure.
Of the 170 hostages, 80 were released, while three were killed.
Around 40 paramilitary police from the GIGN unit were on their way to assist Malian security forces dealing with a hostage situation at the Radisson Blu hotel, said a ministry spokesman. The Twitter account of the paramilitary police posted a black-and-white image of the heavily-armed, black-clad troops upon their departure.
Of the 170 hostages, 80 were released, while three were killed.
18:17
Gunmen open fire, kill 3 security troops guarding mosque in Karachi.
18:07 My father didn't know about Sheena's murder: Rahul Mukerjea
Update on the Sheena Bora case:
Peter Mukerjea's son Rahul, who had come to attend the court hearing today, told reporters that his father's arrest came as as "shock" to him. "I don't believe he knew (anything about the murder)..otherwise I wouldn't be here," he told reporters.
Rahul, who was earlier seen coming out of the CBI office at around 10.30 am, is said to have been grilled by the probe agency for over 12 hours.
According to sources, he was called to the CBI office in South Mumbai last night and was asked whether he and Sheena had revealed to Peter that Sheena was not Indrani's sister but her daughter.
He was also asked if he had raised concerns about Sheena's safety after she disappeared in 2012, they said.
The statement of Rahul, who was purportedly in a relationship with Sheena, is being corroborated with the statement given by his father to ascertain the facts of the murder case.
Apart from Rahul and Peter, police have already questioned Vidhie, daughter of Indrani and Sanjeev Khanna besides Siddharth Das, biological father of Sheena and Mikhail Bora earlier.
Sheena Bora murder case accused Indrani Mukerjea is brought to the Killa Court in Mumbai. Picture: Sahil Salvi
Peter Mukerjea's son Rahul, who had come to attend the court hearing today, told reporters that his father's arrest came as as "shock" to him. "I don't believe he knew (anything about the murder)..otherwise I wouldn't be here," he told reporters.
Rahul, who was earlier seen coming out of the CBI office at around 10.30 am, is said to have been grilled by the probe agency for over 12 hours.
According to sources, he was called to the CBI office in South Mumbai last night and was asked whether he and Sheena had revealed to Peter that Sheena was not Indrani's sister but her daughter.
He was also asked if he had raised concerns about Sheena's safety after she disappeared in 2012, they said.
The statement of Rahul, who was purportedly in a relationship with Sheena, is being corroborated with the statement given by his father to ascertain the facts of the murder case.
Apart from Rahul and Peter, police have already questioned Vidhie, daughter of Indrani and Sanjeev Khanna besides Siddharth Das, biological father of Sheena and Mikhail Bora earlier.
Sheena Bora murder case accused Indrani Mukerjea is brought to the Killa Court in Mumbai. Picture: Sahil Salvi
17:47 Mali hotel siege: 3 dead, 80 hostages freed
Mali hostage crisis: Eighty hostages freed from Mali hotel siege, reports Reuters, with at least three people dead. Special forces clearing the Radisson hotel floor by floor with sporadic gunfire being heard.
The BBC says two of the victims were security guards at the hotel. The UN confirms it has sent reinforcements to the ongoing siege at the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali. Reports also say that French military officers are also aiding the UN with intelligence as the siege develops.
Two people "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees in a hostage-taking at the Radisson Blu hotel in the Malian capital Bamako, this morning. Men shouting God is great, armed with guns and throwing grenades stormed into the hotel. The US and French embassies told their citizens in Bamako to take shelter wherever they are.
Following a military coup in 2012, Islamic extremists took control of northern Mali, prompting a French-led military intervention in early 2013 that forced the extremists from northern towns and cities, though the north remains insecure and militant attacks have extended farther south this year.
In March masked gunmen shot up a restaurant in Bamako, located in Malis south, that is popular with foreigners, killing five people.
The BBC says two of the victims were security guards at the hotel. The UN confirms it has sent reinforcements to the ongoing siege at the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali. Reports also say that French military officers are also aiding the UN with intelligence as the siege develops.
Two people "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees in a hostage-taking at the Radisson Blu hotel in the Malian capital Bamako, this morning. Men shouting God is great, armed with guns and throwing grenades stormed into the hotel. The US and French embassies told their citizens in Bamako to take shelter wherever they are.
Following a military coup in 2012, Islamic extremists took control of northern Mali, prompting a French-led military intervention in early 2013 that forced the extremists from northern towns and cities, though the north remains insecure and militant attacks have extended farther south this year.
In March masked gunmen shot up a restaurant in Bamako, located in Malis south, that is popular with foreigners, killing five people.
17:23 Saw dead bodies in the hall: Freed hostages
The Independent says the gunmen may be members of the Ansar al-Din (supporters of religion) group. The group is known to support the implementation of strict Islamic law across the north of Mali.
Witnesses who were freed from the hotel have spoken to France24: "I was inside, I saw the dead bodies in the hall. It is horrible what is happening inside the hotel. I got out when the security forces enter the hotel."
Witnesses who were freed from the hotel have spoken to France24: "I was inside, I saw the dead bodies in the hall. It is horrible what is happening inside the hotel. I got out when the security forces enter the hotel."
17:12 Mali hostage crisis: MEA in touch with 20 Indians trapped in hotel
Just in: Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweets: "According to current information there are 20 Indians staying in the hotel. Our ambassador is continuously in touch with them and monitoring the situation. The Indians work for a Dubai-based company and were residing in the hotel permanently."
Two people have "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees in an ongoing hostage-taking at the Radisson Blu hotel in the Malian capital Bamako, the hotel chain said in a statement today.
"The Rezidor Hotel Group... is aware of the hostage-taking that is ongoing at the property today, 20th November 2015. As per our information two persons have locked in 140 guests and 30 employees," said the company.
"Our safety and security teams and our corporate team are in constant contact with the local authorities in order to offer any support possible to re-instate safety and security at the hotel," it added in a statement released in London.
The company is based in the United States. Security sources in Mali said jihadists had launched a shooting rampage in the 190-room hotel and automatic weapons fire could be heard from outside the building. Islamist groups have continued to wage attacks in Mali despite a June peace deal between former Tuareg rebels in the north of the country and rival pro-government armed groups.
However, since the statement was released, media reports said three hostages were killed, with 15 released.
Two people have "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees in an ongoing hostage-taking at the Radisson Blu hotel in the Malian capital Bamako, the hotel chain said in a statement today.
"The Rezidor Hotel Group... is aware of the hostage-taking that is ongoing at the property today, 20th November 2015. As per our information two persons have locked in 140 guests and 30 employees," said the company.
"Our safety and security teams and our corporate team are in constant contact with the local authorities in order to offer any support possible to re-instate safety and security at the hotel," it added in a statement released in London.
The company is based in the United States. Security sources in Mali said jihadists had launched a shooting rampage in the 190-room hotel and automatic weapons fire could be heard from outside the building. Islamist groups have continued to wage attacks in Mali despite a June peace deal between former Tuareg rebels in the north of the country and rival pro-government armed groups.
However, since the statement was released, media reports said three hostages were killed, with 15 released.
