Blasphemy laws in Pakistan expose religious minorities to prosecution: Report Islamabad, Nov 2 (IANS) Blasphemy laws in Pakistan expose religious minorities to prosecution, where a religious accusation can rapidly move from allegations to arrest, a death sentence or mob violence. For people from the Christian, Hindu and Ahmadiyya communities living in Pakistan, the danger is not merely confined to extremists doing activities outside the law, a report has detailed. The legal framework in Pakistan includes provisions that criminalise religious expression and restrict how a community can identify and practice its faith in the case of the Ahmadiyya community. Under Pakistan’s constitution, Islam has been named as the state religion, while its penal code includes some of the world’s most severe blasphemy provisions. The blasphemy cases of Christians, Hindus and Ahmadis expose how accusations can lead from allegations to arrest, imprisonment, death sentences or mob violence, a report in UK-based newspaper ‘The Asian Lite’ detailed. “The country has not carried out a state execution specifically for blasphemy, but those accused can remain imprisoned for years, sometimes on death row. The legal framework extends beyond conventional blasphemy provisions. Pakistan’s laws also impose specific restrictions on Ahmadis, including prohibitions on presenting themselves as Muslims or describing their places of worship as mosques. The result is a system in which religious identity itself can become legally consequential,” Sakariya Kareem wrote in ‘The Asian Lite’. In 2016, a Christian teenager Nabeel Masih was arrested after he was accused of sharing alleged blasphemous content on social media platform Facebook and remained in prison until 2021. In 2017, a Christian man Nadeem James was detained after he forwarded alleged blasphemous material with a friend and was sentenced to death under blasphemy provisions, the report mentioned. Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, remained in prison for almost a decade after she was convicted and sentenced to death under blasphemy laws in Pakistan. She was released after Pakistan’s Supreme Court overturned his conviction in 2018 and eventually left Pakistan and sought asylum in Canada. In 2021, Ahmadi community leaders said that 61 people from the Ahmadiyya community were charged under blasphemy laws in Pakistan since 2019, according to the report. The blasphemy provisions in Pakistan have been misused in cases related to personal disputes, property conflicts and social hostility. In 2022, Hindu teacher Notan Lal was sentenced to life imprisonment after a student accused him of insulting Prophet Muhammad. Later, the student admitted that he made false allegations after the teacher had reprimanded him. “Over the past decade, the record of Pakistan’s blasphemy cases — from Nabeel Masih and Nadeem James to Asia Bibi, Notan Lal, Ashfaq Masih, Jaranwala and the cases still emerging in 2026 — shows the human consequences when religious accusation acquires the force of criminal law,” Kareem wrote in ‘The Asian Lite’. In October, a Christian man’s house and shop were set ablaze by a Muslim mob in Pakistan’s Punjab province after he was accused of blasphemy. Subsequently, over 35 Christian families were forced to leave their homes amid fear of further violence, a report has detailed. A day prior to the incident, police arrested a 40-year-old Christian man, identified as Kamran Masih, who ran a small pharmacy in Gharial Kalan village of Punjab. Local Muslims had accused him of sharing a blasphemous video in WhatsApp groups, Christian Daily International reported, citing a source. “As word of Masih’s arrest spread, his family and other Christians started fleeing the village, fearing a mob attack,” Christian Daily International-Morning Star News quoted the source on condition of anonymity. The source stated that dozens of Muslims gathered near Masih’s shop and his residence to protest and set fire to the two buildings. –IANS akl/as
Islamabad, Nov 2 (IANS) :Blasphemy laws in Pakistan expose religious minorities to prosecution, where a religious accusation can rapidly move from allegations to arrest, a death sentence or mob violence. For people from the Christian, Hindu and Ahmadiyya communities living in Pakistan, the danger is not merely confined to extremists doing activities outside the law, […]
