A police constable, suspected to be a part of a drug syndicate was arrested for reportedly selling heroin on a hospital premises in Jammu, an official said on Wednesday, PTI reported. Constable Mohammad Mukhtiya of the Armed Police 12th Battalion in Zewan in Srinagar was found in possession of a substance similar to heroin along with cash of Rs 9,000, he said. As per the official, the police initiated a search operation on Tuesday, acting on a tip-off about a police personnel's involvement in selling drugs at the premises of Jammu's Government Medical College and Hospital. They stopped Mukhtiyar on his motorcycle near the hospital mortuary and took the heroin-like substance and Rs 9,000 in cash from him, he added, PTI cited. A case has been registered against him at Bakshi Nagar Police Station and is suspended from service. The official stated that Mukhtuyar is suspected to be part of a drug syndicate that is recurrently active in Jammu and is responsible for selling drugs to innocent youth for illegal profit. This syndicate is also suspected of being involved in drug overdose deaths in the area, PTI reported. "SP City North, Brijesh Sharma, is personally supervising the investigation to uncover the connections of these drug peddlers and dismantle the entire drug ecosystem established by this syndicate," he said. "Their financial investigation is also ongoing to identify properties acquired through narcotics proceeds, to attach these illegitimate assets," he added. In a similar incident on November 7, constable Parwaiz Khan was arrested along with his two wives during a raid on their house. Heroin and more than Rs 2.5 lakh in cash were seized from them. Navy officer arrested in human trafficking racket from Jammu The Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested one more senior officer of the Indian Navy along with his girlfriend and two civilians from Jammu and Kashmir. According to the crime branch, the Indian officers had been involved in this racket for the past 1.5 years, charging Rs 10 lakh-12 lakh per candidate. The candidates applied through them because wages in South Korea are higher than in other countries, and the involvement of Indian Navy officials increased people's trust. Earlier, the CIU busted a human trafficking racket where candidates would go to South Korea, destroy their passports to seek asylum, and secure jobs with higher wages compared to any other country. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 11:58 AM IST | Jammu | mid-day online correspondentFollowing Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's call for the arrest of industrialist Gautam Adani, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has supported the demand, agreeing with Gandhi's statement that Adani should be arrested. Yadav reiterated his stance in a conversation with ANI, saying, "Rahul Gandhi has said the right thing that Adani should be arrested. Adani should be arrested." This comes after Rahul Gandhi, on November 21, raised concerns about the alleged involvement of the Adani Group in bribery activities, highlighting that the accusations against the conglomerate had been "clearly" established both in the United States and India. Gandhi’s remarks come amid a backdrop of growing opposition calls for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter, with accusations that the Adani Group broke both American and Indian laws. The Congress party has been at the forefront of the demand for a deeper investigation into the matter, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge calling for a comprehensive JPC inquiry into the allegations. The probe would encompass the Adani Group's operations, investments in foreign countries, and its dealings with Indian regulatory bodies. Kharge has emphasised that a top-ranking Indian businessman being indicted by a foreign country tarnishes India's image on the global stage and underlined the need for an investigation into unethical business practices allegedly supported by the policies of the Modi government. In his statement, Kharge accused the government of enabling monopolistic practices that disproportionately benefit a select few, contributing to widening inequalities in India. He noted that this "vicious nexus" of crony capitalism, involving compromised bureaucrats and politicians, has severely harmed ordinary citizens, small businesses, and retail investors. Kharge further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Ek Hain, Toh Safe Hain" slogan, which he described as a cover for protecting monopolies that have enriched certain individuals at the expense of the broader population. Kharge’s call for a JPC investigation also includes a closer look at the role of regulatory bodies like SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) in overseeing the Adani Group’s operations. Meanwhile, the Adani Group has firmly denied the accusations of bribery and fraud levelled by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against certain executives of Adani Green Energy. The group has maintained that it operates within legal boundaries and has expressed its intention to defend itself against the allegations. As per ANI reports, this issue continues to intensify political debate, with opposition parties demanding accountability and the government defending its stance on the matter. The coming days are expected to see further developments as the calls for a detailed investigation into the Adani Group grow louder. