After months of widespread protests sparked by the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, the Sealdah Court in the state capital on January 18 pronounced 33-year-old Sanjay Roy guilty in connection with the heinous crime. The decision was handed down by Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das, 57 days after the in-camera trial began on November 12. On Monday, Roy was sentenced to life imprisonment until death for the brutal crime that shook the nation. Here’s a timeline of the Kolkata rape -murder case: August 9, 2024: A 31-year-old junior doctor was found dead in the seminar hall on the fourth floor of RG Kar Hospital, where she was practising. The post-mortem report would later confirm that she was strangled to death after sexual assault. Her body had 16 external and nine internal injuries, the post-mortem confirmed. August 10, 2024: In the initial investigation, the Kolkata Police arrested Roy as a suspect. The traffic police volunteer was later charged for committing the crime. The revelation led to nationwide outrage and prolonged protests by junior doctors, medical professionals and Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Kolkata and other parts of the country, demanding justice for their colleague and increased safety for healthcare professionals. August 12, 2024: The hospital's principal, Sandip Ghosh, stepped down amid the protests over the incident. The West Bengal government also transferred the hospital's superintendent. August 13, 2024: The victim’s parents, along with others, filed a petition before the Calcutta High Court, demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), due to distrust in Kolkata Police. The High Court then transferred the case to the CBI. August 14, 2024: The Kolkata Police formally handed over Roy to CBI. August 15, 2024: As the country celebrates its independence, the horrific night could not be overshadowed, as ‘Reclaim the Night’ rallies emerged across Kolkata. The rallies are organised by women and activists who demand justice for the victim and protection of women in the country. However, at RG Kar Medical College, the protest turned violent. A mob vandalised the hospital and the crime scene. The National Commission for Women (NCM) accused the authorities of security lapses and claimed that the crime site had undergone premature renovations, leading to more tensions. August 17, 2024: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared a 24-hour withdrawal of medical services in solidarity with the victim, referred to as 'Abhaya (the fearless).’ August 18, 2024: The Supreme Court took suo moto cognisance of the case amid the nationwide protest and scheduled the hearing for August 20. August 20, 2024: The apex court formed a 10-member task force to address the safety of the nations’s healthcare professionals. The three-judge bench headed by then Chief Justice DY Chandrachud also criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led government, the Kolkata Police, and the hospital administration over the delay in filing the FIR. August 27, 2024: A 'Nabanna Abhijan' march was given by an unregistered student body named 'Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj' and a dissident state government employees' platform 'Sangrami Joutha Mancha'. The ruling Trinamool Congress claimed that this was a BJP-backed protest. August 28, 2024: However, the march to the West Bengal secretariat turned into clashes between police and protestors, leading to a state-wide strike called by the BJP. September 2, 2024: The CBI arrested Sandip Gosh in relation to an alleged financial fraud at RG Kar Hospital during his tenure. September 14, 2024: Mamata Banerjee took a step to end the stand-off between her government and protesting doctors and finally visited the site where the medical professionals were staging a sit-in and interacted with them. The same day, the CBI took Sandip Ghosh and a Kolkata police officer, Abhijit Mondal, into custody over delays in filing an FIR and tampering with evidence in the Kolkata rape-murder case October 5, 2024: After more than 50 days of protest in two phases, doctors launched a hunger strike October 7, 2024: The CBI filed a chargesheet against the accused Sanjay Roy in the case and said he allegedly committed the crime that took place on August 9 when the medic had gone to sleep in the hospital's seminar room during a break. October 24, 2024: The protesting doctors called off the hunger strike following a meeting with the CM Mamata Banerjee. November 12, 2024: The in-camera trial in the Kolkata rape and murder of the junior doctor began. A delay in filing the chargesheet resulted in bail being granted to the accused in the case, including Abhijit Mondal and Sandip Ghosh. T December 13, 2024: The Sealadh court granted bail to both Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal after the CBI failed to file its chargesheets within the statutory 90-day period. January 9, 2025: The hearings in Sanjay Roy’s trial were concluded, during the trial 50 witnesses were examined. January 18, 2025: Sealdah court convicts Sanjay Roy of rape-murder of kolkata woman doctor January 20, 2025: Sealdah court sentences Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment . It also directs state to pay compensation of Rs 17 lakh to RG Kar doctor's family in rape and murder case.
