LIVE! Initial probe into JU student death reveals...

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Tue, 22 August 2023

Initial probe into JU student death reveals...

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23:54 Initial probe into JU student death reveals sexual molestation, ragging

The deceased first-year student of Jadavpur University was paraded naked in the corridor of the main hostel's second floor, minutes before he fell off from there leading to his death, Kolkata Police's initial probe has revealed.

Investigators have also found that the teen was 'sexually molested' and the arrested 12 people, including present and former students of the varsity, 'had played active roles' in the entire episode leading to the Nadia teen's death, a senior police officer said on Tuesday.

According to police, only one among the 13 arrested did not play an active role.

"The teen was definitely ragged and sexually molested. He was paraded naked in the corridor after he was forced to undress in room No. 70. We have evidence. Those 12 arrested have played some role in the whole episode," the officer told PTI.

Kolkata Police investigators have got hold of a WhatsApp group created by one of the arrested accused, the officer said, adding that the 'group was created to misdirect cops'.

"Probe also revealed that the arrested accused had planned to misdirect police so that the ragging part could be concealed," he said, adding that a local court on Tuesday allowed their prayer to add Section 4 of WB Prohibition of Ragging in Educational Institutions Act 2000.

On Tuesday, police questioned the cook of the hostel to find out more about the August 9 incident, he said.

Two other students of the varsity have been summoned to appear before the investigators for questioning in connection with their probe.

On August 9 night, the teen died after allegedly falling from a second-floor balcony of the main boys' hostel near the campus.

His family alleged he was a victim of ragging and sexual molestation. -- PTI

Pakistan on Tuesday summoned the Indian Charge d'Affaires to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to register a strong protest over the killing of a 60-year-old civilian.

Pakistan on Monday claimed that Ghias, a resident of Oli village of Kotli district, was killed in 'unprovoked firing' at the Line of Control (LoC) in the Nikial sector.

Emphasising the need for maintaining peace and tranquillity at the LoC, it was underscored that such acts are in clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, reaffirmed in February 2021, the Pakistan Foreign Office said.

The Indian side was urged to investigate the incident, it said. -- PTI

The DMK on Tuesday demanded an explanation from Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi for returning the file on appointing a chairman for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) and claimed this action was unwarranted.

DMK organising secretary R S Bharathi contended that the state government had recommended the name of the retired IPS officer C Sylendra Babu, who had served as director general of police, after due consideration and also taking into account his "unblemished record."

"But the governor has refused to clear the file," Bharathi said referring to Ravi sending back the file on the state's nominee for the TNPSC chairman post, on Monday.

Further, he said the government picked this "honest former IPS official" in a bid to ensure social justice as inspired by late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

"The governor has to explain the reason for not giving his approval," Bharathi told reporters and condemned Ravi's decision.

He accused the governor of politicising issues and said Ravi's assertion that the state universities were under no obligation to follow the common syllabus framed by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TNSCHE) was uncalled for.

US President Joe Biden will travel to India from September 7 to 10 to attend the G-20 Leaders' Summit, the White House said on Tuesday.

President Biden and G20 partners will discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, including on the clean energy transition and combatting climate change, mitigating the economic and social impacts of the Ukraine conflict, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to better fight poverty, including by addressing global challenges will also be discussed, the official added.

While in New Delhi, President Biden will also commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US's commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026, Jean-Pierre added.

22:38 Internet snapped in Bihar town after clashes

The Bihar government has decided to ban internet service in Bagaha sub-division of West Champaran district after miscreants went on a rampage in the region.

Net services have been banned as per the instructions of the home department.

In a letter dated August 22 the home department (special branch) issued an order that any messages to or from any person or class of persons relating to any subject or any pictorial content through the social networking sites or application shall not be transmitted in Bagaha subdivision of West Champaran district from August 22 (14:00 hours) to August 24 (14:00 hours).

Dr S Siddharth, additional chief secretary, Bihar home department, issued the order.

The move came after a clash between the two parties yesterday which within no time took a violent turn when rumours spread that an idol was vandalised.

The DM of the district Dinesh Roy and DIG of Champaran Range Jayantkant appealed to people to maintain peace and conducted a flag march.

Dozens of people were taken into custody and their interrogation was on.

The situation still remains tense in Bagada.

Meanwhile, clashes erupted between two groups during a Mahaviri Yatra flag march in the Motihari district of Bihar on the occasion of Nag Panchami.

According to the police, many people and police personnel were injured in the clashes that took place on Monday.

According to preliminary information, the procession was going peacefully from Pipra village to Pachhiyari Tola, when bricks and stones were hurled at it. Dharmendra Yadav, SHO of Darpa police station, is also said to be injured in the incident.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs are likely to make a presentation to a parliamentary panel this week on the three bills which will replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Evidence Act, officials said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya, 2023 in the Lok Sabha on August 11.

The bills will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Act, 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.

As suggested by the home minister, the bills were referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Uttar Pradesh Brij Lal.

"The home secretary and other senior officers of the MHA are likely to give a presentation to the parliamentary panel this week," an official privy to the development said.

The MHA team will give the reasons behind bringing the three bills, their necessities and how they are relevant to the changing needs of society, the officials said.

The proposed laws have tried to define some of the current social realities and crimes and provide a mechanism to effectively deal with such criminals and such issues.

Shah, while suggesting referring the bills to the parliamentary panel, requested the MPs to carefully examine them.

The home minister himself had attended more than 150 meetings with various stakeholders during the process of drafting the three bills, officials said.

The panel has three months to examine the bills and submit a report to Parliament in the Winter session.

Members of the panel include Biplab Kumar Deb, Digvijaya Singh, Neeraj Shekhar, Kakoli Ghosh Dostidar, Dayanidhi Maran, V D Ram and Ravneet Singh among others. -- PTI

21:33 2-day holiday in Delhi in view of G20 Summit

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday approved a proposal to declare a public holiday on September 8-10 in view of the G20 Summit, officials said.