Iran says Strait of Hormuz can be reopened in two days if US meets its demands Tehran, Nov 2 (IANS) Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that if the United States meets Iran’s “legitimate” demands, it will be possible to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days. At a weekly press conference in Tehran, Baghaei said the basis for any indirect interaction between Iran and the United States through mediators remains the seven-day plan proposed by Tehran in September, adding Iran has reduced the period for implementing the plan to two days based on its good faith. He noted, “We have announced that if Iran’s demands are met, the possibility will exist to restore security to the Strait of Hormuz and start the negotiation process in a short period of time,” stressing that all these depend on the American side’s decision on how to proceed regarding the future of the process, Xinhua News Agency reported. Baghaei said Iran has articulated its demands “clearly, reasonably, and logically,” underlining that unless the United States ends its anti-Iran naval blockade and addresses Tehran’s “legitimate” demands, no agreement will be reached and the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened or secured. Iran conveyed the seven-day plan containing its conditions for ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the United States through mediators on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 22, following which Tehran and Washington have reportedly continued exchanging messages on the proposal. On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US bases and assets in the region, and tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports from major Gulf producers to international markets. –IANS akl/
Tehran, Nov 2 (IANS) :Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that if the United States meets Iran’s “legitimate” demands, it will be possible to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days. At a weekly press conference in Tehran, Baghaei said the basis for any indirect interaction between Iran and the United […]
Pakistan’s ranking in World Justice Project Rule of Law Index warrants reflection Islamabad, Nov 2 (IANS) Pakistan’s ranking in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2025 warrants reflection and not dismissal or indiscriminate blame. Pakistan secured the 130th spot among 143 nations in the WJP Rule of Law Index 2025, a report has detailed. The index assesses eight components, including constraints on government powers, corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice. Several of these dimensions are influenced by courts but they do not determine them all. The overall standing of the country must be seen as the picture of its wider rule of law environment and not a verdict on its courts, a report in leading Pakistani daily ‘The Express Tribune’ mentioned. Pakistan secured 129th spot in Civil Justice and was ranked 101st in Criminal Justice. According to the WJP Rule of Law Index 2025, Pakistan scored 0.36 on accessibility and affordability of civil justice, 0.28 on unreasonable delay and 0.35 on effective enforcement. “International indices can reveal shortcomings and encourage reform, but surveys and expert assessments should be considered alongside institutional records and lived experience. Some evidence underlying annual assessments predates recent changes, whose effects may take time to emerge. Pakistan’s ranking warrants reflection, neither dismissal nor indiscriminate blame,” Shahid Hussain Kamboyo wrote in ‘The Express Tribune’. “Ultimately, justice must be felt in the worker who recovers his wages, the widow who secures her inheritance, and the pensioner who receives relief while it still matters. The true measure of progress is not a better place on a table, but a lasting public confidence that the law will protect people when they need it most,” it added. On October 30, a leading human rights organisation severely condemned the 10-year prison sentences handed down to human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in Pakistan, in connection with a security breach case, describing it as a “clear example of the helplessness of the judiciary in Pakistan, the absence of justice, and a system based on military dominance”. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) said that sentencing the couple to 10 years in prison each “is an attempt to silence the struggle for the defence of human rights and justice.” It stated that Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha were not only lawyers but human rights activists who always raised their voices against the atrocities committed against the Baloch, Pashtun, and other oppressed nations, and have consistently played a leading role in the struggle for justice. In a statement shared on X, the BYC said, “Sentencing Iman Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha to ten years in prison each is a clear example of the helplessness of the judiciary in Pakistan, the absence of justice, and a system based on military dominance. It is a reality that those who tirelessly struggle day and night to secure justice for others in a tyrannical state, and who raise their voices for the protection of human rights, eventually find themselves standing in the dock of a court under an oppressive system, forced to face state injustice themselves.” It mentioned that Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha expressed solidarity with the family impacted by state oppression, including