As the streets of West Bengal's Kolkata are being swept by protests and rallies demanding justice for the Kolkata rape-murder case victim, the agitation was on Monday joined by hundreds of teachers, reported news agency PTI. After the body of a 31-year-old medic of RG Kar hospital was found in the seminar room of the state-run hospital on August 9, Kolkata has witnessed unusual public protests, said PTI. Angshuman Nag, one of the teachers who was part of the protest said, "she (the victim) is like our daughter. We call for the accurate punishment, criticise efforts to hide evidence and are appalled that the investigating agencies are yet to identify all those responsible for this heinous crime,"as per the PTI. He added, "We do not belong to any political party or organisation. We have gathered on our own to voice the protest of ordinary citizens."Senior doctors such as Narayan Bandyopadhyay and hundreds of people, formed a human chain at Sinthir More in the northern part of the city Kolkata, demanding justice for the medic. To create a safe environment for women and to demand justice for the victim, people from various sections of the society have organised several rallies, cited PTI. Meanwhile, the first round of talks between the West Bengal government and the agitating junior doctors is underway at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence to address the RG Kar impasse. After four unsuccessful bids to initiate a dialogue to resolve the deadlock, a delegation of agitating junior doctors arrived at her residence for the crucial talks on Monday evening. Escorted by a pilot police vehicle, around 30 medics arrived at Banerjee's residence at 6.20 pm. The meeting, which was originally scheduled at 5 pm, began around 7 pm and is still continuing, according to the PTI. TV channels reporters that the doctors submitted a memorandum to the CM listing their demands. Ex-principal of RG Kar gave ‘deceptive answers’ Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, was found to be "deceptive" while answering important questions during his polygraph test and layered voice analysis in the Kolkata rape-murder case probe, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials said. CBI arrested Ghosh on September 2 in connection with financial irregularities at the hospital. The central probe agency added charges of evidence tampering against him on September 15. During the investigation into the Kolkata rape-murder case, Ghosh was subjected to layered voice analysis and polygraph test, news agency PTI reported. According to a report from Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), New Delhi, his version has been found to be "deceptive on certain important issues" relating to this case, officers privy to the developments said. (with PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 08:38 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Monday alleged that certain individuals "filled with hate and negativity" are defaming the country, news agency PTI reported. His remark comes amid a political row over the statements made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi abroad on reservations and other issues. PM Modi was addressing a gathering in Ahmedabad, where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various projects worth Rs 8,000 crore, including the flagging off of Bhuj-Ahmedabad Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, the first Vande Bharat metro service, and five Vande Bharat express trains. Without taking any names, PM Modi said the Opposition can cross any limits for appeasement politics. "When every Indian is striving to take the country forward, some filled with negativity want to destroy the unity and integrity of the country. They want to divide (do tukde, tukde of) the country. Those filled with hate are not leaving any chance to defame India and Gujarat," he alleged. PM Modi also took on the Congress over the poll tie-up with the National Conference. "You have heard that they want to bring back Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. They want to bring back two Constitutions and two laws in Jammu and Kashmir," PM Modi, adding that he was insulted, jeered, and mocked by the Opposition in the past 100 days of his third term as PM, but he focused on finishing the government's development agenda during this period. "People were surprised by my silence," the prime minister said. He said he has decided to "sacrifice" himself for the people. "If I live, I live for you, if I struggle, I struggle for you, and if I sacrifice myself, it will be for you," he added. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Gandhi of making "anti-reservation" remarks in the US and termed the statements as "treason". Gandhi, while speaking at the Georgetown University in Washington DC, had alleged that the Lok Sabha elections were not fought on the same footing. "The Election Commission was doing what they wanted. The entire campaign was structured so that Mr Modi could carry out his agenda across the country, with different designs for different states," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had claimed. (With PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 07:22 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentAs many as three wagons of a goods train derailed in the outskirts of Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Monday, the officials said, according to the ANI. The restoration work at the tracks was underway, a railway official said. The train was en route to Itrasi from Bhopal and the incident