All schools, offices of the city government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and private offices will now remain closed during the three days.

According to the proposal approved by the chief minister, all commercial and business establishments, including banks and financial institutions, located within the jurisdiction of the New Delhi police district will also remain closed from September 8 to 10.

"The file on the police proposal was forwarded by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to the Delhi chief minister for his approval. After the chief minister's approval, it will be sent for the LG's nod," an official told PTI.

On August 18, Special Police Commissioner Madhup Tiwari of the Delhi Police wrote to the chief secretary, suggesting the government declare a public holiday during September 8-10 and issue directions for the closure of commercial establishments located mostly in the New Delhi area in view of the G20 Summit. -- PTI

Neelkanth Mishra, chief economist at Axis Bank and head of global research at Axis Capital, has been appointed as part-time chairperson of Aadhaar-issuing body Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), according to a gazette notification.

The chairperson and the members appointed under the Aadhaar Act hold office for a term of three years or up to the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier.

"...The central government, hereby appoints... Neelkanth Mishra, chief economist, Axis Bank and head of global research, Axis Capital as part-time chairperson of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)...," it said.

The government has also appointed "Prof Mausam, associate professor, computer science department, IIT Delhi and... Nilesh Shah, managing director, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited as part-time members of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)".

In June, senior IAS officer Amit Agrawal assumed charge as the chief executive officer of UIDAI. Agrawal is a 1993 batch IAS from the Chhattisgarh cadre.

Activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday ransacked an office of Amazon India in Nagpur, protesting against the sale of Pakistani flags and a book which allegedly hurts religious sentiments of Hindus on the e-commerce platform.

A group of men barged into the firm's office in Ganeshpeth area and ransacked it, local sources said.

A letter addressed to Amazon India Limited and signed by local MNS leaders Chandu Lade and Vishal Badge claimed that Pakistani flags were available for sale on its website, and such objects are used by those engaged in anti-national activities.

Further, a book titled Deadly Bhagavat Geeta which `denigrates' the Bhagavad Gita is sold on Amazon and it should be removed from the platform, the letter said.

Indian GM R Praggnanandhaa held his own against World No.1 Magnus Carlsen to secure a draw in the first classical game of the final of the FIDE World Cup chess tournament in Baku on Tuesday.

The 18-year old Indian GM was impressive against a fancied and higher rated opponent and forced a stalemate in 35 moves while playing white pieces.

This means Carlsen will have the advantage of playing white in the second game of the two-match classical series on Wednesday.

Praggnanandhaa had stormed into the final by shocking world No.3 Fabiano Caruana 3.5-2.5.

The Indian teenager became only the second player from the country to reach the final of the World Cup after the legendary Viswanathan Anand and has already qualified for the Candidates tournament in 2024. -- PTI

Image only for representation

19:38 CBI arrests Canada-based bizman for espionage

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Canada-based businessman in connection with a defence espionage case in which a journalist and a former Navy commander were held in May, officials said on Tuesday.

Rahul Gangal, a businessman who had taken Permanent Residency in Canada in 2019, was arrested in the case when he landed here on Monday, they said.

He has been sent to four days of custody of the CBI by a special court, the officials said.

The agency had earlier arrested freelance journalist Vivek Raghuvanshi and former Navy commander Ashish Pathak for allegedly collecting sensitive information on defence matters and passing them on to foreign intelligence agencies.

In its charge sheet filed before a special court in New Delhi last month, the CBI had named Raghuvanshi and Pathak as accused in the alleged violation of the Official Secrets Act and related offences, the officials said.

Raghuvanshi and Pathak were arrested on May 16. -- PTI

A court in New Delhi on Tuesday sent to one-day judicial custody suspended Delhi government officer Premoday Khakha who allegedly raped a minor several times and impregnated her.

His wife Seema Rani, who is accused of giving the girl medicine to terminate her pregnancy, was also sent to judicial custody for a day.

Both were produced separately before the duty metropolitan magistrate, Katyayini Sharma Kandwal.

Khakha had allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021.

She was staying at the residence of the accused, a family friend, after her father passed away on October 1, 2020, the police had said.

The couple was arrested on Monday after the victim recorded her statement before a magistrate at a hospital.

A case has been registered under provisions of the POCSO Act and Indian Penal Code sections 376(2)(f) (being a relative, guardian or teacher of, or a person in a position of trust or authority towards the woman, commits rape on such woman) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman), the police said.

IPC sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 313 (causing miscarriage without woman's consent) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) have also been invoked in the case, the police said.

19:08 BSE Sensex today

Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty closed flat after a volatile trade on Tuesday as investors booked profits amid concerns over potential rate hikes in the US and persistent foreign fund outflows.

The BSE barometer eked out gains of 3.94 points or 0.01 per cent to settle at 65,220.03.

During the day, it climbed 146.82 points or 0.22 per cent to a high of 65,362.91.

The NSE Nifty inched up 2.85 points or 0.01 per cent to settle at 19,396.45.

"Despite the support of positive international markets, Indian equities struggled to maintain their upward momentum due to lingering apprehensions over ongoing global uncertainties," Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services said.

Sectors closely tied to the Western economy, such as IT and pharma, faced challenges, while domestic-oriented sectors, alongside mid and small-caps, exhibited resilience and gained traction. -- PTI

19:06 Top market gainers today

ITC, Mahindra & Mahindra, Wipro, Larsen & Toubro, Axis Bank, Tata Steel, Maruti and Bharti Airtel were the major gainers at BSE Sensex today.

Jio Financial Services, Bajaj Finserv, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Tata Consultancy Services, HDFC Bank, Tech Mahindra and UltraTech Cement were among the laggards.

Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras on Tuesday asserted that he is the political 'heir' of former Lok Janshakti Party chief and his late brother Ram Vilas Paswan, while Chirag Paswan will inherit only his father's financial assets by law.

