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Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari dies of cardiac arrest; security tightened in UP

Ansari was admitted to Rani Durgavati Medical College after his health deteriorated in the jail.

Statesman News Service | Banda |

Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, lodged in Banda jail of Uttar Pradesh, died on Thursday night following a massive heart attack.

When Mukhtar Ansari’s health deteriorated in the jail barrack, the jail administration rushed him to Rani Durgavati Medical College, where his condition was said to be critical.

A medical bulletin issued by the hospital said, “Today at around 8:25 pm, convicted/ undertrial prisoner Mukhtar Ansari son of Subhanallah, aged about 63 years, was brought to the emergency department of Rani Durgavati Medical College, Banda by the jail personnel complaining of vomiting and in an unconscious state. The patient was provided immediate medical care by a team of 9 doctors. But despite best efforts the patient died due to cardiac arrest.”

Reports said that Mukhtar had to be admitted from ICU to CCU. A team of nine doctors was deployed for the treatment of Mukhtar.

However, his life could not be saved despite all the efforts.

Earlier on Tuesday, he was admitted to the medical college.

The doctors diagnosed him with constipation and after treatment he was sent to jail the same day.

His health was tested in the jail on Wednesday, in which everything was found normal.

Mukhtar, who has turned 60, had alleged in the court during the hearing that an attempt was being made to murder him in the jail.

He is being given slow poison in his food, due to which his health is deteriorating. MP MLA Court had also sought a report from the jail administration in the matter.

After Mukhtar’s death, an alert has been issued in other sensitive districts including Ghazipur and Mau. As a precautionary measure, a large number of police personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas.

Section 144 has been imposed in Mau, Banda and Ghazipur along with other parts of the state.

Kerala Governor announces judicial inquiry into the death of JS Sidharthan

Former High Court Judge Justice A Hari Prasad is in charge of the inquiry.Former Wayanad Dy SP VG Kunjan will assist the investigation.

Statesman News Service | Thiruvananthapuram |

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in his capacity as Chancellor of the universities in the state, has announced a judicial inquiry into the death of JS Sidharthan, the second year veterinary student at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University ,Pookode campus in Wayanad.

Former High Court Judge Justice A Hari Prasad is in charge of the inquiry.Former Wayanad Dy SP VG Kunjan will assist the investigation.

The Governor has directed to submit the report with in three months.The lapses on the part of the Vice Chancellor and Dean will also come under the ambit of the inquiry

JS Sidharth was found dead inside the hostel after brutal ragging and assault allegedly by SFI leaders on February 18.

Deepika Padukone’s Holi anthems for the win

Deepika Padukone’s iconic Holi songs, from “Balam Pichkari” to “Besharam Rang,” continue to dominate playlists, captivating audiences with her vibrant energy and magnetic presence.

Statesman Web |

Deepika Padukone’s Holi tunes continue to be the heartbeats of the festive season, resonating with people across generations and regions. From the iconic “Balam Pichkari” to the latest sensation “Besharam Rang,” Deepika’s songs have become the go-to anthems for Holi celebrations.

Known for her global presence and stellar performances, Deepika’s association with these colorful melodies has solidified her position as the reigning queen of the festival circuit. Her infectious energy and flawless dance moves breathe life into every frame, making her songs an indispensable part of every Holi playlist.

Also Read: Holi Playlist: Create a colorful musical mix this Holi

Whether it’s the playful camaraderie depicted in “Balam Pichkari” or the seductive charm of “Lahu Munh Lag Gaya,” Deepika’s presence adds an extra layer of vibrancy to each track. Her effortless charm and magnetic persona make her an instant favorite among audiences, ensuring the success of every song she associates herself with.

It’s no wonder that Deepika Padukone’s songs become overnight sensations, with fans eagerly awaiting her next musical endeavor. Her impact on Holi songs is undeniable, whether she’s splashing colors in a playful romp or mesmerizing audiences with her graceful movements.

In essence, Deepika Padukone’s Holi anthems transcend mere songs – they are cultural phenomena that bring people together in the spirit of joy and celebration. As the festival season approaches, one thing is for sure: Deepika’s colorful streak of hit songs will continue to reign supreme, capturing the essence of Holi like no other.

