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VOL. XXXX NO. 345 | INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024 | PAGES 14 `3 r Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026; r RNI No. 38281/83 www.freepressjournal.in

EDITIONS: INDORE, BHOPAL, UJJAIN, MUMBAI, PUNE

EDIT
COUNTDOWN OF DISINTEGRATION OF INDIA POLL SEASON ENDING, BLAME GAME CINEMA

WEATHER
43.10c. 29.00c

BLOC HAS BEGUN: MODI NATION

CBI SEIZES Rs 2.33 crore, 4 gold

NO WAVE DISCERNIBLE
Sunrise : 05.44

NURSING COLLEGE SCAM

Sunset : 07.00

LS POLLS

bars, 36 digital devices inspector

Over 59% IRAN: NEW CHAPTER
polling in
One more CBI
5th phase OF INSTABILITY?
Baramulla records its INDIA DECLARES ONE-DAY MOURNING
FP NEWS SERVICE

SEARCHES AT 31 places in Bhopal, Indore, Ratlam Jaipur

arrested
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
CBI conducted searches
at 31 places in Bhopal,
Indore, Ratlam and
Jaipur and effected re-
coveries of over Rs 2.33
crore in cash, four gold
bars, 36 digital devices
and over 150 incriminat-
ing documents, said offi-
cials on Monday.
CBI ACB, Bhopal had
constituted seven core
teams and three to four
support teams compris-
ing officials from CBI, who
are looking into the nursing
colleges scam in MP. The
CBI investigation comes af-
ter directions of the High
Court that told them to con-
duct State-wide inspections
to ascertain whether the
nursing colleges satisfied
the laid down norms and
standards for nursing col-
leges regarding infrastruc-
tural facilities and faculty.
During monitoring of in-
spections being carried
out by various teams, offi-
cials of one of the support
teams, including CBI in-
spector Rahul Raj, were
found to be indulging in
corrupt activities. It was
observed that they were
giving favourable inspec-
tion reports in lieu of
bribes collected through
conduits.
The internal vigilance
mechanism of CBI came
into action and a case
against 23 persons, includ-
ing inspector Rahul Raj,
three other CBI officials
BHOPAL: CBI has arrested
one more CBI officer in the
and conduits,
touts was regis- nursing home scam case on
tered. Monday. The sleuths have
In follow-up ac- presented four accused in
tion, CBI, New the special Court of CBI
Delhi arrested including the inspector, here
13 accused per- on Monday, said officials. Till
sons including Monday the CBI had
Rahul Raj, in- presented 13 accused in the
spector, CBI, case, and they were sent on
Sushil Kumar 10 days police remand on
Majoka, inspec- Court's order. On Saturday
tor, MP police the CBI sleuths conducted
on attachment raids in different locations of
with CBI and three districts Bhopal,
Om Goswami, Indore and Ratlam. On
Ravi Bhadoria Sunday the CBI team
and Jugal Kishore, who presented nine accused of
were acting as touts. Three the scam in the Court
women have also been ar- including an inspector.
rested in the case. All of According to officials, on
the arrested accused per- Monday the CBI arrested
sons have been remanded one more inspector Suchil
to CBI custody till May Mejokar who was also the
29th. part of the ongoing scam
The nursing home scam investigating team.
has rocked the state and The sleuths have presented
exposed serious irregular- four accused who were
ities in the way permission arrested in Ratlam and other
places were brought to the
was given to nursing col-
Court.
leges in the state. Source
said investigations are still CONTD. ON P7
on in the case.
highest-ever turnout
NEW DELHI: Over 59 per
cent voter turnout was
recorded on Monday in 49
constituencies in six states
and two Union territories
in the fifth phase of Lok
Sabha elections, with Bara-
mulla in Jammu and Kash-
mir recording its highest-
ever voting percentage.
There were sporadic inci-
dents of violence in West
Bengal, besides EVM glitch-
es at some booths in the
state and neighbouring
Odisha and complaints of
slow voting in Maharashtra.
West Bengal recorded the
highest polling percentage
at 73.14, while Maharash-
tra recorded the lowest at
53.51 per cent, with six Lok
Sabha constituencies of
Mumbai witnessing voting
between 46 per cent to
around 54 per cent per
cent. Thane recorded a
turnout of 49.81 per cent,
according to the EC's voter
turnout app.
The EC had on Sunday
flagged urban voter apathy
in Mumbai, Thane and Luc-
know and had urged people
to come out and vote.
Jammu and Kashmir's
Baramulla Lok Sabha con-
NEW DELHI, TEHRAN
India has declared a day s
state mourning on Tues-
day following the death of
Iranian President
Ebrahim Raisi and For-
eign Minister Amir-Abdol-
lahian. The Tricolour will
be flown at half-mast on all
government buildings and
there will be no official en-
tertainment on the day.
It has been confirmed
that 63-year-old Raisi, his
foreign minister and seven
others died in Sunday s
helicopter crash in the
mountainous region of the
country s East Azerbaijan
province. The crash is at-
tributed to technical rea-
sons and a high-level probe
has been ordered.
The sudden death of
Iran s president may ush-
er in a period of instabili-
ty as he was tipped to suc-
AAP got over Rs 7-cr foreign funding: ED
AGENCIES
New Delhi
The Enforcement Direc-
ceed the supreme leader,
Ali Khamenei, 85, who is
in declining health. Raisi,
63, was especially
favoured by the powerful
Revolutionary Guards as
a successor.
The demise has also
come at a time when Iran
is facing internal dissent
in some quarters, a weak
economy, rampant corrup-
tion and simmering ten-
sions with Israel, analysts
told NYT. Still, they don t
expect Iran s foreign or do-
mestic policies to alter
much.
Iran s Supreme Leader,
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei, on Monday
tasked Vice President Mo-
hammad Mokhber to as-
sume interim duties. Mo-
jtaba, 55, Khamenei s son,
was Raisi s main rival. The
Iranian president s death
may now make it easier for
Mojtaba to succeed his fa-
Atishi’s counter
"BJP does this before every
election... many such false
allegations will be made
ther. The Iranian cabinet
has appointed Deputy For-
eign Minister Ali Bagheri
Kani as acting foreign min-
ister; he is Iran s one-time
top nuclear negotiator.
Khamenei, in a message
issued on Monday morn-
ing, expressed his great
sadness over the deaths
and offered condolences to
people of his country. A
five-day mourning has
been ordered as well as a
probe into the crash. Ear-
lier today, Iranian state me-
dia IRNA shared drone
footage shot by the Red
Crescent showing the
wreckage of the crashed
helicopter.
Raisi s death also threat-
ens to complicate intermit-
tent talks Iran has been
holding with the United
States on de-escalating the
regional conflict and on
the future of its nuclear
program.
the FCRA, official sources
said Monday.
The federal probe agency
sent the communication

