Ranchi: A 32-year-old man was beaten to death by a mob for allegedly attempting to steal goats in Jharkhand’s Giridih district, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place on Saturday night at Sadi Gawanro, a tribal-dominated village, in the Muffasil Police Station area of the district, around 200 km from the state’s capital Ranchi, a senior officer said.
The deceased was identified as Vinod Choudhary, a resident of Simaria village within the same police station limits.
“The man went to the Sadi Gawanro village to steal goats. When he was untying ruminants from a house on Saturday night, it came to the notice of villagers and he was beaten to death,” Giridih sub-divisional police officer Anil Kumar Singh told PTI.
The villagers alleged that the man was involved in several crimes.
An investigation has been started, the SDPO said, adding that the police are trying to identify those involved in killing of the person.
Archives for January 2023
Woman dies after being dragged for 4 km by car in Delhi, 5 arrested; DCW issues summons
New Delhi: In a shocking incident, a 20-year-old woman died after her scooty was hit by a car and her body was dragged for around four kilometres in outer Delhi’s Sultanpuri on Sunday, police said.
Five men travelling in the Maruti Baleno have been arrested, they said.
Meanwhile, a purported video of the woman’s body without clothes and broken legs made rounds on social media. PTI could not independently verify the veracity of the video.
The footage also led to claims that the victim was raped and murdered, but the police called it an accident.
The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has also issued a notice to police in the matter.
According to police, an information was received at 3.24 am in Kanjhawala police station (Rohini district) that a body was tied to a car going towards Qutubgarh area.
The body was sent to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial hospital, Mangolpuri for post-mortem, they said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Harendra Kumar Singh said the victim’s leg got entangled in one of the wheels of the car and she was dragged for around four kilometres.
“A case under IPC sections 279 (rash driving) and 304-A (causing death by negligence) has been registered in the matter. Deepak Khanna (26), Amit Khanna (25), Krishan (27), Mithun (26) and Manoj Mittal have been arrested,” he said.
“While Deepak is a driver, Amit deals with SBI cards in Uttam Nagar, Krishan works at Connaught Place, Mithun works as a hair dresser in Naraina and Mittal works as a food dealer in Sultanpuri,” he said.
Police said blood sample of the car driver has been preserved to examine whether he was under the influence of alcohol or not.
The victim used to work in marriages and other functions as part time. When the incident happened, she was returning home from one such function, they added.
Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal said she has issued summons to Delhi Police in connection with the incident.
Dubai ends 30 per cent tax on alcohol sales, fee for liquor licenses
Dubai ended its 30 per cent tax on alcohol sales in the sheikhdom on Sunday and made its required liquor licenses free to obtain, ending a long-standing source of revenue for its ruling family to apparently further boost its tourism to the emirate.
The sudden New Year’s Day announcement, made by Dubai’s two state-linked alcohol retailers, came apparently from a government decree from its ruling Al Maktoum family. However, government officials did not immediately acknowledge the decision and did not respond to questions from The Associated Press.
But it follows years of loosening regulations over liquor in the sheikhdom, which now sells alcohol during daylight hours in Ramadan and began providing home delivery during the lockdowns at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Alcohol sales have long served as a major barometer of the economy of Dubai, a top travel destination in the UAE, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates. During the recent World Cup in nearby Qatar, Dubai’s many bars drew commuting soccer fans.
Alcohol distributor Maritime and Mercantile International, which is part of the wider Emirates Group, made the announcement in a statement.
“Since we began our operations in Dubai over 100 years ago, the emirate’s approach has remained dynamic, sensitive and inclusive for all,” said Tyrone Reid of MMI. “These recently updated regulations are instrumental to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE.”
MMI did not respond to a question over whether the decision was permanent. However, an ad put up by MMI urged customers to buy from its stores, saying “you no longer need to drive out to the other emirates.”
Dubai residents long have driven into Umm al-Quwain and other emirates for bulk, tax-free alcohol purchases.
African & Eastern, the second alcohol retailer believed to be at least partially held by the state or affiliated firms, also announced the end of the municipality tax and license fees.
