LIVE! 'Sunita denied permission to meet Kejriwal in jail'

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Sun, 28 April 2024

'Sunita denied permission to meet Kejriwal in jail'

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22:02 Drone from Pakistan recovered in Punjab's Tarn Taran

In a joint operation, troops of Border Security Forces and Punjab police recovered a drone adjacent to village Rajoke in Punjab's Tarn Taran district, officials said on Sunday.

BSF Frontier Punjab, in a post on X, said, "On 28th April 2024, based on information by BSF intelligence set up about the presence of a drone in the border area of Tarn Taran district, a joint search operation by BSF troops with Punjab Police was conducted in the suspected area."

"During the search operation, at about 11:00 am, troops successfully recovered one drone in broken condition from a farming field adjacent to village Rajoke in Tarn Taran District," it said.

"A reliable information and coordinated efforts of BSF and Punjab police resulted in yet another recovery of an illicit drone from across the border," it added. -- ANI

The Bahujan Samaj Party on Sunday declared three more candidates from Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha elections, fielding Ravi Prakash Maurya from Amethi constituency.

According to a party statement, Syed Danish will contest from Sant Kabir Nagar parliamentary seat, while Sabiha Ansari has been fielded from Azamgarh constituency.

This is the ninth list of candidates released by the Mayawati-led party.

With this, the party has declared its candidates for 71 seats out of total 80 parliamentary seats in the state.

Voting will be held in all seven phases for a total of 80 seats in UP. -- PTI

The Delhi high court has granted a man serving a life term for murder two weeks' parole to attend his engagement ceremony and wedding.

Granting the relief to Rahul Dev, the court noted that he was granted parole earlier as well and he had surrendered on time.

"In the totality of the facts and circumstances, the present petition is allowed. The petitioner is granted parole for a period of two weeks," Justice Amit Sharma said.

Dev was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014 for the offences of murder and causing the disappearance of evidence or giving false information to screen offender under the Indian Penal Code.

He approached the court, seeking parole for four weeks to get engaged and married.

The wedding is scheduled for April 30 at an Arya Samaj temple in New Delhi.

The nominal roll received from Mandoli Jail, where he is lodged, stated that Dev was in custody for 14 years, six months and 25 days, with remission.

The court noted that the status report submitted by the prison reflected that he had availed parole from January 29 to March 5 and surrendered on time on March 6. -- PTI

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal/ANI Photo

21:06 Sunita denied permission to meet Kejriwal in jail: AAP sources

The Tihar jail administration has denied permission for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita to meet him on April 29, an AAP source said on Sunday.

There was no immediate reaction from the Tihar authorities.

"Sunita Kejriwal was supposed to meet him tomorrow (Monday) but the Tihar administration has denied permission. The jail administration has not cited any reason for denying the permission," a party source said. -- PTI

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20:54 CRPF jawan killed in Manipur cremated in Bengal village

Central Reserve Police Force head constable Arup Saini who was killed in a militant attack in Manipur was cremated with full honours in his native village in West Bengal's Bankura district on Sunday.

Two Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed and two others injured after militants attacked a camp of security forces in Manipur's Bishnupur district in the early hours of Saturday, the police said.

Saini's cremation was marked by a traditional gun salute and offering of wreaths by senior officers.

Senior CRPF officers and Bankura's superintendent of police Vaibhav Tiwari were present there.

Militants had attacked an IRBn (India Reserve Battalion) camp at Naranseina in the Moirang police station area.

The attack began around 12.30 am and continued till about 2.15 am, officials said.

The militants also hurled bombs, one of which exploded in the outpost of CRPF's 128 battalion.

CRPF sub-inspector N Sarkar and head constable Saini were killed in the attack. -- PTI

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20:33 Heatwave sweeping across Tripura forces closure of schools till May 1

In response to the heatwave sweeping across the state, educational authorities in Tripura have announced the closure of schools from April 29 to May 1 to ensure the well-being of students, directorate of school education department Tripura said.

In continuation of the earlier memo of even number dated April 23, due to the perpetuation of scorching heat wave throughout the state, it has been decided that all the government and government-aided schools under the education (school) department, govt. of Tripura, schools under TTAADC and privately managed schools will remain closed for more three days from April 29 to May 5," the education (school) department, government of Tripura, said.