20 January,2025 05:30 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentA 26-year-old student from Telangana was allegedly shot dead in the United States (US) by unidentified persons, his family members said here on Monday. K Ravi Teja, had gone to the US in 2022 and was looking for a job after completing his MS course eight months ago, they said, and urged the government to help in bringing back his mortal remains here as early as possible. "I have come to know that my son was shot dead. My appeal to the government is to send back the mortal remains as early as possible. I am not able to speak anything else," his grieving father told reporters. "Whether I will be alive or not till that time (the body arrives)," his father said, fighting back tears. Teja had told his father that he would come back home after securing a job. In November 2024, a 22-year-old youth from Khammam district of Telangana was shot dead by miscreants at a gas station in the United States where he was working, family members had said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 January,2025 04:40 PM IST | Hyderabad | PTIA big fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela on Sunday due to a cylinder blast, injuring one person and engulfing 18 tents in Sector 19, officials told news agency PTI. The fire, which started at around 4 pm, was brought under control within an hour through 15 fire tenders, officials stated. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was in Prayagraj to review the Mauni Amavasya preparations at Maha Kumbh 2025. He reached the spot and directed authorities to take steps to avoid any such incident in future, PTI reported. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to CM Adityanath over phone to enquire about the incident. "The chief minister told PM Modi that the blaze was quickly brought under control by teams of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and fire department," a senior official said. The fire broke out at 4.10 pm in the kitchen of Gita Press camp, and was doused by 5 pm, an official statement read. "The fire broke out after a small cylinder started leaking while preparing tea. Soon, two other gas cylinders kept there exploded," it said, adding that 40 straw huts and six other tents were gutted. According to the official statement, while running from the spot, a person named Jaspreet fainted and injured his leg, and was rushed to the Maha Kumbh Mela hospital to receive first aid. He was later shifted to Swaruprani Medical College, Prayagraj. The condition of the injured was stated to be out of danger, PTI reported. "In the fire, items such as cots, blankets, chairs, etc were destroyed," the official statement said. Massive fire erupts at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, panic among devotees, WATCH VIDEO: Prayagraj Zone Additional DGP Bhanu Bhaskar on Sunday told PTI that the blaze was extinguished and the situation was under control. "...People have been evacuated and the fire has been brought under control. The situation is normal here and losses are being quantified," he said. The thatched roofs of the tents caught fire while the rest of the structures are still there, said Bhaskar. Fire brigade and police teams extinguished the blaze Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mander said that they received information at 4.30 pm about a fire in a tent in Sector 19, one of the 24 sectors of the fairground. "The blaze spread to some other tents. Fire brigade and police teams reached the spot and extinguished the blaze. There is no report of any loss of life," Mander said. "I was inside the akhada when I heard a loud sound and saw everybody running. I rushed outside and within minutes there were two more blasts. Soon everybody came out of their camps...my heart is still racing," said Samant Bharti, a seer. The affected area was closed for pilgrims. "Usually inside the akhadas, 'yagnas' are performed which also create smoke. So we were in panic after seeing the blaze," the seer told PTI. Urban Development Minister A K Sharma, who also reached the spot, said that fire was doused within minutes and directed mela authorities to immediately rehabilitate affected people. "Arrangements should be made for their night stay and the cause of the incident should be reviewed to avoid occurrence of such incidents in future," Sharma said. Mahakumbh 2025 kicks off with Paush Poornima, Thousands of devotees reach Sangam Ghat, WATCH VIDEO: 15 fire tenders Earlier, Kumbh Mela Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma said 15 fire tenders were pressed into service to contain the blaze which engulfed 18 tents, PTI stated. "Fire has been doused and the situation in the area is under control," Sharma said. Akhada Police Station In-charge Bhaskar Mishra said the fire was caused due to the explosion of two LPG cylinders in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The 45-day Maha Kumbh 2025 started on Paush Purnima on January 13. More than 7.72 crore people have taken the holy dip, according to official figures as of Saturday. Officials said that more than 46.95 lakh devotees took a dip in the Sangam on Sunday. (With inputs from PTI)
