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Sat, 11 June 2022

Heatwave in northwest India to continue till June 13

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21:17 Prophet row: Mumbai police summons Nupur Sharma on June 25

Mumbai Police has summoned suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma to record a statement on June 25 in connection with her objectionable remarks against Prophet Mohammad, an official said here on Saturday.

A First Information Report was registered against Sharma at Pydhonie police station in the city earlier this week after her comments about the Prophet during a TV debate triggered a huge controversy.

Police wanted to record her statement in the case and she has been asked to appear before the investigating officer at 11 am on June 25, the official said.

Earlier, police had asked for a video of the debate from the concerned news channel.

The BJP has suspended Sharma and expelled another leader, Naveen Jindal, who had tweeted similar comments. -- PTI

Parts of northwest and central India reeled under heatwave conditions on Saturday though the area of impact reduced slightly.

The India Meteorological Department said the heatwave spell in isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand will continue for up to two more days.

On Saturday, heatwave conditions prevailed in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh where Banda was the hottest place in the country at 46.2 degrees Celsius.

At least 22 towns and cities in these states reported maximum temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius.

Northwest and central India is reeling under a heatwave spell since June 2 due to an onslaught of hot and dry westerly winds.

Senior IMD scientist R K Jenamani said maximum temperatures in Delhi-NCR and other parts of northwest India will come down by a few notches over the weekend but no major relief is likely till June 15.

The IMD said moisture-laden easterly winds will provide significant relief from the searing heat from June 16 onwards.

Pre-monsoon activity is predicted over east Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha from June 12, but north Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and north Madhya Pradesh will continue to see above-normal temperatures till June 15, the IMD official said.

The Met Office said no significant change in maximum temperatures is likely in northwest India during the next four days.

Between June 16 and June 22, maximum temperatures are likely to remain "below-normal to near-normal", the IMD said in an extended range forecast.

"No significant heatwave likely over any part of the country during the week (June 16-June 22)," it said. -- PTI

Former vice-president Hamid Ansari has said it is not fair to claim that those who made controversial comments about Prophet Mohammad were "lightweight" and underlined the government had been "mum" when anti-minority and anti-Muslim hate speeches were made at various 'Dharm Sansads'.

He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" on the matter was "very meaningful" and not accidental.

The Bharatiya Janata Party had last Sunday suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled its Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal after their controversial remarks against Prophet Mohammad.

Protests erupted in several parts of India on Friday against the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad, leaving two persons dead and a few policemen injured in stone-pelting while security forces had to resort to lathi-charge, tear gas shelling and firing in the air at some places.

Asked about Qatar and other countries' reaction to the controversial remarks and the opinion in India being divided, Ansari said it is not fair to say that those who gave these statements about the Prophet were "lightweight" as they were functionaries of the ruling party.

"But what is important is that this is not just about one statement. In the last few months, many statements of this nature have been made. In various Dharm Sansads, anti-minority and anti-Muslim hate speeches were given.

"The words may be different, but the government was completely mum and if any action was taken it was very late with no meaning," he told BBC Hindi in an interview.

It's not sudden, it was building up for some time and the government was tolerating it because there is a policy, Ansari claimed.

On whether India should apologize, the former vice president said, "I don't think the Government of India should apologise because in diplomacy there are many mechanisms to deal with differences amongst the countries."

Asked why the prime minister or the foreign minister were silent, he said, "The prime minister, home minister and foreign minister are the people who are expected to speak. But they all are silent."

PM Modi has excellent relationships with the heads of all the Gulf countries but his silence is very meaningful, it's not accidental, he claimed.

"It can be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, it can be said the prime minister does not disapprove of what has been said by the BJP spokesperson or it can also be said that he approves of what has been said," the former vice-president said.

20:46 Hate and unrest not our way: Rahul

India has always set an example of truth, non-violence and brotherhood before the world and hate and unrest "is not our way", former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday amid reports of violence during protests at various places against controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad.

Protests erupted in several parts of the country on Friday against the controversial remarks on the Prophet by two now-suspended BJP functionaries, leaving a few policemen injured in stone pelting and forcing security forces to resort to lathicharge, tear-gas shelling and firing in the air at some places.

"Bapu's ideals are the foundation of independent India. Our country has always set an example of truth, non-violence and brotherhood before the world. Hate and unrest is not our way," Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

"It is the responsibility of all the people of the country to unite India and maintain mutual goodwill," the former Congress chief added.

The BJP had last Sunday suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled its Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal after their controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad. -- PTI

Tata Group Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata has been conferred honorary D.Litt. by Maharashtra's second state cluster university, HSNC University, as a mark of appreciation towards his unparalleled contribution for the society.

The Governor of Maharashtra and the Chancellor of the university Bhagat Singh Koshyari awarded the degree to Tata at a special convocation ceremony of the university held on Saturday.

The university believes that Ratan Tata reflects the philosophy of development, education and upliftment of all, which also resonates with the vision of HSNC University, Mumbai and as a mark of appreciation towards his unparalleled contribution for the society, the university conferred him with its first-ever honorary degree.