Six-time Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab joins BJP

Along with Mahtab, former BJD MP and artist Sidhant Mohapatra and Padma Shri awardee Dr Damyanti Beshra joined the BJP at the party’s headquarters here.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Six-time Cuttack Lok Sabha MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who had resigned from the Biju Janata Dal, on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the national capital.

Along with Mahtab, former BJD MP and artist Sidhant Mohapatra and Padma Shri awardee Dr Damyanti Beshra joined the BJP at the party’s headquarters here.

They joined the saffron party in the presence of senior BJP leader and Union Minister Dr. Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP national vice president Baijayant Panda, BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde, Odisha State In-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar, Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal and BJP Media Co-Head Dr. Sanjay Mayukh.

Tawde welcomed Mahtab, Damyanti Beshra, and Siddhant Mahapatra into the BJP.

Mahtab has been representing the Cuttack Lok Sabha seat since 1998.

After joining the saffron party, Mahtab asserted that Nationalism, Unity, and Development can be achieved through the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He further emphasised that the ‘Shakti’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ‘trust’ of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the ‘inspiration’ from BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda will propel the nation forward.

The Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, which comprise parliamentary 21 constituencies, are set to take place in four phases. The voting dates have been scheduled for May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.

Accused in rape and murder of five-year-old in Delhi nabbed from Asansol

The girl was a resident of Bawana and her parents ran a tea shop in the area.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

In a heinous crime, a man allegedly raped and killed a five-year-old girl in Delhi’s Bawana before dumping her body, the police said on Thursday.

On March 24, the parents of the missing girl informed the police about the suspected kidnapping of their child from sector 1, DSIIDC Bawana, and the police accordingly registered a case.

The girl was a resident of Bawana and her parents ran a tea shop in the area.

According to the parents, they had seen their daughter at around 5 pm on March 24, and after making efforts to find her, they finally dialed 112.

The police immediately launched a search operation in the area along with the parents with the help of multiple teams constituted for the purpose. The search continued throughout the night in and around the place where the victim was last seen.

Later, when CCTV footage from the area was scanned, the girl was seen walking alongside a man. The man was identified as Totan Lohar alias Khudi and was found absconding. On local inquiry, it was established that he might have fled to West Bengal via train possibly Poorva Express.

The police teams were formed to nab him and one of the teams was immediately sent to the Railway Station which contacted the RPF. A team was also rushed to Kolkata, which further boarded a train to Asansol railway station and waited for Poorva Express, suspecting the arrival of the suspect.

Upon search conducted in the Poorva Express, they identified and nabbed the accused.

He was brought back to Delhi on Wednesday. Later he confessed to committing the sexual assault and thereafter killing the girl before dumping the body in an adjacent factory at around 7:30 pm on March 24.

At his instance, the scene of the crime was located and identified, while the victim’s body along with one blade and one brick has been recovered, a senior police official said.

Sections 302, 201, 376 AB IPC, and 6 POCSO Act were added to the case and the accused was arrested, while further proceedings were on, the police added.

Kerala CM Vijayan comes down heavily on ED

Speaking at the LDF rally organised against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)here, he alleged that the Centre is sabotaging the constitutional systems one by one.

Statesman News Service | Thiruvananthapuram |

A day after the Enforcement Directorate initiated an investigation into the alleged dubious transactions between his daughter’s firm and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday launched a scathing attack against the agency, saying it has put a chief minister behind bars by thwarting the constitutional system.

Speaking at the LDF rally organised against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)here, he alleged that the Centre is sabotaging the constitutional systems one by one.

He said the central government is using probe agencies for political purposes. It is interfering in judiciary too, he alleged.

Meanwhile, Union minister and BJP’s Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar dismissed the CPI-M allegation that the ED probe against Vijayan’s daughter is politically motivated.

Speaking to media persons here, Chandrasekhar said criminals typically deny their involvement in the crime and shift blame onto probe agencies.

The ED Kochi unit on Wednesday registered a case against the firm owned by Veena Vijayan under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

84 candidates in fray for 8 LS seats in first-phase polls in UP

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa said that 84 nominations were found valid in the scrutiny.

Statesman News Service | Lucknow |

A total of 84 candidates are left in the fray for the 8 Lok seats in Uttar Pradesh in the first-phase polls scheduled for April 19.

Altogether 155 candidates had filed their nominations till the last date on Wednesday. During scrutiny on Thursday, 71 papers were rejected mostly on technical grounds.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa said that 84 nominations were found valid in the scrutiny.