enforced disappearances. The couple, the statement mentioned, is today facing injustice under the very system against which they have spoken for the rights of the oppressed. It said that the couple has been deprived of justice and was dealing with injustice. The BYC’s statement came as the anti-terrorism court in Islamabad announced a verdict in a case connected to removing barricades placed on the road during a cricket match in Islamabad in 2024 and sentenced Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years in prison each. They were also fined Pakistani Rupees (PKR) one lakh each under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. “The question is: Is raising one’s voice for justice a crime? Is standing with oppressed nations a punishable act? And is the attempt to silence those who defend human rights precisely because they dare to speak out against state oppression? The sentence handed down to Iman Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha is not merely the punishment of two individuals; rather, it is an alarming message to all those voices that speak out for the oppressed and resist injustice. When lawyers and human rights activists begin to feel unsafe themselves, it is only natural for questions to arise about the entire justice system,” the BYC posted on X. –IANS akl/as
Islamabad, Nov 2 (IANS):Pakistan’s ranking in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2025 warrants reflection and not dismissal or indiscriminate blame. Pakistan secured the 130th spot among 143 nations in the WJP Rule of Law Index 2025, a report has detailed. The index assesses eight components, including constraints on government powers, corruption, […]
K’taka: ED raids five premises in counterfeit medicines racket case; bank accounts frozen Bengaluru, Nov 2 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bengaluru, has conducted search and seizure operations at five premises linked to persons and entities allegedly involved in a counterfeit medicines racket, as part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the official statement said on Monday. The searches were carried out under Section 17 of the PMLA in connection with FIR No. 0266/2026, dated August 18, 2026, registered at Tavarekere Police Station in Bengaluru South, Karnataka. According to the ED, the case originated from a joint raid conducted by the Drug Controlling Authority and police personnel on August 18 at a residential property in CK Tandya village. During the raid, the accused were allegedly found storing medicines and pharmaceutical drugs without valid licences, permits or authorisation and replacing labels on the stored medicines. The offences registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 63 of the Copyright Act, 1957, are scheduled offences under the PMLA. Accordingly, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR No. ECIR/BGZO/45/2026) and initiated a money-laundering investigation. The investigation has allegedly revealed that R. Prashanth arranged a farmhouse near Bidadi for the manufacture, repackaging and relabelling of medicines without the mandatory drug licence or permit. According to the investigation, cheap bulk pharmaceutical formulations sourced from manufacturing centres in various states were allegedly repackaged into new vials and fraudulently relabelled as expensive Pfizer antibiotics, including Zavicefta and Emblaveo. Although the vials allegedly contained generic medicines, they carried labels bearing the Pfizer brand name. The counterfeit medicines were allegedly distributed through DM Pharmaceuticals and supplied to Krupa Healthcare. Subsequently, Krupa Healthcare allegedly supplied the products to other pharmaceutical entities and hospitals along with genuine medicines, apparently to avoid detection. During the search operations, the ED froze bank accounts belonging to Veeresh Kumar containing approximately Rs 9 lakh. Digital devices, records and incriminating documents belonging to various persons were also seized during the searches. Further investigation into the case is underway, the ED said. –IANS mka/dan
Bengaluru, Nov 2 (IANS): The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bengaluru, has conducted search and seizure operations at five premises linked to persons and entities allegedly involved in a counterfeit medicines racket, as part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the official statement said on Monday. The searches were […]