Following a prior memorandum issued on April 23, 2024, it has been officially declared that all government, government aided, and privately managed schools under the purview of the education (school) department, government of Tripura, along with schools under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, will remain closed for an additional three days.

The closure, effective from April 29th to May 1st, 2024, aims to safeguard students and staff from the adverse effects of the intense heatwave.

This decision comes as temperatures continue to soar, posing health risks and discomfort for students attending classes. -- ANI

An elderly woman has died due to sunstroke in Kerala's Palakkad district as the southern state experiences severe heat conditions affecting normal life, officials said on Sunday.

Amid the severe heat in Kerala, the meteorological department issued a maximum temperature warning for 12 districts over the next five days.

In view of rising temperatures impacting daily life in the state, the women and child development department decided to suspend preschool activities in anganwadis for a week.

A Palakkad district health official stated that the 90-year-old woman was found dead in a canal in Elappully village on Sunday.

The woman, a dementia patient, had suffered a sunstroke after venturing out of her home. -- PTI

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19:49 Police seize residential property used to shelter terrorists in J-K

The police on Sunday seized a residential property in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district that was allegedly used to shelter terrorists, a police spokesperson said.

"In a significant move to counter terrorism, the police in Pulwama have seized a property worth lakhs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," he said.

The single-storey house in the Monghama area was allegedly used by terrorists for shelter and other logistics support, provided by the property owner Mohammad Lateef Kar.

"The property is now under official seizure, prohibiting any transfer, lease, disposal or alteration without prior permission from the designated authority," the spokesperson said. -- PTI

HD Deve Gowda's son and former minister HD Revanna/File image

19:42 Deve Gowda's son, grandson booked in sexual abuse case

A case of sexual harassment and stalking was registered on Sunday against former prime minister HD Deve Gowda's son and former minister HD Revanna and his grandson Prajwal Revanna, who is Hassan MP.

The case was registered in Holenarasipur police station in the district based on a complaint by their cook.

This comes after the Karnataka government on Sunday constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe an alleged sex scandal involving Prajwal following a letter by the chairperson of Women's Commission Dr Nagalakshmi Chowdhary to the government.

The 33-year-old Prajwal was the NDA candidate in the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, which went to polls on April 26.

The JD-S joined the NDA in September last year. -- PTI

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19:34 Weather agencies issue maximum temperature warning in Kerala

Amid the severe heat in Kerala, the meteorological department on Sunday issued a maximum temperature warning for 12 districts over the next five days.

In Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts, there's a possibility of a heat wave in certain areas, according to the IMD and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority.

"Maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 41C in Palakkad district, around 40 degrees C in Kollam & Thrissur districts, around 38 in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode & Kannur districts, and around 37 in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram & Kasaragod districts, and around 36 in Thiruvananthapuram district (3 to 5 degrees C above normal) during 28th April to 2nd May 2024," the weather agencies said.

These districts are expected to experience hot and humid weather conditions, excluding hilly areas, from April 28th to May 2nd, due to elevated temperatures and humidity levels, they added. -- PTI

Indian Navy officials with rescued Panama oil tanker crew members/Courtesy Indian Navy on X

19:07 Navy rescues Panama ship with 22 Indians onboard after missile attack

The Indian Navy swiftly assisted a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker with 30 crew members including 22 Indians after the vessel came under missile attack from Houthi militants.

Indian Navy's destroyer INS Kochi responded following the attack on the vessel, MV Andromeda Star, on April 26, officials said, adding all the crew members are safe.

The US Central Command said Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen into the Red Sea in the vicinity of merchant vessel Maisha and MV Andromeda Star.

MV Andromeda Star is a Panaman-flagged and Seychelles-operated vessel.

The vessel reported minor damage, the US Central Command said.

"A mission deployed Indian Naval destroyer INS Kochi responded to a maritime security incident involving the attack on Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MV Andromeda Star on April 26," the Indian Navy said. -- PTI

The AAP on Sunday claimed the Election Commission has imposed a ban on the party's Lok Sabha campaign song, Jail ke jawab mein hum vote denge, stating that it shows the ruling BJP and central investigation agencies in a bad light.

There was no immediate response from the poll panel to the AAP's claim.

