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2020 Delhi riots: Court grants bail to Tahir Hussain in money laundering case
A court in New Delhi on Saturday granted bail to former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Councillor Tahir Hussain in the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. Hussain, however, will continue to remain in jail as he in an accused in the case regarding the alleged larger conspiracy behind the communal riots. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai, who heard Hussain's bail plea, said that he had been in jail for more than four years while the maximum sentence for offence under Section 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was seven years. The plea said that the former AAP councillor had undergone more than half of the sentence. "The court concludes that as the applicant (Hussain) had undergone more than half of the period of imprisonment as provided for the offence allegedly committed by him, he is entitled for bail. Accordingly the applicant is granted bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties in the like amount," the court said. Delhi Police had registered three FIRs against Hussain and others under various IPC sections in connection with the communal riots. Based on the scheduled offences, the Enforcement Directorate registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Hussain on March 9, 2020. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 March,2025 12:08 AM IST | New Delhi | PTI
UP Police rescue minor sold to family in Andhra, 2 held
Police have rescued a three-year-old boy who was allegedly kidnapped from Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and sold to a couple in Andhra Pradesh, officials said on Saturday. According to police, the child was kidnapped on December 27 last year from the Gulzar Shah Mela area. He was handed over to his family on Saturday. Superintendent of Police Chakresh Mishra said that the child had gone to a 'mela' with his mother and family, and went missing while they were purchasing goods around 5 pm. Based on the family's complaint, a case was registered against unknown persons at Biswan police station, Mishra said. During the investigation, the police found that the child was sold to a family in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. On March 19, police teams were sent to rescue the boy and bring him home safely, Mishra added. Police investigation revealed the involvement of an inter-state gang that used to kidnap children and sell them to childless couples, the SP said. Two women involved in the human trafficking racket have been arrested, while two men, Abhay Verma and Umashankar, have been booked, the SP added. Further investigation is underway. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 March,2025 11:54 PM IST | Sitapur | PTI
Cricket betting racket busted in Hingoli, five held
Police on Saturday busted a cricket betting racket in Maharashtra's Hingoli district and arrested five persons, including four bookies, an official said.Cash and valuables worth Rs 8.53 lakh were also recovered during the action by the Jalna police, he said.Additional Superintendent of Police Ayush Nopany said police on Friday caught one Shaikh Mustaqeem for placing bets through his mobile phone.Mustaqeem told the police that an organised betting network was being operated. The input helped police expose the illegal activity and arrest the bookies, the official said, adding that they would seek court's permission to freeze the bank accounts of the accused persons.Two days ago, police had arrested four bookies in the district. They have also taken preventive action against 16 bookies. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 March,2025 11:44 PM IST | Jalna | PTI
Man dies after being found injured in Delhi's park, probe on
A 20-year-old man died after he was found lying injured near a park in Delhi's New Usmanpur area, an official said on Saturday. The incident occurred on Friday evening, around 4 pm, near Durga Mandir Park in northeast Delhi, they said. The victim, identified as Dilshad, was found in an injured condition in the park and was rushed to JPC Hospital. The doctors declared him dead on arrival, police said. Senior officers, along with teams from the Crime Branch and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), visited the scene and launched an investigation. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway, police added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 March,2025 11:30 PM IST | Delhi | PTI
State govt asks schools to hold classes between 7 am and 11.15 am amid heatwave
Amid rising temperatures, the Maharashtra government has directed all schools in the state to hold classes between 7 am and 11.15 am, news agency PTI reported. In an order dated March 28, the primary and secondary education department stated that all schools, regardless of medium and management, must adhere to this directive. The decision aims to reduce the impact of heat waves. Several organisations had also requested the government to hold classes during the cooler morning hours, the order further said. "Against this background, necessary instructions have been issued to bring uniformity in school schedules across all schools in the state," stated the notification. According to PTI, the order mentioned that classes will be held at all primary and secondary schools across Maharashtra between 7 am and 11.15 am. Students should be instructed on protecting themselves from heat wave, and classes should not be conducted in the open, read the notification. The department has also directed schools to ensure that fans in classrooms are in good working condition. Institutes have to provide cool water to students and encourage them to consume seasonal fruits and vegetables, the order further said. IMD issues heatwave warning for six districts in Odisha for Sunday The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for six districts in Odisha for Sunday, news agency PTI reported. According to IMD’s Bhubaneswar centre, the day temperature will rise by two to three degrees Celsius in two days, after which it is expected to drop. The weather bureau has issued a 'yellow warning (be aware)' for Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Boudh, Bolangir, and Angul districts for Sunday. Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions are also expected to prevail in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts. On Saturday, 13 places in Odisha recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, with Sambalpur being the hottest at 42 degrees Celsius, followed by Jharsuguda (41.8 degrees Celsius), Hirakud (41.7 degrees Celsius), Boudh and Talcher (41.2 degrees Celsius), Angul (41.1 degrees Celsius), Bhawanipatna and Titlagarh (41 degrees Celsius). The other places that recorded maximum temperatures above 40 degrees include Bolangir (40.8 degrees Celsius), Malkangiri and Sundargarh (40.2 degrees Celsius), Sonepur (40.5 degrees Celsius), and Paralakhemundi (40.8 degrees Celsius). (With PTI inputs)