16:59 Third body found in St-Denis siege is a woman: Reports
St-Denis siege: The third body found in the rubble of the flat where the "mastermind' of the Paris attacks was found allegedly planning further massacres in the French capital is a woman. The Paris public prosecutor's office said the woman's remains were found in Saint-Denis overnight, almost two days after armed police raided the building.A spokesperson said her identity has not been confirmed.
16:31
Meanwhile, Rahul Mukerjea tells CNN IBN that he does not believe his father Peter Mukerjea knew of the murder of Sheena Bora.
16:30
Gunmen moving floor by floor in hotel siege in Mali capital, reports Reuters. So much like the siege at the Taj and Oberoi hotels on November 26, 2008, which ended after three days.
16:28 Two or 10 gunmen in Mali?
Still some confusion on the number of gunmen who took 170 people hostage at the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali. Some reports have claimed two gunmen stormed the building, others have said three, while the army commander Modibo Nama Traore has claimed as many as 10.
16:25 Mali hostage crisis: 3 dead, gunmen release those who can recite Quran
Update on the Mali hostage crisis.
-- Two Malian citizens and a French citizen have died in the incident, a U.N. official tells France 24
-- The gunmen arrived in a diplomatic vehicle
-- No group has claimed responsibility
-- French people among those held the attacked hotel
-- Two women have been evacuated by security forces.
-- Turkish airlines has six staff members inside the attacked hotel.
-- Gunmen free some hostages, including those able to recite verses of the Quran, reports the Independent. So far, 15 hostages have been released.
@sgallman tweets: Three UN staff members have been safely extracted from the ongoing situation at the Radisson in Mali's capital, Bamako
Terrorists went on shooting rampage at the Radisson Blu hotel in the centre of Bamako, the capital of Mali. Automatic weapons fire could be heard from outside the 190-room hotel, where security forces have set up a security cordon.
Two people have "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees in an ongoing hostage-taking at the Radisson hotel in Bamako, the hotel chain said in a statement on Friday.
Malian army commander Modibo Nama Traore said 10 gunmen stormed the hotel shouting "Allahu Akbar" or "God is great" in Arabic before firing on the guards and taking hostages.
A security source told the AFP news agency that "jihadists" were "firing in the corridor" on the seventh floor.
Pic: Police outside the Radisson Blu hotel which has been cordoned off. Courtesy: Sky News
-- Two Malian citizens and a French citizen have died in the incident, a U.N. official tells France 24
-- The gunmen arrived in a diplomatic vehicle
-- No group has claimed responsibility
-- French people among those held the attacked hotel
-- Two women have been evacuated by security forces.
-- Turkish airlines has six staff members inside the attacked hotel.
-- Gunmen free some hostages, including those able to recite verses of the Quran, reports the Independent. So far, 15 hostages have been released.
@sgallman tweets: Three UN staff members have been safely extracted from the ongoing situation at the Radisson in Mali's capital, Bamako
Terrorists went on shooting rampage at the Radisson Blu hotel in the centre of Bamako, the capital of Mali. Automatic weapons fire could be heard from outside the 190-room hotel, where security forces have set up a security cordon.
Two people have "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees in an ongoing hostage-taking at the Radisson hotel in Bamako, the hotel chain said in a statement on Friday.
Malian army commander Modibo Nama Traore said 10 gunmen stormed the hotel shouting "Allahu Akbar" or "God is great" in Arabic before firing on the guards and taking hostages.
A security source told the AFP news agency that "jihadists" were "firing in the corridor" on the seventh floor.
Pic: Police outside the Radisson Blu hotel which has been cordoned off. Courtesy: Sky News
15:59 When Peter Mukerjea said he 'felt betrayed by Indrani'
If what the CBI says is indeed true that Peter Mukerjea has confessed to knowing Sheena Bora had been murdered, he can hold a master class in acting.
Here's an interview to India Today in the immediate aftermath of Indrani Mukerjee's arrest for the murder of her daughter. Excerpts...
-- My version is very clear, I am completely shocked by the information about who Sheena Bora is, sister or daughter, or who Mikhail is.
-- I know Sheena and Mikhail, (they were) introduced to me as Indrani's siblings.
-- I have never once met Indrani's parents or other members of her family.- It is strange but it is what it is (about not meeting anybody else from the family).
- I had helped Sheena get admission in St Xavier's Bombay.
- We were in UK since 2009, so did not think about Sheena missing from 2012 onwards.
- She (Sheena) was in a relationship with my younger son.
- My son knew Sheena was Indrani's daughter.
- I feel betrayed by my wife if everything is true.
- Once in a while, Indrani would show me a photograph of Sheena in US.
- I am not on Facebook, so I believed what Indrani said.
Here's an interview to India Today in the immediate aftermath of Indrani Mukerjee's arrest for the murder of her daughter. Excerpts...
-- My version is very clear, I am completely shocked by the information about who Sheena Bora is, sister or daughter, or who Mikhail is.
-- I know Sheena and Mikhail, (they were) introduced to me as Indrani's siblings.
-- I have never once met Indrani's parents or other members of her family.- It is strange but it is what it is (about not meeting anybody else from the family).
- I had helped Sheena get admission in St Xavier's Bombay.
- We were in UK since 2009, so did not think about Sheena missing from 2012 onwards.
- She (Sheena) was in a relationship with my younger son.
- My son knew Sheena was Indrani's daughter.
- I feel betrayed by my wife if everything is true.
- Once in a while, Indrani would show me a photograph of Sheena in US.
- I am not on Facebook, so I believed what Indrani said.
15:50 Rahul makes his mark on Nitish's big day, arrives after swearing-in ends
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, the only VVIP to arrive late for Nitish Kumar's swearing in ceremony has finally reached the venue at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
Rahul missed the ceremony as his special flight was delayed due to bad weather and air traffic control did not allow it to land. By the time the plane landed in Patna, the ceremony was over but the Congress vice-president still wanted to go to the venue.
However, on the way to the venue, there was so much traffic that Rahul almost changed his mind and asked to be taken to Nitish's residence instead.
After 15 minutes, the traffic was cleared to make way for his convoy and Rahul finally reached the venue. He congratulated the Bihar CM and then went around and greeted the VVIP senior leaders present from almost every party. Another chair had to be brought in at the stage for Rahul. Ashok Choudhary, a Congress MLA, could not take oath of office as he was at the airport to receive Rahul Gandhi. There will be a separate swearing-in ceremony inside Raj Bhavan on Sunday.
Rahul missed the ceremony as his special flight was delayed due to bad weather and air traffic control did not allow it to land. By the time the plane landed in Patna, the ceremony was over but the Congress vice-president still wanted to go to the venue.
However, on the way to the venue, there was so much traffic that Rahul almost changed his mind and asked to be taken to Nitish's residence instead.
After 15 minutes, the traffic was cleared to make way for his convoy and Rahul finally reached the venue. He congratulated the Bihar CM and then went around and greeted the VVIP senior leaders present from almost every party. Another chair had to be brought in at the stage for Rahul. Ashok Choudhary, a Congress MLA, could not take oath of office as he was at the airport to receive Rahul Gandhi. There will be a separate swearing-in ceremony inside Raj Bhavan on Sunday.