Addressing a press conference, senior AAP leader Atishi said, "It is probably the first time that the EC has imposed a ban on a party's campaign song."

According to the EC, she said, the song shows the ruling party and investigation agencies in a bad light.

"The song does not mention the BJP and does not violate the Model Code of Conduct. It includes factual videos and incidents," she added.

Atishi, who is also a Delhi government minister, accused the EC of not acting on poll code violations committed by the BJP.

"If the BJP does dictatorship, it is right. But if someone talks about it, that is wrong. This shows that democracy is in danger. I want to urge the EC to act on the (poll code) violations committed by the BJP and not stop campaigns of opposition parties," she said.

The AAP's over two-minute campaign song has been penned and sung by AAP MLA Dilip Pandey.

The song was released at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday. -- PTI

The Latur district administration has banned the flying of drones till the intervening night of April 30-May 1 and also imposed traffic regulations on several roads, an official said on Sunday.

These curbs are in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha poll rally in Birle Farm here on April 30, the Bharatiya Janata Party's Latur district in charge Kiran Patil said.

"The order to ban drones from till midnight of April 30-May 1 has been ordered by Collector Varsha Thakur-Ghuge. She has also imposed curbs on heavy vehicles between noon and 5pm on April 30 on several roads," a district official said.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Patil said the PM's rally will begin at 12:30pm and will be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

BJP's sitting MP Sudhakar Shrangare is pitted against Congress' Shivaji Kalge in Latur.

Voting will take place on May 7, while results will be declared on June 4. -- PTI

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal/File image

17:52 Mann to meet Kejriwal in Tihar again on April 30

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will meet his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar jail on April 30, Aam Aadmi Party sources said on Sunday.

This will be Mann's second meeting with Kejriwal in Tihar. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an excise policy-linked money-laundering case.

Mann met Kejriwal in jail earlier this month and alleged that the AAP chief was not being given amenities provided even to hardcore criminals. -- PTI

17:23 Phase VI of LS elections

In the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections, as many as 53 seats in seven states and Union Territories will move to polling booths on May 25.

Here is a look at the schedule.

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17:09 Cong urges EC to probe 'terrible mismanagement' of LS polls in Kerala

The Congress in Kerala on Sunday alleged "terrible mismanagement" of the Lok Sabha polls held in the state on April 26 and urged the Election Commission of India to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into it.

In a letter to the ECI, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala assembly VD Satheesan alleged that the elections in Kerala were "grossly mismanaged," resulting in significant delays in many booths.

The Congress leader said that the interval between subsequent votes in many booths saw undue delays, with many voters apparently waiting up to four-and-a-half hours for their turn.

"Many voters returned after standing in line for hours at numerous booths in the blazing heat. Furthermore, some of the voters were unable to vote despite arriving at the polling booth before 6 pm," he said.

Satheesan alleged that "grave negligence" on the part of officials was evident in many booths.

"Undoubtedly, the lacklustre attitude of the officials has been a major cause of the drop in voter turnout. Unlike other elections, the EVM malfunction was also profound," he said.

The LoP said the polling hours were not extended in booths where voting machines were found to be faulty, and the election arrangements have never been so bad in recent times.

"The voters' list sanitisation process in Kerala was also not meticulously done, as the latest voters list has numerous double votes and obsolete votes. Hence, I request your good self to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the terrible mismanagement of the Lok Sabha election held in Kerala on April 26, 2024," he said in the letter. -- PTI

Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu on Sunday announced her new film titled Bangaram on the occasion of her 37th birthday.

The update comes months after The Family Man 2 star said she will return to work after a seven-month hiatus following her myositis diagnosis in 2022.

Bangaram will be produced under the banner of Tralala Moving Pictures. Samantha shared the title announcement teaser of the upcoming film on her Instagram page.

"Not everything has to glitter to be golden. #Bangaram @tralalamovingpictures Starting soon," she captioned her post.

The actor's last big-screen release was Kushi.

Next up for Samantha is the Prime Video series Citadel: Honey Bunny opposite Varun Dhawan. -- PTI

Coast Guard personnel with seized drugs and arrested persons/Courtesy ICG on X

16:38 Pak boat with Rs 600-cr drugs seized off Guj coast, 14 held

The Indian Coast Guard has seized 86 kg of drugs worth Rs 600 crore from a Pakistani boat and arrested 14 persons on board the vessel off the Gujarat coast, the maritime security agency said on Sunday.