Candidates, who have filed nominations for the first-phase polls, can withdraw their papers till 30 March.

The CEO said the Saharanpur seat has been left with 12 candidates after one nomination was rejected. In the Kairana seat, 15 candidates are in the fray after two papers were rejected, while in the Muzaffarnagar seat, 11 candidates remain in the fray after a record 27 nominations were rejected.

In the Bijnor seat, 12 nominations were rejected and the remaining 11 nomination papers were found valid, while in the Nagina (SC) seat, there are 6 candidates in the fray after papers of 6 were rejected.

In the Moradabad seat, 13 papers were found in order after 5 were rejected, while in the Rampur seat, 12 papers were rejected and only 6 candidates remain in the fray.

In the Pilibhit seat, 10 candidates remain in the fray after 6 papers were rejected.

Meanwhile, the ECI started the process of nominations for the second phase of polls in the 8 Lok Sabha seats in UP on Thursday.

The seats going to polls in the second phase include Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr (SC), Aligarh and Mathura.

The CEO said that the last date for filing nominations for the 8 Lok Sabha seats in the second phase in the state is April 4, while the scrutiny of nomination papers will be done on April 5. The last date for withdrawal of nomination is April 8. The second phase of voting will held on April 26.

BJP will form government in Himachal Pradesh: Jai Ram Thakur

Jai Ram Thakur, who reached Nalagarh to participate in the welcome ceremony of K L Thakur on Thursday, said, “After coming to power, Congress distanced itself from the interests of the state. The government has become only a government of friends. For the last one and a half years, a government is running in Himachal unconcerned with the interests of the people

Statesman News Service | Shimla |

The BJP will form the government in Himachal Pradesh as the Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu does neither have a majority nor have public trust, claimed Leader of Opposition and ex-CM Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

Jai Ram Thakur, who reached Nalagarh to participate in the welcome ceremony of K L Thakur on Thursday, said, “After coming to power, Congress distanced itself from the interests of the state. The government has become only a government of friends. For the last one and a half years, a government is running in Himachal unconcerned with the interests of the people.”

“Sukhu, after assuming office, took a series of anti-people decisions one after the other. The government first took away jobs from thousands of youth by closing thousands of institutions. The condition of the state has become so bad that now loans are being taken three times in a month,” he asserted.

He said when the results of the Lok Sabha and the Himachal Assembly by-elections were declared on June 4, the BJP would emerge victorious in the country and the state.

After resigning as a member of the State Legislative Assembly, K L Thakur, an independent MLA who joined BJP recently to contest by-polls from Nalagarh, reached his assembly constituency for the first time.

Jai Ram Thakur claimed that the people of Nalagarh will give their full support to K L Thakur.

Accusing the Sukhu Government of insulting the elected representatives and respecting his friends who were running the government, Thakur said that the chief minister had no time for the MLAs and they were ignored.

Charging the chief minister with doing politics of vengeance in the state, he said, “We also had a government for five years. We ended the vendetta politics.”

“Sukhu got cases filed against his own colleagues while fighting for his honour. Their shops, houses, and business establishments were targeted. The families and relatives of the MLAs (Congress defectors and independent MLAs) were also harassed. Himachal Pradesh has not witnessed such a situation before,” he alleged.

All the nine MLAs including K L Thakur have decided to serve the society and the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inspired by his aim to serve the society and politics of development, said Thakur.

“Central government has brought about the historic development of the state. From roads to bridges and four lanes, the fate of Himachal and the people of Himachal is fast changing. AIIMS at Bilaspur, Atal Tunnel, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and the Housing Scheme have steered the progress of the state. Hence, only Narendra Modi’s guarantee is working in the country and the people of the country trust only his guarantee.

BJP accuses Kejriwal of creating constitutional crisis in Delhi

Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said a constitutional crisis has arisen within Delhi today.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

The Delhi BJP on Thursday accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is in ED custody in the liquor policy case, of creating a constitutional crisis in the national capital.

Addressing a joint press conference here along with MP Manoj Tiwari, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said, “If Arvind Kejriwal himself does not have faith in any of the MLAs, then why does he have so much attachment to the chair ? Kejriwal himself used to say that whoever comes to power, we do not know what happens to them, so today he needs to look at himself in the mirror.”

