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Thu, 30 August 2018
Sarah Palin excluded from McCain's funeral
Timeline Refresh
23:31 Sarah Palin excluded from McCain's funeral
Sarah Palin, the ex-Alaska governor who served as John McCain's running mate when he ran for the US president in 2008, is reportedly banned from his funeral.
According to US media, the request to Palin - who Senator McCain later regretted selecting - was sent through a family intermediary.
A Palin "family source" told NBC News that "out of respect" to the family, "we have nothing to add at this point".
Palin was unveiled as McCain's running mate exactly 10 years ago.
"The Palin family will always cherish their friendship with the McCains and hold those memories dear," the family representative told a reporter on Wednesday.
The 81-year-old Arizona Republican senator and former Vietnam prisoner-of-war died last Saturday after a battle with brain cancer.
23:14 Gerard Depardieu faces probe over alleged rapes, sex assaults
French star Gerard Depardieu "absolutely denies any attack, any rape", his lawyer said on Thursday after a judicial source said he was facing a probe over alleged "rapes and sexual assaults".
The source said the Paris public prosecutor's office had opened a preliminary inquiry into allegations against Depardieu following a complaint lodged on Monday in southern Aix-en-Provence.
"I regret the public nature of this process which poses a major prejudice to Gerard Depardieu, whose innocence I am convinced will be recognised," his lawyer Herve Termime added, calling for restraint on all sides.
Depardieu, 69, is France's biggest international star and has made more than 180 films.
A controversial and larger-than-life character, he became the very face of French cinema due to roles in films such as such as "Cyrano de Bergerac" for which won best actor at the Cannes film festival and was nominated for an Oscar.
He made his name in the 1974 film "Going Places" after which he enjoyed a meteoric rise, demonstrating talent and allure in wide-ranging roles in classics, dramas and comedies alike.
In 2013 Depardieu sparked a huge outcry by leaving France and taking Russian nationality in protest at a proposed tax hike on the rich in his homeland.
22:53 'Policemen asked us to keep door of bedroom open and sleep'
"We were asked by policemen to keep the door of the bedroom open and sleep. I was livid and I flipped. I asked them to stand up and say sorry," Sabha Husain, female partner of activist Gautam Navlakha, said today.
She was describing the scene at their residence in Delhi's Nehru Enclave, where Navlakha has been put under house arrest.
Husain said she and Navlakha are under constant surveillance with policemen present at the residence.
She said she felt "worst" to be surrounded by policemen all the time and be "constantly watched".
"This morning, I ensured the three policemen, including a woman constable, was moved outside the house. The lawyer gave them a piece of her mind after which they moved out," she said.
Husain said it was a relief for them.
"We are alone in the house today. There was a constant police presence inside. We wake up to them. Wherever we go inside the house, they watched us. It completely disorients your mind," Husain, who has been with Navlakha since his house arrest, said.
Authorities have ensured a heavy police deployment outside the residence and barricades have been put up.
-- PTI
22:32 Modi appears 'charismatic' as he is in power: Yashwant Sinha
Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha today said there is a tendency in India to worship people in power and asserted that Narendra Modi is seen as a "charismatic leader" because he is the prime minister.
"There is a 'national' weakness in us that we start worshipping people in power. We need to get rid of this," Sinha said.
Replying to a question on Modi's leadership and four years of his government, the former Union minister said he (Modi) was in power so he appeared charismatic.
"Today Modi is seen as a charismatic leader because he is the Prime Minister, he will not be charismatic when he will not be in power, that is how people look at it..," Sinha said.
Recalling his old association with Modi, the former BJP leader said he had seen a "humble" Modi.
But he (Modi) has now risen rapidly, Sinha said.
-- PTI
22:10 Imran Khan pays 1st visit to army headquarters for security briefing
Pakistan's new Prime Minister Imran Khan today paid his first visit to the army headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi where he was given a detailed briefing on the security issues, threat spectrum and response.
Khan, the Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, won the July 25 general election amidst the perception that the Pakistan Army, a major player in Pakistan's politics, has thrown its weight behind his party.
The prime minister was accompanied by Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar among others.
han was received by Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters, Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said.
"The PM and the ministers were given detailed briefings on security environment, threat spectrum and response," the Inter Services Public Relations - the media wing of the military - said in a statement.
Khan was also briefed on the army's campaign against terrorism, ongoing operation Radd-ul Fasaad, Karachi situation and Khushal Balochistan programme, it added.
-- PTI
21:47 Trump calls for CNN boss Jeff Zucker to be fired
US President Donald Trump has attacked CNN's president Jeff Zucker on Twitter, saying that he should be fired.
US President Trump said CNN's "hatred and extreme bias" towards him made the media organisation "unable to function".
"Little Jeff Z has done a terrible job, his ratings suck, & AT&T should fire him to save credibility!" he tweeted.
Zucker is currently on six weeks' leave from CNN to recover from having heart surgery.
21:22 Azhagiri falls in line, says ready to accept brother Stalin as DMK chief
Azhagiri has been in political hibernation since his expulsion from the party in 2014 by his father and party supremo M Karunanidhi. The former union minister was sacked at the height of his fight with Stalin over establishing supremacy in the party.
MK Azhagiri, the elder son of late DMK chief M Karunandihi, on Thursday said he was ready to accept his younger brother MK Stalin as his leader if he was allowed to return to the DMK.
Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Azhagiri said the DMKs current leadership -- a reference to Stalin -- was not willing to re-admit him despite his requests and that the party did not consist just of the General Council, which elected Stalin as the DMK President on Tuesday, as the genuine party cadres were with him.
Asked if he would accept Stalins leadership, Azhagiri said: If I am in the party, then I will.
He had publicly stated earlier that he could not consider anyone other than Karunanidhi, who died in a Chennai hospital on August 7, as his leader.
20:48 Mumbai airport renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji 'Maharaj' International Airport
Nearly two years after a resolution was passed in the Maharashtra assembly, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has finally been rechristened as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Confirming the development, Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu on Thursday said the long-pending demand of the state had been fulfilled.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Congratulations to the people of Maharashtra, the long pending demand is now fulfilled. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for the concern towards the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra, Prabhu tweeted.
20:17 Bikini-clad blimp of London Mayor to fly over UK capital
A giant blimp of London Mayor Sadiq Khan will be seen in the UK capital's skies this weekend after protesters were given permission to fly the crowdfunded balloon in Westminster.
More than 3,000 supporters have donated more than 58,000 (Rs 53 lakh) in total to fund the 29-foot balloon, which depicts the mayor reclining in a small yellow bikini.
Protest organiser Yanny Bruere, who describes himself as a British free speech advocate, said he had set up the crowdfunding campaign in response to London authorities' decision to allow a "Trump Baby" blimp to be flown during last month's visit to Britain by US President Donald Trump.
19:56 China issues flood alert in Siang/Brahmaputra: Arunachal MP
China has alerted India about the rising water in river Tsangpo, called Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Brahmaputra in Assam, leading to possibility of floods in downstream areas, Arunachal Pradesh MP Ninong Ering said today.
Ering said the communication from China came following heavy rains in that country which has swollen Tsangpo.
"The local authorities told me that the Chinese government has conveyed to Indian government that there is a possibility of floods in parts of Arunachal Pradesh. We have taken the alert seriously and cautioned people," he told PTI.
According to a Chinese government report, 9020 cumec of water was discharged into Tsangpo/Brahmaputra river as observed at various stations yesterday.
-- PTI
19:31 DeMo led to more tax collection, higher growth: Jaitley
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said the demonetisation of Rs 500/1,000 notes led to formalisation of economy, more tax collection and higher growth.
His statement comes a day after Reserve Bank of India data revealed that almost all the scrapped notes were returned to banks.
He said the Reserve Bank has twice released its reports stating that the demonetised notes Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 have been substantially deposited in the banks.
"A widely stated comment has been that just because most of the currency came back into the banks, the object of demonetisation has not succeeded.
"Was the invalidation of the non-deposited currency the only object of demonetisation? Certainly not," Jaitley said in a blog.
The larger purpose of demonetisation was to move India from a tax non-compliant society to a tax-compliant society, he said adding this necessarily involved formalisation of the economy and a blow to the black money.