What makes Pune Metro’s new Pink Line so special? PM Modi highlights key features New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Pune is set to take a major leap towards modern, sustainable and inclusive urban transportation as the inauguration of Metro Line 3, popularly known as the Pink Line, is scheduled for Tuesday (November 3). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ambitious 23-kilometre corridor and lay the foundation stone for the second phase of Pune Metro projects, collectively worth around Rs 21,800 crore, on November 3 at 12:30 p.m. through video conferencing. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. Highlighting the significance of the project, the Prime Minister shared a post on X, stating, “What makes Pune Metro’s new Pink Line so special? 23 km connecting Hinjewadi’s IT hub with Shivajinagar. Operated by women. Almost a third of the electricity needs planned from solar energy. Tomorrow, this Rs 8,300 crore infra enhancement will be inaugurated! A significant boost to ‘Ease of Living’ for Pune!” Built at a cost of over Rs 8,300 crore, the Pink Line will connect Maan to District Court Metro station. It will provide direct Metro connectivity between Hinjewadi, Pune’s prominent IT hub, and Shivajinagar. According to the official release, the corridor is expected to significantly improve daily commuting for thousands of IT professionals and other passengers. This will also reduce dependence on private vehicles, easing traffic congestion and lowering vehicular emissions, the press release said. Its integration with the existing Metro network will further strengthen connectivity across the city. Its focus on women’s empowerment makes the Pink Line particularly remarkable. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the entire corridor will be operated by women train operators. This will highlight the growing role of women in the country’s urban transport sector. The project also embraces environmental sustainability, with approximately 30 per cent of its electricity requirements envisaged to be met through solar energy. Alongside the inauguration, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for Pune Metro Phase-II, estimated to cost around Rs 13,500 crore. The expansion will comprise Lines 2A, 2B, 4 and 4A, substantially extending the city’s Metro network. These corridors will connect important locations such as Vanaz, Chandani Chowk, Ramwadi, Vitthalwadi, Kharadi, Khadakwasla, Hadapsar, Swargate, Manik Baug and Nanded City. The new corridors will also integrate with intercity bus services and existing Metro routes through key interchange points, including Swargate, Nal Stop and Kharadi Bypass. –IANS brt/uk
New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS): Pune is set to take a major leap towards modern, sustainable and inclusive urban transportation as the inauguration of Metro Line 3, popularly known as the Pink Line, is scheduled for Tuesday (November 3). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ambitious 23-kilometre corridor and lay the foundation stone for […]
Bihar: ASI arrested in Begusarai bribery case Patna, Nov 2 (IANS) In a major crackdown on corruption, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau on Monday arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) posted at Sahebpur Kamal police station in Begusarai district while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 29,000. The accused, identified as Chandan Jha, was caught red-handed by a vigilance team from Patna during a trap operation near the block headquarters. The arrest has triggered a stir within the district police department. Gautam Sharan, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Vigilance Investigation Bureau, Patna, said the action followed a complaint lodged by Amit Kumar, a resident of the Sahebpur Kamal police station area. In his complaint, Amit Kumar alleged that ASI Chandan Jha had demanded money in exchange for removing his name from a criminal case. After receiving the complaint, the Vigilance Department conducted a preliminary verification of the allegations. Once the bribe demand was confirmed, a case (No. 127/26) was registered at the Vigilance police station. Subsequently, a trap was laid on Monday. The vigilance team apprehended the ASI immediately after he allegedly accepted Rs 29,000 from the complainant. According to DSP Gautam Sharan, the accused had initially demanded Rs 30,000, but the amount was later settled at Rs 29,000 following negotiations. The entire amount was recovered from his possession during the operation. The DSP said the case was related to a four-wheeler allegedly owned by the complainant. ASI Chandan Jha had claimed that he had already sold the vehicle. However, the same vehicle was subsequently seized in connection with a case involving liquor smuggling. The accused allegedly demanded the bribe in exchange for removing the complainant’s name from the liquor smuggling case. Following his arrest, the vigilance team took the accused to the Begusarai Circuit House (Parisadan) to complete the necessary legal formalities. Arrangements were subsequently made to take him to Patna for further legal proceedings. The operation has once again brought the issue of corruption within the police department into focus. The Vigilance Department has reiterated its action against public servants allegedly demanding or accepting bribes, while further investigation into the case is underway. –IANS ajk/dan