over the next four days

stituency, which was once torate has written to the after it recovered some

4 ISIS terrorists from Lanka Juvenile task militancy-infested, record- Union Home Ministry al-
(before Delhi's seven Lok
documents and emails dur-

Sabha seats vote, all of

ed its highest-ever voter leging the Aam Aadmi Par- ing a drugs-linked money

which were won by the

land in Ahmedabad, arrested
turnout on Monday at 59 ty, which rules Delhi and laundering probe against
for killer per cent, J-K Chief Elec-
toral Officer P K Pole said.
Punjab, has received more
than Rs 7 crore foreign BJP last time)," she said.
former Punjab AAP MLA
Sukhpal Singh Khaira and
teen driver CONTD. ON P7 funds in contravention of some others. CONTD. ON P7

FP NEWS SERVICE
PUNE

The wheels of justice

turn slowly, but grind

FP NEWS SERVICE
exceedingly fine, it is

NEWS BRIEF
Prachanda wins
confidence vote
KATHMANDU: Nepal
Prime Minister Pushpa
Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on
Monday won a vote of
confidence in Parliament,
the fourth within 18
months of taking office.
Prachanda, 69, received
157 votes in the 275-
member House of
Representatives.
Ahmedabad
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist
Squad (ATS) foiled a poten-
tial terror plot with the ar-
rest of four suspected ISIS
terrorists at the Ahmedabad
airport on Monday. They
were acting on a tip off. Ac-
cording to officials, the sus-
pects, Sri Lankan nationals,
arrived in Ahmedabad via
Chennai. Their purpose for
entering India and their in-
tended target remain under
investigation. The arrests
come amidst heightened se-
curity concerns as Ahmed-
abad gears up to host up-
coming IPL matches, with
several cricket teams arriv-
ing at the city s airport.
Director General of Police
Vikas Sahay said the ac-
cused, Mohammad Nusrat
(35), Mohammad Faarukh
(35), Mohammad Nafran
(27) and Mohammad Ras-
deen (43), took a flight from
Colombo and reached Chen-
nai in the wee hours of Sun-
day. They then took another
flight to Ahmedabad, where
they landed around 8 pm
Sunday, PTI reports.
CONTD. ON P7
said. But, for once, the
long arm of the law has
clearly handled with kid
gloves the case of a 17-
year-old driving a Porsche
at breakneck speed; he
rammed into a bike, caus-
ing the death of a man and
a woman on the spot. The
killer driver, son of a
prominent Pune builder,
was out on bail 15 hours
after his arrest having
submitted a surety of Rs
7,500. It was contended
that the crime was not se-
rious enough to deny bail.
CONTD. ON P7

