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.
Chennai, Apr 2 (UNI) The Madurai First Additional District Court on Thursday again reserved its order to April 6 on pronouncing the quantum of sentences for the nine accused cops in the sensational and brutal father-son custodial death case. The nine police personnel convicted are the then Inspector S. Sridhar, whose bail plea had already been rejected by the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Sub-Inspectors P. Raghu Ganesh and K. Balakrishnan, head constables S. Murugan and A. Saamidurai, and constables M. Muthuraj, S. Chelladurai, X. Thomas Francis, and S. Velumuthu. Special Sub-Inspector Pauldurai, who is also an accused in the case, later died after contracting COVID-19. Earlier, before the quantum of sentence was pronounced, the CBI in its submissions demanded that maixmum punishment of death should be awarded to all the convicted cops. After finding all the accused guilty and convicting them while delivering the verdict on March 23, the Judge had said that the quantum of sentence to be awarded to them would be pronounced on March 30 and directed the union and State governments to file a status report, details of the health condition and the nature/quantum of punishment to be given to the nine accused, besides their salary statements along with the details of their assets. Since the CBI and the State government had failed to submit their reports sought by the Court on the nature of punishment to be awarded to the accused and other deatils on March 30, the Judge expressed his displeasure and directed them to submit a report on April 2 (today) without fail for pronouncing the quantum of sentence. After hearing lengthy arguments from the investigating agency CBI and the Tamil Government, Judge Muthukumaran reserved his orders to April six for a second time. After finding the nine police personnel guilty and convicted them on March 23, the Judge said the quantum of sentence would be pronounced on March 30 and directed the Central and the State governments to file a status report about all the accused, their health condition and the nature/quantum of punishment to be given to them. Since the Central and the State had not submitted their reports on March 30, the court reserved it to today, pronouncement of the quantum of sentences to the nine convicted cops. When the matter was taken up today for pronouncing the sentences, the CBI submitted a report and in its elaborate submissions termed as 'rarest of rare' cases, the brutal custodial torture and the deaths of traders P Jayaraj and his son J Bennicks, and demanded awarding maximum punishment of death sentence or life imprisonment till their death without parole. The prosecution argued that the ghastly nature of the crime, supported by the testimonies of three direct eyewitnesses, shocked the collective conscience of society. Highlighting the grave human rights violation, the CBI noted that the victims were subjected to merciless beatings with weapons, warranting the highest degree of punishment. While finding them guilty and convicting all the nine cops, the Judge affirmed the key CBI findings, noting their injuries were "contrary to natural causes" and indicated of custodial torture. The court also recorded that the duo's hands were tied up while being repeatedly assaulted, with the CBI chargesheet stating they were beaten at 10-minute intervals through the night on a table. One of the police personnel reportedly even remarked that they could get "practice in beating" with the duo. The Judge also noted that, as per the CBI, the duo had not violated the lockdown norms and a case was foisted on them. Terming the incident as one of the most disturbing case of police brutality in recent Indian history, the judge underscored the need for police reforms. On June 19, 2020, Jeyaraj (59) and his son Bennix (31) were picked up by the Sathankulam police on the allegation that they had kept their mobile phone shop open beyond the permissible hours during the pandemic lockdown. The duo were then allegedly subjected to brutal assault and third degree treatment at the police station throughout the night and remanded to the sub-jail in Kovilpatti the following day. The court also noted that, as per the CBI, the duo had not violated the lockdown norms and that a false case had been registered against them. Sathankulam custodial deaths case remains one of the most disturbing incidents of alleged police brutality in recent Indian history, triggering nationwide outrage and calls for police reforms as according to family members and subsequent investigations, what happended that night was a night of brutal custodial torture. Witness accounts and medical reports revealed severe physical assault, repeated thrashings, alleged sexual torture using batons, denial of medical care. Their relatives also pointed to serious torture including rectal bleeding and other signs of severe physical abuse. Despite their deteriorating condition, the duo were remanded in judicial custody and sent to prison, before their deaths 2-3 days later sparking outrage. Jayaraj died on June 22, 2020 and Bencks died the next day raising serious questions about custodial violence and accountability. The incident sparked outrage across Tamil Nadu and the entire country, with comparisons drawn to the George Floyd protests in the United States, which were unfolding around the same time. The case triggered massive public anger and protests erupted across Tamil Nadu. Social media campaigns demanded justice, celebrities and political leaders strongly condemned the incident and the police brutality. The probe was initially handed over to the CB-CID Wing of the Tamil Nadu as the incident has cast a shadow over the then AIADMK government headed by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami before it was transferred to the CBI after the Madras High Court took suo motu cognisance of the case and strongly criticised the police. The CBI, which later took over the probe from the Tamil Nadu CB-CID police following the Madras High Court directive, arrested 10 policemen in connection with the case. Those arrested included an Inspector, two Sub-inspectors and several constables. The agency subsequently invoked murder charges against the accused officers. The CBI investigations revealed fabrication of records by police; attempts to destroy evidence; intimidation of witnesses, among others. The Investigating agency filed the chargesheet, running to 2,000 pages, on September 25, 2020 and a supplementary chargesheet, running to more than 400 pages, on August 12, 2022. The chargesheet was filed against 10 cops of which one of them died. After hearing extensive arguments, the Judge reserved his verdict on quantum of sentence in the sensational case to April two (today) but has reserved it again to April six after recording the submissions made by the concerned parties.