occurred between Misrod and Mandideep railway stations. Railway Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Bhopal Division, Naval Agarwal said, "Three wagons of a goods train going from Bhopal to Itarsi, derailed between Misrod and Mandideep railway stations. Restoration work is underway, and the team is present on site," as per the PTI. Train movements were reportedly said to be unaffected as the incident took place on a three-line section, he added. Further details are awaited. Central Railway services disrupted after snag in AC train's pantograph near Thane Meanwhile, in an another incident, the services on the Down Fast line of Central Railway's suburban network in Mumbai were affected for nearly an hour on Monday afternoon after a technical snag in the pantograph of an air-conditioned train, an official said, according to the PTI. The incident took place between Mumbra and Diva stations beyond Thane in Maharashtra, the officials said. "The Dadar-Badlapur AC local was detained on the Down Fast line (corridor taking trains from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) towards Thane and beyond) after a snag in its pantograph at 12:10 pm. It was rectified at 12:50 pm. Two local trains following this AC local got stranded due to this incident," a Central Railway spokesperson said, as per the PTI. A pantograph, mounted on the roof of a train, draws power from overhead equipment. Meanwhile the commuters claimed that the fast Mumbai local trains were delayed by 20-30 minutes, resulting in crowding. The passengers also claimed that some services were cancelled following a technical snag in the pantograph of an air-conditioned train, as per the PTI. The Central Railway operates 66 AC locals in a day with cumulative ridership of 78,000. It operates more than 1,800 daily suburban services in the city and neighbouring areas of Mumbai. (with PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 06:19 PM IST | Bhopal | mid-day online correspondentAround 74 roads, including National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet road) connecting Chandigarh and Shimla, were closed following Himachal Pradesh rains, the officials said on Monday, reported the PTI. The local meteorological centre has issued a 'yellow' alert for thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas of six districts of the state on Wednesday. According to the PTI, a massive landslide in the afternoon closed NH-5 near Kumarhatti in Solan district, the officials said, adding that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officers and police are on-site, working to clear the debris and reopen the road. According to the officials, there were no casualties, as no vehicles were passing through the affected area during the landslide. Videos of retaining walls collapsing on the national highway have gone viral on social media. Mild snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh, signalling the onset of winter, as per the PTI. According to the news agency, intermittent rain continued across the state, with Bilaspur receiving the highest rainfall of 100.8 mm since Sunday evening, the weather data showed. Other areas that recorded significant rainfall included Kufri (35 mm), Kasauli (28 mm ), Neri (26.5 mm), Karsog and Gohar (24 mm each), Baijnath (23.2 mm), Sundernagar (13.8 mm) and Chamba (11.5 mm). As of Monday morning, 39 roads were closed in Shimla, 10 in Kangra, nine in Mandi, seven in Kullu, five in Sirmaur, three in Lahaul-Spiti, and one in Kinnaur, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Five power supply schemes were also disrupted, the SEOC added, the PTI reported. Five power supply schemes have also been disrupted in the state, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). The rain deficit during the ongoing monsoon season from June 1 till September 15 stands at 18 per cent, with the state receiving 567.2 mm rainfall against an average of 692.1 mm. According to officials, 171 people have died in rain-related incidents since the onset of monsoon in the state on June 27 till Sunday, while 30 are still missing. The state has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1,327 crore, they said. (with PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 05:52 PM IST | Shimla | mid-day online correspondentAs many as 2,000 personnel of police and the Home Guard will be deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of Ganesh idol immersion processions in Latur district of Maharashtra on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported. A police officer said the procession routes will be monitored through CCTV cameras and drones. More than 1,300 Ganesh mandals are expected to join the immersion processions in Latur city and district, the Maharashtra Police said. He said help centres will be set up for children and senior citizens, while designated sites have been earmarked for collecting Ganpati idols. "A total of 120 police officers and 1,250 personnel, along with 950 Home Guards, units of the State Reserve Police Force, four platoons of the Riot Control Squad, and two Quick Response Teams will be on duty in Latur district," an officer from Maharashtra Police said. Additionally, preventive action has been taken against 3,225 habitual offenders to ensure that the immersion procession and Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi festivities are conducted peacefully. The police have appealed to Ganesh mandals to avoid using loud sound systems and laser beams during the processions. 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.