“Cry for change from the upcoming party today is that they are suspicious of each other’s intentions due to their attachment to the chair. Delhiites are not going to be misled by mere speeches and press conferences anymore,” Sachdeva said.

“I believe that those who have looted Delhi and deceived Delhi will definitely be held accountable by the law,” the Delhi BJP president said.

Addressing the joint press conference along with Sachdeva, Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said a constitutional crisis has arisen within Delhi today.

“Aam Aadmi Party is currently going through an internal war because Arvind Kejriwal is trying to make his wife the Chief Minister, and the legislators are not ready to accept her. Therefore, there is a constitutional crisis in Delhi today, and due to Kejriwal’s drama, the people of Delhi are distressed,” the Delhi BJP MP said.

“If Kejriwal is in jail today, then he is talking of sewage, water, and medicines, but the question is who is giving information about Kejriwal’s ministers from inside the jail. He said that if Kejriwal had concern for the people of the state who have placed Kejriwal in power then he would have resigned and cooperated with the investigation,” Tiwari added.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia said Kejriwal should resign from the post as he “cannot run the government from the lock up”.

Talking to a news agency, Bhatia said Kejriwal should resign on moral grounds. He accused the AAP leader of duplicity in words and actions.

“There are 1.5 crore people in the city and they are the responsibility of the Chief Minister of the elected government. If you cannot give any orders from jail, then how will you serve the public? Arvind Kejriwal cheats everyone,” Bhatia said.

The Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday extended the custodial remand of Kejriwal by four more days in a money laundering case related to Excise Policy.

Earlier, the Rouse Avenue Court on March 22, had remanded Kejriwal to six days of ED custody in the money laundering case related to the alleged liquor policy scam case till March 28 following his arrest on March 21.

Chhattisgarh: Hundreds fall sick after minister’s Holi party

According to sources, the affected individuals experienced vomiting and diarrhea shortly after consuming the festive meals. The patients were admitted to various hospitals after vomiting and diarrhea emerged post-meal.

Statesman News Service | Raipur |

Following a Holi event at the residence of Chhattisgarh Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam in Balrampur, nearly 200 attendees reportedly fell ill after dinner.

According to sources, the affected individuals experienced vomiting and diarrhea shortly after consuming the festive meals. The patients were admitted to various hospitals after vomiting and diarrhea emerged post-meal.

The residents of villages, including Sanawal, Wadrafnagar, Ramanujganj, Dindu, Bagara, and Ramchandrapur, reportedly rushed to hospitals on Wednesday due to a sudden surge in patient numbers. Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Basant Singh issued an alert to all health centers in response to the situation.

Speaking to the local media, Dr. Singh informed about the ongoing surveys in 78 villages, with victims identified in approximately 15 villages thus far. Over 125 affected individuals sought hospital treatment, with two referred to the district hospital. Fortunately, all patients are reportedly in stable condition, he said.

The attendees at the event reportedly consumed ‘Bhang’ a traditional cannabis-infused drink at the minister’s Holi party, potentially contributing to a higher proportion of affected individuals. Due to hospital bed shortages, some patients receive treatment on the floor, while others were transferred to hospitals in Wadrafnagar, Ambikapur and hospitals in Uttar Pradesh.

However, Balrampur district collector Remigius Ekka, in a conversation with The Statesman, denied food poisoning at Minister Netam’s Holi party. He stated that only a few locals sought medical help, suggesting that this could have been due to the consumption of contaminated water. Ekka mentioned that the departments are currently collecting and examining water samples for further investigation.

Senior Congress leader and former Deputy CM T S Singhdeo alleged around 1,000 individuals suffered from food poisoning after attending Minister Netam’s Holi celebration. He criticised the organisers of the party for negligence and emphasised the importance of providing proper healthcare and taking appropriate action against those responsible.

Modi-Bill Gates freewheeling chat to unveil on Friday

A promotional teaser of the blockbuster interaction showed Bill Gates talking about how Indians are not only adopting technology but leading the way.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will be in a free-wheeling discussion at the Prime Minister’s residence on Friday, covering issues from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to digital public infrastructure and fighting climate change.

A promotional teaser of the blockbuster interaction on Thursday showed Bill Gates talking about how Indians are not only adopting technology but leading the way.

The prime minister, referring to AI, said a child born in India cries ‘Ai’ and ‘AI’ (Ai in Marathi is the mother). He also encouraged Gates to take a selfie using the Photo Booth on PM’s Namo App.