Woman stabs 2 to
death in China
BEIJING: May 20 (PTI) At
least two people were killed
and 10 others injured when a
knife-wielding woman went
on a stabbing spree at a
primary school in east China's
Jiangxi province on Monday,
in the second such incident in
the country this month.
18 killed in
Chhattisgarh
KAWARDHA: Seventeen
women and a man were killed
and four others injured when
a mini goods vehicle they
were travelling in plunged into
a valley in Chhattisgarh's
Kabirdham district on Monday,
police said. The accident
occurred around 1.45 pm on
Banjari Ghat near Bahpani
village under Kukdur police
station limits, an official said.
CBI books Indore man for sexual
abuse of minor from Australia
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
The Central Bureau of In-
vestigation (CBI) has regis-
tered a case against ac-
cused from Indore Ankur
Shukla on allegations of
Online Sexual Abuse, In-
timidation of a minor girl
from Australia, said the of-
ficials on Monday.
CBI had received input
from Interpol in this re-
gard. It was alleged that
the accused befriended the
said minor girl on a social
media platform Instagram.
During conversation with
the said minor girl, he al-
legedly groomed her into
sending him, her objec-
tionable images and
videos.
It was further alleged
that over a period of
time when the said mi-
nor girl was reluctant to
share images and
videos, the accused
started threatening her
that he would release
her images and videos to
her friends and family
members, as a result,
she continued to share
the videos and images
under duress.
Later, the victim blocked
the accused on the said so-
cial media platform. How-
ever, the accused again
contacted the said minor
girl over WhatsApp to fur-
ther intimidate her.
CBI developed the inputs
by utilizing its expertise to
geolocate the accused and
to zero-in on his exact
whereabouts and also to
gather evidence.
Searches were conducted
at the premises of the
Shukla which led to recov-
ery of incriminating mate-
rials like computer hard
disk, mobile phone etc.

INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY

INDOREANS LOVE THEIR CUPPA STRONG & SWEET

RAGINEE CHAUREY / Indore
'Tea to the English is real-
ly a picnic indoors.' It is a
PARTICULARS UNITS (APPROX) about their tea and even a
Tea Leaves consumed per month 10 lakh kg
slight change in smell or
Milk used in tea (per day) 1 lakh litre
taste upsets them. "Peo-
Tea prepared/ per litre milk 10-12 cups
ple love their tea when it

Total consumption (per day) 10-12 lakh cups

common saying but one
must read Indori in place
of English as the Indore-
ans too have imbibed tea
drinking to their core.
On the eve of Interna-
tional Tea Day, Free
Press delved into the
city's love for chai and
found that Indoreans
consume over 12 lakh
cups of tea per day worth
a whopping Rs 12 crore.
When it comes to the tea
leaf market, the consump-
tion of tea leaves in the
city is highest in the state
with over 10 lakh kg per
month.
For the youth, tea is not
an aspirational drink,
rather a dose that they
must have daily. Naturally,
they throng tea stalls at
every nook and corner.
Indoreans are picky
is a bit sweet yet strong
with a bright golden
colour," said Omprakash
Upadhyaya, a tea taster
for the last 26 years.
"Indore is one of the
biggest markets of tea
leaves in the state. The
consumption is over 10
lakh kilograms every
month in Indore and its
surrounding 30-km ra-
dius," Porwal Tea Compa-
ny's Sonu Jain, said.
CONTD. ON P7
INDORE CITY

Spectacular Debut: IIM Indore bags 3rd rank

INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

among IIMs, 61st globally in open category

FT EXECUTIVE EDUCATION RANKINGS 2024
Registry of notarised
properties to begin soon
lector Asheesh Singh, an better results at these
T he process
will begin
from Sheetal
exemplary campaign is go-
ing to begin in the form of
a pilot project to give citi-
places, it can be expanded
to other areas also.
An important decision is
zens the actual ownership taken in the interest of the
markable 9.15 out of 10, in- rights of their property in general public who has
HE PREMIER
Nagar and