The overnight operation in the Arabian Sea was carried out in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-terrorism Squad and the Narcotics Control Bureau, it said.

In a breathtaking overnight operation, Indian Coast Guard undertook an intelligence-based anti-narcotics operation at sea on 28 Apr 24.

"Approx 86 kg of narcotics worth Rs 600 crore has been apprehended along with 14 crew from the Pakistani boat," the agency said in a release.

The Coast Guard is yet to disclose what kind of narcotic substances were recovered from the Pakistani boat. -- PTI

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav

16:12 'Fake' Gandhis using their surname for votes: MP CM attacks Priyanka

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has hit out at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, claiming "fake" Gandhis were using their surname for votes.

Yadav was speaking at a public rally in Myana town of Madhya Pradesh's Guna Lok Sabha seat on Saturday.

During a campaign speech in Rajasthan on April 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Congress plans to give people's hard-earned money and valuables to "infiltrators" and "those who have more children' -- alluding to Muslims -- and would steal the "gold of mothers and sisters" if voted to power.

Priyanka Gandhi later lashed out at Modi over his "gold and mangalsutra" remarks, saying her mother Sonia Gandhi sacrificed her mangalsutra' for the country.

Taking a dig at the Congress general secretary, Yadav said former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's soul must be "shedding tears" over a (great) granddaughter born in the family who does not even wear 'mangalsutra'. -- PTI

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15:40 Pak national who strayed into India handed over to Pakistan Rangers

A Pakistani man who was apprehended after inadvertently entering Indian territory was handed over to the Pakistan Rangers on humanitarian grounds, a BSF spokesperson said on Sunday.

Border Security Force troops apprehended the Pakistani national near the border fence in Punjab's Fazilka district on Saturday, the spokesperson said.

During questioning, it was learnt that he was unaware of the international border's alignment and had inadvertently crossed into Indian territory, the official said.

Nothing objectionable was found on the man during his search, the spokesperson added.

A flag meeting was conducted with the Pakistan Rangers to express concern over its failure to restrict unwarranted movement of the Pakistani national, he said. -- PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal/ANI Photo

15:14 SC to hear Kejriwal's plea against arrest tomorrow

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest in a money laundering case stemming from the alleged excise policy scam.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta is likely to hear the matter.

Kejriwal had earlier told the apex court that his "illegal arrest" in the case constitutes an unprecedented assault on the tenets of democracy based on "free and fair elections" and "federalism".

In a rejoinder to the Enforcement Directorate's reply affidavit filed on his petition challenging his arrest in the case, Kejriwal said the mode, manner and timing of his arrest just before the Lok Sabha elections when the Model Code of Conduct had come into play, speaks volumes about the "arbitrariness" of the agency.

Kejriwal claimed it is a "classical case" of how the Centre has misused the ED and its wide powers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to "crush" the Aam Aadmi Party and its leaders. -- PTI

Two policemen were killed and over a dozen injured when the van in which they were travelling was hit by a speeding container truck from behind in Bihar's Gopalganj district on Sunday, the police said.

The incident took place near Barhima Bazar around noon when the police team was going to Supaul for the third phase of the Lok Sabha election duty.

The van carrying policemen on election duty had halted near Barhima Bazar when a speeding container truck rammed into it from behind. Two policemen died on the spot and over a dozen sustained injuries.

"All injured have been admitted to the nearest government hospital and their condition is reported to be stable. The container has been seized by the local police," a statement issued by the office of the superintendent of police of Gopalganj said.

The deceased have been identified as Ashok Kumar Uraon (resident of Punea) and Pawan Mahto (resident of Bettiah) both constables of Bihar police. -- PTI

The Election Commission has issued a show cause notice to the BJP candidate from the Korba Lok Sabha constituency in Chhattisgarh for violating the model code of conduct after her photograph allegedly appeared on posters and banners for a religious programme, an official said on Sunday.

Following a complaint from the Congress party, the office of the assistant returning officer of the Korba Lok Sabha constituency on Friday served a notice to BJP candidate Saroj Pandey and sought her reply by April 29, the official said.