IMPHAL, Nov 17: The NPP on Sunday withdrew support from the BJP-led Government in Manipur, even as violence continued to rock the state as offices of the Congress and the saffron party were ransacked in the hill district of Jiribam where an unidentified body was found earlier in the day, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A BJP MLA's ancestral house was vandalised in Imphal Valley while a building owned by Ashab Uddin, the Independent legislator of Jiribam, was ransacked, officials said. The incidents occurred a day after irate mobs set fire to the residences of ...Read More >
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...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 >
Hit by economic slowdown and poor infrastructure, industrialists from Jharkhand's key industrial districts -- East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan -- are looking to the newly formed state government for revival and support. The industrial zones of Adityapur, Gamharia, Kandra, and Chandil have been grappling with inadequate infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads, lack of bridges, erratic water supply, and unreliable power. Entrepreneurs in these regions hope the new administration will address these issues and work toward improving the state's industrial ecosystem ...Read More >
TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai described the passing of Elangovan as "a huge loss". Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister E V K S Elangovan died due to age-related ailments at a private hospital here on Saturday, the hospital said. He was 75. The legislator from Erode East constituency has not been keeping well for over a month. He was admitted to a hospital here on November 11. "He passed away today despite the best efforts of the medical staff," the hospital said. TNCC preside ...Read More >
The Supreme Court overturned a Madras High Court decision. The high court had refused to dismiss defamation charges against Union minister L Murugan. Murugan faced these charges over statements made in 2020. The Supreme Court accepted Murugan's argument. He said he did not intend to defame the Murasoli Trust. The case is now closed.The Supreme Court on Thursday quashed criminal defamation proceedings against Union minister L Murugan on a complaint filed by the Chennai-based Murasoli Trust for his ...Read More >
Muzaffarnagar (UP), Dec 6 (PTI) A teacher who asked other students to slap a Muslim boy in a school here surrendered at a POCSO court and was released on bail, an official said on Friday. Tripta Tyagi was caught last year in a video asking children to slap a boy in a school where she taught. Additional District Judge (POCSO) Alka Bharti on Thursday granted her bail and ordered her to furnish two sureties of Rs 25,000 each. She posted the matter for further hearing on Friday. Kapil Ahlawat, Tyagi's lawyer, told PTI that Tyagi had surrendered in the Special POCSO court on Thursday and sought ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 11 (PTI) A Delhi court has sought a report from police commissioner Sanjay Arora asking why no efforts were made to arrest a man who was serving 10 years in jail in a drugs case but jumped interim bail in 1998 to be held only recently. Additional sessions judge Ekta Gauba Mann was hearing the proceedings regarding a 1994 FIR registered in Jama Masjid Police Station, wherein the investigating officer produced the accused Ashok Kumar Yadav before the court. The court noted the IO's submissions that Yadav was convicted under Section 20 (contravention in relation to cannabis plant ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): Rohini District Court on Wednesday issued a notice to BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj in a civil defamation suit filed by AAP leader Satyendra Jain. Jain has stated that Bansuri Swaraj made defamatory remarks in an interview with a television channel in October 2023. Senior Civil Judge Naina Gupta issued notice to Bansuri Swaraj and others and sought a response to the suit. The next date of hearing is 22 February 2025. Jain has prayed for direction to the TV channel to take down the content in question and restrain her from making further statements. Jain has cla ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 17 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld Madras High Court's November 20, 2024, order directing a CBI probe into the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which claimed the lives of 68 people in Tamil Nadu. A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice J. Mahadevan dismissed a special leave petition filed by the ruling DMK government, stating: "Having heard the learned Advocate General appearing for the petitioners and having gone through the materials on record, we see no good reason to interfere with the very well-reasoned judgment of the High Court." The High Court, in it ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an investigation into three cases of violence in Manipur, including the abduction and killing of six women and children from the State's Jiribam district on November 11. The anti-terror agency re-registered three cases afresh on November 13 after the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to hand over the cases to it considering the gravity of the offences amid escalating violence in the strife-torn State. "The objective is to unearth the larger conspiracy behind the brutal attacks," an NIA spokesperson said on Tuesday (November 26, 2024). Last ...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 >