T B-SCHOOL
ALSO
SECURED THE
dicating a high level of par-
ticipant contentment with
the programmes in the
Open Executive Education
Programme category.
85TH POSITION Additionally, IIM Indore
leads in "Faculty Diversity"
with a score of 80, showcas-
GLOBALLY IN
THE EXECUTIVE ing the diverse backgrounds
of its teaching staff.
In the Customised Pro-
EDUCATION
(CUSTOMISED) grammes Category, IIM In-
Malviya Nagar
as a pilot project
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
The process of registries of
notarised properties locat-
ed in the city will begin
soon. First the process will
begin from Sheetal Nagar
and Malviya Nagar as a pi-
the city. Under the cam-
paign, property registra-
tion of residents of such il-
legal colonies of the city
which have been legalised
as per instructions of the
state government will be
done.
For this, as a pilot proj-
ect, the work will be done
from Sheetal Nagar locat-
ed in Ward No 31 and
been the owner of undis-
puted property through
notary for many years.
Now the documents of
such properties will be reg-
istered in the registration
office on the basis of prop-
erty tax receipt and assess-
ment of the municipality.
Such land owners who
have the old notary of own-
ership of the plot will be

Cong stages protest at IMC

CATEGORY dore has demonstrated out- lot project. Malviya Nagar located in able to register their docu-
standing performance in On the initiative of Col- Ward No 30. After getting ments further.
OUR STAFF REPORTER several key categories. The

over property tax hike issue

city.indore@fpj.co.in
Making a spectacular de-
but in the Financial Times
(FT) Executive Education
Rankings 2024, Indian In-
stitute of Management In-
dore has been ranked 3rd
among the IIMs and 61st
globally in the Executive
Education (Open) category.
Additionally, the premier
institute in Indore has se-
cured the 3rd position
among the IIMs and 85th
globally in the Executive
Education (Customised)
category.
IIM Indore is now among
the top 100 B-Schools to of-
fer the best executive edu-
IIM Indore director Prof Rai with senior officials from foreign participating in executive education programme at the institute. FILE PHOTO
regarded worldwide, evalu-
ating business schools
based on various criteria
that measure the quality
and effectiveness of their
executive education pro-
grammes.
"IIM Indore's outstanding
debut in this ranking re-
flects our dedication to pro-
viding high-quality educa-
tional experiences for exec-
utives across the globe,"
said IIM Indore director
Prof Himanshu Rai.
"We currently offer over
250 executive education
programmes, both open
and customised, available
lieve in education for all,
and in today’s changing
world, upskilling is essen-
tial,” he said.
IIM Indore is at the fore-
front of providing careful-
ly curated programmes
that cater to the needs of
executives.
“We are renowned for our
focus on academic excel-
lence, reinforced by our
Triple Crown accredita-
tion. As the second IIM to
receive this honour and
among the top 1% of busi-
ness schools globally to
achieve it, our executive
education programmes are
“We now aim to be in the
top 50 globally in the Open
Executive Education Pro-
grammes ranking in the
coming years,” he added.
IIM Indore’s executive ed-
ucation programmes con-
sist of a wide array of of-
ferings designed to meet
specific needs. “These pro-
grammes are conducted at
our campuses in Indore
and Mumbai. We also offer
courses in UAE and the
Middle East and now have
800+ alumni base there,”
he said.
Notably, the institute has
achieved the second high-
institute scored the highest
in "Preparation" (73), "Pro-
gramme Design" (86),
"Teaching Methods & Ma-
terials" (87), "Faculty" (85),
"Follow-up" (89), "Aims
Achieved" (87), "Value for
Money" (86), and "Future
Use" (80) among the Indian
business schools.
IIM Indore offers a di-
verse portfolio of on-cam-
pus and online executive
education programmes for
professionals at different
levels. From AI to People
Management to Defence
and Healthcare, the b-
school’s programmes cover
a broad spectrum. Addi-
tionally, the institute has
Indore: The Congress on
Sunday staged a demonstra-
tion at Indore Municipal
‘As soon as voting for Lok
Sabha elections got over, the
IMC implemented the in-
IDA estate officer
relieved from duty
over suspicion of
irregularities
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
The IDA Estate Officer
Manish Srivastava was re-
lieved from his post in the
case of land allotment ir-
regularities in IDA.
On the instructions of the
collector, CEO RP Ahir-
war attached him to the
Election Branch. Land Ac-