Ram Vilas Paswan, a veteran Dalit leader and a political heavyweight from Bihar, passed away in October 2020 after prolonged illness.

His Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) split into two factions following differences between his son Chirag Paswan and younger brother Paras.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi, Paras also asserted that he will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from the Hajipur seat in Bihar, claiming that Ram Vilas Paswan had asked him to fight from the constituency even in 2019.

He had asked 'me to carry forward his legacy and fulfil his unfinished dreams', said Paras, who heads the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) and represents Hajipur in Lok Sabha.

Staking claim to his brother's legacy, Paras said, "According to law, Chirag Paswan is the successor of Ram Vilas Paswan's property. But I am the (political) heir of my late elder brother as was Lord Ram's brother Lakshman in the Ramayana."

"He (Ram Vilas Paswan) had asked me to contest from his Hajipur Lok Sabha seat after he was elected to Rajya Sabha, saying he trusted me more than anyone in the family. I was not willing to contest from the seat, but he made me join the fray from his constituency," he claimed.

Paras' assertion comes at a time when his nephew, Chirag Paswan, who heads the LJP (Ram Vilas), has keen on contesting from Hajipur in the 2024 general elections.

Both the LJP (Ram Vilas) and the RLJP are part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. -- PTI

18:12 Govt extends tenure of CBI officials

The Centre on Tuesday extended the tenure of Mohit Gupta, deputy inspector general (DIG) in the Central Bureau of Investigation, till September next year, an official order said.

Gupta is a 2006-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.

The competent authority has approved an extension of Gupta's tenure as DIG, CBI, for a further period of one year from September 4, 2023 to September 3, 2024, said the order issued by the personnel ministry.

The tenures of Raguramarajan A and Vidyut Vikash -- both superintendents of police (SPs) -- have also been extended.

Raguramarajan, a 2012-batch IPS officer of the Nagaland cadre, has been given a two-year extension as the SP, CBI, from September 16, 2023, to September 15, 2025, the order said.

The tenure of Vikash, a 2008-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (customs and central excise), has been extended beyond September 1, 2023, till February 19, 2024, it said.

17:54 PM arrives in S Africa for BRICS summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday on a three-day official visit during which he will attend the 15th BRICS summit and hold bilateral meetings with a number of world leaders.

Modi is visiting the African country from August 22 to 24 at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. South Africa is hosting the first in-person summit of BRICS comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, since 2019.

Earlier in his departure statement in New Delhi, Modi said BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors.

"We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system," he said.

This summit will provide a useful opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development, he said. Modi posted on X that he will also take part in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue events.

The Summit will give the platform to discuss issues of concern for the Global South and other areas of development. The BRICS bloc - comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP and 16 per cent of the global trade.

Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey

17:43 Manipur guv convenes Assembly session on Aug 29

Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey has summoned the monsoon session of the Assembly on August 29, according to a notification on Tuesday. The state Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh had on Monday recommended convening the session on that day.

"The governor hereby summons the 4th session of 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly to meet at 11 am, on Tuesday, the 29th August," the notification said.

Earlier, despite the Manipur cabinet recommending the governor convene an assembly session on August 21, the House did not sit on Monday as no notification has been issued by Raj Bhavan. PTI

A raging Beas river in Kullu

17:23 Orange alert for floods, landslides in Himachal

The Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday issued an orange alert for heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh for the next three days, an official said. The head of the Indian Meteorological Department, Himachal Pradesh, Surendra Pal, while speaking to ANI, said the rainfall orange alert has been issued for Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Mandi, Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur districts of the state.

According to the alert, incidents like landslides, flash floods, cloud bursts, rising water levels, are expected. The alert continues in Himachal Pradesh even on Tuesday, and a flash flood alert has been issued for 6 districts. A flash flood warning has also been issued for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur, officials said.

16:58 Praggnanandhaa's match with Carlsen begins

The final of the FIDE World Cup begins with Indian chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa playing against world champion Magnus Carlsen. 18-year-old Praggnanandhaa, who has reached the summit clash with Carlsen (a five-time world champion) had none other than Gary Kasparov, acknowledging the Indian GM's mother's role, which was akin to his own playing days.

Praggnanandhaa also became the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand -- also a five-time world champion -- in 2002 to make it to the final of the FIDE World Cup.

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Gujarat's Vadodara has introduced a course in sanatan literature, which has received an overwhelming response from students, an official said on Tuesday.

The course deals with eternal truth and teachings of Hinduism with a focus on Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita and aims to foster critical thinking and understanding of culture, the official said.

It was launched recently by the varsity's Department of English Literature to introduce a value-added course for students to learn the Indian knowledge system as per the National Education Policy 2020, head of the department Hitesh Raviya said.

He said 150 students have already enrolled for the course. This is perhaps the first time a course under this nomenclature has been introduced by a department, he said. The subject will mainly deal with teaching post-Vedic treatises on Upanishads.

Sanatan literature delves into the timeless, profound literary traditions of our nation, reflecting the enduring essence of our culture, Raviya said. This will be a value-added course under the National Education Policy 2020 framework to introduce the Indian knowledge system to students enrolled in first-year BA from this year, he said.

16:19 Eagerly awaiting moon landing: Sunita Williams

With the highly anticipated landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon scheduled for Wednesday, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has expressed her excitement and anticipation for the event.

Williams, renowned for her remarkable contributions to space expeditions, eagerly looks forward to the Pragyaan rover's exploration of the lunar south pole, which holds great promise for scientific discoveries.

The NASA astronaut with a storied career in space exploration also commended India's substantial role in shaping the field of space exploration.

In a statement shared by National Geographic India, she emphasised the importance of lunar exploration, not only for the knowledge it promises to unveil but also for the potential it holds for sustainable living beyond our planet.

"Landing on the Moon will provide us with invaluable insights. I am truly thrilled that India is at the forefront of space exploration and the pursuit of sustainable living on the Moon. These are truly exciting times," Williams said.