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 11:14 AM IST | New DelhiThe Congress party hit back at BJP President J P Nadda's allegations on Friday, accusing him of pushing a "politically motivated narrative" regarding the ongoing unrest in Manipur. In response to Nadda’s letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress described it as a “4D exercise – denial, distortion, distraction, and defamation.” Nadda, in his letter, criticised the Congress for propagating an "incorrect" and "false" narrative about the Manipur crisis, arguing that the party was attempting to politicise the situation. His comments were aimed at Kharge, who had written to President Droupadi Murmu seeking her intervention on the issue and accusing the Modi government of failing to resolve the crisis. Nadda further claimed that the roots of the current violence in Manipur could be traced back to the Congress's "abject failure" in dealing with local issues when the party was in power. He said that the repercussions of this failure were still being felt today. Reacting to Nadda’s statement, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the BJP President’s letter. In a post on X, Ramesh labelled Nadda’s accusations as "full of falsehoods" and reiterated that the BJP’s focus was on diverting attention from the actual situation in Manipur. He described Nadda’s letter as a "distraction" and a deliberate attempt to deflect from the real issues. Ramesh pointed out that the people of Manipur are desperate for peace and stability, adding that they were raising a few simple questions. "When will the PM visit the state? How much longer will the CM continue to hold power when a majority of MLAs no longer support him? When will a full-time Governor be appointed? And when will the Union Home Minister take responsibility for his failures?" Ramesh said, reiterating the concerns of the people of Manipur. In his letter, Nadda accused the Congress of sensationalising the situation and recalled that during the previous Congress-led government, then Home Minister P Chidambaram had signed agreements with foreign militants, which, according to Nadda, legitimised illegal migration into India. The ethnic violence in Manipur between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo groups has claimed over 220 lives and displaced thousands since it erupted in May of the previous year. The Congress continues to criticise the BJP-led government for its handling of the crisis, while the BJP maintains that it is addressing the situation appropriately. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 11:11 AM IST | New DelhiThe Kerala High Court has refused bail to a police officer accused of raping a 14-year-old Dalit girl in Thrissur district, two years ago, on Children's Day. The officer, who worked as a Student Police Cadet (SPC) instructor at the victim’s school, was charged with the grave offence, which occurred in a house near Kodungallur. Justice K Babu, in his ruling, stated that the officer had committed a “heinous offence” and was “not entitled to be released on bail.” While acknowledging the accused's fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, the court highlighted the serious nature of the crime. The officer had appealed against a lower court’s decision, which had previously rejected his bail plea. However, the High Court upheld the decision, noting that the prosecution had presented a strong prima facie case against him. The victim, who is a member of the Scheduled Caste community, reportedly had regular phone conversations with the officer. On November 14, 2022, the officer invited her to a house near Kodungallur, allegedly under the pretext of celebrating her birthday, and raped her there. He was arrested on September 26, 2024, and has been in judicial custody since then. The accused faces charges including rape under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The High Court stressed the need to address the gravity of such crimes, especially when committed by individuals in positions of authority. The case has drawn public attention, raising concerns about the abuse of power by law enforcement officers, particularly in cases involving minors and marginalised communities. According to PTI reports, the case has sparked outrage, with widespread calls for stringent action against those in positions of power who exploit their authority, particular (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 11:08 AM IST | KeralaWelcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Nifty, Sensex gain amid rally in other Asian stocks Indian stock markets opened with gains on Friday after the rally in other Asian stocks. The Nifty 50 index opened at 23,411.80 points with a gain of 61.90 points or 0.27 per cent, while the BSE Sensex index opened at 77,349.74 points with a gain of 193.95 points or 0.25 per cent. Mumbai: 16-year-old boy kills man after fight over local’s ‘4th seat’ at Ghatkopar station A quarrel over a seat on a local train led to a 16-year-old Titwala resident fatally stabbing a 35-year-old man with a knife at Ghatkopar station on November 15. The deceased, Ankush Bhalerao, and his companions had gotten into a heated argument with the teenager during a train journey a day prior to the murder. Read more. Mumbai: Nine railways stations will get swanky upgrade, check if YOUR station is on the list Old railway stations across the city will now have commercial and office space above them and on vacant land lying next to them. Nine of the 18 stations that are being upgraded on the Mumbai rail network have been shortlisted for this project. The four stations having spare space for commercial exploitation on elevated decks are Mulund, Khar Road, Bhayander and GTB Nagar. Read more. Down-and-out India face rusty Aus for supremacy Dressed in his India whites, Test cap No. 290 firmly in place, Jasprit Bumrah emerged from the shadows to join Australian counterpart Pat Cummins on the impeccable Optus Stadium outfield. The occasion was the captains’ photo shoot before the start of the five-Test series, the fast bowler filling in for Rohit Sharma, who will miss the first game starting on Friday. Read more. Saqib Saleem: ‘People always try to undercut you in this line’ | Citadel: Honey Bunny It has been two weeks since Citadel: Honey Bunny dropped online. While the Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu-led spy thriller has received mixed reviews, the audience largely agrees on one thing – that Saqib Saleem is impressive as the antagonist KD. Read more.
