India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Chandigarh: Former Punjab director general of police (DGP) Sidharth Chattopadhyaya said on Friday there was evidence showing that SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia was working in "connivance" with drug smugglers and making "financial gain". The former officer, who had come to meet the vigilance bureau (VB) team which is probing the latest case against the SAD leader, said there was "much evidence" against Majithia in 2012 itself. "In 2012, it was Bikram Majithia and Sukhbir Badal's govt. I am not saying that Sukhbir was involved. I am talking about political interference. Why it was hushed up then, will you ask them?" Chattopadhyaya said in reply to a query.Chattopadhyaya, who ordered the registration of an FIR against Majithia in Dec 2021 when he officiated as Punjab DGP for less than a month, met officials of the VB, which has registered a disproportionate assets (DA) case, and members of a special investigation team (SIT), which is probing a previous FIR registered against Majithia in 2021 under the NDPS Act. Chattopadhyaya apprised the serving officers of what led to the registration of the 2021 FIR and "facts" that emerged at the time.The latest DA case -- in which Majithia was booked on Wednesday and arrested from his Amritsar home the same day -- has been registered based on investigations by the SIT probing the 2021 FIR against Majithia. He had been granted bail in the drugs case. "Hundred percent. Hundred percent. There is proof, and it will come in front of you," Chattopadhyaya told reporters in Chandigarh when asked if any "direct link" came out in his probe between Majithia and drug smugglers. He added evidence pertained to Majithia's connivance with drug smugglers and "financial gain".Chattopadhyaya said he informed the two teams about documents that he had got and the entire background of the case. "...so that they (VB & SIT) do their investigations in the right manner and present their side in court in the right manner," said the former DGP. "I want to tell you that neither I was questioned nor I got my statements recorded."A senior VB officer said they had requested Chattopadhyaya to "come and brief (them) about the background of the case, money trail, and other details". The officer said information provided by Chattopadhyaya would be brought on record.Asked if there was any attempt to destroy evidence, Chattopadhyaya answered in the affirmative. "I told [the VB & SIT] which all evidences were destroyed. I told everything," he said. EX-OFFICER SLAMS 'BLACK SHEEP''Wrongdoings of on-the-run AIG' Former DGP Sidharth Chattopadhyaya also spoke about the Punjab and Haryana high court-constituted SIT in Dec 2017 to probe the nexus between drug traffickers and enforcement agencies. He said the SIT headed by him gave three reports detailing at length the misuse of the NDPS Act, extortions, and the money trail of ill-gotten wealth by some of "the black sheep" who brought a bad name to Punjab Police. Chattopadhyaya said reports detailed the wrongdoings involving dismissed and on-the-run AIG Rajjit Singh and properties allegedly amassed by him from the drug money'Sacked inspector got 4 promotions'Chattopadhyaya said dismissed and jailed inspector Inderjit Singh, who was not even a regular howildar but made CIA inspector, was given four promotions despite the fact that he faced 15 departmental inquiries and had four cases, three of them of corruption, registered against him. The former DGP said the reports mentioned in detail the recovery of drugs, illegal weapons, foreign currency, and many more things and how rules were given a go-by to give promotions to such officials. The reports, he said, highlighted how instead of doing their duty, such police officers "mercilessly committed crimes". SAD hits back: Court asked for proof for 4 years Hitting back, Shiromani Akali Dal spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler, in a video message, questioned former DGP Sidharth Chattopadhyaya's "credibility". "What is the credibility of an IPS officer who placed the security of the Prime Minister at stake? This is not the only matter where the PM's security was put at stake; there are other serious allegations against him," Kler said. "For your information, the false case against Majithia in 2021, under Congress govt, was registered under your (Chattopadhyaya) signatures when you were a one-month DGP. The high court has been asking for evidence for four years, but you could not give evidence there. The case went up to the Supreme Court, and you could not give evidence there. This means the case in which you are investigating officer when you were DGP in 2021, the challan could not be presented in that case. Now, in the DA case, he is saying he is becoming a witness," said Kler. VB calls ex-ED officer Niranjan Singh too for helpPunjab vigilance bureau (VB) has called Enforcement Directorate retired deputy director Niranjan Singh to assist with information in connection with the DA case registered against Majithia. An ED status report in the Punjab and Haryana high court by Niranjan Singh had eventually formed the basis of registration of the drugs case against Majithia in 2021. The VB has called Niranjan Singh to come and assist with information on Saturday at its office in Mohali at 12:30 pm.