"This is the positive impact of demonetisation. More formalisation of economy, more money in the system, higher tax revenue, higher expenditure, higher growth after the first two quarters," the finance minister said.
Jaitley said the growth of Income Tax collections in the pre-demonetisation two years was 6.6 per cent and 9 per cent.
Post-demonetisation, the collections increased 15 per cent and 18 per cent in the next two years.
"The same trend is visible in the third year," he said.
In March 2014, the number of Income Tax (IT) returns filed was 3.8 crore.
In 2017-18, the number has grown to 6.86 crore.
In the last two years, when the impact of demonetisation and other steps are analysed, the IT returns have increased 19 per cent and 25 per cent, Jaitley noted.
On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of high-value currency notes.
Of the Rs 15.41 lakh crore worth Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8, 2016, notes worth Rs 15.31 lakh crore have been returned to the banks.
Meanwhile, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu said money hidden in 'bathrooms and bedrooms' have made their way back into the banking system due to the demonetisation exercise.
Referring to the RBI report that said 99.3 per cent of the junked Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes have returned to the banking system, Naidu said he wondered why people were worried over it.
He said he was really happy that almost the entire money has come back into the banking system.
"The money which was there in 'bathrooms and bedrooms' has come back to banks. My simple point is money has come back. How much out of it is black or white, it is the duty of RBI and Income Tax and they will verify," Naidu said.
"If people want to convert black into white...that also is allowed by Parliament..pay the tax..add to the revenue so that the money can be spent for the people," he said.
Some people had criticised the Jan Dhan scheme, questioning its need when people have no money.
"They realised the importance of Jan Dhan on November 8, 2016 (when demonetisation was announced), and started asking their drivers and peons..do you have a bank account?... that is how the money has come back to banks now. That is the secret. Those (suspicious) accounts have to be verified and confirmed," Naidu said. -- PTI
18:50 Rahul attacks PM on DeMo, Rafale, reiterates JPC demand
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of demonetisation, saying he owed the people of the country an answer on why he inflicted such a deep wound when pressing problems like unemployment remained.
Addressing a press conference, Gandhi termed demonetisation the country's 'biggest scam' and alleged that money was taken from common people and given to 'crony capitalists'.
"Prime Minister Modi should answer why he inflicted a deep wound like demonetisation when issues like unemployment and low GDP rate remained," Gandhi said while referring to the Reserve Bank of India's report on the outcome of the demonetisation exercise.
According to the report, over 99 per cent of the banned currency is back in banks.
In a stinging attack, Gandhi also alleged that demonetisation was not a mistake and was done deliberately to attack the people.
Upping the ante on the issue of the Rafale fighter jet deal, Gandhi asked the PM why an aircraft costing around Rs 520 crore was bought at Rs 1,600 crore.
The Congress president also demanded a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe on the Rafale deal.
"Why did you buy an aircraft of Rs 520 crore at the cost of Rs 1,600 crore? Who were you (Modi) trying to benefit?" Gandhi asked at the press conference.
Gandhi also attacked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, saying he was blogging but not saying anything on a probe by a JPC.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of Youth Congress workers took to the streets to voice their protest against the deal they dubbed the 'biggest scam'. -- PTI
18:06 Simultaneous polls: Law Commission for changes in Constitution
Holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies is a solution to prevent the country from being in constant election mode, the Law Commission said today in its draft report and recommended changes in the Constitution and the electoral law to hold the mammoth exercise.
The 'draft' report submitted to the Law Ministry recommended 'holding of simultaneous elections to House of the People (Lok Sabha) and the State Legislative Assemblies (except the State of Jammu and Kashmir)'.
Such an exercise will, it said, save public money, help reduce the burden on administrative set up and security forces and ensure better implementation of government policies.
It said if simultaneous polls are held, the administrative machinery of the country will be continuously engaged in developmental activities, 'rather than in electioneering'.
It, however, cautioned that 'holding simultaneous elections is not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution'.
17:49 Sharp fall in encephalitis cases in UP this year
Uttar Pradesh has seen a drastic fall in cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) this year, thanks to the concerted efforts of six state government departments, UP minister Sidharth Nath Singh said today.
There has been a sharp decline in AES cases this year compared to the number of patients admitted to the BRD Medical College Hospital in Gorakhpur with the disease last year, he said.
"A total of 1,427 AES and JE cases were reported till August 9, 2018 in the state which led to 111 deaths," the health minister said.
Singh said over 5,400 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome and Japanese Encephalitis were reported in the state in 2017, leading to 748 deaths, compared to 4,353 such cases and 715 deaths in 2016.
According to the official figures, AES continued to be a bigger killer than JE in the northern state. The minister said among the 111 deaths so far this year, 108 were due to AES and three due to JE.
Nearly 90 per cent of encephalitis cases and deaths in 2016 and 2017 were also attributed to AES.
Singh said the massive success in controlling the outbreak of the vector-borne disease was due to a planned strategy of the state government which had started its work well in advance.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also launched the 'Dastak' campaign against Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in collaboration with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
"Encephalitis affects children up to 15 years of age. This is our commitment to protect them from this deadly disease so that these children too can play an active role in nation building," he had noted.
As many as 38 districts of the northern state have been affected by the deadly disease.
The state health department was made the nodal agency to combat the disease with other departments like Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, Women and Child Welfare, Rural Development, Medical Education, Animal Husbandry and basic education, working under it.
Detailing the various steps taken by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government to tackle the deadly disease, Singh said a detailed programme was prepared to combat encephalitis as part of which vaccination work was completed by March-April 2018.
A sanitation drive was also launched. People were asked to keep their surroundings clean. Educational institutions as well as non-governmental organisations were also involved in this task, the health minister said.
Singh said malnourishment, one of the causes of spread of encephalitis, was checked by ensuring that pregnant women, lactating mothers and infants got nutritious food for which the lntegrated Child Development Services (ICDS) department and Aanganwadi workers were involved.
The medical department has been directed to provide more ventilators and warmers to the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur, he said, adding paramedic staff were being trained to combat the disease. -- PTI
17:30 4 get death in Rajasthan under new law against rape of minors
Four persons have been given death penalty in three cases of rape with minors in Rajasthan since March, when the state introduced a provision for capital punishment if the rape victim is up to 12 years of age, a top police officer said in Jaipur.
Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) O P Galhotra said that all police officers have been directed to take swift action in cases of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and file charge sheet in courts.
The Rajasthan government had passed The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2018 in March entailing death penalty for rape convicts if the victime is up to 12 years of age.
Galhotra, in a statement, said that a rape case was registered at Jhalawar Kotwali on February 14 in which the victim was a six-year-old girl. A chargesheet was filed on February 28 in court after the probe was completed in 16 days.
The court sentenced the accused to death on August 24, 2018.
Three other accused, two in Barmer and one in Lakshmangarh of Alwar district, were awarded death penalty in rape cases with minors.
He said that 56 special courts (POCSO court) have been notified in the state to deal with cases registered under the POCSO Act.
The first POCSO court was set up in Jaipur on July 10, 2017. Law and legal affairs department had issued a notification on August 6 to set up 55 new POCSO courts, he added. -- PTI
17:03 Flood-hit Kerala to get low cost LPG cylinders
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has approved a proposal to replace LPG cylinders, which were lost during the recent floods in Kerala, at a subsidised rate, a statement from the Union Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons' office said today.
Responding to a request made by the tourism minister, Pradhan said those below the poverty line will be given an LPG connection for Rs 200 and the rest would be offered the same at Rs 1,200, the statement read. A regular LPG connection costs Rs 1,400. All oil companies have been directed to distribute the connections immediately, the minister's office said. -- PTI
Responding to a request made by the tourism minister, Pradhan said those below the poverty line will be given an LPG connection for Rs 200 and the rest would be offered the same at Rs 1,200, the statement read. A regular LPG connection costs Rs 1,400. All oil companies have been directed to distribute the connections immediately, the minister's office said. -- PTI
17:03 Hizbul commander's father called for questioning by police
Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo's father was called by police for questioning today, a senior police officer said. Assadullah Naikoo was detained by the police for questioning in Awantipora area of Pulwama district, sparking rumours that the 70-year-old father of the militant commander was arrested.