Speaking of her anticipation for the mission's outcomes, Williams expressed her enthusiasm for the scientific research that will stem from Chandrayaan-3's landing and the rover's activities.

She considers this endeavour a significant step forward in our understanding of the Moon's composition and history. "Filled with enthusiasm for lunar exploration, I'm looking forward to seeing the scientific research that should come out of this landing and the rover taking samples, it is just going to be a great step," she added.

Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea plans to clear about Rs 2,400 crore of dues to the government by September, sources privy to the development said.

The company recently cleared pending dues of licence fees and spectrum usage charges of about Rs 450 crore for the March quarter of 2022-23, a source told PTI.

"Vodafone Idea will clear dues for the June 2023 quarter and spectrum instalment with applicable interest by September, " the source said. Vodafone Idea had to pay a licence fee of around Rs 770 crore by July and Rs 1,680 crore as the first instalment for the spectrum it purchased in auctions that were held last year.

While the company has sought 30 days to clear the spectrum payment, the company is also gearing up to clear the licence fee payment by September.

The Delhi government officer accused of repeatedly raping and impregnating a minor girl was caught on CCTV trying to flee along with his wife, moments before the couple was arrested, sources said on Tuesday.

The sources said Premoday Khakha and his wife Seema Rani were going to meet a lawyer and planning to seek anticipatory bail from a court before they were arrested from near their house on Monday.

Shortly before he was arrested in the case which was registered on August 13, Khakha was suspended from his post as deputy director in Women and Child Development (WCD) Department following a direction from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The duo are residents of Shakti Enclave in Burari area, police said, adding that the victim was staying at the residence of the accused, a family friend whom she calls 'mama', after her father passed away on October 1, 2020.

The accused, an ex-cadre officer, had allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021. His wife has also been charged with giving the girl medicine to terminate her pregnancy, they said.

Meanwhile, DCW chief Swati Maliwal on Tuesday ended her dharna at St Stephen's Hospital here where she had gone to meet the minor girl. Maliwal had sat on the dharna Monday morning, claiming that she was prevented from meeting the girl. She left the hospital Tuesday afternoon and could not meet the victim.

A police official said the mother of the girl did not want to meet anyone since the victim is still under observation at the hospital. Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) Sagar Singh Kalsi said Rani was produced before a court on Monday and sent to judicial custody, while Khakha will be produced in the court on Tuesday.

15:16 Namaz in Lucknow for success of moon landing

People offer namaz at the Islamic Center of India in Lucknow for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, on August 23. ISRO's ambitious third Moon mission Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module is all set to land on the lunar surface tomorrow evening, as India eyes to become the first country to reach the uncharted south pole of Earth's only natural satellite.

15:00 EC to designate Tendulkar as national icon

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar will on Wednesday be designated as a "national icon" of the Election Commission (EC) to encourage greater voter participation in the electoral process. A memorandum of understanding will be signed between Tendulkar and the poll panel in New Delhi on Wednesday.

As part of the three-year agreement, Tendulkar will spread voter awareness.

"This collaboration would mark a significant step towards leveraging Tendulkar's unparalleled impact with the youth for increasing voters' participation in the forthcoming elections, especially in general elections (to Lok Sabha), 2024," the EC said in a statement.

Through the partnership, the EC seeks to address the challenges of urban and youth apathy towards voting. The EC has been associating itself with renowned Indians from various fields by designating them as its "national icons" to motivate voters for participation in the electoral process.

Last year, the commission had recognised actor Pankaj Tripathi as a national icon. Earlier, during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, stalwarts such as MS Dhoni, Aamir Khan and Mary Kom had been the EC's national icons. PTI

14:34 Cong will conduct caste census in MP: Kharge

The Congress will conduct a caste census in Madhya Pradesh after winning the assembly polls in the state, said party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday.

He was addressing a public rally in Sagar in MP's Bundelkhand region.

Assembly polls are expected to be held in the BJP-ruled state at the end of the year.

The BJP government has not implemented the Bundelkhand package sanctioned on the recommendation of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, said Kharge.

The Congress president criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of not doing anything for violence-hit Manipur.

Referring to the laying of the foundation stone of a Rs 100 crore memorial-cum-temple of Sant Ravidas, a revered figure for Scheduled Castes, by PM Modi earlier this month, Kharge said they laid the foundation of Saint Ravidas temple in Sagar but demolished his in Delhi.

He alleged that PM Modi remembered Saint Ravidas only during elections.

As per the 2011 Census, the population of Dalits in MP was 1.13 crore.

Bundelkhand, in north east MP, has six assembly seats reserved for SCs, and the BJP had won five of them in the 2018 state polls, namely Bina, Naryoli, Jatara, Chandala and Hatta, while the Congress managed to get Gunnor.

Bundelkhand comprises Sagar, Chattarpur, Tikamgarh, Nimari, Damoh and Panna districts, with 26 Assembly seats, of which 15 were won by the BJP in the last state polls, while the Congress got nine and and one each was won by Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. -- PTI

A mission to study the Sun, and launching a climate observation satellite, a test vehicle as part of Gaganyaan human space flight programme and an Indo-US synthetic aperture radar -- ISRO has a packed schedule ahead.

In addition, XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), the country's first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions, is also ready for launch, an ISRO official said on Tuesday.

Aditya-L1, the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun, is getting ready for the launch, most likely in September first week. According to ISRO Chairman, Somanath S, the space agency has also lined up the launch of a climate observation satellite INSAT-3DS.

The launch of a test vehicle mission, for the validation of the crew escape system for Gaganyaan, the country's maiden human space flight mission, is also expected soon.

"(Then) we have to launch NISAR, the India-US built Synthetic Aperture Radar", Somanath said in his independence day address at ISRO headquarters here on August 15. "So, our hands are full."

"We are going to build a large number of satellites for our security purpose as well in the coming days," Somanath had said.

According to ISRO officials, NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory being jointly developed by US space agency NASA and ISRO.