Patna, Nov 2 (IANS): In a major crackdown on corruption, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau on Monday arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) posted at Sahebpur Kamal police station in Begusarai district while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 29,000. The accused, identified as Chandan Jha, was caught red-handed by a vigilance team from Patna during a […]
Nagaland govt orders statewide social work on Nov 13 ahead of iconic Hornbill Festival Kohima, Nov 2 (IANS) Ahead of the upcoming Hornbill Festival, one of Nagaland’s biggest cultural celebrations, the state Home Department on Monday has directed Deputy Commissioners of all 17 districts to organise mass social work on November 13 to ensure cleanliness, proper hygiene and beautification of public places and their surrounding areas, officials said. Like previous years, the Nagaland government has already started preparations for the 27th edition of the iconic Hornbill Festival, which will be held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, around 12 km south of the state capital Kohima. The 10-day festival, which coincides with Nagaland’s Statehood Day on December 1, will be celebrated from December 1 to 10. This year’s Hornbill Festival is also expected to witness the participation of several countries, while one of the Northeastern states will participate as the ‘Partner State’. A senior official said that the Home Department has notified that a state-wide mass social work will be conducted on November 13 (Friday), from 6 a.m. in the morning to ensure cleanliness, hygiene and beautification of public places and surrounding areas in view of the upcoming festive season and the Hornbill Festival. The Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all 17 districts will be the overall in-charge of the programme and will take necessary measures to ensure its effective and successful implementation, the official said. The DCs will also prepare detailed location-wise work plans, assigning responsibilities to various Government departments, Urban Local Bodies, village authorities and other concerned organisations. All departments, offices and agencies assigned to designated locations will be responsible for arranging the necessary manpower and disposal trucks for clearing the debris and waste collected from their respective areas, in coordination with the District Administration and Urban Local Bodies. Municipal and Town Councils, in coordination with the District Administration and through their respective Councillors, will take the lead in supervising the mass social work in urban areas and ensuring maximum public participation. Similarly, Village Councils will organise and carry out the mass social work in villages and rural areas in coordination with local administrative officers. Further, all shops and business establishments across the state will remain closed until 12 p.m. on November 13, to facilitate the smooth conduct of the state-wide mass social work. Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio earlier, in a preparatory meeting at Bamboo Hall in Kisama, stressed the need for coordinated efforts among government departments and local communities to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the 27th edition of the Hornbill Festival 2026. The Chief Minister underscored the importance of good roads, reliable power and water supply, security, traffic management, cleanliness, parking facilities and public conveniences. The festival showcases Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, traditional customs, indigenous art, music, dance, handicrafts and cuisine, attracting visitors from across India and abroad. –IANS sc/uk
Kohima, Nov 2 (IANS) :Ahead of the upcoming Hornbill Festival, one of Nagaland’s biggest cultural celebrations, the state Home Department on Monday has directed Deputy Commissioners of all 17 districts to organise mass social work on November 13 to ensure cleanliness, proper hygiene and beautification of public places and their surrounding areas, officials said. Like […]
Delhi L-G inspects DDA’s Narela flats, land for education hub New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Delhi Lieutenant Governor and DDA Chairman T.S. Sandhu on Monday visited Narela to inspect the housing authority’s flats and other facilities in the neighbourhood. In a message on X, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Visited Narela to review key development initiatives being undertaken by @official_dda.” “Inspected DDA’s ready-to-move flats, reaffirming our commitment to providing quality, affordable housing in Delhi. Also reviewed land allotted to State universities in Sectors G7/G8 for an integrated education hub, and the preparedness of Sector 8B (Zone P-II) – the first sector under the Land Pooling Policy,” wrote Sandhu. “These initiatives will drive planned, sustainable growth and strengthen