Under Dubai law, non-Muslims must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Drinkers are supposed to carry plastic cards issued by the Dubai police that permit them to purchase, transport and consume beer, wine and liquor. Otherwise, they can face fines and arrest even though the sheikhdom’s vast network of bars, nightclubs and lounges almost never ask to see the permit.
Still, relatively liberal Dubai is an outlier among others in the region. Sharjah, an emirate that borders Dubai to the north, outlaws alcohol, as do the nearby nations of Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the oil-rich UAE, ended its alcohol license system in September 2020.
BCCI shortlists 20 players for 2023 ODI World Cup
New Delhi: There is no imminent threat to Rohit Sharma’s ODI and Test captaincy as the BCCI brass hasn’t found anything unsatisfactory about his leadership in the traditional formats, according to sources in the board.
Skipper Rohit, along with head coach Rahul Dravid, attended the review meeting in Mumbai. The meeting was conducted by BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
Along with last selection committee’s chairman Chetan Sharma, NCA head VVS Laxman, president Roger Binny also attended the review meeting.
Since the focus is the World Test Championships (WTC), where India have a good chance of making it to the finals, and the 2023 ODI World Cup, new T20 captain Hardik Pandya wasn’t a part of the meeting.
Hardik is in Mumbai for the T20 international series against Sri Lanka, which starts on Tuesday.
“Rohit is leading India in Tests and ODIs and there was no such discussions about his future as leader in these two formats. Look at his captaincy record in Tests and ODIs and it is more than impressive,” a BCCI source privy to the development told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
It was also decided that a pool of 20 players will be rotated till the 2023 World Cup.
“The BCCI has shortlisted 20 players who will be rotated till the 50 overs ICC World Cup,” Shah said after the meeting.
In what could be a significant move by the board, Sharma, who attended the review meeting on Sunday, could once again retain his chairmanship of the senior national selection panel.
If not chairman, he is likely to be the representative from North Zone. The name of former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad is also doing the rounds from South Zone, but his induction in the panel isn’t a certainty.
Sharma being included in the planning of roadmap up to the 2023 ODI World Cup in itself is a significant development.
“First things first, if Chetan wouldn’t have been told, he wouldn’t have applied in first place. That itself is an indication. India have a World Cup to play in 10 months. Chetan and Harvinder’s presence will add continuity along with three new members,” the source added.
It is understood that SS Das, a former opener, is a big favourite from East Zone because of his 21 Test experience, unless some other compulsions lead to the BCCI choosing a lightweight candidate from east.
From West, Gujarat veteran Mukund Parmar, Salil Ankola, Sameer Dighe are engaged in a three-way race.
The new committee will be named in the coming week.
Mangaluru International Airport to re-carpet runway from Jan 27
Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) will carry out major rehabilitation and recarpeting work on its runway for a little over four-month period starting from January 27.
The work will take place between 9.30 am and 6 pm from Monday to Saturday on all days except Sunday and national holidays until May 31, 2023.
The airlines will be operating their schedules prior to 9.30 am and after 6 pm in the period, a release from MIA here said Sunday.
The 2,450 m long and 45-metre-wide concrete runway was opened for traffic in May 2006, making MIA the first airport in Karnataka not only to have two runways, also the first airport to have a rigid pavement or concrete runway.
This rigid pavement runway has since then undergone periodic maintenance. The scheduled rehabilitation and recarpeting will see MIA asphalt or blacktop the runway to standards specified by the regulator.
The runway will be recarpeted to improve its micro and macro texture, and other allied repairs conceptualised over the years. The recarpeting work also includes installation of the runway centreline lights which will aid the aircraft operations at night and in low visibility conditions and improvements to runway end saftey areas (RESA).
This will enhance the safety as suggested by the committee of inquiry that probed IX 1344 plane crash at Kozhikode in Kerala.
MIA has discussed the recarpeting project with the airline and stakeholders concerned prior to obtaining regulatory approvals. The airport has worked along with the airline partners to ensure that while the flight timings are altered to accommodate the all-important runway recarpeting work, there will be no cancellation of flight to any destination, both international and domestic, the release said.
Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh booked for molesting woman coach
Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh
Chandigarh: Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh has been booked on charges of sexual harassment and wrongful confinement at the complaint of a woman coach, police here said on Sunday.
The FIR against the 36-year-old BJP leader, who is also a former Indian hockey team captain and a first-time MLA, was registered on Saturday, they said.
The minister, however, has dismissed the accusations as baseless and has called for an independent probe.
“In the matter of complaint made by a lady coach of Haryana against Sports Minister Haryana, a case FIR dated 31.12.2022 under Sections 354, 354A, 354B, 342, 506 of the IPC has been registered at Police Station Sector 26, Chandigarh and is being investigated,” a police spokesperson said.
A junior athletics coach from the state had on Thursday come up with allegations of sexual harassment against the minister and filed a police complaint a day later.
The former Olympian has been booked under IPC Section 354 which pertains to assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, 354 A (sexual harassment), 354 B (compelling her to be naked), 342 (wrongful confinement), and 506 (criminal intimidation).
After receiving a complaint from the woman coach, Chandigarh Police had earlier said an inquiry will be conducted into the allegations against the minister.
The woman had told reporters on Friday: “I have given a complaint to SSP madam (Senior Superintendent of Police) here. I am hopeful that I will get justice and the Chandigarh Police will investigate my complaint.”
She has alleged that Sandeep Singh had first seen her at a gym and then contacted her on Instagram.
The coach claimed that the MLA from Pehowa in Kurukshetra kept insisting that they meet. “He messaged me on Instagram and said my national games certificate is pending and wanted to meet in this regard.”
“Unfortunately, my certificate has been misplaced by my federation and I have been taking it up with the authorities concerned,” the woman had said.
She, according to her complaint, agreed to meet Sandeep Singh at his residence-cum-camp office here with some other documents she had. When she went there, the minister molested her, she said.
“He took me to a side cabin of his residence… placed my documents on the side table and placed his hand on my foot. He said when he saw me for the first time, he liked me… He said you keep me happy and I will keep you happy,” the woman alleged.
“I removed his hand he even tore my T-shirt. I was crying and I raised an alarm for help and though all his staff was there, no one helped me,” she had alleged.
Asked about the allegations, Sandeep Singh had on Thursday called them baseless and called for an independent probe. “I want an independent probe. We will also get it probed because my image has been tarnished.”
The minister also said that all details of the woman’s entire life should be looked into.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had earlier demanded an impartial inquiry into the allegations, while the Indian National Lok Dal asked the Manohar Lal Khattar government to immediately sack Sandeep Singh and set up a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter.
Driver, conductor who saved Pant’s life will be honoured: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh
Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said his governement will honour the driver and conductor of the Haryana Roadways bus who came to the rescue of cricketer Rishabh Pant during a road accident near Roorkee.
“By saving the life of the cricketer at the risk of their own lives, the Haryana Roadways driver and conductor have set an example for others.
“The state government will honour them on January 26,” Dhami said at the inauguration of a hostel here.
While going to Roorkee, his hometown, on Friday, Pant slept on the wheel and rammed his car into the divider on the Delhi-Dehradun highway.
Bus driver Sushil Kumar and conductor Paramjit, who were around and witnessed the accident, rescued Pant from the car.
They pulled him out of the car and called the police.
2023 to witness series of assembly polls, being seen as semi-finals to LS elections
New Delhi: A series of assembly polls this year are being considered as semi-finals to the Lok Sabha election slated to be held in the summer of 2024.
Key states of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana would go for polls this year, besides states from the North-East.
The northeastern states of Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya will be the first to have assembly polls, most likely in February-March. The terms of their respective legislative assemblies is ending on different dates in March.
While Tripura has a BJP government, in Nagaland, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party is in power.
National People’s Party, the only party from the North-East to have a national party recognition, runs the government in Meghalaya.