JAMMU, Nov 17: Maharashtra police along with Military Intelligence and Army have arrested nine persons hailing from the border district of Rajouri for taking up jobs as security guards in different cities in Maharashtra and carrying weapons with fake licenses. Nine 12-bore rifles and 58 bullets have been recovered from their possession. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrests were made during a joint operation of Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) police in Maharashtra, Southern Command and Military Intelligence on the basis of tip off that some persons from Rajouri distric ...Read More >
Bhopal: The Gita recitation programme by the Madhya Pradesh government has found a place in the Guinness World Records. "More than 7,200 'acharyas' and 'vatuks' collectively recited the third chapter 'Karma Yoga' on Wednesday, making a record," a statement issued by the government said. The event was parallely organised at Bhopal's Lal Parade Ground and Ujjain to mark the sacred occasion of Gita Jayanti. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the collective recitation of the Gita by thousands of Acharyas in Bhopal and Ujjain has been registered in the 'Guinness Book of World Records'. He con ...Read More >
Kochi: The High Court has directed the Kerala state government to convince the central government that the state deserves more assistance for the Wayanad landslide disaster. The division bench also expressed its readiness to mediate between the central and state governments in this regard. According to the latest figures, the state disaster relief fund holds around Rs 700 crore, but only Rs 61 crore is available for expenditure, as reported by the amicus curiae. Kerala: Court orders inclusion of abetment charges against police officers in Dalit youth suicide case The Kerala state government ...Read More >
Defying pollsters, exit polls, and predictions, the BJP scored a hat trick in Haryana, albeit with a narrow lead in the recent Assembly election. It formed a government on its own sans any ally, and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assumed office for a second consecutive term with relative ease. But the euphoria did not last long. In the first Assembly session convened after the new government took over, the opposition, led by the Congress and the electorally diminished Indian National Lok Dal, attacked the government on the issue of fertilizer shortages in the sowing season. The government d ...Read More >
Dehradun: A person, who completes his age of 59 years and 6 months, can now apply for an old age pension on the social welfare department's pension portal. The applicants will start receiving pension from the end of the month in which he completes the age of 60 years following the approval of his application form. This is meant to ensure that the elderly people can get the benefits of old age pension on time. The department launched a campaign to identify the eligible person for the pension According to Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Neeraj Khairwal, his department launched a month-l ...Read More >
Belagavi, Dec 12 (UNI) The Karnataka BJP on Thursday accused the Congress state government of secretly relocating protesters injured during a lathi charge to prevent opposition leaders from meeting them. Speaking to reporters here, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka said BJP leaders had planned to visit the injured protesters in hospital. However, the victims were moved to an undisclosed location. "This government is acting like Hitler by not allowing us to meet the injured. We don't even know where they have been taken," he said. The lathi charge occurred during a protest by the Panchamasal ...Read More >
Dulquer Salmaan’s much-anticipated Telugu film Lucky Bhaskhar is set to premiere on Netflix on November 28, 2024. Praised by critics and audiences alike for its compelling story and stellar cast, the film will be available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. The plot follows Baskhar, a banker, as he takes bold risks to secure a better future for his family. Directed with finesse, the film boasts music by G.V. Prakash Kumar and exceptional performances by Dulquer, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Maanasa Choudhary. Produced by Fortune Four Cinemas and Sithara Entertainments, Lucky Bhaskhar ...Read More >