As per the complaint, the BJP had put up banners and posters with photographs of Pandey and ministers of the BJP-led state government for a religious programme of Dhirendra Giri Shastri in Chirmiri town in the Manendragarh assembly segment on Friday, he said.

The Manendragarh assembly segment falls under the Korba Lok Sabha constituency.

The Congress, in its complaint, alleged that the BJP candidate had misused the religious programme for electioneering and demanded that the expenses from the event must be included in her poll expenditure, the complaint said. -- PTI

In a setback to the Opposition amid Lok Sabha polls, several Samajwadi Party leaders joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Lucknow on Sunday.

Former Samajwadi Party MLA Jai Choubey and several other leaders including Balram Yadav, and Jagat Jaiswal joined the BJP in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.

"Former MLA and several district presidents have joined our party today. Welcome, and congratulations to all of you. Those working at the block level are also coming along with them, they have a big responsibility in their hands," Pathak said.

"You all have decided to join the BJP... Under PM Modi's leadership, the BJP has reached to masses. Under PM Modi's guidance, we have taken a resolution of 'Viksit Bharat' and I hope you all will contribute to it," deputy CM Pathak added.

Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, is voting in all seven phases.

Voting for phase one was held on April 19 in eight parliamentary constituencies and phase two polling for eight other constituencies was concluded on April 26.

Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura, and Bulandshahr voted in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election on April 26. -- ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

14:09 Shehzade insults maharajas, but...: Modi attacks Rahul

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of insulting India's Rajas and Maharajas, but remaining silent on the atrocities committed by Nawabs, Nizams, Sultans and Badshahs for the sake of appeasement politics.

Addressing a mega public meeting here, he said, "Congress has ensured the writings of our history and our freedom struggle with an eye on appeasement and vote bank. Even today, the Congress' shehzade (prince) is carrying forward that sin. You might have heard Congress' shehzade's recent statement -- he says Bharath's Rajas and Maharajas were atyachari (oppressive)," Modi said.

"He (Gandhi) has accused them (Rajas and Maharajas) of usurping the lands and properties of people and poor...Congress' shehzade has insulted great personalities like Chatrapati Shivajji Maharaj and Kittur Rani Channamma, whose administration and patriotism inspires us even today," the prime minister said.

Recalling the contribution of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family for which they are respected across the country even today, the PM said, "the Congress' shehzade statements were intentional, aimed at vote bank politics and appeasement."

"Shahzade spoke ill about Raja, Maharajas, but the shahzade's mouth was locked regarding the 'atyachar' that Nawabs, Nizams, Sultans and Badshas committed in India's history. His mouth was shut on them, but on Raja, Maharajas he speaks ill and insults them," he said. -- PTI

A Trinamool Congress worker was killed in Baguiati area adjoining Kolkata allegedly in a clash between two factions of the party, the police said on Sunday.

A confrontation took place in Arjunpur West Para in Baguiati on Saturday night, escalating into brick-batting by both sides, in which one person, identified as Sanjeev Das aka Potla, was severely injured and was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, a police officer said.

Eleven cases, including those related to the Arms Act, were earlier registered against Das, she said.

A total of 13 people have been arrested in connection with the incident, the officer said, adding further investigation is underway.

The deceased's family members alleged that TMC workers owing allegiance to the local councilor were behind the incident.

They claimed that Das was beaten with rods after being injured in brick-batting.

Meanwhile, a woman BJP leader lodged a police complaint alleging that she was assaulted by TMC workers in Anandapur area in south Kolkata on Saturday. -- PTI

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

12:56 Amid row, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat backs reservations

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the Sangh Parivar never opposed reservations extended to certain groups.

Addressing a programme at an educational institution, Bhagwat said the Sangh is of the opinion that the reservations should be extended as long as they are needed.

Bhagwat's reiteration came in the wake of a war of words taking place between BJP and Congress over reservations.

RSS chief Bhagwat last year in Nagpur said that reservations should continue as long as there is discrimination in society.

Discrimination exists in society even though it is invisible, he had said. -- PTI

National Award-winning film 777 Charlie is set to be released in Japan on June 28, the makers have announced.

Directed by Kiranraj K and starring Rakshit Shetty, 777 Charlie won the best National Film Award for the best Kannada film last year.