The Namo App recently introduced a new AI-powered Photo Booth feature that allows users to find their pictures with the Prime Minister using facial recognition technology.

AI has been one of the focus areas of the government. To push the vision of Making AI in India, the Cabinet recently approved the comprehensive national-level IndiaAI mission with a budget outlay of over Rs 10,371 crore.

The IndiaAI mission will establish a comprehensive ecosystem catalyzing AI innovation through strategic programmes and partnerships across the public and private sectors.

By democratising computing access, improving data quality, developing indigenous AI capabilities, attracting top AI talent, enabling industry collaboration, providing startup risk capital, ensuring socially impactful AI projects, and bolstering ethical AI, the Mission will drive responsible, inclusive growth of India’s AI ecosystem.

The prevalent discourse surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now known, the prime minister said recently. Bharat’s talent pool holds significant sway in the AI domain globally. He said some young individuals approached him and expressed their desire to disseminate every word of his speeches in every village, in every language, leveraging the AI tools.

BJP misusing social media to create false narrative to mislead people: Lovely

He made the statement while addressing the Delhi Congress’ Social Media volunteers at the party office here.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh Lovely on Thursday accused the BJP of misusing social media to create a false narrative to mislead the people ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

He made the statement while addressing the Delhi Congress’ Social Media volunteers at the party office here.

Lovely said social media plays a very vital role in disseminating truthful information to the people about the activities of the Congress party.

Attacking the BJP government at the Centre, the Delhi Congress chief said, “The youth of Delhi were struggling due to the worst unemployment situation ever in the capital, as the Modi government only made empty promises without generating employment opportunities for the unemployed.”

“The BJP government has not done anything to address the air pollution in Delhi for the past 10 years as the toxic air has been causing debilitating illnesses to the people, from children to the elderly, despite the Centre collecting huge amounts for pollution control, only 20 per cent of the amount thus collected was spent on air pollution control,” he said.

Lovely further said, “The Modi government, without allotting the flats constructed for the poor living in the JJ Clusters, were demolishing the dwelling units of the poor without giving them alternative accommodation or plots.”

The BJP government has not bothered to improve the basic facilities in Delhi, as it only indulged in empty rhetoric, he alleged.

NDMC dues collection counter to remain open on Saturday, Sunday

The residents, tax payers and service users of the NDMC area may also make their payments through online mode, it said.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

The New Delhi Municipal Council on Thursday said its dues collection counter will remain open on 30th March (Saturday) and 31st March (Sunday) for citizens’ facilitation.

“NDMC Tax, Estate, Commercial Departments and Cash Branch shall remain open on 30th and 31st March beyond normal working days due to closing of Financial Year 2023-2024 for collection of property tax and bills dues upto 08:00 pm and also all receipt counters situated at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Place at Gole Market (only on 30th March, Parliament Annexe as well as Palika Kendra at Sansad Marg will also remain opened up to 6.00 pm,’ the civic body said.

The NDMC advised all its service users, taxpayers, electricity and water consumers that in order to avoid last hour rush and as possible without waiting for last hours of closure of collection counters, they can plan their property tax, electricity, water bills and estate dues deposition well in time.

The residents, tax payers and service users of the NDMC area may also make their payments through online mode, it said.

Kejriwal tells court ready to face probe, says arrested without evidence

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday told a court here that he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate without any evidence or charges against him in the excise policy case.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday told a court here that he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate without any evidence or charges against him in the excise policy case.

He also said that he was ready to face the remand and did not oppose the same. He requested the court to present some facts about the entire matter to which the ED initially opposed. However, Kejriwal’s counsel quoted section 313 and apprised that he can give his statement and court can allow, as there is a provision, and court allowed the same.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj while addressing a press conference said that Kejriwal in his submission to the court said that the case was going on for two years, and he has now been arrested despite no court declaring him guilty of anything.

Kejriwal further told the court that so far the CBI has filed 31,000 pages charge sheet in the case and 294 witnesses have been examined, while the ED has examined 162 witnesses and filed 25,000 pages, and further asked as to why he was arrested after combining all these.

Kejriwal further put before the court that out of everything presented before the court, only four statements mentioned his name. These include the statement of Manish Sisodia’s assistant C Arvind, who said a document was given by him in the CM’s presence. Kejriwal said a lot of people come to meet him at his residence and they talk with each other, and questioned whether this was sufficient to arrest him.

