Zafar Ali, the president of the Shahi Jama Masjid committee, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the Sambhal violence that broke out in November last year following a court-ordered survey of the mosque, a police officer reported. Earlier, officers stated that Ali had been taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the local police to record his statement regarding the incident on 24 November, news agency PTI reported. However, his brother, Tahir Ali, claimed that the arrest was a deliberate attempt to prevent him from submitting his testimony before a three-member judicial commission on Monday. The commission was set up by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate the Sambhal violence, which led to the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others. The Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque, has been embroiled in controversy following a petition alleging that it stands on the site of an ancient Hindu temple. Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi confirmed the arrest to PTI, stating that Zafar Ali had been detained in connection with the Sambhal violence but did not provide further details. When contacted earlier in the day, Sambhal Kotwali in-charge Anuj Kumar Tomar confirmed that Zafar Ali had been taken into custody by SIT for questioning in the incident. Sambhal administration inciting unrest instead of working to restore peace: Accused's brother Tahir Ali accused the authorities of trying to silence his brother before his scheduled testimony, PTI reported. "Around 11.15 am, an inspector and the investigating officer came to our house, saying that CO (Circle Officer) Kuldeep Singh wanted to speak. Zafar was supposed to testify before the commission tomorrow, and that is why they are deliberately sending him to jail," Tahir Ali told reporters. He further alleged that his brother had already made a public statement at a press conference, asserting that the police had fired shots during the incident and that those who died were killed by police bullets. Asked about his conversation with Zafar Ali before his arrest, Tahir Ali said, "He told me, 'No problem, I am ready to go to jail. I will not back down from the truth'." On the matter of alleged external funding linked to the violence, Tahir Ali categorically denied any financial support. "Not a single penny has been received. We will fight this case in court and emerge victorious," he asserted. He further accused the Sambhal administration of inciting unrest rather than working to restore peace. "The authorities do not want the tension to ease. We are trying to restore peace, but all police officers and senior officials here are provoking further discord," he claimed. Tahir Ali also mentioned that Zafar Ali, along with Masood Farooqui and Qasim Advocate, were scheduled to present their testimonies before the judicial commission on Monday. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 05:34 PM IST | Sambhal | mid-day online correspondentThe All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide agitation against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, news agency ANI reported. In a statement issued by Mohd Vaquar Uddin Latifi, the Office Secretary of AIMPLB, it was revealed that the Board is determined to oppose the Waqf Bill through "all constitutional, legal, and democratic means." SQR Ilyas, AIMPLB Spokesperson and Convener of the Action Committee Against the Waqf Bill, expressed gratitude to Muslim organisations, civil society groups, and leaders from Dalit, Adivasi, Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority communities for their support during the Delhi demonstration which took place on March 17. He also thanked opposition parties and Members of Parliament who participated in the protest and firmly rejected the proposed legislation, ANI reported. "Without the grace of Allah and the united support of these groups, the success of the Delhi demonstration would not have been possible," Ilyas remarked. The AIMPLB's 31-member Action Committee has outlined plans for the first phase of the agitation, which includes large protest sit-ins in front of state assemblies in Patna on March 26 and Vijayawada on March 29, ANI reported. Senior AIMPLB leaders, along with representatives of national and state-level religious and social organisations, will participate in these demonstrations. Prominent figures from other minority communities and key members of Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC communities have also confirmed their participation. The statement noted that despite political parties issuing whips for MPs to attend the ongoing Parliament session, invitations have been extended to opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to attend the protests. JD(U), TDP given invitations to join nationwide agitation against Waqf Bill: All India Muslim Personal Law Board In Patna, leaders from the Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), including the Chief Minister of Bihar, have been invited to join the agitation. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, invitations have been sent to members of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Yuvajana Sramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party, Congress, and Left parties. Ilyas stated that the purpose of these protests is to send a clear message to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) alliance partners: "either withdraw support for the Bill or risk losing our support." AIMPLB has formulated a comprehensive nationwide agitation plan, with major rallies scheduled in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Malerkotla (Punjab), and Ranchi. The campaign will include sit-ins, human chains, and social media initiatives, particularly hashtag drives on X (formerly Twitter). Additionally, public conferences, seminars, symposiums, and dharnas will be organised at the district level. Memorandums opposing the bill will be submitted to the President of India through District Magistrates as part of the protest strategy. (With ANI inputs)