Shetty has also backed the movie via his production house Paramvah Studios.

According to the banner, the film will be distributed in Japan by Shochiku Studios, the outlet behind Seijiro Koyama's Hachiko Monogatari (1987), which inspired the 2009 Hollywood film Hachi: A Dog's Tale starring Richard Gere.

Paramvah Studios shared the news of the Japan premiere of 777 Charlie on Saturday.

"#777Charlie travels to #Japan. Legendary Studio @shochiku_movie, known for distributing popular movies such as 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale', will be distributing 777 Charlie in Japan.

"It is indeed our honour to be associated with one of the largest and oldest film studios in Japan. #777Charlie Japan release on 28 June 2024. @rakshitshetty @Kiranraj61 @RajbShettyOMK @sangeethaSring @actorsimha @DanishSait @nobinpaul #ParamvahStudios," the post read.

777 Charlie is a 2022 Kannada film which follows the journey and bonding between Dharma, a lonely factory worker, played by Rakshit Shetty, and a stray Labrador dog called Charlie. -- PTI

Tesla CEO Elon Musk

12:52 Elon Musk heads to China in surprise visit to country

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has headed to China on Sunday on a surprise visit to the country, which is also the second biggest market of the electric vehicle giant, news agency Reuters reported citing two people with knowledge of the matter.

Musk's visit to China comes a week after his visit to India was postponed due to 'Tesla obligations.'

He was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announce plans to enter the Indian market.

Meanwhile, as of now, Musk is seeking to meet senior Chinese officials in Beijing to discuss the rollout of full-self driving software in China and to obtain approval to transfer data collected in the country abroad to train algorithms for its autonomous driving technologies, Reuters said, citing one of the two people.

In response to a query on social media platform X, the Musk stated that Tesla may make FSD available to customers in China "very soon." -- ANI

A court in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Vijay Kumar Shukla alias Munna Shukla, the Rashtriya Janata Dal candidate from Vaishali Lok Sabha seat, in a case of alleged land grab.

Shukla had moved the anticipatory bail petition on April 3 in the case wherein his wife Annu Shukla, a former MLA from Lalganj, is also an accused along with three others.

A case of alleged land grab was registered against Shukla, also a former JD-U MLA, and others by the Sadar police station (Muzaffarpur) in August 2023, following a directive by a local court.

The court had issued the directive on the basis of a complaint filed by an aggrieved party.

It was alleged in the complaint that the accused grabbed the land on the National Highway connecting Muzaffarpur and Hajipur on the basis of forged documents.

Talking to PTI, Sushil Kumar, lawyer of Shukla, said, "The anticipatory bail plea of my client in the case was rejected by the court of additional district judge-5 (Muzaffarpur) after hearing on the matter on Friday. We will challenge this order in the competent court." -- PTI

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11:36 SP candidate from UP's Ballia booked for spreading hatred

Samajwadi Party candidate from Ballia Lok Sabha seat Sanatan Pandey has been booked for allegedly spreading enmity, hatred and animosity among different sections of the society and threatening the district election officer, the police said on Sunday.

Superintendent of police Dev Ranjan Verma said that on the complaint of sub-inspector Makhan Singh in Ballia city an FIR has been lodged against Pandey under Section 171 F of the IPC (exercising undue influence in elections), 189 (threatening a public servant), 186 (obstructing a public servant in public work), 505 (2) (spreading hatred and animosity between different groups) and sections 125 and 136 of the Representation of the People Act 1950.

He said Pandey, while commenting on the tenure and works of the present government on April 27, was accused of spreading enmity, hatred and animosity among different sections of the society and threatening the district election officer.

Pandey lost the Lok Sabha elections 2019 as a SP candidate to the BJP's Virendra Singh Mast by a margin of 16,000 votes.

Voting will be held in Ballia in the seventh phase on June 1. -- PTI

The Karnataka government has decided to form a Special Investigation Team to probe an alleged sex scandal involving Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna.

Prajwal is the grandson of Janata Dal-Secular patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

He was the NDA candidate in the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, which went to polls on April 26.

The JD-S joined the NDA in September last year.

"The government has decided to form a special investigation team in connection with Prajwal Revanna's obscene video case," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in a post on 'X' on late Saturday night.