"We had called him for questioning as he is closely associated with his son, who is an active militant. We have to keep a track of people known to militants but he has not been arrested," the officer said.
Yesterday, a joint team of the police and security forces busted some modules of militant sympathisers in Awantipora area and arrested nine suspects. -- PTI
"We had called him for questioning as he is closely associated with his son, who is an active militant. We have to keep a track of people known to militants but he has not been arrested," the officer said.
Yesterday, a joint team of the police and security forces busted some modules of militant sympathisers in Awantipora area and arrested nine suspects. -- PTI
16:47 Goa Cong wants BJP to declare exact cause of Parrikar's ailment
The Congress Legislature Party in Goa will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the issue of state leadership in view of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's ongoing medical treatment. The state Congress has also demanded that the Goa government declare the exact cause of Parrikar's ailment by tomorrow.
Parrikar, 62, left for the US early today for his further medical treatment for a pancreatic ailment. This is his third visit to the US since February. During the meeting to be held tomorrow, the CLP will discuss whether it should seek state Governor Mridula Sinha's intervention on the leadership issue, a party leader said today.
Parrikar, 62, left for the US early today for his further medical treatment for a pancreatic ailment. This is his third visit to the US since February. During the meeting to be held tomorrow, the CLP will discuss whether it should seek state Governor Mridula Sinha's intervention on the leadership issue, a party leader said today.
16:42 SC reserves order on pleas to reconsider verdict on quota benefits for SC/ST in job promotions
The Supreme Court today reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions seeking that a seven-judge bench reviews its 2006 verdict which had put conditions for granting quota benefits for job promotions to SC/ST employees.
16:09 Kamala Mills fire: HC asks probe panel to submit report on Sept 10
The Bombay High Court today asked the committee probing the Kamala Mills Compound fire incident that claimed 14 lives to submit its report before the court on September 10.
In April this year, the high court had ordered that a three-member committee be set up to conduct an inquiry into the incident that took place last year. The panel was later set up and it is headed by retired chief justice A V Savant and has two other members -- Vasant Thakur, an architect on one of the high court panels, and former chief secretary K Nalinakshan.
The committee was directed earlier to submit its report to the high court on August 31. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation moved an application today before a division bench of Justices B R Gavai and M S Karnik seeking extension of the time granted to the committee to submit its report.
"The committee has completed its proceedings. All the data is being compiled and the report is being prepared. The committee has sought time till September 10 to submit its final report to the high court," BMC's counsel Anil Sakhare told the court.
The bench accepted the request and said the committee shall submit its report on September 10. The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by retired IPS officer Julio Ribeiro, seeking, among other things, a judicial inquiry into the fire tragedy. -- PTI
In April this year, the high court had ordered that a three-member committee be set up to conduct an inquiry into the incident that took place last year. The panel was later set up and it is headed by retired chief justice A V Savant and has two other members -- Vasant Thakur, an architect on one of the high court panels, and former chief secretary K Nalinakshan.
The committee was directed earlier to submit its report to the high court on August 31. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation moved an application today before a division bench of Justices B R Gavai and M S Karnik seeking extension of the time granted to the committee to submit its report.
"The committee has completed its proceedings. All the data is being compiled and the report is being prepared. The committee has sought time till September 10 to submit its final report to the high court," BMC's counsel Anil Sakhare told the court.
The bench accepted the request and said the committee shall submit its report on September 10. The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by retired IPS officer Julio Ribeiro, seeking, among other things, a judicial inquiry into the fire tragedy. -- PTI
15:54 No Indo-Pak meet at UNGA
There are no plans for any bilateral talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in New York next month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA).
"A bilateral meeting in not on the table" sources said countering reports of possible Swaraj-Qureshi meeting in New York next month.
The Indian government wants Pakistan to take concrete action against terror before engaging into any talks. India is awaiting action from Pakistan on the recent terror attacks on Pathankot airbase and Army camp in Uri in 2016. Besides, India is also awaiting justice on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. India had asked Pakistan to fast track the trial in the case that is dragging on for the last ten years. -- ANI
Image: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi
"A bilateral meeting in not on the table" sources said countering reports of possible Swaraj-Qureshi meeting in New York next month.
The Indian government wants Pakistan to take concrete action against terror before engaging into any talks. India is awaiting action from Pakistan on the recent terror attacks on Pathankot airbase and Army camp in Uri in 2016. Besides, India is also awaiting justice on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. India had asked Pakistan to fast track the trial in the case that is dragging on for the last ten years. -- ANI
Image: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi
15:23 No bigger conspiracy than calling those fighting fascism as conspirators: Rao
There cannot be a bigger conspiracy than calling those fighting against "fascist policies" conspirators, Leftist poet and writer Varavara Rao, under house arrest in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case, said today, lashing out at the Centre and Maharashtra government.
He said the case for Koregaon-Bhima clashes between Dalits and upper caste Marathas should have been filed against the central and Maharashtra governments and not human rights activists.
"This is a false case. If the fight against fascist policies is called a conspiracy, then there cannot be a bigger conspiracy than this (calling the fight a conspiracy)," Rao, who was brought to Hyderabad by the Maharashtra police in the morning on the order of the Supreme Court, told reporters at the airport.
The Supreme Court had yesterday pulled up the Maharashtra police over the arrest of five prominent human rights activists for their alleged Maoist links and ordered that they will not be lodged in jail but kept under house arrest till September 6.
"They (the Supreme Court) have ordered house arrest. As we have been saying, this is a false case against us. Bhima-Koregaon case should have been filed against the state and central governments," he said.
According to Rao's wife Hemalatha, he was flown to Hyderabad from Pune at 7 in the morning and barring his close relatives nobody was being allowed to meet him.
Rao's counsel said Telangana police was not permitting even his lawyers to meet him. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) Viswa Prasad said Hyderabad police was enforcing the apex court's order of house arrest. Prasad said since the poet-activist was under house arrest, he was not allowed to come out of confinement or make public appearances.
He said only his wife and children, if they are living with him in the same house, will be allowed in.
The city police has made elaborate security arrangements around Rao's apartment building. Apart from Rao, human rights activists Vernon Gonzalves, Arun Ferreira, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha were arrested from different states on Tuesday for their alleged links to Naxalites.
He said the case for Koregaon-Bhima clashes between Dalits and upper caste Marathas should have been filed against the central and Maharashtra governments and not human rights activists.
"This is a false case. If the fight against fascist policies is called a conspiracy, then there cannot be a bigger conspiracy than this (calling the fight a conspiracy)," Rao, who was brought to Hyderabad by the Maharashtra police in the morning on the order of the Supreme Court, told reporters at the airport.
The Supreme Court had yesterday pulled up the Maharashtra police over the arrest of five prominent human rights activists for their alleged Maoist links and ordered that they will not be lodged in jail but kept under house arrest till September 6.
"They (the Supreme Court) have ordered house arrest. As we have been saying, this is a false case against us. Bhima-Koregaon case should have been filed against the state and central governments," he said.
According to Rao's wife Hemalatha, he was flown to Hyderabad from Pune at 7 in the morning and barring his close relatives nobody was being allowed to meet him.
Rao's counsel said Telangana police was not permitting even his lawyers to meet him. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) Viswa Prasad said Hyderabad police was enforcing the apex court's order of house arrest. Prasad said since the poet-activist was under house arrest, he was not allowed to come out of confinement or make public appearances.
He said only his wife and children, if they are living with him in the same house, will be allowed in.
The city police has made elaborate security arrangements around Rao's apartment building. Apart from Rao, human rights activists Vernon Gonzalves, Arun Ferreira, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha were arrested from different states on Tuesday for their alleged links to Naxalites.
14:49 Some of the arrested activists are 'naxal mentors': Telangana BJP
Some of the five Left-leaning activists arrested by the Pune police in a case relating to the Bhima-Koregaon violence are naxal mentors, the Telangana BJP unit alleged today, rejecting suggestions in some quarters it is a crackdown on political dissent.
Party spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao alleged that some of the arrested are certainly "naxal mentors" who are "wearing a faade of intellectuals and professionals for decades," but did not specify the individuals he was referring to.