New record: 81K vie for admission

cation programmes. in various formats—on- contextually relevant to est score among the B- collaborated with foreign Corporation (IMC) demand- creased rate of property quisition Officer Sudeep
The FT Executive Educa- line, offline, and across dif- meet contemporary busi- Schools in India in "Overall universities to offer execu- ing withdrawal of increase tax,’ Choukse told reporters. Meena was given addi-
tion Rankings are highly ferent durations. We be- ness challenges,” said Rai. Satisfaction" with a re- tive education courses. in rate of property tax in He said that this proposal tional responsibility of

on 60K seats in BEd course

531 colonies in the city.
Led by Chintu Choukse,
Strong security leaders of opposition in IMC,
corporators and workers of
arrangements to be made at the Congress party reached
IMC headquarters raising
tourist places during rains slogans against the BJP-
ruled civic body council.
disaster control centres They had gone to hand
(control rooms) will be set up
was approved without dis-
cussion amidst noise in the
IMC’s council meeting held
in the last week of April,
2023. ‘We had lodged our ob-
jection with the Speaker
Munnalal Yadav at the time.
We were assured that the
hike will be rolled back but
the Estate Branch from
Monday.
It has been reported that
the IDA Estate Officer
gave sanctions for land al-
lotment allegedly in an ir-
regular manner.
IDA CEO Ahirwar has
passed an order to consti-

T
C ollector reviews
preparations to
at the Collector Office, IMC,
over a memorandum to mu- the assurance was not kept,’ tute an enquiry into the
meet disasters caused
by rain and flood
Police Headquarters, MPEB
and other offices at the
W indow shut for
admission to
Registration for the second

he registration for second round of counselling in BEd and

Indore: Keeping in view the
monsoon season, collector
Asheesh Singh at a meeting
held at the collectorate on
district level.
Collector Singh directed that
electricity supply should be
maintained continuously
during monsoon. Citizens
round also starts from today
nicipal commissioner Shiv-
am Verma but as he was out
of station, additional mu-
he added. He said that Con-
gress opposes this proposal
and demands immediate
matter and appropriate
actions will be
taken against the official
other teacher education courses will also start on Tuesday.
UG prorgrammes;
Registrations will be done till May 28. Online verification of nicipal commissioner Sid- withdrawal of this rate in- if any irregularities are
registrations for PG
documents will take place from May 22 to May 30. The dharth Jain accepted it. crease. found.
courses close today allotment list will come on June 9. Besides, the third and last
OUR STAFF REPORTER round of counselling will take place from June 7 to June 12 and