Obscene video clips are circulating in Hassan district, where it appears that women have been sexually assaulted, the chief minister said.

"In this background, the Chairperson of the Women's Commission (Dr Nagalakshmi Chowdhary) had written a letter to the government to conduct an SIT investigation. This decision has been taken in response to their request," Siddaramaiah said. -- PTI

10:50 Delhi Cong chief Arvinder Singh Lovely resigns

Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely has resigned as chief of the party's Delhi unit.

In a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, Lovely said he is unable to continue as the president of the Delhi party unit.

Lovely had assumed charge of the post in August last year. -- PTI

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday said the PM has imagined a Congress manifesto written by one of his ghost speech writers and he should debate the real issues included in the document.

Chidambaram's remarks come amid repeated attacks by the prime minister over Congress leader Sam Pitroda's 'inheritance tax' comments amid the row on the issue of 'wealth redistribution'.

"The Hon'ble Prime Minister continues to discover and read in the Congress' manifesto words and sentences that are not there! He has imagined a Congress' manifesto written by one of his ghost speech writers," Chidambaram, who was the chairman of the committee that drafted the Congress manifesto, said.

The phrase 'inheritance tax' does not occur anywhere in the manifesto, the former finance minister said in his post on X.

"The Congress' promises on taxation are quite clear: Bring an era of transparency, equity, clarity and impartial tax administration of Direct Taxes; Maintain stable personal income tax rates for the term of 5 years; Lessen the burden of tax on MSMEs," Chidambaram said.

He further said that the Congress promises to end the duplicitous 'cess' Raj of the Modi government and shopkeepers and retail businesses will be given significant tax relief and GST 2.0 will be introduced.

"It is disappointing to see the Hon'ble PM fight imaginary ghosts. He should debate the 'real' issues included in the Congress' Manifesto," Chidambaram said.

In a statement on Thursday, Chidambaram had said the "manufactured" controversies on 'redistribution of wealth' and 'inheritance tax' showed that fear has gripped the BJP, which has fallen back on distortion, falsehoods and abuse" as 'Modi ki Guarantee' has vanished without a trace.

Chidambaram had asserted that the document is religion-neutral and promises justice for all sections of the people. -- PTI

A gun-battle broke out between village volunteers of the two warring communities in ethnic-strife torn Manipur's Imphal West district on Sunday morning, police said.

The incident took place as several dozens of armed men opened indiscriminate fire on Koutruk village in the periphery of Imphal Valley from the adjoining hills in Kangpokpi district, a police officer said.

Some of the bullets reportedly pieced walls of the homes of the villagers, he said, adding women, children and the elderly are being evacuated to safe areas nearby.

Locally made mortar shells known as 'Pumpi' are also being fired on the village, creating panic among its residents, he said.

The village volunteers in Koutruk also retaliated, leading to a gunfight, he said, adding security personnel are being rushed to the area to bring the situation under control.

The gunfight was underway till the report was filed.

Koutruk village has been witness to intense gunfights between village volunteers of the two warring communities since ethnic violence broke out on May 3 last year. It has been identified as one of the most vulnerable areas for gun attacks.

More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic strife between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May 3 last year. -- PTI

Actor Sahil Khan

09:43 Mahadev app: Mumbai SIT detains actor Sahil Khan

The special investigation team of Mumbai cyber cell has detained actor Sahil Khan from Chhattisgarh in connection with the Mahadev betting app case, an official said on Sunday.

The actor was apprehended from Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh on Saturday after the Bombay High Court rejected his pre-arrest bail plea, he said.

Khan was recently questioned by the SIT in connection with the case.

The SIT has been conducting a probe into the alleged illegal transactions between certain financial and real estate firms in the state and the promoters of the controversial Mahadev betting app.

The size of the scam is about Rs 15,000 crore, as per the first information report (FIR) registered by the police in the case.

An investigation is underway against Khan and 31 other individuals. The probe involves examining their bank accounts, mobile phones, laptops, and all technical equipment, according to the police.

So far, one person has been arrested in the case and further investigation is underway, the official said.

Sahil Khan, known for films like Style and Excuse Me, has become a fitness expert. -- PTI

Repolling will be held in six polling stations in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency on April 30, officials said.