15:36
Third body recovered from Saint-Denis flat raided by police in connection with Paris attacks, prosecutors say the BBC.
15:35 Peter Mukerjea knew Sheena was murdered: CBI
In a fresh twist to the news, it is now being reported that Peter Mukerjea has not yet been charged with murder.
What has happened so far is this:
-- Peter Mukerje has told the CBI that he knew that Sheena Bora had been killed and that he played along, but charges against Mukerjea have yet to be framed. The CBI says that Peter knew of Sheena's murder but has not been charged with murder.
-- The CBI tells the court that Peter had falsely told his son Rahul that he had spoken to Sheena when he knew that she was dead.
-- The CBI says that Peter was on a call during and after Sheena's murder. Rahul also told the CBI that he had recorded his father's phone call where he said he had just spoken to Sheena in the US. The CBI said that Peter's phone call to Rahul was made after Sheena's death.
-- CBI seeks 14-day custody of Peter Mukerjea; Agency tells court he was involved in conspiracy with wife Indrani.
What has happened so far is this:
-- Peter Mukerje has told the CBI that he knew that Sheena Bora had been killed and that he played along, but charges against Mukerjea have yet to be framed. The CBI says that Peter knew of Sheena's murder but has not been charged with murder.
-- The CBI tells the court that Peter had falsely told his son Rahul that he had spoken to Sheena when he knew that she was dead.
-- The CBI says that Peter was on a call during and after Sheena's murder. Rahul also told the CBI that he had recorded his father's phone call where he said he had just spoken to Sheena in the US. The CBI said that Peter's phone call to Rahul was made after Sheena's death.
-- CBI seeks 14-day custody of Peter Mukerjea; Agency tells court he was involved in conspiracy with wife Indrani.
15:10 Terrorists storm Radisson hotel in Mali, take 170 guests hostage
Meanwhile in Mali, terrorists went on shooting rampage at the Radisson Blu hotel (pictured) in the centre of the Bamako, the capital of Mali. Automatic weapons fire could be heard from outside the 190-room hotel, where security forces have set up a security cordon.
Two people have "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees in an ongoing hostage-taking at the Radisson hotel in Bamako, the hotel chain said in a statement on Friday.
"The Rezidor Hotel Group... is aware of the hostage-taking that is ongoing at the property today, 20th November 2015. As per our information two persons have locked in 140 guests and 30 employees," the company said.
"It's all happening on the seventh floor, jihadists are firing in the corridor," a security source told AFP. The shooting follows a nearly 24-hour siege and hostage-taking at another hotel in August in the central Malian town of Sevare.
Four soldiers, five UN workers and four attackers were killed.Islamist groups have continued to wage attacks in Mali despite a June peace deal between former Tuareg rebels in the north of the country and rival pro-government armed groups.
Northern Mali fell in March-April 2012 to Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist groups long concentrated in the area before being ousted by an ongoing French-led military operation launched in January 2013.
Despite the peace deal, large swathes of Mali remain beyond the control of government and foreign forces.
Two people have "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees in an ongoing hostage-taking at the Radisson hotel in Bamako, the hotel chain said in a statement on Friday.
"The Rezidor Hotel Group... is aware of the hostage-taking that is ongoing at the property today, 20th November 2015. As per our information two persons have locked in 140 guests and 30 employees," the company said.
"It's all happening on the seventh floor, jihadists are firing in the corridor," a security source told AFP. The shooting follows a nearly 24-hour siege and hostage-taking at another hotel in August in the central Malian town of Sevare.
Four soldiers, five UN workers and four attackers were killed.Islamist groups have continued to wage attacks in Mali despite a June peace deal between former Tuareg rebels in the north of the country and rival pro-government armed groups.
Northern Mali fell in March-April 2012 to Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist groups long concentrated in the area before being ousted by an ongoing French-led military operation launched in January 2013.
Despite the peace deal, large swathes of Mali remain beyond the control of government and foreign forces.
15:03 Rahul misses Nitish's swearing in.
Here's why Rahul Gandhi was missing from Nitish's swearing in.
Office of RG @OfficeOfRG Flight delayed by more than an hour due to air traffic control & related issues. Just landed in Patna! On my way to Gandhi Maidan now
Point to note is that every other leader who had confirmed attendance was there.
Office of RG @OfficeOfRG Flight delayed by more than an hour due to air traffic control & related issues. Just landed in Patna! On my way to Gandhi Maidan now
Point to note is that every other leader who had confirmed attendance was there.
15:00 Sheena Bora case: Peter Mukerjea charged with murder
Breaking news: Media tycoon Peter Mukerjea, who was arrested on Thursday in connection with the Sheena Bora murder, has been charged with murder by the CBI. He has also been accused of destroying evidence, kidnapping and lying to protect his wife Indrani Mukerjea, the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case. Mukerjea is at the CBI court in Mumbai now. The CBI is seeking 14 days police custody.
CBI's spokesperson said yesterday that Mukerjea's name surfaced during its probe in the case and 'he has been arrested'.
The spokesperson refused to divulge any further details in the case but sources in the probe agency alleged that he had some more insight in the crime which he had not shared with the Mumbai police.
Sources said that he has been arrested for allegedly 'shielding the accused' and 'inconsistencies' in his statements. Mukerjea was placed under arrest after another round of questioning on Thursday.
The development came after the CBI filed the chargesheet in a magistrate's court in Mumbai in which Sheena Bora's mother and former media magnate Indrani Mukherjee and two others have been named as accused.
Sheena was Indrani's daughter from her first marriage.
The CBI had questioned Mukerjea for hours before it was decided to place him under arrest, the sources said.
Mukerjea's lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani said he was surprised at the decision of the CBI to place him under arrest. "I contacted him through messages and my last contact was well past 7.30 pm when he informed me that he was being questioned by the CBI and that he would contact me later," he said.
CBI's spokesperson said yesterday that Mukerjea's name surfaced during its probe in the case and 'he has been arrested'.
The spokesperson refused to divulge any further details in the case but sources in the probe agency alleged that he had some more insight in the crime which he had not shared with the Mumbai police.
Sources said that he has been arrested for allegedly 'shielding the accused' and 'inconsistencies' in his statements. Mukerjea was placed under arrest after another round of questioning on Thursday.
The development came after the CBI filed the chargesheet in a magistrate's court in Mumbai in which Sheena Bora's mother and former media magnate Indrani Mukherjee and two others have been named as accused.
Sheena was Indrani's daughter from her first marriage.
The CBI had questioned Mukerjea for hours before it was decided to place him under arrest, the sources said.
Mukerjea's lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani said he was surprised at the decision of the CBI to place him under arrest. "I contacted him through messages and my last contact was well past 7.30 pm when he informed me that he was being questioned by the CBI and that he would contact me later," he said.
14:43 Why Shatrughan Sinha is missing from Patna
Wondering why BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha was missing on BFF Nitish Kumar's big day?
Sinha confirmed yesterday that he had received an invitation from Nitish Kumar for his oath-taking ceremony but would not be able to attend the function due to "important personal engagements."