"Ratan Tata is not just an industrialist or a corporate icon, he is a great human being who nurtures values of politeness, humanity and ethics. By accepting the honorary doctorate from HSNC University, Tata has honoured each one of us," Koshyari said in his convocation address. \

In his acceptance speech, Ratan Tata said, "This university has been constituted with a view of creating young people with capability to lead our country in the coming future, with honesty, purpose, and responsibility. I am grateful to receive the honorary degree from the university, it means so much to me". -- PTI

Shiv Sena MLA Abdul Sattar

19:55 Sena MLA helped us in RS polls, claims BJP MLA

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Santosh Danve on Saturday claimed that Shiv Sena legislator Abdul Sattar had helped BJP in the Rajya Sabha elections held for six seats in Maharashtra, which saw ruling Sena's second nominee Sanjay Pawar losing against BJP's Dhananjay Mahadik in a tight contest.

Speaking to reporters, Danve said it was wrong on part of Sena MP Sanjay Raut to term some Independent MLAs traitors for not voting in favour of Maha Vikas Aghadi nominees in the RS polls held on Friday. Results were declared in the early hours of Saturday.

"Independent MLAs are not traitors but they voted as per their Constitutional right. It is wrong to make such a statement after your nominee lost the Rajya Sabha election. Abdul Sattar should be the number one in Raut's list of traitors," he said.

I am sure Sattar would help BJP once again in the upcoming Assembly elections as he did in the Rajya Sabha elections, said Danve, the MLA from the Bhokardan constituency in Jalna district.

He is son of Union minister Raosaheb Danve.

Santosh Danve credited the victory of all three candidates fielded by the BJP to the meticulous planning and execution by former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and state unit BJP president Chandrakant Patil.

Sattar represents the Sillod Assembly segment in the Aurangabad district.

Earlier in the day, Raut had claimed that three MLAs of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, an independent MLA from Karmala, Sanjaymama Shinde, Swabhimani Party MLA Devendra Bhuyar, and PWP MLA Shyamsunder Shinde did not vote for the Maha Vikas Aghadi despite assuring to do so.

A day after losing the Rajya Sabha election in Haryana due to cross-voting, the Congress cracked the whip and expelled its legislator Kuldeep Bishnoi from all party positions.

The Haryana Congress has alleged that Bishnoi, an MLA from the Adampur constituency in Hisar, did not vote for the party candidate Ajay Maken and cross-voted in favour of Independent candidate Kartikeya Sharma, who was supported by the ruling BJP-JJP combine.

The Congress had 31 MLA and needed as many votes to win the Rajya Sabha seat from Haryana, but one of its legislators cross-voted and another's vote was cancelled.

"The Congress president has expelled Kuldeep Bishnoi from all his present party positions, including the post of special invitee of the Congress Working Committee, with immediate effect," a statement from AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said.

Bishnoi had not attended any of the party meetings of its legislators and had said that he has voted as per his conscience. -- PTI

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday ordered a high-level probe into the deadly violence that rocked Ranchi, a senior official said.

A two-member committee, comprising senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal and Additional Director General of Police Sanjay Latkar, was formed to investigate the violence that left two persons dead and at least 24 people injured, the official told PTI.

The committee has been asked to submit its report to the state government in a week, he said.

Ranchi's Deputy Inspector General Anish Gupta said a Special Investigation Team has also been set up to probe the incident.

"Three FIRs have been lodged so far. Search operations are on to arrest the persons involved in the violence," he said.

Violent protests broke out in the state capital on Friday over the inflammatory comments made by now-suspended BJP spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal. -- PTI

19:10 Nagaland killings: 30 soldiers chargesheeted

Nagaland Police has charge sheeted at least 30 members of the 21 Para Special Force including an officer in the rank of a major, in the December 4, 2021 botched army operations in Oting-Tiru area of Mon district killing at least 13 civilians.

The probe which preceded the charge sheet has found that the Special Force Operation team had not followed the Standard Operating Procedure and the Rules of Engagement and resorted to indiscriminate and disproportionate firing leading to immediate killing of six civilians and grievous injury to two more.

Addressing a press conference at Chumoukedima Police Complex on Saturday, Director General of Police, Nagaland, T John Longkumer said that the Tizit Police Station case relating to the Oting incident where 13 civilians were killed in an ambush laid for militants as a result of mistaken identity on December 4, 2021.

The case was re-registered by State Crime Police Station on December 5 against unknown persons of the Indian Army u/s 302, 304 and 34 IPC and investigation handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

"A professional and thorough investigation was carried out by the SIT" in this case, he said adding that various evidences including relevant important documents from various authorities and sources, scientific opinions from Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) Guwahati, Hyderabad and Chandigarh and technical evidences from National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology were collected during the course of investigation, he said.

The DGP said the probe was complete and the charge sheet was submitted to the District and Sessions Court, Mon on May 30, 2022 through Assistant Public Prosecutor, Mon.

A case under various sections of the IPC has been made out against thirty 30 members of the operations team of 21 Para Special Force including a Major, two Subedar, eight Havildars, four Naik, six lance naik and nine paratroopers, he said.

Accordingly, the DGP said that the CID report seeking sanction for prosecution was forwarded to the Department of Military Affairs in the first week of April this year and reminder letter sent in May.

The sanction for prosecution is still awaited, he said.

Meanwhile, the charge-sheet has been filed pending sanction for prosecution against the 30 accused, he said.