Telugu poet Varavara Rao was picked up by Pune police in Hyderabad, Sudha Bharadwaj in Faridabad, Vernon Gonsalves in Mumbai, Arun Ferreira in Chhattisgarh and Gautam Navlakha in Delhi.
"Violence in Bhima Koregaon incidents were plotted and executed under the mentorship of a few of these mentors; some of the arrested are also part of that investigation by law enforcement agencies," Rao alleged. He rejected suggestions in some quarters that the police action is a crackdown on political dissent.
Image: Varavara Rao.
Party spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao alleged that some of the arrested are certainly "naxal mentors" who are "wearing a faade of intellectuals and professionals for decades," but did not specify the individuals he was referring to.
Telugu poet Varavara Rao was picked up by Pune police in Hyderabad, Sudha Bharadwaj in Faridabad, Vernon Gonsalves in Mumbai, Arun Ferreira in Chhattisgarh and Gautam Navlakha in Delhi.
"Violence in Bhima Koregaon incidents were plotted and executed under the mentorship of a few of these mentors; some of the arrested are also part of that investigation by law enforcement agencies," Rao alleged. He rejected suggestions in some quarters that the police action is a crackdown on political dissent.
Image: Varavara Rao.
14:41 AAP wants de-registration of similarly named party
Which AAP will you vote for?
The Delhi High Court today sought response of the Election Commission on a plea by the Aam Aadmi Party against the poll panel's decision to reject its objection against registration of the 'Aapki Apni Party (Peoples)' as a political party.
Justice Siddharth Mridul issued notice to the EC and the Aapki Apni Party (Peoples) seeking their stand on the plea by AAP seeking de-registration of the newly formed party.
The Aam Aadmi Party has sought de-registration of the new party on the grounds that the abbreviation of both the parties would be the same -- AAP -- which could confuse voters.
The petition, filed through advocate Anupam Srivastava, claimed that the new party's name was similar sounding and that could confuse voters. The AAP has sought quashing of the EC's July 16 order rejecting its objection against registration of Aapki Apni Party (Peoples) as a political party under provisions of the Representation of People Act. -- PTI
The Delhi High Court today sought response of the Election Commission on a plea by the Aam Aadmi Party against the poll panel's decision to reject its objection against registration of the 'Aapki Apni Party (Peoples)' as a political party.
Justice Siddharth Mridul issued notice to the EC and the Aapki Apni Party (Peoples) seeking their stand on the plea by AAP seeking de-registration of the newly formed party.
The Aam Aadmi Party has sought de-registration of the new party on the grounds that the abbreviation of both the parties would be the same -- AAP -- which could confuse voters.
The petition, filed through advocate Anupam Srivastava, claimed that the new party's name was similar sounding and that could confuse voters. The AAP has sought quashing of the EC's July 16 order rejecting its objection against registration of Aapki Apni Party (Peoples) as a political party under provisions of the Representation of People Act. -- PTI
14:10 Kumaraswamy meets Rahul in Delhi
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy met Congress President Rahul Gandhi earlier today in Delhi. He also met Jitendra Singh, MOS PMO earlier today and discussed the flood and drought situation in Karnataka. When asked whether he had complained about former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy said, "No no. It was a cordial visit. I had just come to meet him (Rahul Gandhi) on 100 days of our government."
13:57 A film is like a one-night stand: Victor Banerjee
"I have said a lot of yeses to lots of first-time film-makers. Lots, lots, lots. I admire them a lot, I respect them a lot. It is of greatest pride to be working with someone's first film -- like being given a Nobel Prize or an Oscar. When someone making their first film says, 'We want you' -- it's an honour you can't compare anything with. It's the greatest honour one can receive as an actor."
Actor Victor Banerjee speaks to Swarupa Dutt/Rediff.com ahead of the release of his film, The Answer. Read the interview here.
Actor Victor Banerjee speaks to Swarupa Dutt/Rediff.com ahead of the release of his film, The Answer. Read the interview here.
13:49 Cong advises Rahul to not accept RSS invite
Senior Congress leaders in a core group meeting have advised party president Rahul Gandhi to not accept the invitation to the RSS program, reports ANI.
This comes after reports that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is likely to invite Rahul Gandhi, a critic of the organisation, to its event next month. The event, a lecture series, will be held between September 17 and 19 at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi.
Apart from the Congress president, several other opposition leaders, like Sitaram Yechury of the Left, are also likely to be invited.The Sangh wants to invite people representing different ideologies, sources say.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address the lecture series on the "Future of Bharat: An RSS perspective" and present the Sangh's views on "contemporary views of national importance".
This comes after reports that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is likely to invite Rahul Gandhi, a critic of the organisation, to its event next month. The event, a lecture series, will be held between September 17 and 19 at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi.
Apart from the Congress president, several other opposition leaders, like Sitaram Yechury of the Left, are also likely to be invited.The Sangh wants to invite people representing different ideologies, sources say.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address the lecture series on the "Future of Bharat: An RSS perspective" and present the Sangh's views on "contemporary views of national importance".
13:42 Mr Jaitley, young India is waiting: Rahul's jibe over Rafale
Young India is waiting for a decision on a joint parliamentary committee on the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi told Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today, a day after he gave him 24 hours to "check and revert" on the issue.
As Indian Youth Congress workers gathered outside the AICC office in preparation for a protest march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on the issue, Gandhi took to Twitter to address the finance minister.
"Dear Mr Jaitley, Less than 6 hrs left for your deadline on the #Rafale JPC to run out. Young India is waiting. I hope you're busy convincing Modi Ji and Anil Ambani Ji about why they should listen to you & approve this!" he said.
The Congress, which has launched a frontal attack on the government over the Rafale issue, is undertaking a pan India campaign to "apprise people" on the deal.
Party leaders are fanning out across the country, holding press conferences which will be followed by plans for district and state level agitations on the issue.
In Delhi, the Congress is holding protests outside its headquarters and will march towards the PM's house with top party leaders expected to participate in the agitation.
"Mr Jaitley, thanks for bringing the nation's attention back to the 'GREAT RAFALE ROBBERY'. How about a Joint Parliamentary Committee to sort it out? Problem is, your 'Supreme Leader' is protecting 'his friend', so this may be inconvenient. Do check and revert in 24 hours. We're waiting," Gandhi said on Twitter yesterday after Jaitley spoke on the deal. -- PTI
13:41 Three of a family found dead in Gurgaon's Pataudi
Three members of a family were found dead under mysterious circumstances in their home in Pataudi town here while a one-year-old girl, who was seriously injured, died in a hospital, police said today.
The bodies of 25-year-old Manish God, his wife Pinki (22), his mother Phoolwati (62) were found by a milkman who had gone to their residence in Brijpura village to supply milk last evening, they said.
While Manish and his mother were found in a pool of blood, his wife was found hanging from a ceiling fan in another room with deep cut marks on her legs and hands, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pataudi) Ber Singh said.
He said their daughter Charu was critical and taken to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Their two-year-old son Akshay was reportedly in a school when the incident occurred. -- PTI
The bodies of 25-year-old Manish God, his wife Pinki (22), his mother Phoolwati (62) were found by a milkman who had gone to their residence in Brijpura village to supply milk last evening, they said.
While Manish and his mother were found in a pool of blood, his wife was found hanging from a ceiling fan in another room with deep cut marks on her legs and hands, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pataudi) Ber Singh said.
He said their daughter Charu was critical and taken to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Their two-year-old son Akshay was reportedly in a school when the incident occurred. -- PTI
12:54 India expected to surpass Britain to become world's 5th largest economy next yr: FM
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said India is expected to surpass Britain next year to become world's fifth largest economy.
"This year, in terms of size, we have overtaken France. Next year we are likely to overtake Britain. Therefore, we will be the fifth largest (economy)," he said here.
Other economies in the world is growing at much lesser rate, he said, adding that India has the potential to be among top three economies of the world in the next 10-20 years. -- PTI
12:41 Kanye West tenders apology for saying 'slavery was a choice'
Rapper Kanye West has apologised for his past comments where he had suggested that the enslavement of African Americans over 400 years was a "choice".