Story so far: India celebrated its 75th year of adoption of its Constitution on Tuesday (November 26, 2024) with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session of parliament. While the Constitution of India hits its diamond jubilee this year, event commemorating is as 'Constitution Day' was started only in 2015. Prior to this, it was called 'National Law Day' -- first initiated by former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Laxmi Mall Singhvi in 1979. "The Indian Constitution is a live, progressive document," said Ms. Murmu adding, "I urge all citizens to imbibe the constitutio ...Read More >
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak announced the examination of the Jhansi Medical College fire report after a tragic incident claimed 10 infants' lives. Investigations point to a short circuit as the cause. Amid electoral criticism, Congress calls for reverting to ballot papers following a recent election loss. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed on Wednesday that the report regarding the devastating fire at Jhansi Medical College has been received. An investigation into the details of the report will be conducted to determine the causes of the tragic incident. ...Read More >
Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan has called for the replacement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot papers, citing concerns over the legitimacy of election results. Ranjan raised doubts about the EVM's accuracy, suggesting that the results may be influenced and advocating for a ballot paper system like many other countries. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also echoed similar sentiments, accusing EVMs of wasting votes from marginalized communities. This comes after the Congress' defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly election. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed a petition seeking th ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) "On the face of it you are a corrupt person. Crores of rupees were recovered from your premises," the Supreme Court on Wednesday told former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, held in an alleged cash-for-job scam in the state. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, which reserved its verdict on the bail plea of Chatterjee, questioned the enforcement directorate (ED) over his continued incarceration saying he cannot be kept inside for an indefinite period. "On the face of it you are a corrupt person. Crores of Rupees were recovered from your premises. Wha ...Read More >
OCCRP had published news articles against Adani; BJP MP Sambit Patra calls Rahul 'traitor of highest order' After a hiatus of two days, the Winter Session of Parliament plunged into chaos again Thursday, this time due to the ruling BJP targeting Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, accusing them of being part of a plan to "derail" India's economy and "disrupt" its democracy. Senior BJP MP Nishikant Dubey raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, alleging that a "dangerous triangle" ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Congress on Wednesday gave a notice to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the Lok Sabha to discuss the recent statements made by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court. "I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely:- The recent statements made by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court..." said K. Suresh, Congress MP and party's Chief Whip in the Lower Hosue. He said in the notice ...Read More >
The Congress leadership was aware it was losing ground to the ruling Mahayuti following the gains made during the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, several party leaders privy to an internal survey less than a month ahead of the November 20 elections have said, adding that the outcome shouldn't exactly come as a shock. As per a report in The Indian Express, several party leaders it spoke to admitted that a survey conducted in 103 "strong MVA seats" showed the Maha Vikas Aghadi ahead in only 44 seats out of 54 it was ahead in during the Lok Sabha elections. On the contrary, the Mahayuti, wh ...Read More >
Amritsar (Punjab) December 04 (ANI): The major mishap took place while the SAD President was serving his religious penance on 'day 2' at Golden Temple. Clad in blue 'sewadar' uniform, Badal was sitting at the entrance of the Temple with a plaque card around his neck. Suddenly an unidentified man fired at Sukhbir Badal; people standing around him quickly overpowered the shooter. The shooter was later identified as Narayan Singh Chaura by the Punjab Police and further investigation underway. Notably, Badal was declared 'tankhaiya' in August by Akal Takht, which announced religious punishment for ...Read More >
Gurdaspur (Punjab) [India], December 4 (ANI): Jasmeet Kaur, wife of Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate Sukhbir Singh Badal, condemned her husband's actions on Wednesday. She stated that her husband had informed her he was attending a "death anniversary programme" in Amritsar. "I didn't know what had happened until reporters came knocking at my door. Earlier, he had been lodged in jails in Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Gurdaspur," Kaur told reporters. "I don't think what he did was right," Kaur added. Narain Singh Chaura opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh ...Read More >
Srinagar: Continuing their efforts to combat the drug menace, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday seized two vehicles of peddlers in Srinagar city. A police statement said, "Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, police in Srinagar have seized two vehicles acquired through proceeds of illegal narcotics trade. Srinagar Police have seized two vehicles, a Corolla bearing registration number DL4CNE 6086 and a BMW bearing registration number JK01AF-0047 in case FIR No. 36/2024 u/s 8/21 NDPS Act of Police Station Chanapora from the accused person namely Muda ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 26: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to introduce ballot paper in place of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale rejected the prayer to return to the ballot system due to the alleged manipulability of EVMs. "When you lose, EVMs are tampered with; when you win, EVMs are fine," remarked the apex court, when the petitioner referred to the statements made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his predecessor Jagan Mohan ...Read More >