Investigation has revealed that Alpha team of 21 Para Special Force consisting of 31 personnel led by a Major rank officer launched an operation in Oting Tiru Area on December 3, 2021, based on the intelligence input about presence of a group of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) (Yung Aung) (NSCN-K(YA) and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) cadres in the area, he said.

On December 4, 2021 at around 4:20 pm the operation team of 21 Para Special Force who had laid an ambush at Longkhao between Upper Tiru and Oting Village opened fire at a White Bolero pick up vehicle which was carrying eight civilians belonging to Oting Village, most of whom were working as labourers in the coal mines at Tiru without ensuring positive identification or challenging them, he said.

Investigation has revealed that the Special Force Operation team had not followed the Standard Operating Procedure and the Rules of Engagement and resorted to indiscriminate and disproportionate firing leading to immediate killing of the six occupants of the vehicle on the spot and grievously injuring 2 persons, he said. -- PTI

The West Bengal government on Saturday effected a police reshuffle in Howrah district, which witnessed violent protests over controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad by suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokespersons.

The state administration named Praveen Tripathi, Additional CP of Kolkata Police, the new Commissioner of Police of Howrah City, an order stated.

Swathi Bhangalia, DCP (South West) of Kolkata Police, was made the new SP of Howrah (Rural), it added.

Howrah City Commissioner of Police C Sudhakar was made the Joint CP of Kolkata Police while Howrah (Rural) SP Saumya Roy was made DCP (South West) of Kolkata Police.

The decision was taken during an emergency meeting held in the state secretariat over the current situation in Howrah district.

"These appointments have been initiated in the interest of public service," the order stated.

Protests erupted in several parts of Howrah district on Friday over controversial remarks by suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled leader Naveen Jindal on Prophet Mohammad.

Agitators resorted to stone-pelting, setting police vehicles on fire and damaging public property during violent protests and clashes with the law enforcers in the district.

Internet services have been suspended across the district till June 13 to prevent the spread of rumours and prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC imposed in several areas such as Uluberia, Domjur and Panchla till June 15.

Fresh violence was reported in Panchla Bazaar area in the district on Saturday as protesters clashed with the police and several houses were set on fire. Agitators pelted policemen with stones, injuring some of them, and also vandalised a BJP party office. -- PTI

A Kashmiri YouTuber, whose video depicting the beheading of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma had gone viral on social media platforms, was arrested here on Saturday for breaching public tranquillity and causing fear in the public, police said.

Wani has deleted the video and apologised for it as well.

Before his arrest, Wani posted another video in which he said he did not have any intention of hurting the sentiments of people or any religion.

"YouTuber Faisal Wani has been arrested. He had uploaded an incriminating video on YouTube which is against public tranquillity and has caused fear and alarm to the public in general. The FIR has been registered under sections 505 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code at the Safa Kadal police station," police said.

Wani's arrest came after he deleted the viral video and issued an apology in a new video posted on his YouTube channel "Deep pain Fitness".

"I had uploaded a video last night about Nupur Sharma. It was a VFX video which went viral all over India and an innocent person like me got implicated. I never have any intention to hurt any other religion, because Islam teaches us to respect other religions," Wani said in the new video.

He said he deleted the controversial video after it went viral.

"I respect all religions. Yes, I had made that video, but I had no intention to violate anything. I deleted the video last night itself , but I apologise for it. I am sorry," the YouTuber said in the video with folded hands.

"If anyone is hurt because of this, I am extremely sorry. I had no intention to hurt anyone," he added.

Describing himself as a simple person, Wani expressed hope that the second video would also go viral "so that my apology reaches everyone".

"I am an innocent person and do not want to be implicated," he said. -- PTI

Senior Nationalist Congress Party leader and newly-elected Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel on Saturday said not a single MLA from the NCP, the Congress and the Shiv Sena cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha elections for six seats from Maharashtra, which saw the defeat of Shiv Sena's second nominee against his Bharatiya Janata Party challenger.

Prima facie, the Maha Vikas Aghadi -- comprising the Shiv Sena, the NCP, and the Congress -- failed to secure four-five votes of Independent MLAs, he told reporters at Nagpur airport.

Ruling out cross-voting in the keenly-contested elections, Patel said all the MLAs of the NCP, the Congress, and the Shiv Sena voted as per the party line.

"There was not a single cross-voting from the MLAs of these three parties," he said.

When asked why the MVA failed to get Sena's second nominee Sanjay Pawar elected on the sixth seat, the former Union minister pointed to a combination of factors, including invalidation of the vote of an MLA (of Shiv Sena).

"Moreover, NCP leaders Nawab Malik and Anil Deshmukh couldn't vote (as they failed to get relief from the Bombay high court). If we put all these things together, along with the votes cast by Independents and MLAs of small parties, there is a difference (shortfall) of four to five votes (in the MVA tally). We may not have got votes of four to five Independents contrary to our expectations," he added.

BJP candidates -- Union minister Piyush Goyal, former state minister Anil Bonde and Dhananjay Mahadik -- won the fiercely-fought elections, results of which were declared in the early hours of Saturday.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, NCP's Praful Patel and Congress' Imran Pratapgarhi also came out victorious.

The contest was for the sixth seat -- between BJP's Mahadik and Sena's Pawar, who lost.

The quota of the first preferential votes per contestant was 41.