20 January,2025 04:15 PM IST | Mahakumbh Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) | mid-day online correspondentTwo people, including a teacher, died while 12 students were injured after the private bus ferrying them collided with a truck in Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh on Monday, police said. According to news agency PTI, the bus was returning from a tour of Bastar and Dantewada districts. The accident occurred near Chikalputi village on National Highway 30 under the City Kotwali police station limits, PTI reported. "Students of a government school in Kevat Tola village from Mohla Manpur district had gone on a tour of Bastar and Dantewada districts in a hired private bus. While returning, the bus collided with a truck around 2 am, killing the driver and a teacher," a police officer said, adding that 12 students were injured. Police personnel rushed to the spot and shifted the injured children to the Kondagaon District Hospital, the officer said, adding that four of them are in critical condition. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway, he added. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief about the accident and directed officials to provide better treatment to the injured. "The news of the death of a teacher and the driver in a road accident involving a bus carrying school children is extremely sad. There are also reports of injuries to some school children travelling in the bus, who are under treatment. The district administration has been instructed to make better medical arrangements for them," Sai stated on X. कोंडागांव में स्कूली बस और ट्रक के बीच हुई सड़क दुर्घटना में वाहन चालक सहित एक शिक्षक के निधन की खबर अत्यंत दुःखद है।बस में सवार स्कूली बच्चों में कुछ बच्चों के घायल होने की भी खबर है, जिनका इलाज जारी है। जिला प्रशासन को बेहतर चिकित्सकीय व्यवस्था के निर्देश दिए हैं।ईश्वर से… — Vishnu Deo Sai (@vishnudsai) January 20, 2025 Rajasthan: 2 dead, 4 injured as truck collides with pickup A tragic accident occurred near Mundwa, Nagaur, in Rajasthan when a truck and a pickup collided on Monday, news agency ANI reported. According to officials, the pickup, loaded with vegetables was heading towards Kuchera from Nagaur when it crashed in dense fog near the Bada Mata Temple in Mundwa. The incident resulted in death of two individuals, while four others have suffered injuries, ANI reported. Mundwa Police and locals immediately reached the site to provide help to the victim. Nagaur Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sumit Kumar stated that the injured were brought to JLN Hospital where a critically injured man was referred to Jodhpur for further treatment. The victim has been identified as Suresh Sankhla and Ramzan, both residents of Kuchera. Police officers told ANI that efforts are being made to move the vehicles with the help of a crane. The bodies of the victims were taken to the morgue, while the injured were taken to hospital for treatment. Further investigation is underway. (With PTI and ANI inputs)
20 January,2025 03:59 PM IST | Kondagaon | mid-day online correspondentIn a landmark ruling, the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court, led by Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das, has sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court also directed the West Bengal state government to pay a compensation of Rs 17 lakh to the victim's family, a measure aimed at providing some relief amidst their profound grief. The crime, which occurred on August 9 last year, ignited unprecedented nationwide protests. Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was found guilty under Sections 64 (rape), 66 (punishment for causing death), and 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The court's verdict followed an exhaustive trial in which Roy’s defence argued his innocence, claiming he had been falsely implicated. Roy denied all charges, asserting that he had been coerced into confessing. The court, however, rejected his claims, stating that the evidence against him was overwhelming. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had sought the death penalty, Judge Das determined that the case did not meet the criteria of the "rarest of the rare" category, which is necessary for imposing the death sentence under Indian law. The judge said, "The crime was heinous, but it does not warrant capital punishment." The sentencing came after the final statements were heard, including those from Roy’s defence counsel, who argued for the possibility of rehabilitation, and from the victim’s family and the CBI, which pushed for the maximum penalty. In a poignant moment, the victim’s father reiterated his demand for the harshest punishment, though the family expressed relief at the life sentence and the compensation order. The court’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including former National Commission for Women (NCW) chief and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma. Speaking on the verdict, Sharma said, “It is very unfortunate. I think the investigations done by Kolkata Police were presented in front of the CBI, and because of the shortcomings in the investigation, the convict was sentenced to life imprisonment and not the death penalty. The victim's family and all of us are really sad. It is the insensitivity of the judges that such a huge case was not called rarest of the rare cases. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously expressed her government's full cooperation with the investigation, underscoring the state's commitment to ensuring justice for the victim. Banerjee had said, "We have cooperated with the investigation...we had demanded justice but judiciary had to run its course so that's why it took this much time but we always wanted the victim to get justice." (With inputs from Agencies)