Sources in the Election Commission had indicated in December that the elections in the three states will be held together, followed by polls in Karnataka later.
The term of the 224-member Karnataka legislative assembly ends on May 24. Polls in the BJP-ruled state to form a new assembly could be held in late April or early May.
The last part of 2023 would witness a series of assembly polls with terms of legislative assemblies of Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana ending on different dates in December this year and January 2024.
While the term of the 40-member Mizoram assembly ends on December 17, the tenures of the Chhattisgarh and the Madhya Pradesh legislative assemblies conclude on January 3 and January 6, 2024, respectively.
The tenures of the Rajasthan and Telangana assemblies end on January 14 and January 16, 2024, respectively.
Polls in these five states being held together cannot be ruled out at this stage.
Besides the nine scheduled polls, assembly elections in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir can also not be ruled out this year.
On December 9, sources had said that elections in Jammu and Kashmir may be held in the summer of 2023 after winter conditions subside, and the timing would depend on the security scenario.
The final electoral roll of Jammu and Kashmir was published on November 25 last year paving the way for polls, the first since Article 370 provisions were abrogated and the erstwhile state was bifurcated into Union territories in 2019.
NCW received nearly 31,000 complaints of crimes against women in 2022
New Delhi: Nearly 31,000 complaints of crimes committed against women were received by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in 2022, the highest since 2014.
In 2021, the NCW had received 30,864 complaints while in 2022, the number slightly increased to 30,957.
Of the 30,957 complaints, the maximum of 9,710 were related to the right to live with dignity that takes into account the emotional abuse of women, followed by those related to domestic violence at 6,970 and dowry harassment at 4,600, according to NCW data accessed by PTI.
About 54.5 per cent (16,872) of the complaints were received from the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi recorded 3,004 complaints, followed by Maharashtra (1,381), Bihar (1,368) and Haryana (1,362).
According to the data, the highest number of complaints related to the right to live with dignity and domestic violence were received from Uttar Pradesh.
The number of complaints received by the NCW in 2022 is the highest since 2014, when the panel had received 33,906 complaints.
As many as 2,523 complaints were received regarding the offence of outraging the modesty of women or molestation, 1,701 were related to rape and attempt to rape, 1,623 were in connection with police apathy against women and 924 complaints were related to cyber crimes, according to the data.
SC to pronounce verdict on pleas against demonetisation on Monday
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its judgment on Monday on a batch of pleas challenging the government’s 2016 decision to demonetise currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denominations.
A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice S A Nazeer, who will retire on January 4, is likely to pronounce its verdict on the matter on January 2, when the top court will reopen after its winter break.
According to Monday’s cause list of the top court, there will be two separate judgements in the matter, which will be pronounced by Justices B R Gavai and B V Nagarathna. It is not clear whether the two judgements will be concurring or dissenting.
Besides Justices Nazeer, Gavai and Nagarathna, the other members of the five-judge bench are Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian.
The top court had, on December 7, directed the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to put on record the relevant records relating to the government’s 2016 decision and reserved its verdict.
It heard the arguments of Attorney General R Venkataramani, the RBI’s counsel and the petitioners’ lawyers, including senior advocates P Chidambaram and Shyam Divan.
Calling the scrapping of the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes deeply flawed, Chidambaram had argued that the government cannot on its own initiate any proposal relating to legal tender, which can only be done on the recommendation of the RBI’s central board.
Resisting the apex court’s attempt to revisit the 2016 demonetisation exercise, the government had said the court cannot decide a matter when no tangible relief can be granted by way of “putting the clock back” and “unscrambling a scrambled egg”.
The RBI had earlier admitted in its submissions that there were “temporary hardships” and that those too are an integral part of the nation-building process, but there was a mechanism by which the problems that arose were solved.
In an affidavit, the Centre told the top court recently that the demonetisation exercise was a “well-considered” decision and part of a larger strategy to combat the menace of fake money, terror financing, black money and tax evasion.
The Supreme Court has heard a batch of 58 petitions challenging the demonetisation exercise announced by the Centre on November 8, 2016.