Of the total 288 MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly, 285 voted- barring Deshmukh and Malik who are in jail in different money laundering cases while one seat is lying vacant due to the death of an MLA.

The poll panel directed the Rajya Sabha election returning officer of Maharashtra to reject the vote cast by Shiv Sena legislator Suhas Kande, after which the counting of votes got underway after 1 am. -- PTI

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday wrote to opposition leaders, requesting them to attend a meeting on June 15 convened by her in New Delhi to prepare a joint strategy for the upcoming presidential poll.

"Our hon'ble chairperson @MamataOfficial calls upon all progressive opposition forces to meet and deliberate on the future course of action keeping the Presidential elections in sight, at the Constitution Club, New Delhi on June 15 2022 at 3 PM," Banerjee's Trinamool Congress said.

With the Presidential poll round the corner, Banerjee has reached out to the opposition CMs and leaders to participate in the joint meeting in the national capital, according to a statement issued by her party.

"With the Presidential election around the corner, Hon'ble CM of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, with an initiative of strong & effective opposition against the divisive forces, has reached out to the opposition CMs and leaders to participate in a joint meeting," the party statement said.

Poll for the President of India will be held on July 18, the Election Commission announced on Thursday, with 4,809 members of the electoral college comprising MPs and MLAs set to elect the successor to incumbent Ram Nath Kovind. -- PTI

16:39 Prophet row: Fresh violence erupts in Howrah

Fresh violence was reported in Panchla Bazaar area in West Bengal's Howrah district on Saturday as protesters clashed with the police and several houses were set on fire, a senior officer said.

Protesters pelted policemen with stones, injuring some of them, and also vandalised a Bharatiya Janata Party party office.

Several fire tenders were pressed into service as police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, the officer said, adding the situation was "under control" at the moment.

"The agitators have been dispersed. Some policemen have been injured in the stone-pelting. We are conducting a route march in the area. The situation is under control," he said.

Protests erupted in several parts of Howrah district on Friday over controversial remarks by suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled leader Naveen Jindal on Prophet Mohammad.

Agitators resorted to stone-pelting, setting police vehicles on fire and damaging public property during violent protests and clashes with the law enforcers in the district.

Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar

16:14 Bengal BJP chief held on way to violence-hit Howrah

Bharatiya Janata Party's West Bengal unit president Sukanta Majumdar was arrested on Saturday afternoon when he tried to visit violence-hit Howrah district, police said.

Majumdar, the MP of Balurghat in Uttar Dinajpur, was arrested near the toll plaza on Vidyasagar Setu, they said.

"Mr Majumdar was trying to travel to Howrah where prohibitory orders under CrPC 144 have been clamped. His visit could have created a law and order situation. This is a preventive arrest," a senior police officer told PTI.

Violence rocked parts of Howrah on Friday following the inflammatory remarks of now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma on Prophet Mohammed.

How many Enforcement Directorate, income tax and Central Bureau of Investigation raids have taken place on Bharatiya Janata Party leaders or their kin in the last eight years during the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre, Working President of ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi in Telangana K T Rama Rao asked on Saturday.

"How many ED, IT & CBI raids on BJP leaders or their kith & kin in last 8 years?.

"Kya Sab Ke Sab BJP waale Satya Harischandra Ke rishthedaar hain? (Are all BJP people relatives of Satya Harischandra?)," he tweeted, adding "#JustAsking".

The TRS and BJP have been engaged in a war of words for several months now as they gear up for the Legislative Assembly elections next year. -- PTI

Muslims protest over Prophet remarks

15:14 Prophet remarks: 'B'desh govt under pressure to act'

Amid protests over the remarks against Prophet Mohammad by two now-suspended Bharatiya Janata Party functionaries, a senior leader of the ruling Awami League has said that the Bangladesh government is under pressure to take "action" as events in India have consequences in this country.

Khandakar Goulam Moula Naqshbandi, Chairman of the Religious Affairs Sub-Committee of the ruling Awami League and a member of the Advisory Committee, also said that disruptive forces try to take advantage of such a situation to disturb law and order in Muslim majority Bangladesh.

"Many issues arise due to conspiracy at the international level and petty politics at the local level, but the situation worsens if immediate action was not taken, Naqshbandi said while talking to a group of Indian journalists here.

"Bangladesh is under pressure from clerics and civil society to take action over the remarks against the Prophet," he said, adding that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina knows how to deal with the situation.

Naqshbandi said that Bangladesh has good relations with India, which is a friendly country.

He said that the particular incident is prima facie an internal matter of India, but "such incidents affect the people here (in Bangladesh)."

On Friday, hundreds of people took to the streets in several major cities in Bangladesh, protesting against the controversial remarks made by two former BJP spokespersons against the Prophet. The protesters rallied after Friday prayers, chanting slogans and demanding that the Bangladesh government condemn the derogatory comments and boycott Indian products in the Muslim majority country.

Naqshbandi said that such statements should be avoided as they can hurt the sentiments of anyone.

Despite the expulsion of Naveen Jindal and suspension of Nupur Sharma and FIR against them by the BJP in the case, Naqshbandi said it was a late move and the step was taken after the protests from Arab countries.

"The (Bangladesh) government is assessing the situation," he said.