16 September,2024 04:42 PM IST | Latur | PTIAs many as 2,000 personnel of police and the Home Guard will be deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of Ganesh idol immersion processions in Latur district of Maharashtra on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported. A police officer said the procession routes will be monitored through CCTV cameras and drones. More than 1,300 Ganesh mandals are expected to join the immersion processions in Latur city and district, the Maharashtra Police said. He said help centres will be set up for children and senior citizens, while designated sites have been earmarked for collecting Ganpati idols. "A total of 120 police officers and 1,250 personnel, along with 950 Home Guards, units of the State Reserve Police Force, four platoons of the Riot Control Squad, and two Quick Response Teams will be on duty in Latur district," an officer from Maharashtra Police said. Additionally, preventive action has been taken against 3,225 habitual offenders to ensure that the immersion procession and Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi festivities are conducted peacefully. The police have appealed to Ganesh mandals to avoid using loud sound systems and laser beams during the processions. 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.
16 September,2024 04:42 PM IST | Latur | PTISandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, was found to be "deceptive" while answering important questions during his polygraph test and layered voice analysis in the Kolkata rape-murder case probe, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials said. CBI arrested Ghosh on September 2 in connection with financial irregularities at the hospital. The central probe agency added charges of evidence tampering against him on September 15. During the investigation into the Kolkata rape-murder case, Ghosh was subjected to layered voice analysis and polygraph test, news agency PTI reported. According to a report from Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), New Delhi, his version has been found to be "deceptive on certain important issues" relating to this case, officers privy to the developments said. Information revealed during the polygraph test may not be used as evidence during the trial but the agency may gather corroborative evidence which could be used in court, they said. A polygraph test can help in assessing inaccuracies in the statements of suspects and witnesses. By monitoring their psychological responses, heart rate, breathing pattern, sweating and blood pressure, investigators can determine if there are discrepancies in their responses. Ghosh got info about incident at 9.58 am but didn't inform cops immediately: CBI CBI has alleged that Ghosh got information about the Kolkata rape-murder incident at 9.58 am on August 9 but he did not make the police complaint immediately. He allegedly made a "vague complaint" at a later stage through the medical superintendent-vice principal, even though the victim was declared dead at 12.44 pm, they said. "He did not try to get an FIR (first information report) lodged immediately. Rather, a new theory of suicide was introduced, which is not possible as per the external injury visible on the body of the victim that was undressed at the lower part," CBI alleged. The probe agency has further claimed that Ghosh got in touch with Tala Police Station's Officer In-Charge (OC) Abhijit Mondal at 10.03 am and with an advocate at 1.40 pm, while a case of unnatural death was registered at 11.30 pm. Mondal was arrested by CBI in connection with the case on September 15. According to CBI, Mondal received information about the incident at 10.03 am on August 9 but he did not reach the scene of the crime immediately and visited the crime spot only after an hour. Apart from this, the general diary entry 542 mentioned that the body of the postgraduate trainee of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was found lying in an "unconscious state" in the seminar room of chest medicine, whereas the body was already examined by a doctor who had found the victim dead. The general diary entry was allegedly made "in conspiracy with hospital authorities and other unknown persons", intentionally mentioning wrong details. Mondal's failure to register an FIR and protect the scene of crime resulted in the "damage of vital evidence available at the crime scene", CBI officers said, adding that he tried to protect the accused in the case, Sanjay Roy, and others who had "unauthorised access" to the scene of crime that might have led to tampering of evidence. Ghosh allegedly directed his subordinates to send the body to the morgue in a rushed manner, officers said. The trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered in the seminar hall of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital when she had gone to rest during her shift in the early hours of August 9. Her body, with severe injury marks, was found in the hall by a doctor who was on rounds. Roy, a police volunteer, was arrested the next day based on CCTV footage, in which he was seen entering the seminar hall at 4.03 am on the day of the incident. On August 13, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the probe from the Kolkata Police to CBI, which took over the case the next day. (With PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 04:38 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) chief Sharad Pawar has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to convene a meeting to sort out demands of the protesting Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants. Sharad Pawar also said that he had not got the CM's appointment so far to discuss the issue. The MPSC aspirants had protested in Maharashtra's Pune last month after the dates of Indian Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) test and Maharashtra Gazetted Civil Services Combined Preliminary Examination clashed. Both were scheduled for August 25. The MPSC aspirants had sought postponement of Maharashtra Gazetted Civil Services Combined Preliminary Examination. They had also sought getting 258 posts of the agriculture department under the ambit of the latest MPSC prelims. Sharad Pawar, at the time, had said he would join the agitation if the government failed to resolve the issue. The MPSC had later postponed the exam and said it would announce new dates soon, as per the PTI. The new dates have not yet been announced and the decision regarding the 258 posts from agriculture department is also yet to be taken, Sharad Pawar said that in the letter. Sharad Pawar also shared the letter written to CM Shinde on X. He stated that there is a large number of students taking competitive exams in the state. It is imperative to find a way out of the delay in the competitive examination and the dissatisfaction caused by it among the students. In view of the dissatisfaction among the students and the agitation that took place, a letter has been written to CM Shinde to meet and seek their demands and to conduct the competitive examination at the earliest. राज्यात स्पर्धा परीक्षा देणारा विद्यार्थी वर्ग हा मोठ्या प्रमाणावर आहे. स्पर्धा परीक्षेत होणारा विलंब, त्यातून विद्यार्थ्यांमध्ये झालेला असंतोष यात मार्ग काढणे अत्यावश्यक आहे. विद्यार्थ्यांमधील असंतोष आणि काही दिवसापूर्वी झालेल्या आंदोलनाच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर त्यांच्या रास्त मागण्या… pic.twitter.com/Yjen7OLtb6 — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) September 16, 2024 The state government should take a decision soon since the code of the conduct for the assembly polls may be announced, he said. "Despite selection for PSI, Sales Tax Assistant posts, several candidates have not yet been appointed. All these demands of MPSC aspirants are appropriate. I have been trying to help them solve these issues but I have not got your appointment," Sharad Pawar said, the news agency reported. He asked the CM Shinde to spare time to convene a meeting to discuss the issue. (with PTI inputs)
16 September,2024 03:54 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj confirmed on Monday that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will resign on Tuesday. Bhardwaj dismissed speculation that the resignation was a public relations move and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of harassing the AAP leader. Bhardwaj alleged Kejriwal, who was just released from jail on a court order, has decided not to return to his job as Chief Minister until he has received public acceptance, reported IANS. According to the report, he went on: "He will undergo Agnipariksha and only if the public considers him honest then he will sit as Chief Minister. This is a significant event in itself." "In India, elections are usually fought based on caste, religion, and language. However, this will be the first election to be contested based on honesty," said Minister Bhardwaj. Reportedly, the minister also stated that this election will be unique in that it will prioritise honesty above previous elections based on caste, religion, or language. He stated that Kejriwal's resignation will be submitted on Tuesday, after which AAP leaders will gather to nominate a new Chief Minister. "The resignation will then be sent to the President for acceptance, after which a meeting of AAP leaders will take place to choose a leader who will represent their confidence, and the next Chief Minister will be selected," he added. Regarding the "One Nation, One Election" proposal, Bhardwaj indicated that its momentum had waned. He added that it was based on the premise that the BJP would win more than 350 seats; however, with the party now having 240 seats, early elections are doubtful, the report added. He wad quoted in the IANS report as saying, "It was built on the assumption that Prime Minister Modi would secure over 350 seats and win multiple states. However, with the BJP now down to 240 seats, it is no longer feasible for the party to call for elections before completing the five-year term." Speaking on the Haryana elections, Bhardwaj criticised the BJP's treatment of Chief Ministerial candidates, citing how Manohar Lal Khattar was abruptly chosen as Haryana's Chief Minister despite other candidates fighting for the position. He claimed Khattar's bad performance has made it harder for the BJP to win another election under his leadership. "Ten years ago, no one knew Manohar Lal Khattar and six people were privately informed that they were candidates for Chief Minister. They each campaigned, but a new person, Manohar Lal Khattar, was chosen as Haryana CM," he said. "His tenure was so poor that winning another election under his name would be impossible. The BJP had to replace him with a new candidate," he alleged. With IANS inputs