20 January,2025 03:54 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentThe Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court is set to pronounce the quantum of punishment for Sanjay Roy, the convict in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case, at 2.45 pm today. During the proceedings, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) demanded the "capital punishment" for Roy. The court had earlier informed the accused about the charges that had been proven against him, which include rape and murder. Sanjay Roy, however, has consistently denied his involvement, claiming he has been "falsely implicated." Addressing the court, Roy said, "I have not done anything, neither rape nor murder. I am being falsely implicated. You have seen everything. I am innocent. I already told you that I was tortured. They made me sign whatever they wanted." The defence lawyer argued that even in the "rarest of rare" cases, there should be room for reformation and rehabilitation. "The court has to justify why the convict is not worth reformation or rehabilitation. The public prosecutor must provide evidence and reasons to prove that the individual should be permanently removed from society," the defence lawyer contended. On the other hand, the victim's family lawyer urged the court to impose the death penalty as the maximum punishment. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also commented on the case earlier today, asserting that her government has fully cooperated with the investigation and has always sought justice for the victim. "We have cooperated with the investigation. We had demanded justice. However, the judiciary had to take its course, and that is why it took this much time. We always wanted the victim to get justice," Banerjee said. The victim's father, speaking to reporters, demanded the harshest punishment for Roy while alleging that others might also have been involved in the crime. "He (Sanjay Roy) tried to speak on Saturday, and the court asked him to speak on Monday. We don’t know what he will say. He is a criminal, but there are other people involved with him. He should get the harshest punishment," he said. The case revolves around the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor, whose body was discovered on August 9 in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital, was arrested shortly after the incident. On Saturday, the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court convicted Roy in the case. The court stated that he had entered the seminar room of the hospital, assaulted the victim, and subsequently murdered her. Charges under sections 64, 66, and 103/1 of the Bengal Nursing Service (BNS) Act were framed against him.
20 January,2025 02:07 PM IST | KolkataA Kerala court has issued a bailable warrant against yoga guru Baba Ramdev, his associate Acharya Balakrishna, and Divya Pharmacy in connection with a case pertaining to misleading advertisements. The Judicial First Class Magistrate II in Palakkad passed the order on 16 January after noting the absence of the accused and the complainant during the hearing. The case, filed by the Drugs Inspector of Palakkad, accuses the respondents of violating provisions under Section 3(d) read with Section 7(a) of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. In its order, the magisterial court observed, “Complainant absent. All accused absent served. Bailable warrant to all accused.” The court subsequently scheduled the next hearing in the matter for 1 February, according to the case status available on the Palakkad District Court's official website, PTI reports. The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, prohibits advertisements that falsely claim the ability to cure certain ailments or promote unverified remedies. The case alleges that the accused had released misleading advertisements that contravened the provisions of this law, according to PTI. Divya Pharmacy, a company associated with Baba Ramdev and Balakrishna, is also named as a respondent in the case. The pharmacy is well-known for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and herbal products marketed under the Patanjali brand, which is co-founded by Ramdev and Balakrishna. The court’s decision to issue a bailable warrant indicates that the accused are required to appear before the court or secure bail to avoid further legal complications. While the nature of the alleged advertisements in question has not been detailed in the court documents, misleading claims in pharmaceutical promotions are treated with strict scrutiny under Indian law. This legal development comes amid Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balakrishna’s significant influence in promoting Ayurveda and yoga across India and globally. Their enterprise, Patanjali Ayurved, has grown to become one of the leading companies in India’s FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector, marketing a range of products from medicines to food and cosmetics. The case is set to be closely watched as the allegations pertain to the contentious issue of unsubstantiated claims in health-related advertisements, a matter that has drawn significant public and regulatory attention in recent years. The outcome of the next hearing on 1 February will determine the further course of legal proceedings in this matter. (With inputs from PTI)