When asked whether the Committee on Religious Affairs will give any advice to the Hasina government in this matter, Naqshbandi said, "We have discussed this with the minister in-charge and after further discussion, we will issue a statement."

He said that India and Bangladesh have very close relations and it is also true that many international powers are trying to spoil the relations between the two countries. -- PTI

Amidst opposition parties' clamour for his resignation in the wake of fresh revelations against him in the gold smuggling case, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday hit back at detractors, saying the allegations were not going to affect him nor his government in any way and that they still enjoy the complete support and confidence of the people of the state.

Without mentioning the recent disclosure by gold smuggling case key accused Swapna Suresh against him and his family, Vijayan said there was a flood of similar allegations against his government before the state election but the people rejected the charges and gave the mandate to rule the state again with 99 seats.

"We are more indebted to the people now...we will not surrender before any force that stands against the interest of the country for sure," he said while inaugurating the Kerala Gazetted Officers' Association (KGOA) state conference here.

Though the speech was progressing on the need to protect the secular fabric of the country and taking a strong stand against communal forces, he suddenly made references about some recent incidents in the state and then gave a veiled reply to his critics.

Warning those raising allegations not to try to intimidate him and not to resort to gimmicks, Vijayan said such attempts were not going to yield any result.

Noting that they have full faith in the people of the state, he said they (people) were capable of realising the truth when the vested interests go ahead with their ridiculous charges.

The Chief Minister also did not hide his displeasure to the media giving so much importance to news related to the statements of the gold smuggling case accused.

He asked whether the media was thinking that they could mar the image of the LDF government before the public through such reports.

"It is high time for you (media) to make a self-introspection whether such reports are suitable for your credibility. No one is coming to correct you. People are the ultimate judges," Vijayan added.

Meanwhile, the enhanced security cover for the Chief Minister in the wake of the opposition protests seemed to trouble the common people in this southern district this morning.

Unprecedented traffic regulations imposed on the roads for his smooth passage triggered arguments between police and the public at several places.

According to reports, a 40-member security team including commandos accompanied the CM when he arrived here for the conference.

Those attending the KGOA conference were directed to enter the hall one hour in advance and a pass was made mandatory for the mediapersons to enter the venue. There were also strict regulations for those wearing black colour masks in the area.

Vijayan's veiled attack against the allegations came up a day after Swapna Suresh, a key accused in the gold smuggling through diplomatic baggage case, released audio clips of her purported conversation with a man, who according to her is connected with powerful people in the government.

She said she released the audio to "substantiate" her claim that he had approached her to "settle" the issues arising following her statement made before a magistrate court recently on the alleged role of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members in certain alleged smuggling activities.

In the purported audio clips, the man named Shaj Kiran, a former mediaperson, was heard asking Suresh why she gave a statement before the court under Section 164 of CrPC and said the chief minister would not tolerate her statements targeting his family members in connection with a certain smuggling case.

Representative image

14:43 Woman can't be compelled to work just because she is educated: HC

A woman cannot be compelled to work to eke out a living, merely because she is educated, the Bombay high court observed, while hearing a man's plea against a court order directing him to pay maintenance to his estranged wife.

A single bench of Justice Bharati Dangre was hearing a revision application filed by the man challenging an order of the family court in Pune.

During the hearing on Friday, the court said that a woman had the "choice to either work or stay at home" even if she was qualified and had an educational degree.

"Our society has not yet accepted that the woman of the household should contribute (financially). It is a woman's choice to work. She cannot be compelled to go to work. Just because she is a graduate, does not mean she cannot sit at home," Justice Dangre said.

"Today I am a judge of this court. Tomorrow, suppose I may sit at home. Will you then say I am qualified to be a judge and shouldn't sit at home?" she said.

The man's counsel argued that the family court had "unfairly" directed his client to pay maintenance, since his estranged wife was a graduate and had the capability to work and make a living.

In his plea filed through advocate Ajinkya Udane, the man also alleged that his estranged wife had a steady source of income at present, but that she had hidden this fact from the court.

The petitioner challenged the family court's order that directed him to pay Rs 5,000 each month to the wife and Rs 7,000 towards the maintenance of his 13-year-old daughter, who currently lives with her.

The high court will hear the matter further next week. -- PTI

14:06 227 people arrested in UP for Friday violence

A total of 227 people were arrested from various districts of Uttar Pradesh in connection with Friday violence, a senior police official has said.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said, "227 persons have been arrested in the state for Friday violence. This includes 68 in Prayagraj, 50 in Hathras, 48 in Saharanpur, 28 in Ambedkarnagar, 25 in Moradabad, and eight in Firozabad."

People pelted stones at police personnel in Prayagraj and Saharanpur as people took to rowdiness during their protests after Friday prayers.

At least four other cities witnessed similar scenes during the marches that were carried out to decry the offensive remarks on Prophet Mohammad made by now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

In Prayagraj, the mob set on fire a few motorcycles and carts and also attempted to set ablaze a police vehicle. Police used tear gas and lathis to disperse the mobs and restored peace, police said. One police personnel got injured by mob, they said.

Nupur Sharma was suspended by her party after several Islamic nations denounced her comment against the Prophet during a TV debate.

In Saharanpur, protesters shouted slogans against Sharma and demanded death sentence for her.

There were protests in Bijnor, Moradabad, Rampur, and Lucknow. Sloganeering took place in Lucknow.