The actor-turned-BJP leader is visiting Lord Jagannath temple along with wife Poonam Sinha.
Sinha confirmed yesterday that he had received an invitation from Nitish Kumar for his oath-taking ceremony but would not be able to attend the function due to "important personal engagements."
The actor-turned-BJP leader is visiting Lord Jagannath temple along with wife Poonam Sinha.
14:34 Designer togs for Bihar deputy CM Tejaswi
Tejashwi Yadav, younger son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, choose to wear a designer tog for the swearing-in ceremony.
The newly elected Raghopur MLA, considered the political heir of Lalu Prasad, wore a kurta-pyjama from New Delhis noted fashion designer Mohammed Azimur Rehman, reported the Hindustan Times.
The newly elected Raghopur MLA, considered the political heir of Lalu Prasad, wore a kurta-pyjama from New Delhis noted fashion designer Mohammed Azimur Rehman, reported the Hindustan Times.
14:30
Just ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Lalu Yadav (who served a jail term in the fodder case) greeted Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal who was elected to office on an anti-corruption agenda. Uneasy smile on Kejriwal's face, we think, but the enemy's enemy... adage is a good excuse as any.
14:26 Lalu's son Tejaswi sworn in as Bihar's deputy CM
NDTV reports that Lalu Yadav's son Tejaswi Yadav will be the deputy chief minister of Bihar. Lalu's other son Tej Pratap also gets a ministerial berth.
14:22 Bihar cabinet being sworn in
Nitish Kumar's cabinet being sworn in now. Twelve ministers each from the RJD and JD(U) and four from the Congress
will be sworn in today.
14:18 Lalu's son Tej Pratap stumbles through oath
Lalu's son Tej Pratap Yadav takes oath of office in the Nitish Kumar's cabinet. He makes an error and is asked to repeat the oath.
14:13 Lalu's sons sworn in immediately after Nitish
Lalu's sons sworn in as ministers. RJD leaders have said that no matter what post Tejaswi (pictured) is handed out in the cabinet, he will take the oath after Nitish Kumar at the swearing-in ceremony, to be followed by his brother, Tej Pratap. Lalu has not yet announced the leader of the RJD legislature party after the 80 newly elected party MLAs authorised him to do so.
14:10 Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM, Tejaswi as deputy
Tejaswi Pratap Yadav takes oath immediately after Nitish. Tejaswi, a first timer who won the election from the Raghopur constituency, is likely to be made deputy chief minister. Following Tejaswi, is Tej Pratap, both first time MLAs and yes, Lalu Yadav's sons.
14:05 Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar chief minister
Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar's next chief minister, the fifth time he is holding the portfolio and the third consecutive term.
14:03
WB CM Mamata Banerjee at Nitish Kumar's swearing in ceremony at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Just behind Mamata is CPI-M leader D Raja. Swearing-in ceremonies make strange bedfellows.
13:58
Kodak moment: Sharad Yadav, Farooq Abdullah, Venkaiah Naidu, Lalu Yadav, Omar Abdullah and Deve Gowda.
13:56
Venkaiah Naidu and Lalu Yadav. Must be a bitter pill to swallow for the BJP.
13:55
Farooq and Omar Abdullah arrive and are greeted by Nitish, Lalu and Venkaiah Naidu. Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi and Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh at Nitish Kumar's oath taking ceremony
13:52 Lalu and family take their seats
MI Khan/Rediff.com reporting from Patna:
Turning a deaf ear to the indictment of dynastic politics, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, his wife and former chief minister Rabri Devi along with his two sons, daughters and son-in-laws have taken their seats at Gandhi Maidan,to witness Nitish Kumar's swearing-in ceremony.
Lalu, Rabri and their sons Tej Pratap and Tejaswi Yadav, who are set to take oath as ministers, are sharing the dais with galaxy of leaders from across the country including the chief ministers of eight states.
Lalu's elder daughter Misa Bharti, a doctor-turned-politician, and his other daughters along with their husbands, have already occupied their seats in VIP enclosure near the main dais.
CM designate Nitish Kumar also arrived at the dais in Gandhi Maidan and met Lalu and other leaders personally. All eyes are on the arrival of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who is expected to attend the function. NCP's Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel are also expected.
Lalu takes his seat between BJP's Venkaiah Naidu and HD Deve Gowda. Naidu and Rajiv Pratap Rudy are the PM's representatives to the ceremony
Turning a deaf ear to the indictment of dynastic politics, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, his wife and former chief minister Rabri Devi along with his two sons, daughters and son-in-laws have taken their seats at Gandhi Maidan,to witness Nitish Kumar's swearing-in ceremony.
Lalu, Rabri and their sons Tej Pratap and Tejaswi Yadav, who are set to take oath as ministers, are sharing the dais with galaxy of leaders from across the country including the chief ministers of eight states.
Lalu's elder daughter Misa Bharti, a doctor-turned-politician, and his other daughters along with their husbands, have already occupied their seats in VIP enclosure near the main dais.
CM designate Nitish Kumar also arrived at the dais in Gandhi Maidan and met Lalu and other leaders personally. All eyes are on the arrival of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who is expected to attend the function. NCP's Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel are also expected.
Lalu takes his seat between BJP's Venkaiah Naidu and HD Deve Gowda. Naidu and Rajiv Pratap Rudy are the PM's representatives to the ceremony
13:45 Hello, Madam!
Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit arrives for Nitish Kumar's oath taking ceremony at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Delhi CM Arvind Kejrwial is also expected to be there.
13:44 Prashant Kishor gets his moment in the sun
I did it on my own, Lalu Yadav seems to be telling Nitish Kumar's poll strategist Prashant Kishor. Kishor has got feelers from West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, the AIADMK and the Congress after he scripted a winning strategy for Nitish in Bihar.
13:40 Brothers-in-arms: Nitish greets Lalu ahead of swearing-in
Lalu Yadav and Nitish Kumar hug each other ahead of the oath taking ceremony at Gandhi Maidan.
13:32 It's all about family
And that's Lalu Yadav's family at the swearing-in ceremony. Tejaswi Prasad Yadav, Lalu's son, is likely to become Bihar's deputy chief minister, say sources. Twelve ministers each from the RJD and JD(U) and four from the Congress will be sworn in today, sources said. Among them also, Tej Pratap, Lalu Yadav's older son, who turns 28 tomorrow.
13:28 Nitish Kumar arrives at Gandhi Maidan, will take oath at 2 pm
Lalu Prasad Yadav's family arrives for Nitish Kumar's swearing-in ceremony at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Moments later, the man of the moment, Nitish Kumar, arrives at the grounds.
Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as Bihar chief minister at 2 pm today at Patna's massive public ground, the Gandhi Maidan. His confirmed guest list is a massive show of strength by parties and political leaders who oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP.
Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as Bihar chief minister at 2 pm today at Patna's massive public ground, the Gandhi Maidan. His confirmed guest list is a massive show of strength by parties and political leaders who oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP.
13:19
Headlines Today reports that a very senior Maharashtra cop may be arrested by the CBI for his alleged cover-up in Sheena Bora murder case.
13:16
Noted lawyer Indira Jaising, husband Anand Grover (who represented terrorist Yakub Memon) get MHA notice for foreign funds violations.