29 March,2025 11:24 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis visits Tulja Bhavani temple to review restoration work
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis visited the revered Tulja Bhavani temple in Dharashiv district on Saturday and reviewed the ongoing restoration and repairs at the shrine, an official said. According to news agency PTI, the CM said a plan to redevelop the temple premises has been prepared, and some "technical aspects" would be added to it. "Funds will also be provided for the redevelopment project," the CM stated, according to PTI. The 12th-century Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur, maintained by the archaeological department of Maharashtra, attracts numerous devotees from within and beyond the state. During his visit, Fadnavis inspected the conservation efforts at Bhavani Mandap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s entry gate, and the revered Tulja Bhavani Temple, a shrine official stated. The official further informed that the CM received a presentation on the restoration work before departing by helicopter to Pandharpur, another temple town in Solapur district. Meanwhile, an anonymous devotee donated 11 gold biscuits worth approximately Rs 1 crore to the temple, the official said, according to PTI. The temple's donation boxes, opened under CCTV surveillance every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, discovered the gold biscuits—each weighing 100 grams—during the Friday collection, according to the charity commissioner's office. Permission granted for Pandharpur corridor plan, work to begin in three months: CM Fadnavis The Pandharpur corridor plan includes convenience facilities for devotees, development of the temple and its premises, ghat construction, darshan queue and disaster management as well as preservation and conservation of infrastructure works at Vitthal-Rukmini temple and premises Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced that the Mahayuti government has given the nod to the Solapur district administration to implement the Pandharpur corridor plan. Accordingly, the work for the corridor is set to commence in three months, news agency PTI reported. Speaking to reporters in Pandharpur, Fadnavis said that the process of land acquisition for the corridor would begin soon, and the project-affected people would receive "good compensation." The Pandharpur corridor plan includes facilities for devotees, development of the temple and its premises, ghat construction, darshan queue and disaster management as well as preservation and conservation of infrastructure works at the Vitthal-Rukmini temple and premises, PTI reported. The Maharashtra CM also inspected the restoration work of the iconic Vitthal-Rukmini Temple and expressed satisfaction with the progress. "The majority of the restoration work will be completed before Ashadhi Ekadashi (July 6)," he said. (With PTI inputs)
29 March,2025 10:46 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondent
Devendra Fadnavis defends Ajit Pawar on crop loan waiver remarks
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday defended Ajit Pawar's remarks regarding the crop loan waiver, stating that his deputy had only stated the "government's position”. According to news agency PTI, while speaking at an event in Baramati in Pune district on Friday, Pawar had said that the state's current financial situation did not permit a crop loan waiver and urged farmers to pay their instalments on time rather than waiting for an announcement. Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio in the Fadnavis government, asserted that "one can feign many things but not financial reality”. He added, "A crop loan waiver was promised in the poll manifesto. But today I want to tell farmers to pay the instalment of crop loans they have taken before March 31. Some farmers are not paying their loan instalments assuming the government will announce a waiver." According to PTI, Pawar also reiterated that the state government would take a decision on the matter at the appropriate time. Asked about Pawar's comments, Fadnavis clarified that his deputy had reflected the government's stand. "He has never said it [crop loan waiver] will never be done," the Maharashtra CM asserted. Government would honour all the promises made in manifesto: Eknath Shinde Meanwhile, his other deputy, Eknath Shinde, also addressed the issue earlier in the day and said that the government would honour all promises made in the election manifesto, PTI reported. "Whatever promises we have mentioned in the manifesto, we will fulfil them. Each and every promise will be honoured. We will not call it a printing mistake," said Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, in response to queries about Pawar's remarks. Pawar also addressed the ongoing concerns about loan waivers earlier in the day and said election promises do not always translate into immediate action, reported news agency ANI. He emphasised that decisions will be made in due course based on the current financial situation, but for now, farmers must repay their loans. He also assured that arrangements had been made for 0 per cent interest loans to assist farmers. "Whether it's Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis or Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the focus remains on working for the welfare of the people. Recently, many citizens raised concerns about the election manifesto's promise of loan waivers. As of March 28, I want to clearly inform the people of Maharashtra to repay their crop loans by March 31. Promises made during elections don't always translate directly into actions...Considering the current circumstances, decisions will be made in the future. However, for now and even next year, loans taken must be repaid. On a positive note, arrangements have been made to avail of loans at 0 per cent interest," said Pawar. (With PTI and ANI inputs)