23 March,2025 05:20 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Budget Session of the Eighth Delhi Legislative Assembly is set to begin on Monday at 11 am, news agency ANI reported. The newly elected Delhi government's first budget will be presented a day later. Speaker Vijender Gupta confirmed that the Delhi Assembly Budget Session would take place in the Old Secretariat. "Tomorrow is the first day of the Budget Session. The budget will be presented on March 25. The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report will also be tabled during the budget session," Gupta informed the media on Sunday. The Budget Session is a significant period in the legislative calendar, serving as a platform for discussions and decisions on essential financial and policy matters. The Delhi Assembly Budget Session will go on till March 28 and the session may be extended if required, ANI reported. According to a statement from the Delhi Assembly Secretariat, the CAG report on the functioning of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will be presented during the session. This will mark the third CAG report to be tabled in the House. A key highlight of the session will be the presentation of the annual budget on March 25, detailing the government's financial strategy and developmental plans for the year. A general discussion on the budget will take place on March 26, allowing lawmakers to scrutinise financial allocations and policy proposals. On March 27, the assembly will deliberate on and vote on the proposed budget, ANI reported. The final day of the Delhi Assembly Budget Session, March 28, has been designated for private members' business, providing an opportunity for legislators to propose and debate resolutions and bills. Daily sittings will commence at 11 am, with a lunch break from 1 pm to 2 pm. The Question Hour, a crucial mechanism for legislative scrutiny, is scheduled for March 24, 26, 27, and 28, during which ministers will address queries concerning various departments. Members intending to raise matters of public importance under Rule 280 must submit their notices by 5 pm on the working day before the sitting. A balloting process will determine the first 10 notices for discussion each day. Private Members' Resolutions are set for March 28, with notices required 12 days in advance. To maintain decorum and efficiency, the Speaker has issued guidelines for the session. "Members are advised to adhere to the rules for submitting questions, resolutions, and special mentions. Seating arrangements must be followed, and the quorum bell will ring at 10:55 AM each day," the directions stated. For further information, members can consult the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business or contact the Legislative Assembly Secretariat. (With ANI inputs)
23 March,2025 04:55 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe government has the option to convene a "secret sitting" of the Lok Sabha to discuss sensitive matters, though this provision has never been utilised, news agency PTI reported. According to a constitutional expert, during the 1962 Chinese aggression, some Members of Parliament (MP) from the opposition suggested a secret sitting to deliberate on the issue. However, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined, believing the public had a right to know. According to PTI, Chapter 25 of the 'Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha' includes provisions allowing for secret sittings upon the request of the Leader of the House. As outlined in Rule 248, subclause one, if the Leader of the House makes such a request, the Speaker will designate a day or part of a day for the House to convene in secret. Subclause two specifies that during a secret sitting, no stranger will be allowed in the chamber, lobby, or galleries, although certain individuals may be permitted under specific conditions. Another rule in the chapter states that the Speaker can decide how the proceedings of a secret sitting will be reported. "But no other person present shall keep a note or record of any proceedings or decisions of a secret sitting, whether in part or full, or issue any report of, or purport to describe such proceedings." Once the need for maintaining secrecy has ended, and with the Speaker's consent, the Leader of the House or an authorised member can move a motion to lift the confidentiality of the proceedings, PTI reported. If approved, the Secretary-General will prepare and publish a report of the secret sitting as soon as possible. The rules caution that revealing the proceedings or decisions of a secret sitting in any form will be considered a "gross breach of privilege of the House." Constitutional expert and former Lok Sabha Secretary-General PDT Achari confirmed that there has been "no occasion" for a secret sitting of the House. Recalling discussions with senior members, he noted that during the 1962 India-China conflict, some opposition members had suggested a secret sitting to address the sensitive issues. However, Nehru opposed the idea, asserting that the public should be informed. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 04:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSix days after violence rocked Nagpur city in Maharashtra, curfew was completely lifted from the remaining four areas of the district on Sunday, the officials said, reported the PTI. After the violence broke out on March 17, curfew was imposed in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imambada, Yashodhara Nagar and Kapil Nagar police station areas in Nagpur, officials said. Violent mobs reportedly went on a rampage in central Nagpur areas on Monday night amid rumours that a 'chadar' with holy inscriptions was burnt during protests led by VHP and Bajrang Dal for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, according to the PTI. Tension had gripped central Nagpur in Maharashtra when stones were hurled at police amid rumours, the officials had earlier said. Earlier, curfew was lifted from Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar police station areas on March 20, and from Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Lakadganj, Sakkardara and Imambada areas on March 22, the officials said. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal on Sunday ordered the lifting of curfew in the remaining Kotwali, Tehsil, Ganeshpeth and Yashodhara Nagar police station areas from 3 pm, as per the PTI. Patrolling will continue in sensitive areas along with the deployment of local police, an official said, the news agency reported. Large-scale stone pelting and arson were reported in several parts of Nagpur on March 17 over rumours that a 'chadar' with holy inscriptions was burnt during the VHP protest. Authorities subsequently said the rumours were baseless and were spread mischievously. Thirty-three police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioner of Police-rank officers, were injured in the violence. The police have arrested more than 100 persons in connection with the violence. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the government will recover the cost of property damaged during the recent Nagpur violence from rioters and roll bulldozer "if necessary", reported the PTI. CM Fadnavis said that if the perpetrators of violence failed to compensate, their properties would be seized and sold to recover the losses. Fadnavis stated that strict action would be taken against those who attacked police officers during the unrest. (with PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 04:26 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister G Kishan Reddy alleged on Sunday that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu is spreading "false propaganda" under the guise of delimitation and Hindi imposition in order to deflect attention from the allegations surrounding the 'liquor scam' it faces ahead of the state assembly elections. According to news agency PTI, Reddy, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would come to power in Karnataka and Telangana in the south, and accused the parties attending the Chennai meeting on delimitation, convened by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) MK Stalin on Saturday, of attempting to prevent the BJP’s expansion in the southern states. According to PTI, he claimed that the "opportunistic parties" were circulating false propaganda, suggesting that southern states would suffer in the delimitation of constituencies. “There has been no discussion within the Central government or the BJP on the delimitation of constituencies,” said Reddy. He added that it would make sense for any meeting to be held and suggestions to be made if there were any discussions on the issue, PTI reported. "There is no debate [on delimitation]. These people are spreading false propaganda in view of the Tamil Nadu elections," Kishan Reddy, the BJP president in Telangana, told reporters. Stalin will have to answer for the liquor scam: G Kishan Reddy He also criticised the current "corrupt, family rule" in Tamil Nadu over the past four years. "Stalin will have to answer for the liquor scam. To shield themselves from it, they are spreading false propaganda in the name of language, delimitation, and against the BJP," he said. Reddy reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working for the development of all states, without discrimination. He accused the parties gathering in Chennai on Saturday of acting out of selfish interests, highlighting a non-existent issue. "The same parties had carried out a false campaign before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, claiming that the BJP would change the Constitution, but once the elections were over, they conveniently forgot about it," he added. Reddy appealed, on behalf of the BJP and the Centre, to the people in the southern states, urging them to understand that the issues of delimitation and the census would be discussed in the future, with the NDA government ensuring justice for all states. He stated that the delimitation issue would be taken up after the national census, which would last for one year. "A drama is being played by Congress with Stalin at the forefront. (BRS leader) KTR is also playing a major role in this drama," he said. The participation of the ruling Congress and opposition BRS in the Chennai meeting, according to Kishan Reddy, also demonstrated the "old bond" between the two parties. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and state Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud attended the Chennai conclave on behalf of the ruling Congress, while BRS Working President K T Rama Rao represented his party. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 04:07 PM IST | Hyderabad | mid-day online correspondentAfter the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reportedly filed a closure report regarding actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, former Bihar Deputy General of Police (DGP) Gupteshwar Pandey criticised the Mumbai Police's handling of the investigation, claiming that their actions raised 'suspicions' among the public. However, Pandey refrained from commenting on the CBI's closure report, describing the agency as a "professional body", reported news agency ANI. Discussing the initial investigation into the actor's death, Pandey accused the Mumbai Police of "not cooperating" with the Bihar Police team sent to investigate the case. He alleged that an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer he had dispatched for better coordination was quarantined, and the Bihar Police team was sent away after just five days. According to ANI, the then Bihar DGP also clarified that he "never claimed" that the actor was murdered, but rather that his death was "suspicious" and warranted a thorough investigation. Speaking to ANI, Pandey stated, "When news of Sushant Singh Rajput's death broke, the matter faded within 20 days. After 20 days, his father filed a case in Patna, for which a team was sent. However, the Maharashtra Police did not cooperate. I sent an IPS officer for better coordination, but he was quarantined... I don't wish to be biased against anyone, but the manner in which the Mumbai Police handled the situation caused suspicions in the minds of people across the country." "CBI took over the case and, after years... I do not wish to say anything further. The CBI investigated the case, while I did not get the chance to do so. My team was turned away after five days, and another officer was quarantined for ten days. The Bihar Police team was thus not given the opportunity to investigate," he added. Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Some evidence could have been destroyed, says ex-DGP Pandey expressed concern that the CBI may not have uncovered all the evidence or that some evidence could have been 'destroyed.' "There may still be doubt that the CBI did not gather all the evidence, or perhaps some of it was even destroyed. But I never said that Sushant Singh Rajput was murdered... I merely stated that his death was suspicious and deserved a thorough investigation. Had the Mumbai Police handled the case properly and held a press conference to address all questions, the Mumbai Police would not have been defamed... I do not wish to comment on the CBI's closure report, as it is a professional agency. What more can it do if it is unable to find evidence?" he said. The CBI has filed a closure report in the 2020 Sushant Singh Rajput death case, sources confirmed on Saturday. According to the sources, the closure report was submitted to a Mumbai court nearly five years after the actor's death. The 34-year-old was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020, sparking a massive controversy. The investigation was subsequently handed over to the CBI. The post-mortem report issued by Mumbai's Cooper Hospital indicated that the cause of death was asphyxia. Rajput's death sparked nationwide outrage, with many demanding 'justice' for the actor. The case was initially handled by the Mumbai Police before being transferred to the CBI. (With ANI inputs)
23 March,2025 03:53 PM IST | Bihar | mid-day online correspondentA 3-year-old girl died on Saturday after a tree fell on her amid heavy rain in Pulakeshi Nagar of Bengaluru city, officials said on Sunday. Bengaluru is reeling from the effects of the first heavy rainfall of the season. Intense showers swept across the city, leaving a trail of destruction. According to the Civil Defence Force reports, approximately 30 trees have been uprooted, and 48 branches have fallen, posing a significant risk to public safety. Emergency teams are working tirelessly to clear the fallen trees and restore normalcy, but with the monsoon season just beginning, residents are advised to remain vigilant. As per the daily weather report for March 23, from Bengaluru Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain, thunder showers are likely to occur at a few places over Dakshina Kannada, Bidar, Gulbarga, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Chitradurga, Chamarajanagara, Mandya and Mysuru districts and at isolated places over Ballari and Vijayanagara districts. "Gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are very likely to prevail at isolated places over interior Karnataka. Dry weather likely to prevail over rest of the state," it said. For March 24, the weather department forecast light to moderate rain, thundershowers at isolated places over Kodagu district and light rain, thundershowers at isolated places of Bidar, Kalaburgi, Vijayapura, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru districts. "Light rain likely to occur at isolated places over Dakshina Kannada district. Gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are very likely to prevail at isolated places over Interior Karnataka. Dry weather likely to prevail over rest of the state," it added. For March 25, the Met has predicted light to moderate rain likely