16 September,2024 03:41 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second phase of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Extension on Monday, reported news agency ANI. The second phase of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Extension was developed by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) in collaboration with the government of Gujarat and the central government, reported ANI. After the inauguration, the Prime Minister, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took a metro ride from Section 1 Metro Station to GIFT City Metro Station. Later, the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 8,000 crores in Ahmedabad. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of several key projects, including the quadrupling of the Samakhiali-Gandhidham and Gandhidham-Adipur railway lines, the development of iconic roads in AMC, Ahmedabad, and the construction of flyover bridges over Bakrol, Hathijan, Ramol, and Panjarpol Junction, reported ANI. He will inaugurate a 30 MW solar system and a 35 Megawatt BESS Solar PV Project at Kutch Lignite Thermal Power Station, Kutch, and 220 Kilovolt substations at Morbi and Rajkot. The Prime Minister is also set to launch the Single Window IT System (SWITS) of the International Financial Services Centres Authority, designed to streamline financial services, reported ANI. PM Modi will then sanction more than 30,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin and release the first installment for these homes, as well as launch construction of houses under the PMAY Scheme. He will also hand over to the beneficiaries of the state-completed houses under both the urban and rural segments of the PMAY. Further, he will flag off India's first Vande Metro from Bhuj to Ahmedabad and several Vande Bharat trains, including on routes, Nagpur to Secunderabad, Kolhapur to Pune, Agra Cantt to Banaras, Durg to Visakhapatnam, Pune to Hubballi, and the first 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi. India best bet for 21st century, its solar revolution a golden chapter, says PM Modi India is unique in terms of diversity, scale, capacity, potential as well as performance and the world feels the country is the best bet for the 21st century, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, reported PTI. When the history of the 21st century will be written, the chapter of India's solar revolution will be written in golden letters, the PM said in his address at the 4th edition of Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2024) in Gandhinagar, reported PTI. He also said his government in the first 100 days of its third term had tried to address every sector and factor for rapid progress of the country. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
16 September,2024 02:47 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday accused the Centre of carrying out a "fuel loot" despite a reduction in crude oil prices and said election-going states shall defeat BJP by rejecting the "Modi-induced price rise". Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said crude oil prices have reduced by 32.5 per cent, yet BJP's "fuel loot continues". "Election-going states shall defeat BJP & reject this Modi-induced price rise!" Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post in X. "On May 16, 2014 (Delhi) - Crude per barrel was USD 107.49. Petrol - Rs 71.51. Diesel - Rs 57.28. On September 16, 2024 - Crude per barrel is USD 72.48, yet Petrol - Rs. 94.72. Diesel - Rs 87.62," the Congress chief said. "Ideally, according to current crude oil prices, petrol should cost Rs 48.27, diesel should cost Rs 69.00," Kharge said. "No wonder, in 10 years and 100 days, the Modi government has robbed people of Rs 35 Lakh crore by taxing fuel!" he said. Why are petrol prices not decreasing, asks TMC's Derek O'Brien Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday questioned why petrol prices in India are not decreasing despite a decline in global crude oil prices. In a post on X, the Rajya Sabha MP said the crude oil prices have come down by around 24 per cent in last ten years, but petrol price in India has gone up by 30 per cent. In August 2014, crude oil was priced USD 102 per barrel and petrol price was Rs 73, while in August 2024, crude oil is at USD 78 per barrel, and yet petrol price is Rs 95, he said. "Why are petrol prices in India not decreasing despite a decline in global crude oil prices?" wrote O'Brien, TMC's parliamentary party leader in the Rajya Sabha. "In the last 10 years, crude oil price down by nearly 24 percent, but petrol price in India increased by 30 percent," he said. "Windfall profits of oil companies are not being passed on to consumers," the TMC leader added. Petrol, diesel prices in India were last revised ahead of the general election in March when it was reduced by Rs. 2, after being stagnant for about two years. Last week, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Pankaj Jain, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, had said oil companies will be taking appropriate decisions on reducing fuel prices if international oil prices were to stay low for an extended period.
16 September,2024 02:07 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