13:15 Nitish should get ready to take on Delhi: Farooq
National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah tells ANI that Nitish Kumar must now prepare to take on Delhi. The Abdullahs will be at the swearing-in ceremony.
12:39 Over two lakh people, eight CMs to attend Nitish Kumar's swearing-in
In Patna, a staggering 200,000 people, including nine chief ministers and a galaxy of national leaders ranged against the BJP, are set to cheer Nitish Kumar as he is sworn-in as Bihar's chief minister for a fifth term in office.
Unprecedented security cover has been put in place in Bihar capital for the swearing-in ceremony of Nitish Kumar, who will head the first JD-U-RJD-Congress coalition to rule Bihar.
An estimated two lakh people, mostly workers, supporters and leaders of the Grand Alliance parties Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress are expected throng at the historic Gandhi Maidan to witness the event, police said.
Bihar Police chief P.K. Thakur told the media that security cover is unprecedented in view of a number of political leaders across the country attending the function. "We are taking no chances due to threat perception to several leaders."
According to police officials, many leaders having Z plus and Z cover security are attending the oath-taking ceremony, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.
Besides the elite security agencies like Special Protection Group (SPG), personnel of central para-military security forces and state police have been deployed.
"More than 3,000 additional security personnel including 30 DSPs and SP rank officers have been deployed in Gandhi Maidan to manage the two lakh crowd expected to gather here for the show," Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Vikas Vaibhav said.
He said 20 watch towers have been set up and 40 CCTV cameras installed in and around the venue.
Patna Divisional Commissioner Anand Kishore said two huge canopy shaped daises (70x40 feet) are ready for top leaders. "Only Chief Minister designate Nitish Kumar, his new cabinet colleagues and VVIPs would be accommodated on the main dais."
Unprecedented security cover has been put in place in Bihar capital for the swearing-in ceremony of Nitish Kumar, who will head the first JD-U-RJD-Congress coalition to rule Bihar.
An estimated two lakh people, mostly workers, supporters and leaders of the Grand Alliance parties Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress are expected throng at the historic Gandhi Maidan to witness the event, police said.
Bihar Police chief P.K. Thakur told the media that security cover is unprecedented in view of a number of political leaders across the country attending the function. "We are taking no chances due to threat perception to several leaders."
According to police officials, many leaders having Z plus and Z cover security are attending the oath-taking ceremony, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.
Besides the elite security agencies like Special Protection Group (SPG), personnel of central para-military security forces and state police have been deployed.
"More than 3,000 additional security personnel including 30 DSPs and SP rank officers have been deployed in Gandhi Maidan to manage the two lakh crowd expected to gather here for the show," Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Vikas Vaibhav said.
He said 20 watch towers have been set up and 40 CCTV cameras installed in and around the venue.
Patna Divisional Commissioner Anand Kishore said two huge canopy shaped daises (70x40 feet) are ready for top leaders. "Only Chief Minister designate Nitish Kumar, his new cabinet colleagues and VVIPs would be accommodated on the main dais."
12:25 Rahul Mukerjea grilled for 12 hours
And the other drama scripted in Mumbai: Peter Mukerjea's son Rahul (pictured) was questioned for 12 hours.
Rahul, who was said to be in a relationship with Sheena, was called to the CBI office in south Mumbai last night, sources said. He was seen coming out of the CBI office at around 10.30 am today.
Rahul was asked whether he and Sheena had revealed to Peter that Sheena was not Indrani's sister but her daughter, the sources said. He was also asked if he had raised concerns about Sheena's safety after she disappeared in 2012, they said.
His statement was being corroborated with the statement given by his father Peter Mukerjea to ascertain the facts of the sensational murder case. Peter Mukherjea was yesterday arrested by CBI, hours after it filed a charge sheet in which his wife Indrani Mukherjee, the mother of the victim born from her first marriage, and two others were accused of the crime.
Rahul, who was said to be in a relationship with Sheena, was called to the CBI office in south Mumbai last night, sources said. He was seen coming out of the CBI office at around 10.30 am today.
Rahul was asked whether he and Sheena had revealed to Peter that Sheena was not Indrani's sister but her daughter, the sources said. He was also asked if he had raised concerns about Sheena's safety after she disappeared in 2012, they said.
His statement was being corroborated with the statement given by his father Peter Mukerjea to ascertain the facts of the sensational murder case. Peter Mukherjea was yesterday arrested by CBI, hours after it filed a charge sheet in which his wife Indrani Mukherjee, the mother of the victim born from her first marriage, and two others were accused of the crime.
12:10 Stage set at Patna's Gandhi Maidan for Nitish's historic swearing in
Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as Bihar chief minister at Patna's massive public ground, the Gandhi Maidan. The maidan has been divided into 11 sectors, reports ABP.
Deepak Prasad, the principal secretary of the building construction department, who was monitoring the preparations at the Maidan, said the D-shaped sitting lobby right in front of the stages has been dedicated to the VIP leaders and relatives of the ministers who would take oath.
The four lobbies immediately behind the D-section have been dedicated to senior bureaucrats, MLAs, MLCs and mediapersons. Three other sections behind the VIP area have been dedicated to men, women and senior citizens.
Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind and CM-designate Nitish Kumar will sit at the centre and the ministers-elect would sit on their right on the concrete stage.
Pic: The stage where Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as the CM.
Deepak Prasad, the principal secretary of the building construction department, who was monitoring the preparations at the Maidan, said the D-shaped sitting lobby right in front of the stages has been dedicated to the VIP leaders and relatives of the ministers who would take oath.
The four lobbies immediately behind the D-section have been dedicated to senior bureaucrats, MLAs, MLCs and mediapersons. Three other sections behind the VIP area have been dedicated to men, women and senior citizens.
Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind and CM-designate Nitish Kumar will sit at the centre and the ministers-elect would sit on their right on the concrete stage.
Pic: The stage where Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as the CM.
11:55 British police still shun guns despite Paris attacks
More armed police are to be deployed in London after the Paris attacks, but the move is unlikely to herald a shift toward providing weapons to most officers in the largely unarmed British force, experts said.
Britain is proud of being one of few countries where police usually do not carry guns, and the sight of heavily armed counter-terrorism police officers in recent days is highly unusual one for many people.
While the image abroad of "bobbies on the beat" wearing tall hats and carrying little more than a truncheon and handcuffs is outdated, currently only 2,000 of the capital's 32,000 officers are armed.
However, coordinated gun and bomb attacks in Paris last Friday, as well as a review of British police budgets next week, have prompted a partial rethink.
"There will be more firearms officers available every day on the streets," London's Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe told LBC radio this week.
"What we don't want to do is to knee-jerk towards a new type of policing where everybody's armed," he added. British police are proud of their history of policing "by consent" -- the idea that police serve the people, not the state. They say the principle would be tarnished by the sight of too many armed police officers. Also, the kind of crimes that would necessitate an armed response are relatively low in Britain, and too many armed police could spur more criminals into buying guns, experts say. "We are an unarmed force. We're proud of that. There are only probably four forces in the world that are unarmed, despite this huge city, despite this huge country," Hogan-Howe said.