During a radio interview with 107.5 WGCI Chicago, the 41-year-old musician tendered an apology for his comments that came in May this year and after his controversial tweets in support of President Donald Trump,
"I don't know if I properly apologised for how that slave comment made people feel, so I want to take this moment right now to say that I'm sorry for hurting, I'm sorry for the one-two effect of the MAGA hat into the slave comment," West said.
"And I'm sorry for people who felt let down by that moment, and also I appreciate you guys giving me the opportunity to talk to you about the way I was thinking and what I was going through and what led me to that," he added.
West also talked about the moment he was left speechless on Jimmy Kimmel Live! when asked why he feels Trump cares about black people.
The rapper offered his reply to the question, saying "I feel that he cares about the way black people feel about him, and he would like for black people to like him like they did when he was cool in the rap songs and all this. He will do the things that are necessary to make that happen because he's got an ego like all the rest of us.
"He wants to be the greatest president, and he knows that he can't be the greatest president without the acceptance of the black community. So, it's something he's going to work towards, but we're gonna have to speak to him," he added. -- PTI
12:18 You will be treated in Ranchi, says court after Lalu surrenders
RJD president and fodder scam convict Lalu Prasad today surrendered before a special CBI court in Ranchi on the expiry of his provisional bail. Prasad, who reached Ranchi from Patna yesterday, was directed by the Jharkhand High Court to surrender before the CBI court by August 30.
After his surrender before Judge S S Prasad, RJD chief's advocate Prabhat Kumar said his client had been suffering from various ailments.
At this, the judge directed doctors of the Birsa Munda Jail to consult doctors who were treating the former chief minister. The judge also said that Lalu Prasad could also undergo treatment by doctor Umesh Prasad at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science in Ranchi.
After being sent to jail in December last year following conviction in fodder scam cases, Prasad spent a considerable time at the RIMS Hospital in Ranchi and at the AIIMS at New Delhi, for treatment of various ailments. He was also treated at a Mumbai hospital for three weeks and was discharged on August 25. He was released on six weeks' provisional bail on May 11 by the Jharkhand High Court for medical treatment and was restrained from taking part in any public function, political activity or issuing statements to the media during the period.
The high court had extended the period of Prasad's bail till August 27 and had refused to extend it further. He was ordered to surrender by August 30. -- PTI
After his surrender before Judge S S Prasad, RJD chief's advocate Prabhat Kumar said his client had been suffering from various ailments.
At this, the judge directed doctors of the Birsa Munda Jail to consult doctors who were treating the former chief minister. The judge also said that Lalu Prasad could also undergo treatment by doctor Umesh Prasad at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science in Ranchi.
After being sent to jail in December last year following conviction in fodder scam cases, Prasad spent a considerable time at the RIMS Hospital in Ranchi and at the AIIMS at New Delhi, for treatment of various ailments. He was also treated at a Mumbai hospital for three weeks and was discharged on August 25. He was released on six weeks' provisional bail on May 11 by the Jharkhand High Court for medical treatment and was restrained from taking part in any public function, political activity or issuing statements to the media during the period.
The high court had extended the period of Prasad's bail till August 27 and had refused to extend it further. He was ordered to surrender by August 30. -- PTI
11:57 PM at Bimstec Summit
BIMSTEC leaders including PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina with Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari in Kathmandu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kathmandu today to attend the 4th BIMSTEC Summit on the sidelines of which he will hold bilateral meetings with regional leaders, including Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Bangladeshi Premier Sheikh Hasina.
11:53 Separatist-sponsored strike disrupts life in Kashmir Valley
Life in Kashmir came to a standstill today due to a complete shutdown called by separatists against the legal challenge in the Supreme Court on the validity of Article 35A, which bars people from outside Jammu and Kashmir from acquiring any immovable property in the state.
The situation across the valley is peaceful with no untoward incident reported from anywhere so far, officials said. Shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed across the Valley while all kinds of transport remained off the roads due to the strike called.
The Joint Resistance Leadership has called for a two-day strike -- today and tomorrow -- as Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a PIL challenging the validity of the Article 35A tomorrow. Authorities have imposed restrictions in some parts of the city as a precautionary measure for maintaining law and order, the officials said. -- PTI
Image: Violent clashes erupted in the Valley over the SC hearing the validity of Article 35A. Pic: Umar Ganie
The situation across the valley is peaceful with no untoward incident reported from anywhere so far, officials said. Shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed across the Valley while all kinds of transport remained off the roads due to the strike called.
The Joint Resistance Leadership has called for a two-day strike -- today and tomorrow -- as Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a PIL challenging the validity of the Article 35A tomorrow. Authorities have imposed restrictions in some parts of the city as a precautionary measure for maintaining law and order, the officials said. -- PTI
Image: Violent clashes erupted in the Valley over the SC hearing the validity of Article 35A. Pic: Umar Ganie
11:49 How an ex-IAF man built a helipad to save lives
Basil George led an amazing rescue mission making it possible for a helicopter to land and rescue people in the Kerala floods.
In an admirable community effort, he and his team swam through strong currents, broken walls and floating snakes to help friends and strangers.
Rediff.com's Archana Masih on how a single man inspired a community on a most difficult day. Read the inspiring story here.
In an admirable community effort, he and his team swam through strong currents, broken walls and floating snakes to help friends and strangers.
Rediff.com's Archana Masih on how a single man inspired a community on a most difficult day. Read the inspiring story here.
11:47 Pak regurgitating failed approach on Kashmir, says India
Pakistan's new government must not indulge in "polemics" but work to build a South Asian region free of terror and violence, India has said after Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin's remarks came during the UNSC debate on Mediation and Settlement of Disputes.
"'I take this opportunity to remind - Pakistan - the one isolated delegation that made unwarranted references to an integral part of India, that pacific settlement requires pacific intent in thinking and pacific content in action," Akbaruddin said at the debate yesterday.
Pakistan's Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi raked up the Kashmir issue during the debate, drawing a sharp reaction from Akbaruddin who said Pakistan is "regurgitating a failed approach, which has long been rejected, is neither reflective of pacific intent nor a display of pacific content.
"We hope that the new government of Pakistan will, rather than indulge in polemics, work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asian region, free of terror and violence," Akbaruddin said, a reference to the government in Pakistan under newly-elected Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In her remarks, Lodhi said the "Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a long-standing issue" on the agenda of the Council. She said through its various resolutions, the Security Council has provided that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people "expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite" conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. -- PTI
India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin's remarks came during the UNSC debate on Mediation and Settlement of Disputes.
"'I take this opportunity to remind - Pakistan - the one isolated delegation that made unwarranted references to an integral part of India, that pacific settlement requires pacific intent in thinking and pacific content in action," Akbaruddin said at the debate yesterday.
Pakistan's Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi raked up the Kashmir issue during the debate, drawing a sharp reaction from Akbaruddin who said Pakistan is "regurgitating a failed approach, which has long been rejected, is neither reflective of pacific intent nor a display of pacific content.
"We hope that the new government of Pakistan will, rather than indulge in polemics, work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asian region, free of terror and violence," Akbaruddin said, a reference to the government in Pakistan under newly-elected Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In her remarks, Lodhi said the "Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a long-standing issue" on the agenda of the Council. She said through its various resolutions, the Security Council has provided that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people "expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite" conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. -- PTI
11:43 News at this hour
Hajin encounter: Body of second terrorist has been recovered from the encounter site; operation continues.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad surrenders before special CBI court on expiry of provisional bail. Doctors of Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, will do a check up of Lalu Prasad Yadav and then inform the court about his condition.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad surrenders before special CBI court on expiry of provisional bail. Doctors of Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, will do a check up of Lalu Prasad Yadav and then inform the court about his condition.
11:34 Case against me based on false statements, says activist Varavara Rao
Varavara Rao, one of the activists who has been put under the house arrest in Hyderabad for having alleged links with Communist Party of India (Maoist) [CPI (Maoist)] in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence, said on Thursday that the police has framed him in this case on the basis of false statements.
"I am saying it from the beginning, that on basis of false statements, a case was filed against me. I have faith in the law," he said.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court directed the Pune police to keep the five accused activists -- Rao, Arun Ferreira, Gautam Navlakha, Vernon Gonsalves and Sudha Bhardwaj -- under house arrest till September 5.