29 March,2025 08:56 PM IST | Pandharpur | mid-day online correspondent
Permission granted for Pandharpur corridor plan, work to begin in 3 months: CM
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced that the Mahayuti government has given the nod to the Solapur district administration to implement the Pandharpur corridor plan. Accordingly, the work for the corridor is set to commence in three months, news agency PTI reported. Speaking to reporters in Pandharpur, Fadnavis said that the process of land acquisition for the corridor would begin soon, and the project-affected people would receive "good compensation." The Pandharpur corridor plan includes facilities for devotees, development of the temple and its premises, ghat construction, darshan queue and disaster management as well as preservation and conservation of infrastructure works at the Vitthal-Rukmini temple and premises, PTI reported. The Maharashtra CM also inspected the restoration work of the iconic Vitthal-Rukmini Temple and expressed satisfaction with the progress. "The majority of the restoration work will be completed before Ashadhi Ekadashi (July 6)," he said. CM Fadnavis reviews restoration work at Tulja Bhavani Temple Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday visited the revered Tulja Bhavani temple in Dharashiv district to review the ongoing restoration and repair works at the shrine, an official informed. The 12th-century temple, dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani, is located in Tuljapur and attracts a large number of devotees from across Maharashtra as well as other places. It is maintained by the state’s archaeological department, news agency PTI reported. During his visit, CM Fadnavis inspected the Bhavani Mandap, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj entry gate, and the main temple of Goddess Tulja Bhavani, where he reviewed the conservation efforts. The Maharashtra CM was also presented with details about the restoration work. The Maharashtra CM later travelled to Pandharpur, another significant temple town in Solapur district, from helicopter. Unexpected gift to Tulja Bhavani Temple Meanwhile, the Tulja Bhavani temple received 11 gold biscuits, valued at around Rs 1 crore, from an anonymous devotee, an official revealed. The temple’s donation boxes are opened under CCTV surveillance on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, PTI reported. The gold biscuits, each weighing 100 grams, were discovered when the donation box was opened on Friday, according to an official from the charity commissioner’s office. (With PTI inputs)
29 March,2025 08:35 PM IST | Pandharpur | mid-day online correspondent
Election promises don’t always guarantee immediate action: Maharashtra Deputy CM
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar on Saturday addressed concerns over loan waivers, emphasising that crop loans must be repaid by March 31, news agency ANI reported. He admitted that election promises do not always materialise and that decisions will be based on prevailing conditions. However, he assured that farmers would benefit from 0 per cent interest loans. "Whether it's Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis or Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the focus remains on working for the welfare of the people. Recently, many citizens raised concerns about the election manifesto's promise of loan waivers. As of March 28 (Friday), I want to clearly inform the people of Maharashtra through this programme to repay their crop loans by March 31. Promises made during elections don't always translate directly into actions. Considering the current circumstances, decisions will be made in the future. However, for now and even next year, loans taken must be repaid. On a positive note, arrangements have been made to avail of loans at 0% interest," said Finance Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar, according to ANI. Speaking at an event in Baramati, Pawar addressed the state's financial challenges, emphasising the strain of major commitments. While presenting the Rs 7.2 lakh crore state budget, he pointed out the hefty burden of waiving electricity bills amounting to approximately Rs 65,000 crore. Pawar emphasised that the Maharashtra Government has to foot the bill for these waived electricity charges, which is a substantial expense, ANI reported. "Whatever was said does not come into action directly because while presenting a budget of Rs 7.2 lakh crore, electricity bills worth about Rs 65,000 crore have been waived off, meaning you don't, but we, the government, have to pay it," added Pawar. He listed several areas where the state government must allocate funds, including Rs 45,000 crore for the flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana. "Then our dear sisters for whom Rs 45,000 crore has been planned at the rate of Rs 1,500... you people should remember all these things, and Rs 3.5 lakh crore has been kept for the rest of the works. It costs me Rs 3.5 lakh crore to pay the salaries of all the employees and officers, pension for those who have retired, and interest on the loan taken by the government," Pawar said. "So if we add Rs 65,000 crore and 3.5 lakh crore, then almost 4.25 lakh crore is spent in this. From the remaining money, I have to spend on school books, uniforms, electricity, water, roads, etc. You people should also keep all these things in mind," Pawar added. Recalling his visit to Kolhapur on Thursday, the finance minister mentioned that his cabinet and party colleague Hasan Mushrif urged him to address the issue of crop loan waivers, as many people were eagerly awaiting financial relief. "Yesterday I was in Kolhapur, even there Hasan Mushrif asked me to quickly tell him what to do as people are not paying and are waiting. Hence we will take a decision after looking at the circumstances and right now the situation is not such, therefore the loan taken this year and the next year too will have to be repaid. We have definitely done one thing: we have made arrangements to take a loan at 0 per cent interest, and the interest in banks is about Rs 1000 to 1200 crores, and I have passed that on to the banks," he additionally stated, reported ANI. (With ANI inputs)