NISAR will map the entire globe in 12 days and provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in Earth's ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, ground water and natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides, they said. "It carries L and S dual band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which operates with Sweep SAR technique to achieve large swath with high resolution data.

The SAR payloads mounted on Integrated Radar Instrument Structure (IRIS) and the spacecraft bus are together called an observatory", an ISRO official noted. Before undertaking the Gaganyaan human space (manned) flight mission, ISRO has planned two unmanned missions. "We are getting ready for the (first of the two) unmanned crew module mission by the beginning of next year," an ISRO official said.

There have been numerous violations of academic freedom in universities and colleges across India. But the Ashoka teaching community's response to Sabyasachi Das's resignation deserves praise. Read more here.

The caricature that Raj posted

13:32 Actor Prakash Raj booked for 'mocking' Chandrayaan

This is what happens when 'patriots' don't have a sense of humour.

Actor Prakash Raj has been booked in a police station of Karnataka's Bagalkot district over a social media post, in which he allegedly mocked India's ambitious third lunar mission -- Chandrayaan-3, police said on Tuesday.

"A complaint has been filed against actor Prakash Raj for his post on the Chandrayaan-3 mission," police said.

"Hindu organisations leaders filed a complaint against the actor in Banahatti police station of Bagalkote district and have demanded action," they added.

The veteran actor on Sunday took to microblogging site X, sharing a caricature of a man in a shirt and lungi pouring tea. Sharing the picture, he wrote, "First view just arrived from Chandrayaan .. #VikramLander #justasking.'Prakash Raj has been facing heavy backlash since then with people saying that the Chandrayaan-3 mission is linked to the country's pride.

Faced with social media outrage Prakash Raj clarified on X that his comments were only intended as a joke. "Hate sees only Hate...I was referring to a joke of #Armstrong times celebrating our kerala Chaiwala-which Chaiwala did the Trolls see? if you dont get a joke then the joke is on you..GROW UP #justasking" he posted.

12:56 Chandrayaan-3 mission on schedule: ISRO

Chandrayaan-3 mission is on schedule, says ISRO. The Mission Operations Complex is buzzing with energy and excitement, says ISRO. Systems are undergoing regular checks, smooth sailing is continuing, ISRO says.

ISRO tweeted images of the moon captured by the Lander Position Detection Camera from an altitude of about 70 km, on August 19, 2023. LPDC images assist the Lander Module in determining its position (latitude and longitude) by matching them against an onboard moon reference map.

ISRO's ambitious third moon mission Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module (LM) is all set to land on the lunar surface on Wednesday evening, as India eyes to become the first country to reach the uncharted south pole of Earth's only natural satellite.

The LM comprising the lander (Vikram) and the rover (Pragyan), is scheduled to make a soft-landing near the south polar region of the Moon at 6:04 pm on Wednesday.

If the Chandrayaan-3 mission succeeds in making a touchdown on moon and in landing a robotic lunar rover in ISRO's second attempt in four years, India will become the fourth country to master the technology of soft-landing on the lunar surface after the US, China and the erstwhile Soviet Union.

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and its objectives are to demonstrate safe and soft-landing on the lunar surface, roving on the Moon, and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Chandrayaan-2 had failed in its lunar phase when its lander 'Vikram' crashed into the surface of the Moon following anomalies in the braking system in the lander while attempting a touch down on September 7, 2019. Chandrayaan's maiden mission was in 2008.

The Rs 600 crore Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on July 14 onboard Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3) rocket, for a 41-day voyage to reach near the lunar south pole.

The soft-landing is being attempted days after Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed into the Moon after spinning out of control. After the second and final deboosting operation on August 20, the LM is placed in a 25 km x 134 km orbit around the Moon.

The module would undergo internal checks and await the sun-rise at the designated landing site, ISRO has said, adding that the powered descent -- to achieve soft-landing on the Moon's surface -- is expected to be initiated at around 5:45 pm on Wednesday.

The critical process of soft-landing has been dubbed by many including ISRO officials as "17 minutes of terror", with the entire process being autonomous when the lander has to fire its engines at the right times and altitudes, use the right amount of fuel, and scan of the lunar surface for any obstacles or hills or craters before finally touching down.

After checking all the parameters and deciding to land, ISRO will upload all the required commands from its Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) at Byalalu near here, to the LM, a couple of hours before the scheduled time touchdown..

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12:06 Missing NGO worker killed, buried in ditch

A woman Kudumbashree worker, who had gone missing last week, was found allegedly murdered and buried in a ditch in the compound of a former colleague's house in Tuvvur in Kerala, police said on Tuesday.

Vishnu (26), a former temporary staff of the local panchayat in Malappuram, and four others, including his father and two younger brothers, were arrested in connection with the incident, they said.

The prime accused knew the victim for some time as she was working in the panchayat's Krishi Bhavan. As per the statement of the accused, the decomposed body, found buried in the compound of his house, was that of Sujitha (35) who had gone missing since August 11.

A police officer said her mobile got switched off near the panchayat office, located adjacent to Vishnu's house, and the subsequent probe led to his arrest. The body was found in the waste dumping pit during a search carried out by the police team last night, he said.

"As per the accused's statement, it was the body of the missing woman. It was in a decomposed state. A scientific examination under the aegis of an expert team comprising forensic surgeon, dog squad and finger print officials is progressing at the site now," he told PTI.

The officer said the woman was suspected to have killed over some financial dealings between the duo. According to Vishnu, he had allegedly strangled her to death and later hung her from the ceiling before burying her body in the pit with the help of his close relatives and their common friend, he said.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the Centre has decided to purchase two lakh metric tonnes of onion at the rate of Rs 2,410 per quintal, and expressed hope this will provide relief to producers of the key kitchen staple in the state.

He also said special procurement centres will be set up in Nashik and Ahmednagar in the state.

The announcement comes amid protests by farmers and traders against the Centre's decision to impose 40 per cent export duty on onions to check price rise and improve supplies in the domestic market.