These activists are under police scanner for having links with Maoists and also being allegedly involved in triggering violence at Elgaar Parishad, an event to mark the 200th year of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, in Pune that took place in January this year.
Speaking to ANI, Rao's lawyer Mihir Desai, said that these latest orders of house arrest for the arrested activists clearly show that the judicature is perturbed by the sudden act of authorities to imprison them.
An outrage grew over the detention of these activists after scores of leaders from various political outfits of the country said that it is an attempt to stifle dissent.
Janata Dal (United) leader Pavan K Varma on Wednesday told ANI that if the Narendra Modi-led government failed to produce any evidence against the imprisoned activists then the current scenario will exude a reflection of Emergency.
Senior Congress leader, Salman Khurshid, also towed the same line and said that 'an atmosphere of imposing restrictions on dissent is growing in India'. He also added that the many people who are raising their voices against the Centre are being suppressed. -- ANI
"I am saying it from the beginning, that on basis of false statements, a case was filed against me. I have faith in the law," he said.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court directed the Pune police to keep the five accused activists -- Rao, Arun Ferreira, Gautam Navlakha, Vernon Gonsalves and Sudha Bhardwaj -- under house arrest till September 5.
These activists are under police scanner for having links with Maoists and also being allegedly involved in triggering violence at Elgaar Parishad, an event to mark the 200th year of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, in Pune that took place in January this year.
Speaking to ANI, Rao's lawyer Mihir Desai, said that these latest orders of house arrest for the arrested activists clearly show that the judicature is perturbed by the sudden act of authorities to imprison them.
An outrage grew over the detention of these activists after scores of leaders from various political outfits of the country said that it is an attempt to stifle dissent.
Janata Dal (United) leader Pavan K Varma on Wednesday told ANI that if the Narendra Modi-led government failed to produce any evidence against the imprisoned activists then the current scenario will exude a reflection of Emergency.
Senior Congress leader, Salman Khurshid, also towed the same line and said that 'an atmosphere of imposing restrictions on dissent is growing in India'. He also added that the many people who are raising their voices against the Centre are being suppressed. -- ANI
11:30 'The morning my father Vernon Gonsalves was arrested'
The Maharashtra Police's move to arrest five well known activists was punctured on Wednesday with the Supreme Court observing that "dissent is the safety valve of democracy" and directing that those in its custody be kept under house arrest.
The five human rights activists -- Varavara Rao, Vernon Gonzalves, Arun Ferreira, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- who were arrested after the pan India crackdown on Tuesday will not be sent to jail but be under house arrest until September 6, the court ruled.
"Dissent is the safety valve of democracy and if you don't allow these safety valves it will burst," a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.
This moving account was posted on Facebook by Vernon Gonzalves' son, Sagar Abraham-Gonsalves, of the morning of August 28 when his father was arrested.
"I experienced a familiar sense of helplessness yesterday morning.
"Around 6 AM our house was raided by more than 10 people from the Pune Police along with constables from our local MIDC Police Station. They had come to search our house and arrest my father. Our mobiles were taken away, landline phone kept off the hook; our personal CPU was opened, books were taken down one by one, CDs were examined, pen drives were scanned for suspicious material. Any book that had Mao, Naxal or Marx in its name was cross examined and many of them were taken away as evidence. These are books you could very easily have found in a library or online. My personal copy of the Bolshevik Revolution Volume 1 by E.H. Carr was also packed away as evidence. They were in our house for almost 7 hours till around 1:45 PM with some police constables standing at our building gate as well. We were not allowed to go out of the house in all this time.
"The helplessness deepened when I saw the casual conversations my parents were having with the Police constables. About what they had studied and where they lived. At one point my mother even made tea for the entire police team and said to me "They are still our guests". Tea was had, and conversations were shared but that feeling of helplessness kept clawing at me from the inside. There was nothing my parents or me could do against the might of the all-powerful State and its machinery. So, we coped with it through small talk and smiles. We cooperated and let them do their jobs.
"The feeling was familiar because this had happened more than ten years ago in August 2007 when my father was arrested on numerous false charges, brought home at 12 in the night, and our house was raided from 12 midnight to way past 6 AM. I was 12 back then and was witnessing the scene more from the eyes of my mother who could do nothing even though she was a lawyer. At that time, she was told to co-operate, or she could get arrested as well. Back then also there was small talk to cope with the helplessness. The police officers were very impressed by how much I studied and complained about their own children who had no such inclinations.
"In August 2007 also, we cooperated and let the State do its job. After spending 5 and half years in jail, my father was acquitted in all cases. 5 and a half years of a person's life was spent languishing in prison for crimes he had never committed. What a wonderful job the state had done.
"Fast Forward to August 2018, August clearly is not a good month for us, the feeling has returned. Back then it was the midnight knock now it was the morning bell. And believe me it is not a good feeling. To be persecuted by the very state whose duty it is to protect and safeguard your rights. To watch while someone whom you love and admire, more importantly someone whom you know has done no wrong, be taken away to jail and all you can do is give that person a tight hug and tell them to be strong. Even to that my father's response was "Don't Worry! At least I'll be able to keep the others company inside!" Along with helplessness, I learnt a lot about hospitality and optimism yesterday.
"Among the many things that I admire greatly about my father is his commitment to his beliefs and ideals. To stand up for what his right and help those whose rights are denied. He has always done that and will continue to do so. This did not deter him the last time and will not do it now as well. He has an unbreakable spirit and will always stay true to what he believes in.
"What we can do as citizens of this country is to protest against this crushing of dissent by the state and its machinery. The systemic oppression of people who raise questions and have an opinion which opposes from the existing narrative. The undemocratic way they are treated and the labels which are being given to them.
"Defend the right to dissent. It is a fundamental right of all the citizens in a democratic state."
Image: Sagar Abraham-Gonsalves posts this image with his parents Vernon and Susan Abraham and writes, "this photo was taken minutes before he was taken away from the Police. The officer was kind enough to allow us to take one last picture."
The five human rights activists -- Varavara Rao, Vernon Gonzalves, Arun Ferreira, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- who were arrested after the pan India crackdown on Tuesday will not be sent to jail but be under house arrest until September 6, the court ruled.
"Dissent is the safety valve of democracy and if you don't allow these safety valves it will burst," a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.
This moving account was posted on Facebook by Vernon Gonzalves' son, Sagar Abraham-Gonsalves, of the morning of August 28 when his father was arrested.
"I experienced a familiar sense of helplessness yesterday morning.
"Around 6 AM our house was raided by more than 10 people from the Pune Police along with constables from our local MIDC Police Station. They had come to search our house and arrest my father. Our mobiles were taken away, landline phone kept off the hook; our personal CPU was opened, books were taken down one by one, CDs were examined, pen drives were scanned for suspicious material. Any book that had Mao, Naxal or Marx in its name was cross examined and many of them were taken away as evidence. These are books you could very easily have found in a library or online. My personal copy of the Bolshevik Revolution Volume 1 by E.H. Carr was also packed away as evidence. They were in our house for almost 7 hours till around 1:45 PM with some police constables standing at our building gate as well. We were not allowed to go out of the house in all this time.
"The helplessness deepened when I saw the casual conversations my parents were having with the Police constables. About what they had studied and where they lived. At one point my mother even made tea for the entire police team and said to me "They are still our guests". Tea was had, and conversations were shared but that feeling of helplessness kept clawing at me from the inside. There was nothing my parents or me could do against the might of the all-powerful State and its machinery. So, we coped with it through small talk and smiles. We cooperated and let them do their jobs.
"The feeling was familiar because this had happened more than ten years ago in August 2007 when my father was arrested on numerous false charges, brought home at 12 in the night, and our house was raided from 12 midnight to way past 6 AM. I was 12 back then and was witnessing the scene more from the eyes of my mother who could do nothing even though she was a lawyer. At that time, she was told to co-operate, or she could get arrested as well. Back then also there was small talk to cope with the helplessness. The police officers were very impressed by how much I studied and complained about their own children who had no such inclinations.
"In August 2007 also, we cooperated and let the State do its job. After spending 5 and half years in jail, my father was acquitted in all cases. 5 and a half years of a person's life was spent languishing in prison for crimes he had never committed. What a wonderful job the state had done.