Monday said that strong city.indore@fpj.co.in
security arrangements would should be given prior
be made at tourist places in information, before opening The popularity of the BEd
the district. The meeting was the gates of Yashwant Sagar.
course has significantly
informed that teams of Home Special surveillance should be gone up this year with more
maintained in the mines and
Guard and SDRF will be than 81,000 students regis-
present at Sanwer, Mhow and fencing should be done by tering for the two-year de-
Depalpur tehsil headquarters their operators and places
gree course in 600 colleges
for quick rescue and relief prone to water logging must with an intake of around
be identified well in advance.
action in case of any calamity 60,000 seats.
due to excess rainfall or Superintendent The figures came up
flooding. It was stated in the of police (Rural) Sunil Mehta, when Department of High-
meeting that concrete DCP Hansraj Singh, IDA CEO er Education released the
arrangements are being made RP Ahirwar, additional registration data with
as a precaution to deal with commissioner of IMC around 75,000 getting their
excessive rains, floods and Siddharth Jain,
documents verified.
situations arising therefrom. additional vollector Gaurav
“This is for the first time
For prior information and Bainal and Roshan Rai and that students in such a large
exchange of information officials of other concerned
number have registered for
during emergency situations, departments were present. the BEd course in the very
first round of counselling,”
said Rambabu Sharma, di-
News in Brief
Lalwani conducts floral Junior docs thrash
offering to Lord Shiva
ambulance operator
for diverting patients
to pvt hospitals
Indore: An ambulance operator at MY
Hospital was apprehended and beaten by
junior doctors after being caught diverting
patients to private hospitals under the
pretence of providing better treatment, on
Monday. The incident has also sparked an
investigation into unethical practices
involving hospital staff.
Junior doctors at MY
MP Shankar Lalwani conducted a floral offering to Lord Shiva Hospital had been
amidst Vedic chants using 1100 lotus flowers at Shri Shri Vidya concerned about a
Dham on Monday. In the event which began at 11:00 am, amidst
recitation of Vedic mantras by several Brahmin pundits, MP noticeable decline in
Lalwani performed an abhishek (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva with patient admissions and
Panchamrit (a mixture of five sacred substances) followed by a
floral offering using 1100 lotus flowers. Expressing his wishes for
ongoing complaints,
leading them to
the prosperity of Indore, Shankar Lalwani, while offering lotus intercept an ambulance
flowers at the feet of the deity, also expressed his hope for
operator named Deepak
formation of Modi government with a high margin. On this Verma.
occasion, Lalwani sought blessings from the head of the ashram,
The ambulance operator
Mahamandaleshwar Shri Chinmayanand Saraswati Maharaj. Vinod
Singhal and other associates were also present along with was reportedly convincing patients to leave
hundreds of Brahmin pundits. MY Hospital by claiming that superior
treatment was available at private hospitals
through Ayushman Card scheme, which is
intended to provide healthcare benefits.
Maharana Pratap Samman
Samaroh organised Following confrontation, Verma was taken
to the hospital superintendent and the
hospital management is now investigating
the involvement of other staff members,
including ward boys and additional
employees suspected of collusion. Notices
have been issued to ban Verma, Ravi and
one other from the hospital premises.
Sources indicate that Verma and other
agents have been operating within the
hospital, directing Ayushman Card patients
to private hospitals in exchange for
commissions. These agents often target
patients requiring significant medical
Indore: The Maharana Pratap Youth Brigade and the Sarv Rajput
Samaj Charitable Trust organised the Maharana Pratap Samman procedures, such as bone surgeries and
Samaroh on the occasion of the death anniversary of Emperor similar behaviour has been reported in the
Prithviraj Chauhan and the upcoming 484th birth anniversary of past. Compounding the problem,
Maharana Pratap. During the event, individuals from the Rajput ambulances continue to park within MY
community who have made exceptional contributions in education, Hospital premises despite a ban imposed by
healthcare, social service, matrimonial alliances and mass marriages the former Divisional Commissioner.
were honoured with the Maharana Pratap Award in memory of
Meanwhile, Dr Ashok Yadav,
the late Sadhana Singh.Special recognition was given to Abhay superintendent, MY Hospital, said that
Pratap Singh, Daksh Singh, Payushi Chandel, Aditya Singh, Soyam
Baish, and several other children for their excellent academic strict action would be taken against anyone
results. Dr Sonal Sisodia, principal of the Daily College of Business involved in these activities.
Management, Dr Deepti Haada, Chanchal Selaria of Anubhuti If any such activity is happening in the
Vision Seva Sansthan, Rani Chandel, Shobha Sisodia, Dr Priya hospital, we will take strict action against
Solanki, Shivani Singh, Suhani Singh, Dr Rachna Parmar and others them along with investigating the
were honoured for their outstanding contributions to society. involvement of any hospital staff, he stated.
W
online verification of documents will be done from June 8 to 13. Abhyas Mandal members manage
UG window closed, PG to shut today evening traffic at Geeta Bhawan
hile registrations for admission in traditional UG courses Indore: As part of the series of initiatives
closed on Monday, the application window for the first
aimed at improving traffic management and
round of counselling will shut on Tuesday. For those raising public awareness, members of the