The Finance Ministry through a notification on August 19 imposed the 40 per cent export duty on onions till December 31, 2023. Fadnavis, who is currently on a visit to Japan, in a post on X said, I spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal regarding the onion issue.

The Union government would procure two lakh metric tonnes of onion at the rate of Rs 2,410 per quintal. There will be special procurement centres set up in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts for the same. It would offer some relief to the onion growers in the state, the deputy CM added.

On Monday, traders decided to close onion auctions indefinitely in all the Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in Nashik, including at Lasalgaon, which is the largest wholesale onion market in India. -- PTI

Swati Maliwal sits on dharna

11:32 DCW chief not allowed to meet rape victim, on dharna

DCW chief Swati Maliwal continued her dharna at St Stephen's Hospital, where the minor girl allegedly raped by a Delhi government official has been admitted, for the second consecutive day on Tuesday.

Maliwal had sat on the dharna on Monday morning, claiming that she was prevented from meeting the girl. However, a police official said the mother of the girl did not want to meet anyone since the victim is still under observation.

Premoday Khakha -- a deputy director in the city government's women and child development department -- allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021, according to the Delhi Police.

His wife allegedly gave the girl medicine to terminate her pregnancy. Khakha and his wife Seema Rani were arrested on Monday.

"I came here (at the hospital) at 11 am yesterday but the Delhi Police did not allow me to meet the survivor or her mother. I spent the night here. I don't understand why the police are not allowing me to meet them," the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson said.

She said the commission has sent a notice to the Delhi Police and the city government's women and child development and services departments, seeking action in the matter, and it was important to meet the minor and her mother for further action.

She later posted on X (formerly as Twitter), "Had I not come to meet the girl, they would have said that I didn't bother to see her. Now when I am here, they are saying it's a drama. Politics has fallen to such levels that politicians cannot speak the truth."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had Monday ordered the chief secretary to suspend the accused officer. According to the order, during the suspension period, the officer is not permitted to leave the department headquarters without obtaining prior permission.

11:14 Nuh violence accused held after gunfight

A man allegedly involved in communal violence in Nuh was arrested after a brief encounter with police in the Tauru area of the district, officials said on Monday. He has been identified as Aamir, a resident of Didhara village, they said.

A search operation was launched following inputs that the accused, along with his associates, was hiding in the Aravalli hills near Tauru, police said.

The accused opened fire at the police and in retaliatory firing, he received a bullet injury in his leg, they said, adding the accused was nabbed and placed under arrest. He was admitted to Nalhar Medical College for treatment, they said.

Police said the search is on for other communal violence accused hiding in the hills. A country-made pistol and five cartridges were recovered from Aamir's possession, they said.

Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the communal clashes that erupted in Nuh when the Vishva Hindu Parishad's Braj Mandal Yatra was attacked by a mob on July 31. PTI

11:08 Modi leaves for BRICS Summit in South Africa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday left for South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS summit, expressing confidence that it will provide a useful opportunity for its members to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development.

In his departure statement, he said BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors.

This summit will provide a useful opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development, he said.

Later, he posted on X, "Leaving for South Africa to take part in the BRICS Summit being held in Johannesburg. I will also take part in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue events. The Summit will give the platform to discuss issues of concern for the Global South and other areas of development."

Modi said in the statement that he looked forward to interacting with a number of guest countries that have been invited to participate in this event.

"I also look forward to holding bilateral meetings with some of the Leaders present in Johannesburg," he said.

Modi is visiting the South African city from August 22 to 24 to attend the 15th BRICS summit at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

It will be the first in-person summit of BRICS comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, since 2019.

From South Africa, the prime minister said, he will travel to Athens, Greece on August 25 at the invitation of his Greece counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he noted that this will be his first visit to this ancient land. -- PTI

As the Chandrayaan-3 lander neared its destination, a 'havan' (religious ritual) was performed at Kamakhya Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi for the success of India's third lunar mission.

ISRO said on Sunday the lander module of Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar mission of India, is expected to touch down on the surface of the Moon around 6.04 pm on August 23.

It will be the first to land on the lunar south pole.

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.

The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft comprising orbiter, lander and rover was launched in 2019.

The lander with a rover in its belly crashed into the Moon's surface, failing in its mission to achieve a soft-landing.

A 17-year-old boy allegedly axed his mother to death in Palghar district of Maharashtra after seeing her messaging someone from her mobile phone, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place on the intervening night of Sunday-Monday in Parole area of Vasai township, they said.

The boy doubted the character of his mother, Sonali Gogra (35), and the duo had frequent quarrels over it, inspector Ashok Kamble from Mandvi police station said.

While the boy was having dinner on Sunday night, he noticed his mother messaging someone on the mobile phone and got annoyed. He then pulled out an axe and allegedly hit her with it, the official said.

The other family members were not present in the house at the time of the incident, he said.

The severely injured woman was rushed to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Bhiwandi where doctors declared her brought dead, he said, adding the body was sent for postmortem.

A case was registered under Indian Penal Code Section 302 (murder) against the accused who was yet to be apprehended, the police said. -- PTI

President Droupadi Murmu will arrive on a three-day visit to Goa on Tuesday during which she will address the state legislative assembly and also participate in the Goa University's convocation ceremony, a government official said.

On Tuesday, Murmu will lay a wreath at the Martyr's Memorial at Azad Maidan in state capital Panaji and also attend a civic reception in the Raj Bhavan, the official said.

On Wednesday, Murmu will attend the Goa University's convocation ceremony at Durbar Hall in the Raj Bhavan. She would later interact with members of vulnerable tribal groups in the coastal state, he said.

The President will also address the state legislative assembly on Wednesday, the official said.

The Goa police have appealed to people scheduled to take flights from the Dabolim airport on Tuesday evening to reach the airport early due to restricted traffic movement owing to the President's visit.