"Fast Forward to August 2018, August clearly is not a good month for us, the feeling has returned. Back then it was the midnight knock now it was the morning bell. And believe me it is not a good feeling. To be persecuted by the very state whose duty it is to protect and safeguard your rights. To watch while someone whom you love and admire, more importantly someone whom you know has done no wrong, be taken away to jail and all you can do is give that person a tight hug and tell them to be strong. Even to that my father's response was "Don't Worry! At least I'll be able to keep the others company inside!" Along with helplessness, I learnt a lot about hospitality and optimism yesterday.
"Among the many things that I admire greatly about my father is his commitment to his beliefs and ideals. To stand up for what his right and help those whose rights are denied. He has always done that and will continue to do so. This did not deter him the last time and will not do it now as well. He has an unbreakable spirit and will always stay true to what he believes in.
"What we can do as citizens of this country is to protest against this crushing of dissent by the state and its machinery. The systemic oppression of people who raise questions and have an opinion which opposes from the existing narrative. The undemocratic way they are treated and the labels which are being given to them.
"Defend the right to dissent. It is a fundamental right of all the citizens in a democratic state."
Image: Sagar Abraham-Gonsalves posts this image with his parents Vernon and Susan Abraham and writes, "this photo was taken minutes before he was taken away from the Police. The officer was kind enough to allow us to take one last picture."
11:00 NIA arrests Syed Salahuddin's son in terror funding case
The National Investigation Agency today arrested Syed Shakeel Yousuf, son of globally wanted terrorist Syed Salahuddin, in connection with a 2011 terror funding case for allegedly receiving money from his father. An NIA spokesman said in Delhi that Shakeel, at present working as a laboratory assistant at a prestigious government hospital, was picked up from Rambagh locality of Srinagar and placed under arrest.
The spokesman said, "In an operation today morning, NIA team along with the police and CRPF arrested Shakeel in a terror funding case".
He is the second son of Salahuddin who has been arrested by the NIA in connection with the case.
Earlier in June this year, his another son, Shahid, who was working in the agricultural department of the Jammu and Kashmir government, was arrested in the same case.
The NIA alleged Shakeel used to receive funds through a US-based international wire transfer company from Aijaz Ahmed Bhat, another accused in the case who is absconding and based in Saudi Arabia The agency alleged Shakeel was "one of several Indian contacts of Bhat" who had been in telephonic contact with him for receiving money transfer codes The case, registered by the NIA in April 2011, relates to transfer of money from Pakistan to Jammu and Kashmir through hawala channels via Delhi, which the agency believed was used in funding terrorism and secessionist activities. -- PTI
Image: Pakistan-based Hizb-ul-Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin.
The spokesman said, "In an operation today morning, NIA team along with the police and CRPF arrested Shakeel in a terror funding case".
He is the second son of Salahuddin who has been arrested by the NIA in connection with the case.
Earlier in June this year, his another son, Shahid, who was working in the agricultural department of the Jammu and Kashmir government, was arrested in the same case.
The NIA alleged Shakeel used to receive funds through a US-based international wire transfer company from Aijaz Ahmed Bhat, another accused in the case who is absconding and based in Saudi Arabia The agency alleged Shakeel was "one of several Indian contacts of Bhat" who had been in telephonic contact with him for receiving money transfer codes The case, registered by the NIA in April 2011, relates to transfer of money from Pakistan to Jammu and Kashmir through hawala channels via Delhi, which the agency believed was used in funding terrorism and secessionist activities. -- PTI
Image: Pakistan-based Hizb-ul-Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin.
10:43
NIA arrests son of Syed Salahuddin, chief of Hizbul Mujahideen terror group, from Srinagar: agency spokesperson. PTI
10:40 'Nobody is a terrorist until you prove it'
"Dissent is the safety valve of democracy and if you don't allow these safety valves, it will burst," said a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, on the arrests of five civil rights activists -- Varavara Rao, Vernon Gonsalves, Arun Ferreira, Sudha Bhardwaj and Gautam Navalakha.
On August 29, the apex court ordered that Rao, Gonsalves, Ferreira, Bharadwaj and Navlakha be kept under house arrest till September 6.
The action comes after historian Romila Thapar, economist Prabhat Patnaik, social actvist Devaki Jain, sociologist Satish Deshpande and lawyer Maja Daruwala filed a plea against the arrests that were made across the nation on August 28.
Maja Daruwala, Advocate for Civil Liberties, explains to Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf why she and the other eminent petitioners approached the Supreme Court. Read the interview here.
On August 29, the apex court ordered that Rao, Gonsalves, Ferreira, Bharadwaj and Navlakha be kept under house arrest till September 6.
The action comes after historian Romila Thapar, economist Prabhat Patnaik, social actvist Devaki Jain, sociologist Satish Deshpande and lawyer Maja Daruwala filed a plea against the arrests that were made across the nation on August 28.
Maja Daruwala, Advocate for Civil Liberties, explains to Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf why she and the other eminent petitioners approached the Supreme Court. Read the interview here.
10:19 Varavara Rao's house arrest begins this morning, can't meet press
Left-leaning Telugu poet and writer Varavara Rao who was arrested by the Pune police for his alleged links with Maoists reached home this morning after the Supreme Court directive. The apex court yesterday ordered that the five activists, arrested on August 28 in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence case, should be kept under house arrest till September 6.
"They (Pune police) brought him home at 7 in the morning. He was brought to the city by flight," Rao's wife Hemalatha told PTI. She further said the police is not allowing anyone except his daughters and sons-in-law into or out of the house.
When PTI tried to talk to Rao, she said he is not allowed to talk to the media as per the police. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) Viswa Prasad in a message said the Hyderabad police would be managing Rao's house arrest.
Earlier, there was confusion as to whether the local police or Pune police would manage the writer's house arrest. "We will always stand by to the Pune police," Chikkadpally police inspector S Bhim Reddy said.
Rao was arrested from Hyderabad, while activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Farreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Gautam Navlakha was arrested from New Delhi.
The Maharashtra police had arrested them in connection with an FIR lodged there following an event-'Elgaar Parishad' (conclave)- held on December 31 last year that had triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village. -- PTI
Image: Varavara Rao at his Hyderabad house this morning with this family. Only his immediate family is allowed access inside the house. Pic: ANI
"They (Pune police) brought him home at 7 in the morning. He was brought to the city by flight," Rao's wife Hemalatha told PTI. She further said the police is not allowing anyone except his daughters and sons-in-law into or out of the house.
When PTI tried to talk to Rao, she said he is not allowed to talk to the media as per the police. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) Viswa Prasad in a message said the Hyderabad police would be managing Rao's house arrest.
Earlier, there was confusion as to whether the local police or Pune police would manage the writer's house arrest. "We will always stand by to the Pune police," Chikkadpally police inspector S Bhim Reddy said.
Rao was arrested from Hyderabad, while activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Farreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Gautam Navlakha was arrested from New Delhi.
The Maharashtra police had arrested them in connection with an FIR lodged there following an event-'Elgaar Parishad' (conclave)- held on December 31 last year that had triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village. -- PTI
Image: Varavara Rao at his Hyderabad house this morning with this family. Only his immediate family is allowed access inside the house. Pic: ANI
10:10 28,757 houses cleaned in Kuttanad so far: Kerala fin min
Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac @drthomasisaac on the rehab ops in the state and a report card, so to speak.
Report Card of the first day of cleaning up Kuttanad: 28757 houses, 288 public institutions like hospitals and office, 52 schools and 122 public spaces like markets cleaned. More than 60,000 participated. The number of out stations registered volunteers who participated -- 11319 (on the 28th of August), 11007 (29th August). Large No of CPIM volunteers from the district have not registered. 50,000-60,000 persons from Kuttanad also participated on both days. Thank you all.
IMAGE: A woman holds up documents damaged during the floods at Annamanada in Thrissur. Photograph: PTI Photo
Report Card of the first day of cleaning up Kuttanad: 28757 houses, 288 public institutions like hospitals and office, 52 schools and 122 public spaces like markets cleaned. More than 60,000 participated. The number of out stations registered volunteers who participated -- 11319 (on the 28th of August), 11007 (29th August). Large No of CPIM volunteers from the district have not registered. 50,000-60,000 persons from Kuttanad also participated on both days. Thank you all.