to occur at isolated places over Kodagu district and light rain at isolated places over Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. It added that dry weather will likely prevail over the rest of the state on the day. On March 26, the weather department said light to moderate rain will likely occur at isolated places over Kodagu district. "Light rain likely to occur at isolated places over Dakshina Kannada, Hassan & Chikkamagaluru districts. Dry weather likely to prevail over rest of the state," it stated. For March 27, Bengaluru Met said that light rain will likely occur at isolated places over Kodagu, Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru districts. Earlier on Saturday, at least 10 flights en route to Bengaluru were diverted to Chennai due to heavy rain in the Karnataka capital, airport officials said. IndiGo, in a post on X, said that unfavourable weather conditions in Bengaluru continue to impact flights. The residents of Bengaluru heaved a sigh of relief as heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the city on Saturday after a spell of scorching heat. Several areas witnessed strong winds and intense downpours, bringing much-needed respite from the sweltering temperatures. 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
23 March,2025 09:31 AM IST | Karnataka | PTIThe Anti-Auto theft squad of Dwarka district and Baba Haridas Nagar Police station officials arrested four people, including Geetika (Geetu), the wife of a gangster known by the name as Sachin Banje, for allegedly extorting money from a businessman at gunpoint, said Delhi Police officials. "A case of extortion was registered in the BHD Nagar police station of the district in which four people came to a businessman's house and tried to extort money from him at gunpoint... All the people involved in the whole case have been arrested," the Deputy Commissioner of Police Ankit Singh told ANI on Saturday. The police claims that Geetika "played an important role" in the plan to extort the businessman. The other accused in the case, Vicky, has been one of the others arrested, and is currently being interrogated. "Geetika (Geetu), who is the wife of gangster Sachin Bhanje, she provided the phone and played an important role in executing the entire plan. Apart from this, there are 3 more people, one is Vikas (Vicky) who has more than a dozen cases against him. We are interrogating all of them," the DCP said. Investigation into the case is currently ongoing. Earlier on March 21, Delhi Crime Branch arrested a wanted gangster and a life convict who had jumped parole in a 2005 sensational abduction for ransom-cum-murder case in Nangloi. During the strategic operation to nab the gangster, the Delhi Crime Branch team created a fake Instagram profile, posing as a Mumbai-based model to trap the fugitive gangster Manoj alias Arun, who the police says has a long history of heinous crimes. The accused is wanted by police of the national capital, Haryana and Rajasthan in several heinous cases of murders and robbery. The Delhi Police said that Manoj has been a member of Jitender alias Gagi Gang and is a close associate of notorious gangster Deepak alias Tittar who is presently lodged in several cases including MCOCA and the murder of rival gangster Tillu Tajpuria in Tihar Jail premises. 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
23 March,2025 09:31 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIA magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the death of a stenographer working for the Sohawal Sub-Divisional Magistrate, who died in a road accident near Sahadatganj in the Cantt police station area of Ayodhya. This comes after the deceased's family staged a protest, demanding action against the SDM and claiming that he is responsible for the stenographer's death, calling the accident suspicious. Ayodhya District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh, speaking to ANI, said, "I have talked to the family, and based on that, I have ordered a magisterial inquiry into it. After the investigation, we will take proper action." Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad along with other leaders of the party also joined the protest with the family of the deceased. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Awadhesh Prasad said, "It's a fight of ideology. I'll raise this issue in the Parliament before the government and the country. We will continue our protest against injustice." Reportedly, Shivam Yadav, working as a steno at SDM Sohawal at the Ayodhya district administration, died in a road accident in Ayodhya on Saturday evening. Upon receiving the news of his death, his family members created a ruckus at the district hospital and held the SDM responsible for Yadav's demise. Further details on the matter are awaited.
23 March,2025 09:30 AM IST | Uttar Pradesh | ANIThe Congress on Saturday alleged that projects worth crores of rupees were being awarded to private players without competitive bidding and asked if the BJP-led Centre would initiate an Enforcement Directorate probe. Congress' head of Media and Publicity Department Pawan Khera claimed that more than 20 projects worth over Rs 300 crore were awarded to private players without competitive bidding. There was no immediate comment from either the Goa government or the BJP on the charges. Rs 300 crAmount Grand Old Party claimed the ‘scam’ is worth 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
23 March,2025 07:44 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