20 January,2025 01:40 PM IST | MumbaiIn view of the upcoming Republic Day 2025 celebrations, flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) will be temporarily restricted. Delhi airport operator DIAL on Saturday said there will be no flight arrivals and departures between 10.20 am and 12.45 pm for the next eight days till January 26 in view of the Republic Day week. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is the country's busiest airport and handles around 1,300 flight movements daily. "As per the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued for Republic Day week from 19th to 26th Jan 2025, no flights would be arriving or departing from Delhi Airport between 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM IST," DIAL said in a post on X. Kind attention to all flyers! pic.twitter.com/yWfzhrsfSl — Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) January 18, 2025 Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) also advised passengers to check with the airlines concerned for the updated flight information. The DIAL has also stepped up security for Republic Day 2025. In a post on X, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said, "Keeping your safety in mind, enhanced security measures are in place at Delhi airport. Please plan your time well to ensure a smooth journey. We appreciate your cooperation with our security staff to maintain a safe environment for all. Thank you for your understanding." Kind attention to all flyers!#DelhiAirport #TravelAdvisory pic.twitter.com/6PyNkn7eOs — Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) January 20, 2025 Operation of drones, and other aerial platforms banned in view of Republic Day celebrations The operation of sub-conventional aerial platforms has been prohibited over the national capital in view of Republic Day celebrations, a Delhi Police statement read. The restriction, which came into effect on January 18, will remain in force until February 1, according to an order issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora. The order said that criminal or anti-social elements or terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to public safety, dignitaries and vital installations by using such aerial platforms. The use of platforms such as paragliders, para-motors, hang gliders, UAVs, unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), micro-light aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, quadcopters, have been prohibited, the order read. It also prohibits para-jumping from aircraft. "Therefore, the Delhi Police has prohibited flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms over the national capital on the occasion of Republic Day and doing so shall be punishable under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)," it said. (With inputs from Agencies)
20 January,2025 12:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, recently went on an engaging visit to Belgium, where he interacted with Indian students, senior faculty members of KU Leuven University, and the Indian diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg, ANI reported. The discussions focused on India's transformative journey over the past decade and the significant role the Indian diaspora plays in the nation's progress. In a post on X, the Minister shared his enthusiasm for the interaction at KU Leuven University, stating, "Delighted at the engaging interaction with Indian students of the @KU_Leuven University in Belgium, which also saw the participation of senior faculty members. I spoke about the remarkable growth of India in the last decade driven by structural reforms, innovation & decisive leadership. Urged the students to be part of this success story during the Amrit Kaal. Also, answered questions from students on various issues including India's economy, improving ease of doing business, sustainable development, and trade agreements." Delighted at the engaging interaction with Indian students of the @KU_Leuven University in Belgium, which also saw the participation of senior faculty members.I spoke about the remarkable growth of India in the last decade driven by structural reforms, innovation & decisive… pic.twitter.com/2WJVaUOTib — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 19, 2025 During their interaction, Goyal highlighted India's journey as a global economic powerhouse, driven by decisive leadership, innovative reforms, and a focus on sustainable development, ANI cited. Students asked questions on a range of topics, including India's trade agreements, its economic growth trajectory, and the efforts to enhance the ease of doing business. The Minister urged the young minds to contribute to India's progress during the "Amrit Kaal" which is the 25-year period leading to the centenary of India's independence. Goyal also met with the Indian diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg, highlighting their pivotal role in India's global narrative. In his post on X, he wrote, "Indian Diaspora, our strongest Brand Ambassadors, had a lively interaction with the Indian community living in Belgium and Luxembourg. It is heartening to see our diaspora excel abroad, holding prominent positions and making a mark for themselves and our nation. Spoke about how PM @NarendraModi ji deeply values their role in India's progress, encouraging them to strengthen their engagement and actively contribute to the vision of building a Viksit Bharat." Indian Diaspora, our strongest Brand Ambassadors 🇮🇳Had a lively interaction with the Indian community living in Belgium and Luxembourg. It is heartening to see our diaspora excels abroad, holding prominent positions and making a mark for themselves and our nation.Spoke about… pic.twitter.com/32s5zqF916 — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 19, 2025 The minister praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora, terming them as "India's strongest brand ambassadors" for their achievements and ability to foster goodwill in their host nations, ANI cited. He also conveyed PM Modi's recognition of their efforts and urged them to deepen their ties with India to support the vision of a "Viksit Bharat". (With inputs from ANI)