Chattogram, Nov 26 (UNI) A lawyer was killed on Wednesday during a clash after arrested Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was denied bail by a court in this port city of Bangladesh. Following the denial of the bail, his followers clashed with lawyers and law enforcers in the afternoon, Prothom Alo reported. The president of Chattogram lawyers association, Najim Uddin, told Prothom Alo that the demonstrators hacked the lawyer to death near his chamber. The deceased is Saiful Islam alias Alif, 35, an assistant public prosecutor and son of Jamal Uddin from Chunti of Lohagara, the repo ...Read More >
The Supreme Court has directed all states and union territories to form internal complaints committees in all government departments and undertakings by specific deadlines. This directive aims to ensure uniform compliance with the POSH Act across the country, highlighting lapses in its enforcement and mandating surveys and reports on adherence.With a view to ensure a nationwide compliance of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all states and union territories to constitute an internal complaints co ...Read More >
Agartala (Tripura) [India], December 4 (ANI): In light of the ongoing unrest and volatility in Bangladesh, the Border Security Force (BSF) has heightened security measures along the Indo-Bangla border. The precautionary step comes as a response to the recent escalation in tension following incidents of violence and instability in Bangladesh. Also Read | Naresh Balyan in Trouble: Delhi Police Seeks Arrest of AAP MLA in Fresh Case, Moves Court. The situation was further aggravated by an incident on December 2 at the office of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, which has int ...Read More >
The project will help develop a state-wide WHS master plan considering micro catchment areas and disaster risk management. This will guide the creation of water security plans at the village level to be managed by the village employment councils, watershed management committees and water users' associations. The project will support the construction of 532 small water-storage facilities across 12 districts. These facilities will incorporate climate-resilient designs to capture and manage heavy r ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 10 (ANI): The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Tuesday opposed the bail petition of Christian Michel James, a British national and alleged middleman, before the Delhi High Court. James is an accused in the money laundering case linked with the alleged Rs 3,600-crore Agusta Westland helicopter scam. The defence lawyer argued that the trial was unlikely to commence soon and that, even if James were convicted, he would face a maximum sentence of seven years, having already served six years in custody. However, the ED's counsel countered, stating that James posed a ...Read More >
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Hathras on Thursday to meet the family of a Dalit woman who had died allegedly after gangrape in September 2020, Congress members said. Police stepped up the deployment of personnel in and around Bool Garhi village in the Chandpa area of Hathras in light of the expected visit of the opposition leader. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai in Lucknow confirmed that Rahul Gandhi would be visiting the family in Bool Garhi, Hat ...Read More >
Andhra Pradesh is reviewing government files and will explore if it is possible to cancel a power supply contract linked to the Adani Group, whose billionaire founder has been indicted in the United States, a top official told Reuters. U.S. authorities have charged Gautam Adani and seven others with agreeing to pay bribes of $265 million to unnamed Central government officials to obtain solar power-supply contracts in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, between 2021 and 2022. Also read: Fitch takes negative rating actions on Adani ...Read More >
CHENNAI: The AIADMK leadership announced a token fast on December 3 in front of the Tiruppur Corporation office, demanding that the urban local body reverse its decision to hike property and various other taxes, as well as fix an 18% GST on the rental of commercial establishments. The hunger protest would also condemn the "anti-people" DMK regime for backing the Tiruppur Corporation's decision to hike the taxes and for the arrest of AIADMK councillors who were protesting in a democratic manner against the tax hikes. The AIADMK councillors, along with party functionaries, would participate in ...Read More >
Chennai, Dec 3 (PTI) Several districts in Tamil Nadu adversely battered by torrential rains were battling with inundation woes, badly damaged roads, and lack of access to essential commodities on Tuesday. In certain areas like Arasur in Villupuram district, people confronted with depleted essential commodities, resorted to a sudden agitation demanding the essentials. Chief Minister M K Stalin, who chaired a meeting at the Secretariat here, announced a flood relief of Rs 2,000 each to the family ration cardholders in Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Kallakurichi districts which bore the brunt of da ...Read More >