The repolling was necessitated as unidentified persons had damaged EVMs and VVPATs before the completion of voting at four of these six polling stations on April 26, while EVM malfunctioning was reported at one polling station, and voting could not be completed at another due to "threat and intimidation by unknown miscreants", they said.

Voting at four polling stations in Ukhrul assembly segment, and one each in Chingai assembly seat in Ukhrul and Karong in Senapati was declared null and void and repolling will be conducted on April 30, a notification issued by the office of Manipur's chief electoral officer said.

Around 76.06 per cent of 4.84 lakh voters exercised their franchise during polling in 13 of 28 assembly segments of Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency on April 26. Voting was held in the remaining 15 segments, along with the entire Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat, in the first phase on April 19. -- PTI

MDH, a leading spice brand, on Saturday assured consumers that its products are 100 per cent safe and rejected the allegations of the presence of certain pesticides in some products by Hong Kong and Singapore food regulators.

Earlier this month, Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety (CFS) said that samples of several kinds of pre-packaged spice-mix products of two Indian brands MDH and Everest were found to contain a pesticide ethylene oxide.

The CFS asked consumers not to buy and traders not to sell MDH's Madras Curry Powder (spice blend for Madras curry), Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder.

In a statement, MDH said it has not received any communications from Hong Kong and Singapore food safety regulators.

In reference to the alleged presence of ETO (ethylene oxide) in some of its products, MDH said that "these claims are untrue and lack any substantiating evidence".

"Additionally, we would like to assert that MDH has not received any communication from regulatory authorities of Singapore or Hong Kong."

MDH stated that the Spice Board of India and food regulator FSSAI have not received any communication or test reports from Hong Kong or Singapore authorities regarding this matter.

"This reinforces the fact that the allegations against MDH are baseless, unsubstantiated, and not backed by any concrete evidence," the statement said.

"MDH reassures its buyers and customers about the safety and quality of all its products.

"We reassure our buyers and consumers that we do not use Ethylene Oxide (ETO) at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our spices," the statement said.

The company also said it abides by health and safety standards, both domestically and internationally.

"MDH tagline, 'Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH' and 'Real Spices of India' reflect our genuine commitment to providing authentic, high-quality spices to customers," the company said.

After Hong Kong's directive, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also ordered a recall of imported 'Everest Fish Curry Masala'.

India is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices. -- PTI

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said the hand of foreign powers is visible with the hand of the Congress in its manifesto which "wants to give property of your children to the Muslims".

"It is for the public to decide that your property should go to your children or the Muslims. We have given equal rights to the Muslims from toilets, to houses to gas cylinders to food but not in the name of religion," Thakur said addressing a gathering in Hamirpur.

The BJP leader said the Congress wants to divide the country on the basis of religion and region.

The tukde tukde gang has taken over the mindset of the Congress and it is for the public to decide that they want to support the forces dividing the country or uniting the country, he said.

"I want to ask Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that when Rajiv Gandhi became the prime minister of the Country, there was a rule that 55 per cent of property of former prime minister Indira Gandhi would go to the government treasury but Rajiv Gandhi changed the law to save his property," he alleged.

Thakur said India has progressed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and has become stronger in the world.

It is now the duty of all party workers to extend their helping hand to Modi by sending all the four MP's from the state and also to elect the six MLAs where bye-elections will be held on June 1, he added.

The BJP leader said Prime Minister Modi has given 33 per cent reservation to women which is a big achievement in itself, adding women have not been given proper respect during the 55 years of Congress party. -- PTI

Mumbai police on Saturday invoked provisions of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the April 14 firing incident outside actor Salman Khan's home in Bandra in the metropolis, an official said.

MCOCA provisions have been invoked against alleged shooters Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21) as well as Sonu Kumar Chander Bishnoi (37) and Anuj Thapan (32), who are accused of supplying two firearms and bullets, and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi, who are shown as wanted accused.

Gupta and Pal, both residents of Bihar, were held from Kutch in Gujarat on April 16, while Sonu Bishnoi and Thapan were held from Punjab on April 25.

Anmol Bishnoi, who stays in Canada and travels to USA, had claimed responsibility for the firing through a Facebook post, though its IP address was traced to Portugal, as per police.

Lawrence Bishnoi, accused of several crimes, is currently lodged in a jail in Sabarmati in Gujarat. -- PTI

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