20 January,2025 11:56 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe police on Monday said that an incident of stone pelting occurred in Maharashtra's Nandurbar city after two groups came face to face following an accident between a rickshaw and a motorcycle, reported news agency ANI. According to the police, the stone pelting incident happened after an accident occurred in the city. Police forces are deployed on the spot to control the situation. There have been no property damage or casualties reported yet. "Around 10 pm yesterday, people of a particular community started pelting stones. Earlier in the day, an offence was registered about an incident, in the background of which the stone pelting took place. Police forces deployed on the spot controlled the situation, as a result of which violence did not spread to other areas. No property damage or casualty has been reported. Registration of the offence is being done. We have identified a few suspects...," ASP Shravan S Dutt told ANI. Further details are awaited. Three killed by bus in Beed; Sarnaik says MSRTC to pay Rs 10 lakh each to kin of victims Three men were mowed down by a state transport bus in Maharashtra's Beed district in the early hours of Sunday, police said, reported PTI. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik later announced that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) would pay assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to the victims' families, reported PTI. The accident occurred around 6 am when a group of youngsters were training for police recruitment near Ghodka Rajuri village in Beed taluka, an official said. He said the bus belonging to the MSRTC was heading towards Parbhani from Beed when it fatally knocked down the three men training on the roadside. Two others in the group escaped unhurt. The deceased, Subodh More (20), Virat Ghodke (19) and Om Ghodke (20), were residents of Ghodka Rajuri village, the official said, reported PTI. The trio died on the spot, and their bodies were taken to the district hospital in Beed for further formalities, he said, adding that the bus driver was apprehended and a case was being registered against him, reported PTI. Following the accident, angry villagers vandalised the state transport bus and demanded jobs for family members of the deceased men in the state transport department, the official said, reported PTI. Minster Sarnaik expressed his condolences and said, "While we cannot bring back the lives of these promising youths, the ST Corporation (MSRTC) will provide Rs 10 lakh in financial assistance to each family as a token of our support during this difficult time." (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
20 January,2025 11:52 AM IST | Nandurbar | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said on Sunday that any person with a bad public image has no place in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) headed by him, reported the PTI. Ajit Pawar said those who do wrong will be expelled from the party. Ajit Pawar, who rebelled against his uncle Sharad Pawar to stake claim to the NCP in 2023, said the future belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party. "The NCP worker base should be created in villages and every nook and corner. Everyone should work in coordination," he said in his valedictory address at the NCP convention in Shirdi, according to the PTI. The NCP won 41 seats in the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, four times more than the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). "Our responsibility increased after the assembly elections. Those interested in contesting the upcoming local bodies polls should choose responsible workers to ensure votes from a cluster of 25 houses. If four votes are cast (for NCP) from each of the 25 houses, we will get 100 votes," Ajit Pawar said, as per the PTI. He appealed to NCP workers to involve youth, doctors, engineers, and lawyers. Ajit Pawar said the NCP is seeing an influx, but the party should stay united and that its image should not be affected. "A person with a bad image in the public mind has no place in the party. There should be no misconduct. Those who do wrong will be expelled," he said. Ajit Pawar's remarks come against the backdrop of the Opposition's criticism of NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde over the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case. He announced the formation of medical assistance and "assurances implementation" cells. "The medical assistance cell will be in every minister's office. We are preparing an application. Health ambassadors should be appointed in every district next month. We will also create a cell to implement promises which will function from the offices of the NCP and ministers," he added. Ajit Pawar said the NCP will try to fulfil at least one poll promise in every constituency by Ganesh festival. (with PTI inputs)
20 January,2025 11:23 AM IST | Shirdi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