22 November,2024 10:11 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDelhi continues to grapple with severe air pollution as a dense smog blankets the city, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the 'very poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 7 am on Friday, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 371, reflecting hazardous air conditions. Specific areas recorded alarming figures, with Chandni Chowk at 359, IGI Airport (T3) at 357, ITO at 344, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 342, and RK Puram at 372. The situation was worse in locations like Anand Vihar (410), Bawana (411), Mundka (402), and Wazirpur (413), which crossed into the 'severe' category, ANI reported. The AQI scale categorises air quality as 'good' (0–50), 'satisfactory' (51–100), 'moderate' (101–200), 'poor' (201–300), 'very poor' (301–400), and 'severe' (401–500). Residents expressed distress over the worsening conditions. Suryakant, a morning walker at Lodhi Road, noted a decline in outdoor activity due to the hazardous air. "Pollution levels are extremely high. The number of people out for morning walks has reduced drastically, and the burning sensation in the eyes is unbearable," he said. Prakash Kumar Singh, a Class 12 student, shared that his school had reverted to online classes due to the AQI. "For us youngsters, it’s manageable, but the elderly are facing serious health challenges," he told ANI. Tourists, too, voiced concerns. Gaurav, visiting India Gate, said, "Pollution is causing throat irritation and burning eyes. Masks are the only solution for now. The government must act to curb pollution sources." The situation was slightly better in neighbouring regions. Lucknow recorded an AQI of 268, categorised as 'poor', while Noida stood at 262, also in the 'poor' category. In Agra, despite a 'moderate' AQI, the iconic Taj Mahal appeared ethereal against a backdrop of light fog, as per ANI. Stephanie, a tourist from London, described the monument as "absolutely amazing but overshadowed by the evident pollution." Delhi's pollution crisis has been escalating over recent weeks. On Thursday, the AQI reached 379. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Phase IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on November 18. This phase imposes strict measures, including bans on truck entry and suspension of construction projects, ANI reported. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticised Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav for alleged inaction, referencing reports of toxic smog visible from space. The party accused Yadav of indifference, escalating tensions over the ongoing crisis. With stringent measures in place and public health concerns mounting, the city faces an uphill battle to alleviate the choking pollution that has disrupted daily life. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 09:37 AM IST | New DelhiUnion Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday wrote to Justice Michael D'Cunha showing regret and apologising for his recent comments regarding the D'Cunha Commission, ANI reported. According to ANI, earlier, the commission tasked with investigating alleged irregularities during the COVID-19 pandemic submitted an interim report accusing the former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and former minister B Sriramulu. The report claimed that the then BJP-led government purchased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits at high prices, despite cheaper local alternatives being available. Addressing the report during an elections rally in Shiggaon, Joshi criticised Justice D'Cunha, accusing him of acting as an "agent". His comments sparked a row which prompted the minister to release a public apology through the letter, ANI reported. In his letter, Joshi wrote: "I am writing to you with reference to the recent statements made by me, which seemingly has raised a controversy. The same has occasioned me to address the present letter. At the outset, I must state that in my long years of public life, there has been no occasion where I have directly or indirectly made any remark or statement which has had a tendency to lower the reputation of any past or present member of the judiciary. I do believe that the judiciary and all the Hon'ble judges form the bulwark of the working of our constitution. They without a doubt have an important role in the sacred duty of discharge of justice." The Union minister further in his letter made it clear that his comments were not intended to defame Justice D'Cunha or the Commission. He stated: "To set the record straight, it would therefore be necessary to clarify that the statements made by me were only and only in the context of the procedure adopted by the commission in not affording an opportunity to the persons allegedly indicted. It was neither calculated nor designed to bring either you or the commission under any disrepute or to lower your image in the minds of the right-thinking people of the society", ANI cited. He further apologised saying, "At a personal level I must state that if the statements made by me unintendedly have caused any hurt or misgivings to you I do regret the same and place my sincere apology." Joshi also expressed hope that the letter would peacefully resolve the ongoing issue. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 09:31 AM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentA glass window of the the New Delhi-Dehradun Shatabdi Express were damaged after a stone pelting incident here, police said on Thursday. The incident happened on November 17 when the train was moving between the hospital bridge and Khanalampura yard after departing from Saharanpur station. An FIR in the matter was registered on Wednesday, they said. The glass window of seat numbers 18 and 19 in coach C2 was shattered after some miscreants hurled stones at the train. Upon receiving information from a passenger, Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers rushed to the spot, but the miscreants had fled by then, they said The Shatabdi Express usually arrives at Saharanpur around 10 am and halts for about 30 minutes for an engine change and then proceeds to Dehradun, ASP (City) Abhimanyu Manglik told PTI on Thursday. The stone pelting incident occurred shortly after the train left from the station on November 17. RPF outpost in-charge at Khanalampura, Satyaprakash, filed a police report in this regard on Wednesday evening. A probe is on in the matter. 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