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition is now gearing up for a national protest after losing Maharashtra state elections. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which suffered a crushing defeat in last week's Maharashtra state elections, is now gearing up for a national protest against the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which it blames for its loss. The MVA, led by the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (led by Sharad Pawar), is planning to challenge the use of EVMs in court and demand a return to ballot paper voting. Fo ...Read More >
In a heart-wrenching incident, a 30-year-old Dalit youth, who was brutally thrashed, succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a hospital in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, and four people have been arrested in this connection. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Subhashpura police station on Tuesday, however, the matter came to light after a video surfaced on social media showing four persons beating the youth with sticks and pipes mercilessly. In the video, the victim, identified as Vishnu Jatav, was seen being thrashed by a group of men in a field in Indergarh vil ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: An Enforcement Directorate team undertaking searches in a cyber fraud linked money laundering case was allegedly attacked here on Thursday, officials said. The agency has registered a police FIR about the incident that took place at a farmhouse that was raided by ED officials in the Bijwasan area of southwest Delhi that falls under the Kapashera police station. An Enforcement Officer (EO) suffered minor injuries during the attack. He is continuing with the searches after he was given first aid, officials said. The probe pertains to a case against the PYYPL app. The alleged accus ...Read More >
Chandigarh [India], December 3 (ANI): Punjab Legislative Assembly Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Tuesday, slammed the BJP-led central government for neglecting the interests of farmers in Punjab and Haryana. Bajwa's scathing attack comes amidst growing discontent among farmers in the region, who feel their concerns have been ignored by the ruling party. "Ever since the BJP government has come to power, they have not taken a single decision that is in the interest of the farmers of India, especially the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. It is their fundamental rig ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 6 (ANI): The Lok Sabha as part of the Winter Session of the Parliament has been adjourned until 11:00 am on December 9, as announced by the Speaker on Friday. The proceedings of the lower house were adjourned until 12 pm earlier in the day as disruptions continued for the ninth consecutive day of the winter session, with opposition members raising slogans and creating ruckus over various contentious issues. Also Read | Hashimpura Massacre Case: Supreme Court Grants Bail to 8 Convicts in Infamous 1987 Massacre Case. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made a fervent appeal ...Read More >
Srinagar- In a significant move to combat drug abuse, Police in Anantnag on Wednesday said to have attached property worth Rs 2 crores under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, reinforcing their ongoing efforts against drug peddling networks. "Police in Srigufwara, Anantnag seized a double-storied residential house along with one Kanal of land, valued at ₹2 crore, belonging to Mohammad Amin Malik son of Ghulam Rasool Malik, a resident of Kanalwan. Malik, a habitual offender, involved in a case under FIR number 113/2021 at Police Station Srigufwara, where a substantial q ...Read More >
New Delhi: The annual all-India conference of directors general of police and inspectors general of police will begin in Bhubaneswar on Friday where issues related to internal security, Jammu and Kashmir, and pro-Khalistan elements, among others are likely to be discussed, officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, among others will attend the three-day conference where cyber crimes, challenges posed by AI tools and threats emanating from drones are also expected to be discussed. About 250 officers of DGP and IGP ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh administration has imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders into violence-hit Sambhal until December 10, with officials urging leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi to reconsider his planned visit on Wednesday. Moradabad divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said there is a need for calm in the region, and that "any provocation could escalate the situation" in the district. "The situation in Sambhal is normal right now, but tensions persist," Singh said. "The District Magistrate has banned the entry of people from outside until 10 December ...Read More >