According to the local people, stone pelting continued for over 15 minutes in Prayagraj. They said a few protesters threw stones at the police team deployed on the main road. -- PTI

Violent protests in Howrah

13:34 Why should people suffer for BJP's sin, asks Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday claimed that some political parties were behind the violent incidents that rocked Howrah district and promised to take strict action against those attempting to instigate riots in the state.

She also questioned why should common people suffer because of "sin" committed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, in reference to controversial remarks by suspended and expelled party leaders on Prophet Mohammad which triggered the violent protests.

"As I have said before, normal life has been affected by violent incidents in Howrah over the last two days. Some political parties are behind this, they want to instigate riots. But this won't be tolerated and strict action will be taken against those involved. Why should common people suffer because of sin committed by BJP," Banerjee tweeted in Bengali.

Protests erupted in several parts of Howrah district on Friday over controversial remarks by suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled leader Naveen Jindal on Prophet Mohammad.

Agitators resorted to stone-pelting, setting police vehicles on fire and damaging public property during violent protests and clashes with the law enforcers in the district.

Internet services have been suspended across the district till June 13 and prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC imposed in several areas such as Uluberia, Domjur and Panchla till June 15.

Common people had to suffer as road and railway tracks were blocked by protesters in the district. Several local and express trains were cancelled due to the violence. -- PTI

13:29 Despite diktat, BJP MP backs Nupur Sharma

Amid protests in parts of the country over the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad made by now suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma, party's Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur has supported her, saying that if anybody insults Hindu deities, then such people would be told the "truth".

After Thakur's comments made in Bhopal on Friday, the opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh sought a clarification from the BJP as it pointed out that while the party has suspended Sharma over her remarks, the Lok Sabha member has now supported her.

Talking to reporters, Thakur on Friday said, "This is true that there (Gyanvapi) was a temple of Lord Shiva. It is there and it will be there. Calling it a fountain is wrong. Our deities are sanatan. If you insult them, we will also tell the truth. You tell our truth and it will be accepted by us. But why does it pain you when we tell the truth? This means somewhere history is dirty."

Asked about the threat calls that Sharma allegedly received following her remarks, Thakur said 'vidharmis' were always involved in such activities, as they had also killed Kamlesh Tiwari (a Hindu outfit leader in Lucknow) in 2019.

"If someone talks, they threaten. They make, produce and direct movies on our deities. They have been abusing them (deities) by making (such) movies for a long time. There is a long communist history...India belongs to Hindus. Sanatan will continue to live and it is our responsibility," she said.

Replying to a question, she said, "Vidharmis give statements. How can we tolerate the insult of our gods and goddesses?"

Reacting to Thakur's statement, Madhya Pradesh Congress's media department chairman K K Mishra said, "BJP has suspended Nupur Sharma and sought a public apology. But now, the BJP's Lok Sabha member is issuing a statement in Sharma's favour. BJP should clarify if Sharma's statement was a planned conspiracy?"

Mishra said that the BJP should also clarify if it would take action against Thakur for standing with the suspended leader.

The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma and Naveen Jindal, a former head of the Delhi BJP's media unit, after their derogatory comments on the Prophet sparked a huge furore including in the Arab world.

12:39 Sec 144 imposed in Ranchi day after protests

A day after violent protests killed two people and injured many in Jharkhand's Ranchi over Prophet Muhammad remarks row, section 144 was imposed in several areas of the capital city on Saturday.

Heavy security forces have been deployed in the violence-hit areas to bring the situation under control, according to the Ranchi district administration.

Ranchi district administration also extended internet suspension till tomorrow, June 12.

"Section 144 enforced in 12 police station areas of Ranchi. The situation is under control and is being monitored throughout. Various forces have been deployed. CCTV footage and videos are being scrutinized, necessary actions will be taken. The identification process is going on," said Ranchi district administration.

Two people died during the violent protest that erupted in Ranchi after Friday prayers, against the controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad made by suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled leader Naveen Jindal.

"Two people have succumbed to their injuries out of total injured who were brought to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences after the violence in Ranchi," confirmed RIMS authorities.

The protest that erupted after Friday prayers had turned violent following the incidents of stone-pelting and torching of several vehicles and vandalisation were reported. Many people sustained injuries in the violent protests yesterday.

At least eight people were killed and two others injured when the SUV they were travelling in lost control and fell into a roadside ditch in Bihar's Purnea district on Saturday, officials said.

The local administration is trying to ascertain the identity of the deceased.

"The accident took place around 3 AM on Saturday when the car occupants were going to Nania village in Kishanganj district after attending a 'tilak' ceremony (initial function of a wedding) in Tarabadi area of Purnea district.

"The driver lost control over the vehicle and it fell into a water-filled ditch beside Purnea-Kishanganj State Highway near Kanjia Middle School," Baisi Sub-divisional Magistrate Kumari Toushi said.

Eight people died on the spot and their bodies were sent for post-mortem examination, while the two injured were admitted to a nearby hospital where their condition is stated to be stable.

Kanjia Panchayat Mukhiya Samrendra Ghosh told reporters that all the deceased are males.

"The local administration will soon ascertain their identity and the exact cause of the accident," Circle Officer Raj Shekhar said. -- PTI

Police have registered a case in connection with Friday's protest outside Jama Masjid to demand the arrest of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad, officials said on Saturday.