On the second statement which was of Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy (MSR), Delhi CM said that he had met him with regard to establish his family trust in Delhi, to which Delhi CM said that the land was under LG and he can leave an application which CM will send to LG.

Kejriwal further informed that later his son was arrested and after five months when he broke down and changed statements, son got bail in the case, Kejriwal claimed.

Bharadwaj further said that talking of fourth statement of the approver Sarath Chandra Reddy, Kejriwal told court that searches took place at his place and he was later arrested and at that time he did not say anything against Kejriwal. Reddy was put behind bars for 6 months and Delhi CM claimed that he broke down and said that he had gone to meet Kejriwal with one Vijay Nair.

Kejriwal further questioned that he wanted to know whether such statements are enough to arrest a sitting chief minister, and what about those statements, which were not against him, why were they not presented before the court, the CM questioned further.

“I am named by four witnesses in the excise policy case. Are 4 statements enough to arrest a sitting CM? A smokescreen of the Aam Aadmi Party being corrupt has been created in front of the nation,” he said and added that he is ready to face an ED probe.

The AAP national convener was arrested by the ED in the case on March 21 and subsequently he was sent to remand till March 28 by the court, which has now been extended upto April 1 by the trial court on Thursday.

According to Bharadwaj, Delhi CM further claimed that ED’s purpose is to crush the AAP, further stating that Sharath Reddy got bail due to 2 things, first giving statements against Kejriwal and then buying Rs 55 crore electoral bonds, and donating them to BJP, which proves the money trail too, the Delhi CM claimed.

Meanwhile, at the time when he was being taken to the courtroom, Kejriwal in a reply to a reporter over LG remarks on Wednesday saying that the government cannot run from jail, Kejriwal said, “it is a political conspiracy and the public will give an apt reply.”

Bharadwaj also expressed concerns about Delhi CM’s health, and over a question regarding the same said that he spoke to Mrs Kejriwal who has said that CM’s sugar levels were low, and for a diabetic this could be very dangerous.

Sonowal accuses Cong of lacking constructive solutions for Assam’s problems

Sonowal also condemned the Congress for suppressing movements like the Assam movement.

Statesman News Service | Guwahati |

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal strongly criticized the Opposition, accusing them of lacking constructive solutions and instead resorting to misleading rhetoric.

Campaigning for Assam’s Dibrugarh Lok Sabha seat, Sonowal alleged that the Congress, since the time of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, has consistently neglected the welfare of Assam and the northeast, providing minimal support for prosperity or security. He highlighted what he described as atrocities inflicted upon the Assamese people during the Congress rule, accusing the party of instigating division within Assamese society and fueling violent conflicts.

Sonowal also condemned the Congress for suppressing movements like the Assam movement, questioning the credibility of the Opposition, which has aligned with the Congress, to secure anything other than the rights of the Assamese people.

Speaking at a rally in Dibrugarh’s Tingkhong, Sonowal criticized the Congress for imposing the draconian Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) (IMDT) Act solely on the people of Assam, contrasting it with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which he described as an all-India Act aimed at ensuring the security of all citizens.

He accused the Congress government of jeopardizing the interests of the indigenous “Khilonjiya” people in pursuit of power, by relying on the support of non-citizens. Sonowal welcomed legal challenges to the CAA, expressing readiness to abide by the Supreme Court’s ruling, but warned against those who spread confusion among the public.

Responding to criticism from the I.N.D.I.A bloc, Sonowal affirmed his identity as an “Asomiya” (Assamese) by heart, spirit, and work. He recounted his efforts in challenging the discriminatory IMDT Act in the Supreme Court, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the Assamese people.

Looking ahead, Sonowal outlined his goal of elevating the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency to one of the finest in India and a pivotal constituency within the country. He highlighted the rich heritage of the constituency, including its historical significance as the site of the first tea estate in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia region during the British era. Sonowal emphasized the area’s abundant resources, including coal, timber, tea, and mineral oil, and paid tribute to the invaluable contribution of Assam’s tea workers to the region’s economy and history.

Three Indians in Top-15 as Luiten, Nakajima and Manassero share lead at Hero Indian Open

As top local stars like Lahiri and S.Sharma struggled against the tough field the trio of Raj , Chouhan and Kochar gave the fans some thing to cheer.