Champhai (Mizoram) [India], December 3 (ANI): Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Excise and Narcotics Department, recovered 22 grams of Heroin No. 4 worth Rs 15.40 lakh and apprehended a woman in the Zote area of Champhai district on Monday. The operation, based on specific intelligence, led to the discovery of the contraband hidden inside the woman's clothing bag. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Tlangmawii, along with the seized consignment, has been handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department, Champhai, for further legal proceedings. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi To Visit Sam ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized cryptocurrency worth Rs 1.36 crore (USDT) from private wallets, along with unexplained cash amounting to Rs 47 lakh, during an investigation into a major money laundering case. The case pertains to cyber fraud involving illegal proceeds of approximately Rs 640 crore, generated through betting, gambling, part-time job scams, and phishing operations. The ED also recovered various incriminating documents linked to the fraud during its crackdown. Also Read | Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Set To Boost Consumer Expe ...Read More >
Kuldeep Singh Sengar is also serving a 10-year jail term in connection with the custodial death of the Unnao rape victim's father. Kuldeep Singh Sengar sought interim bail on the grounds that he was suffering from various ailments The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted a two-week interim bail on medical grounds to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar who is serving life term for raping a minor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao in 2017. A bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh suspended the sent ...Read More >
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to eight convicts in the infamous 1987 Hashimpura massacre case of 38 persons by the personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary. IMAGE: File photograph of Muslims in Meerut staging a protest demanding justice in the 1987 Hashimpura massacre case. Photograph: PTI Photo/Rediff archives A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih took note of the submissions of senior advocate Amit Anand Tiwari, appearing for four convicts, that t ...Read More >
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 2 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah claimed that Muslims are feeling unsafe and stated that there is no discrimination based on religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir also said that the government should treat Muslims without any discrimination. "...There is no doubt that Muslims are feeling unsafe. I will ask the govt of India to stop that. 24 crore Muslims cannot be thrown into the ocean. They (the govt) should treat Muslims equally, there is no di ...Read More >
MUMBAI: The case of Bengaluru Techie Atul Subhash who died by suicide citing alleged harassment by his estranged wife has opened up a debate on misuse of anti dowry law. Mumbai-based lawyer Abha Singh described the case as a 'gross misuse of law,' stating that false charges and harassment led to the death of the victim, suffering from harassment from his wife and in-laws. Lawyer Abha Singh also emphasized that the misuse of dowry laws could ultimately deny justice to those who genuinely need protection. "Dowry laws, being made to protect women should not be misused because if some women are ...Read More >
Campaigning for the November 20 assembly bypolls to four seats in Punjab ended on Monday evening with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Opposition Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party making last-ditch efforts to mobilise support for their respective candidates. Hours before the campaign ended at 6 pm, major political outfits intensified their efforts to woo the voters. Bypolls to four assembly segments -- Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC) and Barnala -- will be held on November 20 from 7 am to 6 pm, and the results will be out on November 23. The bypolls were necessitated afte ...Read More >
The High Court in Bangladesh refused to issue a suo motu order to ban ISKCON's activities, after being informed of governmental actions taken. Legal authorities reported necessary measures are in place, while three cases involving a lawyer's murder and ISKCON's activities have led to 33 arrests. The High Court in Bangladesh chose not to issue a suo motu order banning the activities of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) following assurances from government officials that necessary actions have been taken. This decision came after Supreme Court lawyer Md Monir Uddin pr ...Read More >
Complainant, Gadhagoni Chakradhar Goud, alleges surveillance used to damage reputation A case has been filed against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former minister Harish Rao at the Panjagutta Police Station in Telangana's Hyderabad in connection with allegations of illegal phone tapping . The complaint, filed by Gadhagoni Chakradhar Goud, a real estate dealer and former political candidate, also names senior police official Radha Kishan Rao in the case. In his written complaint, Goud claims that Harish Rao conspired to tap his phone and monitor his activities without authorisation ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 3 (PTI) A court here on Tuesday extended the police custody of AAP MLA Naresh Balyan by a day in an extortion case lodged last year. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Paras Dalal passed the order on an application filed by the Delhi Police, seeking the custody of the legislator from Delhi's Uttam Nagar Assembly segment for two more days. The court also sought the police's response to a bail application filed by Balyan. It issued notice to the Delhi Police and directed it to file its response by Wednesday when Balyan will be produced before the court. The police claimed ...Read More >
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], December 3 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Tuesday that the implementation of the new criminal laws has proven to be a significant milestone in making the Indian justice system more "transparent, effective and in tune" with the needs of the present society. Talking about the laws in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Uttarakhand CM said, "These landmark criminal laws have proved to be a milestone in making the Indian justice system more transparent, effective and in tune with the needs of the present society. These changes mark th ...Read More >