IMAGE: A woman holds up documents damaged during the floods at Annamanada in Thrissur. Photograph: PTI Photo
09:58 Parrikar flies to US for medical treatment, no change in guard, says CMO
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today left for the United States for medical treatment, an official said. Parrikar, 62, had undergone treatment in the US for three months earlier this year for a pancreatic ailment and returned in June. He went to the US again for a follow-up earlier this month.
"Parrikar took the Air India flight from Mumbai airport at 1.30 am," an official in the Chief Minister's Office told PTI. "He has left for the US on a short trip will be back in eight days," he said.
Parrikar was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a review health check-up last Thursday, a day after he returned from the US. A senior official in the CMO had said yesterday that Parrikar will go to the US again for further medical treatment. A meeting of Goa BJP leaders with party chief Amit Shah in Delhi, which was earlier scheduled for today to discuss the leadership issue in the coastal state in view of Parrikar's medical treatment, was cancelled yesterday, a senior functionary had said last night.
Seeking to rest speculation about change of guard in Goa, the CMO said last night that Parrikar would not hand over the charge to anyone else and continue to clear important files from the US. There was "no order" to the CM to hand over his responsibility to anyone, a senior CMO official said.
"Parrikar took the Air India flight from Mumbai airport at 1.30 am," an official in the Chief Minister's Office told PTI. "He has left for the US on a short trip will be back in eight days," he said.
Parrikar was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a review health check-up last Thursday, a day after he returned from the US. A senior official in the CMO had said yesterday that Parrikar will go to the US again for further medical treatment. A meeting of Goa BJP leaders with party chief Amit Shah in Delhi, which was earlier scheduled for today to discuss the leadership issue in the coastal state in view of Parrikar's medical treatment, was cancelled yesterday, a senior functionary had said last night.
Seeking to rest speculation about change of guard in Goa, the CMO said last night that Parrikar would not hand over the charge to anyone else and continue to clear important files from the US. There was "no order" to the CM to hand over his responsibility to anyone, a senior CMO official said.
09:38 Rupee hits fresh record low
Continuing its free-fall, the rupee today weakened by another 23 paise against the dollar to trade at a life-time low of 70.82 on strong month-end demand for the US currency amid sustained foreign fund outflows.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange market, the local currency opened a tad higher at 70.57 a dollar from its previous close of 70.59 but slipped to hit a fresh low of 70.82, down by 23 paise.
Forex dealers said besides strong month-end demand for the American currency, buying by importers, mainly oil refiners in view of surging crude oil prices and capital outflows, weighed on the domestic currency.
Furthermore, the dollar strength against its rival currencies overseas too put pressure on the rupee, they said.
The rupee had recorded a steep fall of 49 paise, to close at record low of 70.59 against the dollar in the previous session.
Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex recovered by 96.13 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 38,819.06 in early trade. -- PTI
09:24 1 terrorist killed in encounter in J&K's Bandipora
One terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter in Hajin area of Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Hajin area following information about presence of terrorists there, a police official said.
He said the search operation turned into an encounter after terrorists opened fire towards security forces positions.
09:11 Modi in Nepal to participate in BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived in Kathmandu to participate in the 4th BIMSTEC ( Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit in Kathmandu
The BIMSTEC is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and South East Asia. Its members are: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal.
In a statement before leaving for Nepal, Modi said he will interact with the leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand on the margins of the summit.
"I also look forward to meeting Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli and reviewing the progress we have made in our bilateral ties since my last visit to Nepal in May 2018," he said.
Modi said he and Oli will inaugurate the Nepal Bharat Maitri Dharmashala at the Pashupatinath temple complex.
"My participation in the summit symbolises India's highest priority to our neighbourhood and our strong commitment to continue deepening our relationship with the extended neighbourhood in South-East Asia," he said.
He said he will interact with all the leaders of BIMSTEC "to further enrich our regional cooperation, enhance our trade ties and advance our collective efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous Bay of Bengal region".
The summit theme, the PM said, 'Towards a Peaceful, Prosperous and Sustainable Bay of Bengal Region' will enable the member-countries to shape a collective response to their common aspirations and challenges.
"I am confident that the 4th BISMTEC summit will further consolidate the progress made thus far under BIMSTEC, and will chart the course for building a peaceful and prosperous Bay of Bengal Region," Modi said in his statement. -- PTI
08:51 Rahul to step up attack on Modi govt over Rafale, to meet Cong core group
Congress president Rahul Gandhi will meet the party's core group today to chalk out strategy to further step up the offensive on the Modi government over the Rafale issue, sources said.
After the meeting, some of the party leaders may join a Youth Congress protest march from the All India Congress Committee headquarters to the prime minister's residence, they said.
Sources said the newly-formed core group committee will meet at Gandhi's residence to discuss further strategy over the Rafale issue.
This will be the first meeting of the group, which has top Congress leaders as members.
The Congress has launched a frontal attack on the government over the Rafale issue and is demanding a joint parliamentary committee probe into it. -- PTI
08:45 Togadia announces march from Lucknow to Ayodhya for Ram temple
Former Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia on Wednesday announced a march from Lucknow to Ayodhya on October 21 to gather support for the Ram Mandir movement.
He visited Faizabad and Ayodhya and met those connected with the movement.
Addressing a press conference in Faizabad, Togadia said, "Respecting the sacrifices of Hindus for the cause of Ram Janambhoomi, we will move towards Ayodhya from Lucknow on October 21 to build pressure on the Union government to bring resolution in Parliament for the construction of Ram Mandir. Lakhs of Kar Sewaks will join us."
Togadia, who visited Ayodhya in June, had earlier demanded the BJP government to legislate a law within four months for constructing a temple at the disputed site.
He was joined by about 200 activists of his newly-formed 'Antar-rashtriya Hindu Parishad'.
Togadia, who enjoyed a 'Z' category security cover till a couple of months ago, was seen without any security on Wednesday. -- PTI
08:19 2+2 dialogue an indication of deepening strategic partnership: US
The maiden two-plus-two dialogue between India and the United States scheduled in New Delhi next week is an indication of the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries, the Trump administration has said.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Defense Secretary Jim Mattis are set to fly to New Delhi for the talks.
They will be meeting their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, to discuss enhancing America's engagement with India on critical diplomatic and security priorities, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her daily news conference yesterday.
"The dialogue is an indication of the deepening strategic partnership between our two countries, and India's emergence as a net security provider in the region," she said.
The importance of the US-India strategic partnership is highlighted in the US President's National Security Strategy and the administration's South Asia and Indo-Pacific strategies, Nauert said.
"We look forward to that and to having some of you travel along with us," she added. -- PTI
00:03 Nation's IQ is higher than yours: Shah to Gandhi
Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi over his push for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Rafale deal, BJP president Amit Shah described JPC as 'Jhoothi Party Congress" and said the Congress chief's "lies to fool the nation are self-evident".
In his reply on Twitter tagging Gandhi's tweet in which the Congress leader had attacked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over his defence of the Rafale deal negotiated by the Modi government, Shah said Gandhi had quoted different prices of the aircraft at different places.
"Your lies to fool the nation are self-evident when Rafale price you quote vary in Delhi, Karnataka, Raipur, Hyderabad, Jaipur & Parliament. But the nation's IQ is higher than yours!" Shah tweeted.
To Gandhi's demand of a JPC probe and sarcastic suggestion to Jaitley to revert in 24 hours, Shah retorted, "Why wait 24 hours when you already have your JPC-Jhoothi Party Congress."
Earlier, Gandhi had tweeted following Jaitley's interview in which he had put up a strong defence of the Rafale fighter aircraft deal, saying "Mr Jaitley, thanks for bringing the nation's attention back to the GREAT #RAFALE ROBBERY! "How about a Joint Parliamentary Committee to sort it out? Problem is, your Supreme Leader is protecting his friend, so this may be inconvenient. Do check & revert in 24 hrs. We're waiting!"
Shah also tagged the link of a news story about Gandhi quoting different prices of the aircraft.
-- PTI
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