Harpal Singh Bedi | New Delhi |

Aman Raj, veteran O P Chouhan and Karandeep Kochar saved the hosts blushes by finishing the open round at tied 14 as Joost Luiten of Netherlands, shot 7-under 67 to share the lead with Japan’s Nakajima in the Hero Indian Open at he DLF Golf and Country Club here today.

As top local stars like Lahiri and S.Sharma struggled against the tough field the trio of Raj , Chouhan and Kochar gave the fans some thing to cheer.

Luiten is a six-time winner on the DP World Tour and at the end of the first round, among the co-leaders was the young talent from Japan, Keita Nakajima

Then there was Matteo Manassero from Netherlands, his bogey-free 65 indicated the resurgence continues.

The bunch at 4-under and Tied-14 included three Indians – Aman Raj and Om Prakash Chouhan, who had their best cards at this course, and Karandeep Kochhar, who joined them later.

Luiten said, “I have good memories from last year, I was struggling with my game before that but finished third in Thailand and then third here (at Hero Indian Open). I like this golf course, it’s very demanding and you just have to hit it straight. It’s suits my game, especially today.

Chouhan, who came onto the DP World Tour as the winner of the PGTI Order of merit, said, “The Hero Indian Open is very important to me because if I do well, I will have a good chance to improve my ranking and save my card for the next season.

” So my entire focus is on doing well this time. Tomorrow I’m playing in the morning. There is a difference as in the morning there will not be as much wind as in the afternoons. At the Hero Indian Open at DLF, I have missed the cut always. Today I was just focussing on my normal game and not play attacking golf.”

Aman Raj, said, “Even if I leave the score aside, I’m just really happy with the way I was playing, some very stable golf. You know, all in all, tee shots were on point, gave myself a lot of chances.

“To be honest, it was only 50% of them, but you know, I was just very glad that I’m giving myself chances, hitting fairways, putting it on the green, giving myself those 15-20 footers and making the up and downs for par as well.”

Shubhankar Sharma, the top-ranked Indian began with a bogey, but braving a cold and slight body ache, he finished 2-under 70 and was T-34 as was Gaganjeet Bhullar. Sharma and Bhullar are the front runners to get to the Paris Olympics from India.

Talking about 2 under 70, Sharma said, “ “It was a very consistent round overall. I didn’t make many mistakes, the places that I did make mistakes on 18 and probably on 8 where I had chip outs. I made good pars. Except for that one bogey on the very first hole of the day which was the 10th where I three-putted. But it was a good round overall. Gave myself so many opportunities and I could have easily been a 6-7 under. It was 2 but I’m really happy that I stuck in there, played really well to the end.”

Anirban Lahiri, a former winner in 2015, had a forgettable 5-over which had very few moments of joy barring the birdies on the 13th, his fourth hole of the day, and the ninth, which was his closing hole. He was T-127 and staring at an early exit barring a dramatic second round.

As three players shared the lead at 65, three others Jordan Smith (England), Sam Bairstow (England) and Romain Langasque (France) carded 66 each to be tied fourth. Seven others shot 5-under 67.

Three-year-old raped by neighbour in Peeragarhi area of Delhi

This is the second incident of sexual assault on a minor reported in less than a week in the national capital.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

In a shocking incident, a three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted on Thursday in Outer Delhi’s Peeragarhi, the police said.

According to the police, the crime was reported at 12:12 hours on Thursday. Immediately, a police team headed by the ACP Paschim Vihar and a station house officer rushed to the Mangal Bazar road from where the call originated.

The minor girl, who was found with her mother on the spot, was rushed to the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital for medical attention and was provided treatment.

The survivor was later discharged from the hospital after examination and counselling.

During the initial inquiry into the matter, it was revealed that the accused was one of the tenants of the same building where the kid resided.

The police have registered a case under the relevant sections of law including the POCSO Act.

According to a police official, the probe has been initiated and multiple police teams have been deployed to hunt down the accused person.

On Saturday, a four-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 34-year-old man in Delhi’s Pandav Nagar when she had gone for tuition.

The police responded immediately to the complaint, and the child was given counselling as per procedure, and later on, statements a case was registered, and the main accused person was arrested.

Delhi Minister Atishi on Sunday wrote to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena demanding swift and strongest possible action against the perpetrators involved in allegedly raping a four-year-old girl.