Narela’s role in shaping a #ViksitDilli,” said Sandhu. Earlier, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) received an overwhelming public response to its housing scheme offering over 2,500 LIG flats in Narela. Buoyed by the enthusiastic response from home buyers, the DDA decided to offer 1,648 additional LIG flats in Narela under the Awaas Nivesh Yojana 2026 from October 29, an official said. Additional flats in Pocket 1, Sectors G2–G6, Narela, were offered at a flat 25 per cent discount, at approximately Rs 14.95 lakh per flat, the official said. Online booking for this lot of flats commenced on October 29 at noon through DDA’s Awaas Portal, a statement said. The earlier offering under the scheme witnessed tremendous public interest, with the flats being booked within two hours of the commencement of booking. This strong demand reflects the growing confidence of homebuyers in DDA’s affordable housing initiatives. Launched under the guidance of Delhi Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and DDA Chairman T.S. Sandhu, the scheme reaffirms DDA’s commitment to providing quality and planned housing opportunities to citizens, said the statement. The additional flats located in Pocket 1, Sectors G2–G6, Narela, have an approximate plinth area of 49.90 square metres each, including common areas. The flats will be allotted on a First Come, First Served (FCFS) basis, the DDA said. Narela is emerging as a promising residential destination, supported by planned urban infrastructure and improving connectivity. Key transport infrastructure includes the upcoming Delhi Metro station on the Rithala–Narela–Kundli corridor, a proposed Narela Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) station, and road connectivity through Urban Extension Road (UER)-I, UER-II and GT Karnal Road, the statement said. The area is also set to benefit from an upcoming Education Hub in Sectors G2–G6, where land has been allotted to multiple universities, the statement said. Sports infrastructure includes the Narela Sports Complex in Sector A-7 and a proposed Multi-Sports Integrated Stadium. Planned green spaces and civic amenities further enhance the area’s long-term residential potential, said the DDA. –IANS rch/dan
New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) :Delhi Lieutenant Governor and DDA Chairman T.S. Sandhu on Monday visited Narela to inspect the housing authority’s flats and other facilities in the neighbourhood. In a message on X, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Visited Narela to review key development initiatives being undertaken by @official_dda.” “Inspected DDA’s ready-to-move flats, reaffirming our […]
Gujarat: Man held for sexually assaulting minor, extorting valuables worth Rs 46 lakh through photo threats Valsad (Gujarat), Nov 2 (IANS) A 21-year-old man was arrested by Gujarat’s Dungri police in Valsad district for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl, threatening to circulate photographs of the incident and extorting Rs 2.61 lakh in cash and gold ornaments worth around Rs 43.48 lakh from her, police said on Monday. The accused, identified as Dhruvil Patel, a resident of Shankartalav Mandir Faliya in Valsad, was arrested on October 29, approximately 10 days after the girl’s family lodged a complaint on October 19. According to the complaint, Patel allegedly lured the girl away from her guardians on August 31 and September 26 and took her to Hotel Aamantran on Tithal Road in Valsad. “He sexually assaulted her against her wishes and took photographs of the incident. He subsequently threatened to circulate the photographs and defame her, using them to intimidate her into arranging money and valuables from her home,” officials said. Police said the accused allegedly obtained Rs 2.61 lakh in cash on different occasions and various gold ornaments weighing approximately 32.4 tolas, valued at Rs 43.48 lakh. Following the registration of a case under Sections 308(2), 64(2)(m) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 4 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, a team led by Dungri Police Inspector U H Patel began efforts to trace the accused using technical analysis and human intelligence. Police said Assistant Sub-Inspector Hirenbhai Patel received a tip-off about the accused, following which a team was dispatched to the location and apprehended him. He was subsequently brought to Dungri police station and arrested on October 29. During police remand, investigators recovered gold ornaments weighing approximately 15.33 tolas, valued at Rs 19.54 lakh, along with Rs 5,000 in cash and a mobile phone worth Rs 5,000. A SIM card and a diary were also seized. The total value of the recovered property was estimated at Rs 19.64 lakh. The operation was carried out under the supervision of senior officials. Further investigation is underway. –IANS mys/uk