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron with police officers after laying a wreath at the memorial to victims of the July 7, 2005 London bombings, in Hyde Park, central London. Photograph: Peter Nicholls/ Reuters
Britain is proud of being one of few countries where police usually do not carry guns, and the sight of heavily armed counter-terrorism police officers in recent days is highly unusual one for many people.
While the image abroad of "bobbies on the beat" wearing tall hats and carrying little more than a truncheon and handcuffs is outdated, currently only 2,000 of the capital's 32,000 officers are armed.
However, coordinated gun and bomb attacks in Paris last Friday, as well as a review of British police budgets next week, have prompted a partial rethink.
"There will be more firearms officers available every day on the streets," London's Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe told LBC radio this week.
"What we don't want to do is to knee-jerk towards a new type of policing where everybody's armed," he added. British police are proud of their history of policing "by consent" -- the idea that police serve the people, not the state. They say the principle would be tarnished by the sight of too many armed police officers. Also, the kind of crimes that would necessitate an armed response are relatively low in Britain, and too many armed police could spur more criminals into buying guns, experts say. "We are an unarmed force. We're proud of that. There are only probably four forces in the world that are unarmed, despite this huge city, despite this huge country," Hogan-Howe said.
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron with police officers after laying a wreath at the memorial to victims of the July 7, 2005 London bombings, in Hyde Park, central London. Photograph: Peter Nicholls/ Reuters
11:48 Indrani taken to CBI court
Just in: Indrani Mukerjea leaves Byculla jail and is now being taken to the CBI court.
11:44 Peter Mukerjea arrest: Brother, son to reach court shortly
Gautam Mukerjea (Peter's brother)and Rahul Mukerjea (Peter's son) reach Killa court in Mumbai where Peter Mukerjea will be produced shortly.
Former media magnate Peter Mukerjea, arrested by the CBI in connection with the sensational Sheena Bora murder case for allegedly "shielding the accused", will be produced in a magistrate's court here today.
Peter Mukherjea's wife Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver Shyamvar Rai will also be brought to the court since their judicial custody expires today.
In a fresh twist in the Sheena case, Peter Mukherjea was yesterday arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation, hours after it filed a chargesheet in which Indrani, the mother of the victim born from her first marriage, and two others were accused of the crime.
A CBI spokesperson had said that Peter's name surfaced during its probe in the case and "he has been arrested".
The spokesperson refused to divulge any further details in the case, but sources in the probe agency said he has been arrested for allegedly "shielding the accused" and "inconsistencies" in his statements.
Peter was placed under arrest after another round of questioning yesterday. Peter, who has been kept in the office of Special Task Force of CBI here, will be produced before the magistrate's court today.
The CBI is likely to seek his custody as they want to interrogate him to unravel his role in the murder case. The probe agency, which was handed over the case on September 29 after a turf-war between the ousted Commissioner Rakesh Maria and the new incumbent Ahmed Javed, had questioned Mukherjea for hours before it was decided to place him under arrest, the sources said.
Sheena Bora was allegedly murdered by her mother, Indrani's former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver Shyamvar Rai here in April 2012.
The body of the 24-year-old was dumped in a forest in the neighbouring Raigad district. The court is likely to give a copy of chargesheet to Indrani, Khanna and Rai.
The chargesheet, filed three months after Sheena Bora's remains were found in a forest near Mumbai, names Indrani, Khanna and Rai as accused--who were all arrested in August this year. The agency has charged them with criminal conspiracy to kidnap, murder, cheating, destruction of evidence, forgery and use of forged documents besides violation of provisions of Information Technology Act.
Former media magnate Peter Mukerjea, arrested by the CBI in connection with the sensational Sheena Bora murder case for allegedly "shielding the accused", will be produced in a magistrate's court here today.
Peter Mukherjea's wife Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver Shyamvar Rai will also be brought to the court since their judicial custody expires today.
In a fresh twist in the Sheena case, Peter Mukherjea was yesterday arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation, hours after it filed a chargesheet in which Indrani, the mother of the victim born from her first marriage, and two others were accused of the crime.
A CBI spokesperson had said that Peter's name surfaced during its probe in the case and "he has been arrested".
The spokesperson refused to divulge any further details in the case, but sources in the probe agency said he has been arrested for allegedly "shielding the accused" and "inconsistencies" in his statements.
Peter was placed under arrest after another round of questioning yesterday. Peter, who has been kept in the office of Special Task Force of CBI here, will be produced before the magistrate's court today.
The CBI is likely to seek his custody as they want to interrogate him to unravel his role in the murder case. The probe agency, which was handed over the case on September 29 after a turf-war between the ousted Commissioner Rakesh Maria and the new incumbent Ahmed Javed, had questioned Mukherjea for hours before it was decided to place him under arrest, the sources said.
Sheena Bora was allegedly murdered by her mother, Indrani's former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver Shyamvar Rai here in April 2012.
The body of the 24-year-old was dumped in a forest in the neighbouring Raigad district. The court is likely to give a copy of chargesheet to Indrani, Khanna and Rai.
The chargesheet, filed three months after Sheena Bora's remains were found in a forest near Mumbai, names Indrani, Khanna and Rai as accused--who were all arrested in August this year. The agency has charged them with criminal conspiracy to kidnap, murder, cheating, destruction of evidence, forgery and use of forged documents besides violation of provisions of Information Technology Act.
11:37 Five injured in grenade attack on CRPF team in Pulwama
Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar/Rediff.com reports: Three paramilitary, Central Reserve Ppolice Force (CRPF) troopers and two civilians were wounded in a powerful grenade blast in the saffron-rich town of Pampore in south Kashmir's Pulwama district this morning.
A senior police officer said militants hurled a hand grenade at a posse of CRPF who were part of a road opening party in Pampore on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National highway this morning. "The injured were immediately evacuated to hospital for treatment, while search operations were launched in the area," the officer said.
Meanwhile, the anti-militant operation in the dense forests of Kupwara entered the fifth day today with fresh firing between the combing troops and militants this morning.
A commanding officer, Col Santosh Mahadik of the army was killed while leading his troops in a fierce encounter with a group of heavily armed militants in the Manigah forest area of Kupwara district Tuesday. He was cremated with full honours at this village in Satara yesterday.
Pic: One of the injured has a mic thrust in his face and the question he is probably being asked is: Aapko kaise lag raha hai.
A senior police officer said militants hurled a hand grenade at a posse of CRPF who were part of a road opening party in Pampore on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National highway this morning. "The injured were immediately evacuated to hospital for treatment, while search operations were launched in the area," the officer said.
Meanwhile, the anti-militant operation in the dense forests of Kupwara entered the fifth day today with fresh firing between the combing troops and militants this morning.
A commanding officer, Col Santosh Mahadik of the army was killed while leading his troops in a fierce encounter with a group of heavily armed militants in the Manigah forest area of Kupwara district Tuesday. He was cremated with full honours at this village in Satara yesterday.
Pic: One of the injured has a mic thrust in his face and the question he is probably being asked is: Aapko kaise lag raha hai.