State Director General of Police Jaspal Singh in a post on X on Monday said, "In view of the visit of Hon'ble President of India to Goa, those passengers who have to fly from Dabolim say at 5 pm/6pm, and 7 pm they must reach the airport by 3.30 pm as traffic movement would be restricted after 3.45 pm on roads leading to Dabolim."

An advisory issued by the state police said traffic on the road from Dabolim to Dona Paula and further inside Panaji city would be restricted from 3.15 pm to 5 pm on Tuesday.

Traffic flow would be affected on Tuesday on the stretches of National Highway 566 from Dabolim Airport to Verna, NH66 Verna to Bambolim, GMC to Dona Paula, Dona Paula to Miramar Circle, Miramar Circle to Bandodkar statue, the police said. -- PTI

An Indian national living in Mexico was shot dead and another injured after they were robbed by unknown assailants in Mexico City, with Indian authorities demanding their Mexican counterparts to apprehend the culprits at the earliest.

The incident took place on Saturday and the assailants robbed USD 10,000 from the Indian nationals, who have not been identified. They had exchanged the money from the vicinity of the Mexico City International Airport, El Universal newspaper reported.

One of them lost his life due to the gunshots he received, and another was treated at the scene, without injuries, the report added.

The Indian embassy in Mexico regrets the incident and said that they are in touch with the family and are extending all support.

"In an extremely regrettable & heart-wrenching incident, an Indian national living in Mexico has been tragically shot dead. Embassy & @IndianAssoMex are in touch with his family & extending all support. We're demanding Mexican authorities to apprehend the culprits at the soonest," the embassy posted on X on Sunday.

"In the extremely regrettable & tragic death of an Indian national shot by unknown assailants in Mexico City, the Embassy is in constant touch with the law enforcement agencies to apprehend the culprits at the soonest & give justice to the family of the victim," they said on Monday.

The Capital Prosecutor's Office has announced that it is working hand in hand with the Indian embassy, to try to clarify the homicide of the Indian citizen who was murdered on Viaducto. -- PTI

A Mumbai-Ranchi IndiGo flight made an unscheduled halt at Nagpur on Monday evening after a passenger suffered a medical emergency, an official said.

The 62-year-old male passenger was suffering from CKD and tuberculosis and vomited blood on board, said Aejaz Shami, DGM, Branding and Communications of KIMS Hospital Nagpur.

"He was brought dead to the KIMS hospital. His body was taken to Government Medical College and Hospital for further procedures," Shami said in a statement. -- PTI

Overriding the Biden administration's appeal, a United States court has ordered a stay on the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, to India where he is facing a trial for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

Rana, 62, has appealed before the Ninth Circuit Court against the order by a US District Court in the Central District of California that denied the writ of habeas corpus.

District Judge Dale S. Fischer of the US District Court in Central California in his latest order said that Rana's "ex parte application" seeking a stay on his extradition is granted.

"The extradition of Rana to India is stayed pending the conclusion of his appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit," Judge Fischer said in the order issued on August 18.

In doing so the judge overrode the government's recommendations that there should be no stay on Rana's extradition.

Rana faces charges for his role in the Mumbai attacks and is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

While the Court does not find that Rana "has made a strong showing that he is likely to succeed on the merits" -- otherwise the Court would have ruled in his favour in the first instance -- he has certainly raised serious legal questions going to the merits, the judge wrote.

"The proper meaning of "offence" in Article 6(1) of the extradition treaty is not clear and different jurists could come to different conclusions. Rana's position is certainly colourable and could very well be found to be correct on appeal," the judge noted.

"The final two factors "merge when the Government is the opposing party." There is value in compliance with India's extradition request, but Rana's extradition proceedings have been going on for more than three years, which suggests that the process has not been rushed so far. Otherwise, the public interest, if anything, favours Rana," the judge wrote.

"The public has a strong interest in the proper interpretation of extradition treaties, particularly in the interpretation of provisions that provide important individual protections like the one at issue here. Further, there is a strong public interest in definitive, binding interpretations of treaties. District courts cannot provide those rulings; courts of appeals can," the judge wrote, throwing the legal battle to the Ninth Circuit Court now.

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has asked Rana to submit his argument before October 10 and the US Government has been asked to submit its response by November 8. -- PTI

08:56 IED recovered on J-K highway in Jammu, defused

An improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected terrorists on the Jammu-Srinagar National highway was detected and defused by security personnel on the outskirts of Jammu capital city, thereby averting a major tragedy.

"A suspicious object has been spotted alongside the highway at Panjrain area of Nagrota in Jammu. The technical examination of object initiated immediately", Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu Chandan Kohli said.

The traffic was suspended on the highway.

The suspicious object, which was found at the Panjgrain area, was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)", SSP said.

The bomb disposal squad was called on the spot and IED has been destroyed through a controlled mechanism, SSP said.

A case under relevant sections of law has been registered and an investigation has been taken up, he said.

Traffic was restored on the highway. -- PTI

Amid protests by farmers and traders against the Centre's decision to impose 40 per cent export duty on onions, Maharashtra minister Dada Bhuse has claimed it would make no difference if people did not consume the key kitchen staple for two to four months.

The state PWD minister, however, also said on Monday that the decision to impose export duty should have been taken with proper coordination.

The Union government on August 19 imposed 40 per cent duty on the export of onions to check price rise and improve supplies in the domestic market.

The Finance Ministry through a notification imposed the 40 per cent export duty on onions till December 31, 2023.

"When you use a vehicle worth Rs 10 lakh, you can buy produce at a higher rate by Rs 10 or Rs 20 than the retail rate. Those who cannot afford to buy onion, it would make no difference if they do not eat it for two-four months," Bhuse said.

He also said the decision to impose export duty should have been taken with proper coordination.

"Sometimes onion fetches rates of Rs 200 per quintal while some times it attracts Rs 2,000 per quintal. A discussion can be held and an amicable solution can be found," Bhuse said.

Earlier on Monday, traders decided to close onion auctions indefinitely in all the Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in Nashik, including at Lasalgaon, which is the largest wholesale onion market in India.