Gujarat Nov 2 (IANS): A 21-year-old man was arrested by Gujarat’s Dungri police in Valsad district for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl, threatening to circulate photographs of the incident and extorting Rs 2.61 lakh in cash and gold ornaments worth around Rs 43.48 lakh from her, police said on Monday. The accused, identified as […]
Congress and Rahul Gandhi plotting against the Constitution: Maha CM Mumbai, Nov 2 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of orchestrating an international conspiracy to bring about a “regime change” and undermine the Indian Constitution. Addressing a Save Democracy and Constitution rally, CM Fadnavis stated that the country wants Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm and that the ruling alliance has taken to the streets to protect democracy. “This fight is not against Modi, the BJP, or the NDA; it is a hidden war. As long as the sun and the moon exist, the Constitution must remain, regardless of differences in ideology. Join us in this battle,” the Chief Minister urged. Accusing the Congress of trying to establish an “ultra-leftist system,” he remarked, “Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar has taught us how to protect democracy, but Rahul Gandhi wants to build an ultra-leftist setup.” Targeting Rahul Gandhi directly over his lineage and political standing, CM Fadnavis said, “This is India, and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution is here. Your grandmother [Indira Gandhi] tried; she was strong and a leader, but she couldn’t destroy it. Who are you, Rahul Gandhi?” He emphasised that the ongoing battle is not for the BJP, but for the safeguarding of the nation’s Constitution, calling on citizens to resolve not to stop until the current crisis is averted. CM Fadnavis alleged that Congress and its associates are organising daily protests under an international conspiracy to alter India’s Constitution and dismantle constitutional frameworks. “Political restructuring to change the Constitution and overhaul all national institutions is what they call ‘regime change,'” he said. Citing examples of neighbouring countries, the Chief Minister noted, “Regime changes and constitutional alterations took place in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. When asked four times, they openly admitted they want a regime change. Even Uddhav Thackeray—whether he understands the meaning or not—also spoke of regime change. As long as there is a drop of blood in our veins, we will not let regime change happen. We will not allow a crisis on democracy or permit the Constitution to be tampered with.” CM Fadnavis accused Congress of repeatedly trampling upon democracy and the Constitution. Recalling the Emergency era, he mentioned that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s election was declared invalid by the Supreme Court. “She could remain Prime Minister, but she could not speak or vote in the Lok Sabha. Yet, backed by brute majority, the Congress party claimed that the Prime Minister is above the Constitution.” He further claimed that Congress diluted fundamental rights in 1976 by freezing them and barring citizens from approaching the Supreme Court. It was only in 1977, under Morarji Desai and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that constitutional amendments brought the Prime Minister under the purview of the Constitution and restored fundamental rights, he added. “Their intentions are not new; they have meddled with the Constitution multiple times. Now, Indira Gandhi’s grandson has resumed that very work. It is old wine in a new bottle,” CM Fadnavis quipped. Taking a strong stance on the red-colored booklets displayed by the opposition, CM Fadnavis said, “They carry a red Constitution; we have only known the blue one. That red book is the same one used to trigger regime changes in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and to create anarchy in France and Denmark. They show a book of the Constitution, but there is nothing inside it.” CM Fadnavis also criticised attacks on constitutional institutions like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), election commissions, and the Supreme Court, stating that staging marches against these institutions instead of seeking legal recourse is unprecedented in the country. Expressing dismay over the silence of intellectuals, he remarked, “It is surprising that intellectuals have nothing to say. What kind of intellectuals are these? They are commercial, constantly crying that ‘democracy is in danger’ and chattering against PM Modi.” He concluded by alleging that their ultimate attempt is to dismantle the Constitution if institutions fail to rule in their favour. –IANS sj/dan
Mumbai, Nov 2 (IANS): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of orchestrating an international conspiracy to bring about a “regime change” and undermine the Indian Constitution. Addressing a Save Democracy and Constitution rally, CM Fadnavis stated that the country wants Prime […]