After the Friday prayers, a large crowd of people had gathered on the steps of the famous mosque, carrying placards and shouting slogans against Sharma and Naveen Jindal, former head of the Delhi BJP's media unit, for allegedly making derogatory remarks on the Prophet.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shweta Chauhan said a case has been registered under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code on Friday against the protesters and further investigation is underway.

On Friday, the DCP had said, "Around 1,500 people had gathered at the mosque for Friday prayers. When the prayers ended peacefully, some people came outside, started showing placards and shouted slogans. Some others also joined them later and the numbers went up to around 300."

"Police deployment always remains at Jama Masjid during Friday prayers. The protesters were dispersed within 10 to 15 minutes and the situation is peaceful. Legal action will be taken in connection with the incident. We have identified some of the miscreants and our teams are working to identify others," Chauhan said.

Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, had distanced himself from the protest, saying "nobody knows who the protesters were" and demanded action against such people.

The row over the remarks against Prophet Mohammad escalated on Sunday with protests from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Iran, prompting the BJP to suspend Sharma and expel Jindal as the party asserted that it respects all religions.

With the Bharatiya Janata Party winning all three Rajya Sabha seats it contested in Maharashtra, senior party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said it was a "convincing" victory and attributed it to meticulous planning as well as team work.

Speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai, Fadnavis also took a dig at Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, who was one of the candidates in the fray, saying that BJP's Dhananjay Mahadik secured more votes than him.

The BJP had fielded three candidates out of the total six Rajya Sabha seats that went to polls on Friday. BJP candidates -- Union minister Piyush Goyal, former state minister Anil Bonde and Dhananjay Mahadik -- won the fiercely-fought elections, while Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, NCP's Praful Patel and Congress' Imran Pratapgarhi also came out victorious.

The contest was for the sixth seat -- between BJP's Mahadik and Sena's Pawar, who lost.

Mahadik and Pawar hail from Kolhapur in western Maharashtra.

"It is a convincing victory for the BJP and it is not just adding up of numbers. Had even (jailed NCP leader and Maharashtra minister) Nawab Malik been allowed to cast his vote in the election and even if Sena had not lost one of its votes, the BJP would have still won the third seat," he said.

Hitting out at Raut and his tirade against the BJP, Fadnavis said, "The situation of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi is so bad that BJP's third candidate secured more votes (41.56) than MVA's first candidate Sanjay Raut (41). BJP's two other candidates already secured 48 votes each." -- PTI

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10:43 Delay hits services on Delhi Metro's Violet Line

Services on Delhi Metro's Violet Line were delayed on Saturday morning due to some technical issues.

The route connects Kashmere Gate in Delhi to Ballabgarh in Haryana.

"Violet Line update. Delay in services between Kashmere Gate and Raja Nahar Singh (Ballabgarh). Normal services on all other lines," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation tweeted.

More details were awaited from the transporter.

Commuters took to Twitter to share that they were waiting for trains for a long time at stations on their way to work or other destinations.

Delhi Metro passengers, largely office-goers, on Thursday had faced inconvenience when services on its Blue Line were delayed for over two hours due to a technical snag.

The Blue Line connects Dwarka Sector-21 in Delhi to Noida Electronic City, along with a branch line to Vaishali.

This was the second time in the week when the entire Blue Line had been impacted by a glitch.

On June 6, a large number of commuters on the Blue Line had faced hardship as services across the corridor were impacted for nearly an hour-and-a-half due to a technical snag caused by a bird hit. -- PTI

10:15 No threat to Maharashtra govt: Sharad Pawar

After the Bharatiya Janata Party won three out of six Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he was not shocked to see the results, and added that his party received one extra vote that came from an independent legislator, who was tilted towards the opposite side.

BJP candidates -- Union minister Piyush Goyal and former state minister Anil Bonde, and Dhananjay Mahadik -- won the fiercely contested election conducted on Friday.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, NCP's Praful Patel and Congress' Imran Pratapgarhi also came out victorious.

Sena's second candidate Sanjay Pawar lost to BJP's Mahadik.

"I am not shocked to see the results. If you see the votes polled by every candidate of (Maha Vikas Aghadi allies) NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress, they received the votes as per the quota. Only Praful Patel (of NCP) received one extra vote and I know from where it came. That was not MVA's vote, it was from the opposite side," Pawar told reporters in Mumbai.

He added that for the sixth seat, contested by Shiv Sena, there was a big gap, but MVA showed courage and put in efforts.

BJP had more Independent MLAs on their side, but for both, BJP and MVA, the number of votes were not sufficient," he said.

The MVA made a courageous attempt to win the sixth seat despite falling short of a few numbers, but one has to accept the miracle, in which BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis succeeded in weaning away independents and smaller parties who would have supported the MVA, Pawar added. -- PTI

10:13 J-K YouTuber apologises for Nupur Sharma video

A Kashmir-based YouTuber identified as Faisal Wani, who had earlier allegedly posted a video depicting the beheading of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma, has now deleted his earlier tweet and issued an apology.

"I apologise. I'm extremely sorry if someone is hurt due to me," he said. -- ANI

After Shiv Sena's Sanjay Pawar lost the Rajya Sabha polls from Maharashtra to BJP's Dhananjay Mahadik, party leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday alleged that the BJP put pressure on the Election Commission to get his party's one vote disqualified.