11:26 Harass cuffs on Mahasabha leader
Last night, a Hindu Mahasabha leader and two lawyers have been sent to judicial custody after the pilot of a Chennai-bound flight complained last night that the three had misbehaved with an air hostess and some women passengers.
The three were offloaded at Coimbatore airport before the IndiGo flight took off around 11pm, an hour late.
Sources said lawyers Senthel Kumar and Raja and businessman Subhash Swaminathan, secretary of the youth wing of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha's Tamil Nadu unit, were all drunk. A state BJP leader said the party had nothing to do with the Mahasabha. However, the Mahasabha has often allowed members to be fielded on the BJP's symbol, Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath being one.
The three were offloaded at Coimbatore airport before the IndiGo flight took off around 11pm, an hour late.
Sources said lawyers Senthel Kumar and Raja and businessman Subhash Swaminathan, secretary of the youth wing of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha's Tamil Nadu unit, were all drunk. A state BJP leader said the party had nothing to do with the Mahasabha. However, the Mahasabha has often allowed members to be fielded on the BJP's symbol, Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath being one.
11:18 Who's the 1st VVIP to reach Patna for Nitish's crowning? It's Mamata!
Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as Bihar chief minister at 2 pm today at
Patna's massive public ground, the Gandhi Maidan. CM designate
Nitish Kumar will be sworn in for the fifth term in office (the third consecutive term)
in the presence of a number of national leaders and regional satraps opposed
to the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
His confirmed guest list is a massive show of strength by parties and political leaders who oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has reached Patna, one of the the first VVIPs to reach the state capital. "Mamata Banerjee is staying at the posh Mauyra Hotel close to the venue instead of the state guest house," an official said.
Others who arrived for this mega show are Rashtriya Lok Dal president Ajit Singh, DMK chief Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin, former union minister TR Balu, Kerala's agriculture minister KPM Ohanan, RPI leader Prakash Ambedkar (the grandson of BR Ambedkar), Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Chauthala. Then there are JD-U president Sharad Yadav, Congress leader Rita Bahuguna, who have also reached Patna. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, former PM HD Deve Gowda, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will reach Patna later in the day. All of them have been staying at the state guest house, officials said.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and his father Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference, Left leader Sitaram Yechury will attend the event as will Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
Nitish Kumar was declared the chief ministerial candidate by the Grand Alliance before the campaign of the Bihar assembly polls started in September. RJD chief Lalu Prasad has termed him as the dulha (bridegroom) of the Grand Alliance.
-- MI Khan/Patna
His confirmed guest list is a massive show of strength by parties and political leaders who oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has reached Patna, one of the the first VVIPs to reach the state capital. "Mamata Banerjee is staying at the posh Mauyra Hotel close to the venue instead of the state guest house," an official said.
Others who arrived for this mega show are Rashtriya Lok Dal president Ajit Singh, DMK chief Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin, former union minister TR Balu, Kerala's agriculture minister KPM Ohanan, RPI leader Prakash Ambedkar (the grandson of BR Ambedkar), Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Chauthala. Then there are JD-U president Sharad Yadav, Congress leader Rita Bahuguna, who have also reached Patna. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, former PM HD Deve Gowda, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will reach Patna later in the day. All of them have been staying at the state guest house, officials said.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and his father Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference, Left leader Sitaram Yechury will attend the event as will Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
Nitish Kumar was declared the chief ministerial candidate by the Grand Alliance before the campaign of the Bihar assembly polls started in September. RJD chief Lalu Prasad has termed him as the dulha (bridegroom) of the Grand Alliance.
-- MI Khan/Patna
11:03 'Saw bomber's severed head fly out the window during St Denis raid'
The head of France's elite anti-terrorist force Raid has spoken of a battle against terrorists in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis that was so bloody that at one point his officers saw a suicide bomber's head "fly through the window and land on the other side of the street".
The Independent spoke to Jean-Michel Fauvergue after the shootout that led to the death of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the suspected mastermind of the Paris attacks.Mr Fauvergue, 56, described how a dawn raid on a building in the Rue du Corbillon turned into a battle involving the use of grenades by both sides, the firing of 5,000 bullets, and a female suicide bomber detonating her explosives belt.
The Independent spoke to Jean-Michel Fauvergue after the shootout that led to the death of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the suspected mastermind of the Paris attacks.Mr Fauvergue, 56, described how a dawn raid on a building in the Rue du Corbillon turned into a battle involving the use of grenades by both sides, the firing of 5,000 bullets, and a female suicide bomber detonating her explosives belt.
10:33 2 civilians, 2 CRPF jawans injured in grenade attack in J-K
Two civilians and two CRPF jawans have been injured after militants hurled grenades at a CRPF camp near PNB bank in Jammu Kashmir's Pampore area. The area has been cordoned off and search operations are underway.
The attack comes only two days after Colonel Mahadik was killed after militants opened fire during a search party to flush out hiding ultras. Mahadik was critically injured during the operation in the Haji Naka forest area of Kupwara near the Line of Control with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He was immediately evacuated to a hospital but he succumbed to injuries, the officials said.
10:24 At 1,111 carat, this is the world's second largest diamond
The world's second-largest gem quality diamond has been discovered in Botswana, the Lucara Diamond firm says. Roughly the size of a small orange, the 1,111 carat diamond is the largest gem quality stone to be found since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond was uncovered in South Africa in 1905. The 1,111-carat stone was recovered from its Karowe mine, about 500 km north of the capital, Gaborone.
10:19 Sheena murder: Peter Mukerjea to be produced in court today
Former media magnate Peter Mukerjea, arrested by the CBI in connection with the sensational Sheena Bora murder case for allegedly "shielding the accused", will be produced in a magistrate's court here today.
Peter Mukerjea's wife Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver Shyamvar Rai will also be brought to the court since their judicial custody expires today.
In a fresh twist in the Sheena case, Peter Mukerjea was yesterday arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation, hours after it filed a chargesheet in which Indrani, the mother of the victim born from her first marriage, and two others were accused of the crime. A CBI spokesperson had said that Peter's name surfaced during its probe in the case and "he has been arrested".
10:14 After crashes, Army set to junk Nishant UAVs
The army is set to cancel any further induction of the Nishant surveillance UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) developed by the DRDO after yet another of the drones crashed in the deserts of Rajasthan on Thursday.
With all four Nishant drones supplied to the Army in May 2013 for "user exploitation" having crashed, the last two within a fortnight, the army has put on hold the phase-II induction of eight more such drones.
DRDO had launched the Rs 90 crore Nishant UAV project way back in 1995, on which there is now a big question mark, even though it has other drone projects like Rustom. "There are technical problems with the Nishant drones, especially in their take-off and parachute-recovery phases. Their technology is two decades old," said a source.
09:52 Lalu's sons all set to be Nitish's ministers
Even as preparations are underway and the stage is being prepped for Nitish Kumar's swearing-in ceremony at Patna's Gandhi Maidan on Friday, buzz is circulating over the names that will be inducted into the cabinet.
And if speculations are to be believed, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's son -- Tej Pratap and Tejaswi Yadav -- will be sworn in Nitish's cabinet. However, there is some confusion if Lalu's younger son Tejaswi, a first timer who won from the Raghopur constituency, will be made deputy chief minister or a minister.