who have not applied for admission in PG courses like MCom,
MA and MSc, should act now and do registration on Tuesday
Abhyas Mandal hit the streets on Monday.
Under the one-day city traffic improvement
itself. Meanwhile, the DHE stated that the allotment list and public awareness campaign they took over
of first round of online counselling for UG courses will be
the responsibility of traffic control at Geeta
released on May 25. Bhawan Square in the evening.
Under the leadership of traffic wardens Murli
seats in colleges for BEd, Khandelwal and Arun Gholap, affiliated with
MEd and BPEd, MPEd will the Traffic Warden Organisation, Radha
be released on Tuesday. Krishna Jhankiyas, Shyam Biyani, Saroj Somani, appealed for cooperation to make Indore the
Many students with Suresh Chandra Bairagi, Neeraj Sharma, Murari leader in traffic management. Present at the event
Gupta, Ghanshyam Yadav, and Shekhar Chauhan, were president of the Abhyas MandalRameshwar
high percentage in qualify- along with members of the Abhyas Mandal, were
Gupta, Shankar Garg, Shafi Sheikh, Swapnil Vyas,
ing exams have registered seen managing traffic smoothly at all signal, holding Rajendra Jain, Father Pais, Dilip Waghela, Arvind
for the BEd course, Sharma banners in their hands. Prior to managing traffic,
Porwal, Raja Chaukse, Satish Saswadkar and
rector of Matushree Educa- said. traffic police TI LalBahadur Bodh and traffic police Dwaraka Malviya. The event was managed by
tion College. Last year, the cut-off for inspector Sumit Singh Kachhwa provided training Malasingh Thakur and Deepti Gaur. This initiative
As per the schedule, the the BEd course was around to these individuals on traffic management and is receiving a positive response, with schools and
first list of students allotted 72 per cent. regulations at Ambedkar Square. They also colleges actively participating.
Gramin Bank felicitates ‘Hindu culture paves way to
senior social workers transform from Nar to Narayan’
learner volunteers in the
R SS Malwa Prant
Karyavah Vineet inaugural session,
Nawathe said that snatch-
OUR STAFF REPORTER
Nawathe said while
the co-ordinator of Sankalp Group, ing food from someone is a
city.indore@fpj.co.in Jhabua. Additionally, Nandu Kulka-
inaugurating a
perversion, burning some-
rni, Suresh Arekar and Subhash one else's house for getting
15-day education
A felicitation ceremony was organ- Paliwal were also felicitated in the heat is a demonic perver-
camp of RSS
ised for the city's senior social programme. Furthermore, Arun sion, but eating by sharing
workers by Gramin Bank Charita- Bagdi, who has donated blood 60 together is culture, to give
ble Committee on Monday.
The Secretary of the Charitable
times, kidney donor Ayushi Datt
and writer Yashodhara Bhatnagar
T he camp is going
on at Gujarati one's share to the needy is
also our culture. These
School located in
Committee, RK Jain announced were recognised for their contribu- virtues take men towards
that the chief guest of the event tion.
Vijay Nagar
divinity. Our Hindu cul-
was city's prominent poet, Profes- Awardee Radheshyam Sabu re- OUR STAFF REPORTER ture provides us an oppor-
sor Rajeev Sharma and special marked that the greatest reward for city.indore@fpj.co.in tunity to transform from a
guest was Avadh Kishor Sharma, social work is our self-satisfaction. human being to Narayana.
the President of the Senior Citi- He emphasised that this recogni- The 15-day education He said that Hindu cul-
zens’ Forum. tion would inspire others and that camp of RSS began in the ture gives the message of
On this occasion, notable social every step of our lives should be to- city at Gujarati School world brotherhood, all-in-
workers from various organisations wards philanthropy. from Monday. 228 selected clusiveness and co-ordina-
were honoured with distinguished Chief guest Rajeev Sharma, in his volunteers of Malwa re- tion. It provides direction
social worker award. The recipients address highlighted the importance gion are participating in to a person to do good not
included Radheshyam Sabu and of charity using examples from the the camp. While address- only for himself, his family,
Sushil Srivastava from Pidahar So- Ramayana, Gita and other scrip- ing the inaugural ceremo- country but also for the en-
ciety, Sanjay Agrawal from Gold tures. He also praised efforts of the ny of the Camp Vineet tire world.
Coin Trust, Arjun Richharia from Charitable Committee and thanked Nawathe, Malwa Prant We believe that Ram is
Basti Foundation and Bharti Soni, all its members. Karyavah, said that Hindu there in every moment, so
culture paves way to trans- if we all awaken the Ram
form ourselves from Nar to within us and recognise
Narayan. him, then we can find God.
Body found in truck on roadside In the camp every day, Only then can we move
from 4:30 am to 10.15 pm, from Nar to Narayan. Our
Indore: A body of a 35-year-old man was found in a various physical and intel- culture teaches us world
truck parked near Vishranti Square in Pardesipura lectual sessions will be or- brotherhood; we have fam-
police circle on Monday evening. It is said that he ganised. The volunteers ily ties with the entire
might have died due to excessive liquor consumption will follow a rigorous rou- world. On this occasion,
or some disease. According to the police, the deceased tine and learn about the Sandeep Zamindar, senior
was identified as Ashish, a resident of Nanda Nagar. continuous work of social businessman, was present
He was a driver. He was suffering from some disease service of the RSS. as the head of the educa-
and was addicted to liquor. While addressing the tion camp.
 INDORE CITY
16-YEAR-BOY HANGS SELF
Indore: A 16-year-old boy committed suicide by hanging himself at his place in Hira Nagar police circle on Sunday. The exact reason behind