The Nashik District Onion Traders Association had given the call to not take part in onion auctions indefinitely till the Centre rolls back its decision, sources said.

Several farmers and traders held protests across the district seeking a rollback of the export duty. -- PTI

Superstar Rajinikanth on Monday said it was his habit to fall at the feet of a 'sanyasi' or 'yogi', irrespective of the age of that person.

The top actor's remarks came in response to a reporter's query here over the "controversy" surrounding his touching the feet of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently during his visit to Lucknow.

"Whether a sanyasi or a yogi, it is my habit to fall at their feet even if they are younger than me. That's what I did," he told reporters in Chennai.

The actor's gesture had kicked up an online storm, especially in Tamil Nadu, as many asked if it was okay for the 72-year-old actor to touch the feet of the much younger UP CM.

The filmstar also thanked the people for making his latest movie Jailer a "grand success".

To a question on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he said he did not want to talk about politics. -- PTI

The Delhi high court has refused to interfere with the use of the word Khiladi by a Telegu film for its title, as it rejected a plea by the production house behind Akshay Kumar starrer films Khiladi and Main Khiladi Tu Anari.

Justice Jyoti Singh dismissed the application by Venus Worldwide Entertainment alleging violation of its trade mark by the makers of the Telegu movie, and said although the plaintiff's 1992 Khiladi was a huge success, no case of any "deceptive similarity and confusion" between the two films was prima facie present.

"No doubt that the movie KHILADI was a huge success and also gave a pedestal to the lead actor and earned him the sobriquet of 'Khiladi Kumar'... but it is settled that whether or not a trademark has acquired a secondary meaning is a matter of trial and secondly, this factor cannot give monopoly to the plaintiff over the word KHILADI for the purpose of claiming infringement, in the absence of registration in the word KHILADI," the court said in its recent interim order.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the makers of the Telegu film, claiming that the use of trade mark Khiladi was exclusively associated with it and no one else.

It prayed for directions to restrain the defendants from infringing the plaintiff's trade mark. -- PTI

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01:26 Mumbai-Ranchi flight makes emergency landing in Nagpur due to medical emergency

A Mumbai-Ranchi IndiGo flight made an unscheduled halt at Nagpur on Monday evening after a passenger suffered a medical emergency, an official said.

The 62-year-old male passenger was suffering from CKD and tuberculosis and vomited blood on board, said Aejaz Shami, DGM, branding and communications of KIMS Hospital in Nagpur.

"He was brought dead to the KIMS hospital. His body was taken to Government Medical College and Hospital for further procedures," Shami said in a statement. -- PTI

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01:11 Private prayer meet in Delhi disrupted after scuffle, one held

A private prayer meet was disrupted following an alleged scuffle between two groups in east Delhi's GTB Enclave area, the police said on Monday.

The alleged incident occurred around 11 am on Sunday, they added.

The scuffle broke out between the people who had gathered for the prayer meet and another group.

A person has been arrested in this connection, the police said.

Further investigation is underway, they added. -- PTI

The police have arrested a 19-year-old man for allegedly murdering his grandparents for property in the Baran area of Rajasthan's Kota district, officials said on Monday.

The accused was identified as Devendra Rathore, a resident of the district's Simliya area, the police said. Ramkalyan Rathore (85) and his 80-year-old wife Laturibai were found murdered in their Mandola village home on August 17.

A case was registered on the basis of a complaint by their son, they said.

Superintendent of police (Baran) Rajkumar Chaudhary said Rathore was arrested on Monday on the basis of technical and scientific investigation.

The accused confessed to murdering the couple for money and share in a farmland.

Chaudhary added that the accused lived a luxurious lifestyle despite having no sources of income.

After his father died, he had been pressuring his grandparents to transfer their share of the property to his mother -- the couple's eldest daughter. -- PTI

Five persons allegedly sought the help of a fortune-teller for an auspicious time and carried out a dacoity of more than Rs 1 crore in Baramati in Pune district, a police official said on Monday.

The five robbers struck at the house of one Sagar Gophane when he was out of town, gagged his wife and decamped with Rs 95 lakh cash and Rs 11 lakh in jewellery, he said.

"Our probe zeroed in on Sachin Jagdhane, Rayba Chavan, Ravindra Bhosale, Duryodhan alias Dipak Jadhav and Nitin More. They told us they consulted a fortune teller to get an auspicious time to execute the robbery," he said.

"We arrested fortune teller Ramchandra Chava for his role in the crime. We have recovered Rs 76 lakh. Further probe is underway," the Pune rural police official said. -- PTI

Maharashtra tribal minister Vijaykumar Gavit/ANI

00:39 Eat fish for eyes like Aishwarya Rai: BJP minister

A Bharatiya Janata Party minister in Maharashtra has stoked a controversy by linking daily consumption of fish to having eyes as beautiful as those of actor Aishwarya Rai.

A video of the remarks by state tribal minister Vijaykumar Gavit, made at a public function in north Maharashtra's Nandurbar district, has gone viral on social media.

"People who consume fish on a daily basis develop smooth skin and their eyes sparkle. If anyone looks at you, the person will get attracted (towards you). Did I tell you about Aishwarya Rai? She lived near the seashore in Mangaluru. She would consume fish daily. Have you seen her eyes? You will also have eyes like her, the minister is heard saying. The fish contain some oils, it makes your skin smooth," added the 68-year-old minister, whose daughter Heena Gavit is BJP's Lok Sabha member.

NCP legislator Amol Mitkari said the minister should focus on issues faced by tribals, instead of making such "frivolous" comments.

BJP MLA Nitesh Rane said, "I eat fish daily. My eyes should have become like that (like those of Aishwarya Rai). I will ask Gavit sahib if there is any research on this."

Late in the evening, Maharashtra Women's Commission chief Rupali Chakankar asked Gavit to submit an explanation in three days about his comments. -- PTI

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