22 November,2024 09:26 AM IST | Saharanpur | PTIThe Yuvajana Sramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party clarified on Friday that there is no direct agreement between Andhra Pradesh (AP) distribution companies (DISCOMs) and the Adani Group. This statement came in response to allegations linking Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and others to an alleged bribery scheme, as charged by US prosecutors. The controversy intensified after Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a Government of India entity under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, accusing it of being a key player in the alleged corruption scandal. In a statement issued on Thursday, the YSR Congress Party stated, "It is necessary to mention that SECI is a Government of India enterprise. There is no direct agreement between AP DISCOMs and any other entities, including those belonging to the Adani Group. Therefore, the allegations made against the State Government, in light of the indictment, are incorrect." Under the leadership of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Andhra Pradesh government entered into a 25-year agreement with SECI to procure 7,000 megawatts (MW) of power at a rate of ₹2.49 per kilowatt hour (kWh). The phased implementation includes 3,000 MW commencing in FY 2024-25, another 3,000 MW in FY 2025-26, and the remaining 1,000 MW in FY 2026-27. According to the statement, this arrangement is advantageous for the state due to the waiver of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges. This exemption allows for more cost-effective power procurement, potentially saving Andhra Pradesh an estimated ₹3,700 crore annually. Over the 25-year period, the state is expected to realise substantial benefits. Opposition parties, meanwhile, continued to demand a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the bribery allegations. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh reiterated his stance, alleging that SECI played a central role in the controversy. The Adani Group has strongly denied all allegations brought by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against directors of Adani Green. The BJP has also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the issue, asserting that the law would take its own course. As per ANI, the YSR Congress Party’s clarification underscores its position that the state government acted transparently and that the allegations lack a factual basis.
22 November,2024 09:12 AM IST | New DelhiA tremor of 3.6 magnitude hit Manipur's Bishnupur district on Thursday morning, the National Center for Seismology said. According to the National Center for Seismology, the tremor was recorded at around 4.42 AM and was centred around the Bishnupur region at a depth of 10 km. EQ of M: 3.6, On: 22/11/2024 04:42:37 IST, Lat: 24.64 N, Long: 93.83 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Bishnupur, Manipur. For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/qpXLXt1fQn — National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) November 21, 2024 No casualty was reported in the area due to the seismic activity. "EQ of M: 3.6, On 22/11/2024 04:42:37 IST, Lat: 24.64 N, Long: 93.83 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Bishnupur, Manipur," said National Center for Seismology in a post on X. Further details awaited. 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
22 November,2024 09:11 AM IST | Manipur | ANIThe Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has stirred political discourse with its first list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, omitting three of its sitting MLAs. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, on Thursday, criticised the decision, terming it a "lack of confidence" within the party. According to ANI, AAP unveiled an initial list of 11 candidates for the assembly elections expected to take place in early 2025. The move has sparked reactions, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which claims the decision highlights internal strife within AAP. Sachdeva, addressing the matter, remarked, “AAP is a party with two chief ministers, several ministers, and associates who have exploited Delhi for a decade. The denial of tickets to sitting MLAs signals a lack of confidence in their own cadre. Today’s list has already ignited rebellion, the effects of which will be visible in the coming days.” The AAP list names candidates for constituencies including Chhatarpur, Kirari, Vishwas Nagar, Rohtash Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Badarpur, Seelampur, Seemapuri, Ghonda, Karawal Nagar, and Matiala. Prominent figures such as Brahm Singh Tanwar (Chhatarpur), Anil Jha (Kirari), Deepak Singla (Vishwas Nagar), Sarita Singh (Rohtash Nagar), and BB Tyagi (Laxmi Nagar) feature in the list. Interestingly, the list includes BJP defectors Brahm Singh Tanwar, Anil Jha, and BB Tyagi, alongside Congress turncoats such as Chaudhary Zubair Ahmad, Veer Singh Dhingan, and Sumesh Shokeen, as reported by ANI. Meanwhile, AAP has denied tickets to sitting MLAs Gulab Singh Yadav (Matiala), Rituraj Jha (Kirari), and Abdul Rehman (Seelampur). Notably, Kartar Singh Tanwar, the Chhatarpur MLA who recently defected to the BJP, was disqualified as a legislator. Earlier in the day, AAP’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) convened at the residence of Arvind Kejriwal, the party’s national convenor, to finalise the list. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and senior leader Gopal Rai were present at the meeting, ANI reports. Assembly elections in Delhi are anticipated in early 2025, though the Election Commission has yet to announce official dates. The 2020 assembly polls saw AAP clinch a landslide victory, securing 62 of 70 seats, while BJP won eight seats. Congress, however, failed to make any gains. As AAP begins rolling out its candidates, political observers are keenly watching how this list and the brewing tensions within the party might impact the electoral narrative in the months to come. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 07:41 AM IST | New DelhiADVERTISEMENT