-- M I Khan reports from Patna
09:35 #SprayForParis: Artists colour French walls blue, white and red
Graffiti artists in Paris and other French cities responded creatively to last Friday's terror attacks, while Prime Minister Manuel Valls went on television on Thursday evening to say that the country now faced a 'permanent threat' from terrorism. Several public walls in Paris and elsewhere bore new graffiti by artists, who spread their work through the social media with the hashtag #SprayForParis. One artwork in the Menilmontant neighbourhood in Paris had the Latin words, 'Fluctuat nec mergitur' ('Battered by the floods but not sunk').
09:32
JUST IN: China busts a terrorist gang in Xinjiang, killing 28 members after 56-day manhunt
09:13
JUST IN: UP CM Akhilesh Yadav will not attend Nitish Kumar's swearing-in ceremony to be held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna today.
09:04 Islamic State may join hands with Lashkar for attacks in India: Army
A top army commander said there was a "possibility" that global terror outfit Islamic State may join hands with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba to launch attacks in India.
"Yes, that (IS joining hands with LeT to launch attacks in India) can be a possibility as the motive of the terrorists is to spread their propaganda. They want their name and for that, they can do anything. And if they get successful, they can take advantage of it by using any name. Yes it is a possibility," General Officer Commanding of the 16 corps of the Army Lt General RR Nimbhorkar said.
He also added that there around 600-700 terrorists being trained at terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and that they were waiting to infiltrate India at any point of time.
08:18
In France, Apple has changed its French homepage to reflect solidarity after the attacks of last Friday.
08:10 DNAs of Geeta, Bihar family do not match: MEA
Almost four weeks after Geeta, the speech and hearing impaired woman, returned to India from Pakistan, the ministry of external affairs has said her DNA sample did not match that of the family claiming her as their daughter.
"A family from Bihar, the Mahatos, had claimed Geeta as their daughter. But the DNA test turned out to be negative. She will continue to live in Indore where an institution for speech and hearing impaired children are looking after her," said Vikas Swarup, spokesperson for the external affairs ministry.
08:05 David Headley will testify in 26/11 case, says his attorney
Pakistani-American LeT terrorist and 26/11 terrorist attacks convict David Coleman Headley would testify before a TADA court in Mumbai through video conference, his attorney indicated. "I have seen the reports (about TADA court asking that he be produced via video-conference on December 10. Headley will comply with the terms of his plea agreement, which is a public document," John T Theis said.
Headley is currently serving 35 years in an American prison after being convicted of being involved in the planning and execution of the Mumbai terrorist attacks on November 26, 2008 in which 166 persons were killed.
02:48 'Paris attacks 'mastermind' tried to recruit Spanish women'
The suspected mastermind of the Paris attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, tried to recruit women living in Spain for the Islamic State group, Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz said today.
"This person, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, tried to recruit Spaniards, especially women, though social networks to join and fight with Daesh," he said, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group.
"This was not to carry out attacks in Spain. Regarding this we have no knowledge," he added.
The minister said Islamic State has focused on recruiting women to "repopulate the caliphate" which it proclaimed in 2014 in the huge swathes of Syria and Iraq under its control.
Spanish police have arrested several women this year on suspicion of recruiting women and teenage girls for Islamic State jihadists.
Last month police arrested a 22-year-old Spanish woman at Madrid airport suspected of trying to join Islamist extremists in Syria.
02:37 'The spider in the web is no longer a danger'
The death of the Belgian jihadist suspected of being behind a string of attacks in France removes "the spider in the web" of a Brussels-based Islamic State network, Belgian officials and experts said.
But other threats remain.
Alleged planner of last week's Paris attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud was confirmed dead on Thursday after police stormed an apartment in the Paris suburb of St. Denis.
A petty criminal who went to fight in Syria in 2013, he is believed to have recruited similar young men from immigrant families in his native Brussels district of Molenbeek and elsewhere in Belgium and France.
"The spider in the web is no longer a danger," Belgian Justice Minister Koen Geens said, calling it a "breakthrough".
Read more HERE
02:34 Ex-drone operator says programme is 'good at killing people, just not the right ones'
Former US drone operators and technicians spoke out on Thursday about the extensive problems with the Obama administration's lethal program in the Middle East, shedding light on civilian deaths, the callousness of the culture, and the heavy weight of responsibility.
The ex-drone program participants outlined their experiences at an event held in New York that was organized to promote the new documentary Drone.
Michael Haas, who is a former senior airman with the U.S. air force and helped guide missiles to their targets, according to the Guardian, discussed his experience serving under the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, which included working as an instructor.
He said over time the quality of personnel rapidly declined, and the mentality under the Obama administration shifted to where, "a meritorious thing to do was to fire a shot, circumstances be damned."
Read more HERE
02:29 Some attackers used refugee crisis to 'slip into' France: PM
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls on today said some of those linked to the Paris attacks had taken advantage of the chaos caused by Europe's worst migration crisis since World War II "to slip in" unnoticed.
"These individuals took advantage of the refugee crisis.. of the chaos, perhaps, for some of them to slip in" to France, he said.
"Others were in Belgium already. And others, I must remind you, were in France," he said.
02:29 US House votes to keep out Syrian refugees
Republican-dominated US House of Representatives today overwhelmingly voted to bar Syrian and Iraqi refugees from entering the US unless they pass strict background checks in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks, despite a threat by President Barack Obama to veto the bill.
The bill, which seeks to impose more stringent security provisions on already robust screening of Iraqi and Syrian refugees, was voted 289 in favour to 137 opposed.
It's a major setback for the Obama administration, because the US President was opposed to such a move and also because a large block of Democratic lawmakers voted in favour of the bill, which now needs to be passed by the Senate.
Should it pass the upper chamber, the White House has said Obama would veto the bill. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said the bill won't make it to Obama's desk.
"The first duty of our government is to keep the American people safe. If our law enforcement and intelligence community cannot verify that each and every person coming here is not a security threat, then they shouldn't be allowed in," Ryan, who was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, said.
"It's a security test, not a religious test. This reflects our values. This reflects our responsibilities," he said.
02:28 347 rescued from French cruise ship after fire on board
Britain rescued 347 passengers and crew from the French cruise ship Le Boreal after a fire broke out as it was sailing close to the British-ruled Falkland Islands, officials and the operator said today.
Two Royal Air Force Sea King helicopters and two other support helicopters winched 79 people from the deck of the ship and from two life rafts in the water when the incident occurred yesterday.
A Royal Navy vessel also brought two more lifeboats with more than 200 people on board to safety.
"The swift action taken by Royal Navy and Royal Air Force crews, working with civilian counterparts, saved many lives and prevented this developing into a human tragedy," Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said.
"We responded with everything we had yesterday to assist in what was an extremely complex and hazardous rescue operation in difficult conditions," said Darren Bone, commander of British forces for the South Atlantic Islands. The ship, operated by French company Ponant, was just north of the Falklands en route to South Georgia, a British territory in the South Atlantic, when the incident began.
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