Talking to reporters, Raut, who himself managed to win a seat, said the BJP's victory was not as huge as it was being made out to be, and added that the Sena's second candidate secured more first preference votes.

"I don't think the BJP's candidate has won. The first preference votes of 33 were secured by Pawar," Raut said, adding that BJP's Mahadik bagged 27 votes as first preference.

"He won on the basis of the second preference vote," Raut said.

The bitter contest that went to the wire saw three candidates of the BJP - Piyush Goyal, Anil Bonde and Mahadik -- winning the polls.

The Sena (Raut), NCP (Praful Patel) and Congress (Imran Pratapgarhi) won one seat each. Of the 284 valid votes, Goyal polled 48, Bonde 48, Mahadik 41.56, Raut 41, Pratapgarhi 44 and Patel 43.

Both BJP and the Shiv Sena approached the Election Commission, alleging breach of election rules and seeking disqualification of votes.

A fire broke out at the intensive care unit ward of Brahm Shakti Hospital in Delhi's Rohini on Saturday.

A patient is suspected to have died in the blaze.

Delhi Fire Service director Atul Garg informed that all patients have been safely rescued except for one patient who was on a ventilator, who he said is believed to have died.

As many as nine fire tenders were rushed to the Brahm Shakti Hospital to douse the fire.

"A fire broke out at third (ICU ward) of Brahm Shakti Hospital in Rohini. nine fire tenders were rushed. All have been safely rescued except 1 patient who was on the ventilator and is suspected to have died. Fire has been completely doused," Garg said.

The cause of the fire is not known yet. Further details into the matter are awaited. -- ANI

08:57 2 dead in Ranchi protest over Prophet row

Two people died during the violent protest that erupted in Ranchi after Friday prayers against the controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad made by suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled leader Naveen Jindal.

"Two people have succumbed to their injuries out of total injured who were brought to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences after the violence in Ranchi," confirmed RIMS authorities.

The protest that erupted after Friday prayers had turned violent following the incidents of stone-pelting and torching of several vehicles and vandalisation were reported.Many people sustained injuries in the violent protests on Friday.

The district administration acted immediately and imposed a curfew in violence-hit areas of Ranchi thereby bringing the situation under control.

All internet services were temporarily suspended in Ranchi till 6 am on Saturday i.e, June 11, in wake of protests in the city.

Deputy inspector general of Ranchi police Anish Gupta had said that the situation was "under control" despite being a "little tense". -- ANI

Justin Beiber/ANI

08:29 Half of Justin Beiber's face paralysed by serious virus, cancels shows

American singer Justin Beiber has revealed that he is suffering partial face paralysis after he cancelled shows this week.

The 28-year-old pop singer in a video on his Instagram account said that he has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which has caused his condition.

Beiber announced that he will be taking a break from work as he needs time to recover.

Apologising to his fans, he said that his condition is "pretty serious" and that is the reason why some of his shows were cancelled in recent times.

In the video, Justin explained, "As you can see, this eye is not blinking, I can't smile on this side of my face, this nostril will not move. So, there's full paralysis on this side of my face."

"So for those who are frustrated by my cancellations of the next shows, I'm just physically, obviously, not capable of doing them. This is pretty serious, as you can see."

Beiber said that he has been doing facial exercises to recover but that he does not know how long it will take to recover.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by paralysis of the facial nerve and a rash affecting the ear or mouth. -- ANI

08:23 Early morning earthquake jolts Kathmandu

A 4.7-magnitude earthquake shook Kathmandu in the early hours of Saturday, jolting many out of their sleep and forcing them to run outside.

The earthquake was recorded by the National Seismological Centre at 2.36 am, with the epicentre being in Bhaktapur district, 15 km east of the capital city.

The earthquake was felt in and around the Kathmandu valley.

However, no damage to life or property was reported immediately after the incident.

Many people wrote on social media that it reminded them of the devastating 2015 earthquake. -- PTI

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08:05 Hizbul terrorist killed in Kulgam encounter

A Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, the police said.

They said the encounter happened after the police launched a cordon and search operation in Khandipora area of the south Kashmir district following a specific input about the presence of terrorists there.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding terrorists fired upon the forces.

In the exchange of fire, one terrorists was killed, the official said, adding the deceased belonged to the Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit.

The operation is going on, he said. -- PTI

Internet services have been suspended till 6 am on June 13 in Howrah district in wake of protests on Friday and the current situation.

Earlier today, amid the series of outrageous protests against the controversial remarks against Prophet Muhammad, a huge crowd gathered at Howrah in West Bengal to protest against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nupur Sharma and expelled party leader Naveen Jindal.

Earlier in the day, a massive crowd also gathered to protest at Park Circus in Kolkata adding to the resentment against the sacked leaders.

While appealing for peace, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar sought an urgent personal update from the Chief Secretary of the state over the worsening law and order situation in the State since Thursday.

'Expect Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to sternly warn law violators- they will not be spared,' Dhankar tweeted. -- ANI

IMAGE: Flames and smoke rise from a vehicle on fire, that was allegedly set ablaze by miscreants during a protest in Howrah. Photograph: PTI Photo

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