29 March,2025 07:32 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation bags SKOCH Award 2025 for waste management
The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation has been recognised at the national level for its efforts in cleanliness and waste management. The corporation's quick response (QR)-based digital waste management system has been acknowledged and honoured with the prestigious SKOCH Award 2025—one of India’s most independent and credible recognitions. The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation received the Silver Award at a ceremony held in New Delhi. The award was accepted by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Radhabinod A Sharma, Additional Commissioner Dr Sachin Bangar, and City Engineer Deepak Khambit. Aligning with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation developed a QR-based system for waste collection and segregation. This innovative approach has significantly improved efficiency, planning, and transparency in waste collection. Additionally, it has led to a reduction in citizen complaints, contributing to a cleaner and more beautiful city. Recognising this pioneering initiative, the SKOCH Group has honored MBMC at the national level. The SKOCH Awards are regarded as the highest honours in India for public administration, good governance, and effective use of technology. While accepting the award, Sharma congratulated all MBMC officers and staff. "This award is a matter of great pride for the entire Mira Bhayandar city. The municipal corporation will continue its dedicated efforts to implement innovative initiatives and establish Mira Bhayandar as one of the cleanest cities in India," he said. The municipal administration has dedicated this award to the residents and has set a vision for strengthening waste management, cleanliness, and eco-friendly initiatives in the future. The other attendees at the ceremony included Dr M Govinda Rao (Chairman, Karnataka Regional Imbalances Redressal Committee), Ajay Seth (Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance), Pranjul Bhandari (MD & Chief India Economist, HSBC & Adviser, 16th Finance Commission), Dr M Ramachandran (Distinguished Fellow, SKOCH Development Foundation and Former Secretary, GoI), Dr NC Saxena (Distinguished Fellow, SKOCH Development Foundation and Former Secretary, GoI), Sameer Kochhar (Chairman, SKOCH Group), Dr VN Alok (Professor, Indian Institute of Public Administration), Dr Deepak B Phatak (Director, SKOCH Development Foundation and Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Indore), Dr Ram Singh (Director, Delhi School of Economics), and Dr Hindol Sengupta (Historian & Professor, OP Jindal Global University).
29 March,2025 06:33 PM IST | Mira Bhayandar | mid-day online correspondent
Hindu outfits, locals hold protest against vandalism at Tejaji temple in Jaipur
Locals along with members of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on Saturday held a protest over vandalism at Tejaji temple on Tonk Road in Jaipur, police said. The protestors blocked the busy Tonk Road demanding arrest of the accused involved in the vandalism, news agency PTI reported. The protest gathered momentum as the crowd swelled with growing anger. Jaipur Police intervened using mild force to disperse the mob, detaining several protestors and clearing the way for traffic to resume. Assistant Commissioner of Police Vinod Sharma said, "The mob was dispersed by the police, and the road has been reopened. Some agitators have been detained." The incident came to light when locals in Jaipur discovered that an idol of a deity at the Tejaji temple had been damaged, PTI reported. This led to a sudden gathering of people who expressed their outrage through a demonstration. VHP Spokesperson Amitosh Pareek, condemning the act, stated, "Some miscreants damaged the idol last night, which created anger among the Hindu community. This is an insult to Tejaji Maharaj. We have demanded the identification and arrest of the accused involved in the matter." The protest intensified as Congress leaders joined in condemning the vandalism, demanding swift action, PTI reported. Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully described the incident as "highly condemnable," adding, "This is not just an idol; it is an attack on our faith and heritage, which will not be tolerated." Jully called on the government to take stringent measures against the culprits and to strengthen security at religious sites to prevent such incidents in the future. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also reacted strongly, stating, "Disturbing sentiments and faith through such incidents is unacceptable. The culprits in this case should be identified immediately, and strict action should be taken against them. Additionally, effective and strong arrangements should be made to ensure the safety of religious places, so that such incidents do not recur in the future." RLP Convener and Nagaur lawmaker, Hanuman Beniwal, alleged that the police had used force against the protestors at the behest of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. “Police officers were ready to talk with the agitating people, but a lathicharge was carried out under the direction of the Chief Minister,” Beniwal claimed. He further alleged that his party workers, along with youths from various communities, including the Jat community, were detained. “Police should immediately release the RLP workers and other youths who have been taken into custody,” he demanded. (With PTI inputs)
29 March,2025 04:28 PM IST | Jaipur (Rajasthan) | mid-day online correspondent