Man brutally murders wife in front of kids

his extreme decision is yet not known. However, family members said that he might have taken the extreme step due to his studies.
According to the police, the deceased was identified as Abhinav, a resident of Shyam Nagar. One of his uncles said that he had completed his
studies of class XI and was about to enter XII. He might have committed suicide due to his studies but the family members are unaware about
the exact reason. He hanged himself in a store room on the terrace and when his mother went there for dry clothes, she found him hanging.
INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

THREE MURDERS IN 36 HOURS ROCK CITY FRUIT VENDOR STABS

OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
Three murders in 36 hours
rocked the city. Tall claims
of city police fell flat with
the number of cold blooded
killings increasing contin-
uously with seven people
being brutally murdered in
the last nine days.
Surprisingly, the cops
don’t have any control over
increasing crime and
killings in the city but only
have an excuse of personal
conflicts as a reason for
each case.
A drunk man killed his
wife after thrashing her
brutally and stabbed her
with a sharp-edged weapon
over suspicion of illicit re-
lationship. The tragic inci-
dent occurred in Jawahar
Tekri area, under Chandan
Nagar Police Station juris-
diction, around 2 am on
Monday. The accused was
arrested and police seized
the weapon used in the
crime shortly after the in-
cident.
According to police, the
deceased was identified as
Laxmi and the accused has
been identified as Bharat
Patil. He owns a small
garage.
ACP Nandani Sharma
said that the accused is ad-
dicted to liquor and used to
beat his wife over some do-
mestic dispute. The ac-
cused suspected his wife of
having an extra-marital af-
fair. On the day of the inci-
dent, he came in an inebri-
ated condition and asked
his wife to close the door
but when he saw the door
to be open after some time,
he became suspicious of
someone coming to his
house. He began to abuse
her and beat her up. The
dispute continued for some
hours and later the accused
brutally thrashed her ands
stabbed her to death with a
sharp-edged weapon in
front of their two daugh-
ters aged 11 and 13. The ac-
cused even tried to hit a
grinding stone on the de-
ceased but his children in-
tervened and stopped him.
The accused even called an
ambulance himself.
The deceased’s daughters
said that the man also beat
them with a belt when they
tried to intervene to save
their mother.They also said
that when her condition de-
teriorated, the accused put
ENO in her mouth. The
victim’s brother alleged
that Bharat grabbed tools
from his garage like a
screwdriver and stabbed
her to death. The accused
called her brother and ad-
mitted to killing her. The
couple had been married
for over 25 years. The po-
lice registered a case
against the accused for
murder under relevant sec-
tions of the IPC and arrest-
ed him.
WOMAN FOR BARGAINING
Indore: Bargaining is a
thing which women usually
do everywhere, but the sce-
nario became worst in Kha-
jrana area when a fruit ven-
Man smashed to death with stone; dor stabbed a woman who
body found at deserted place bargained for fruits.
Police said that the inci-
Indore: A 50-year-old man was killed after his face was dent took place in Khajrana
smashed with a stone. His body was found at a deserted area when a woman named
place in Kanadiya police circle on Monday. The de- Soniya Rathore went to a
ceased could not be identified yet. fruit cart vendor.
DCP zone-2 Abhinay Vishwakarma said that the police While Sonia was taking
received information that some people found the body of fruits from the cart she bar-
a man when they went there to paint a building. Pre- gained for fruits on which
liminary investigation revealed that the deceased was she had an argument with
likely to be a labourer as police found a bag from the the vendor.
spot carrying soap, comb and other daily use items. It is In response, accused fruit
possible that the murder could have happened on the in- vendor Usman picked up a
tervening night of May 17 and 18. The police registered vegetable cutting knife and
a case of murder and began a probe to catch the killer. stabbed in the woman’s
stomach.
When she began to bleed,
Man kills younger brother for property she screamed and people
gathered there and took her
Indore: Earlier, a man was stabbed to death by his eld- to a city hospital.
er brother over refusing to sell house in Banganga po- The woman is undergoing
lice circle on Saturday night. The accused came to the treatment and is out of dan-
victim's house and began to abuse him as the victim did ger. The accused fruit seller
not want to sell his ancestral house. was arrested and is under
police custody.
Similarly, three youths
who stabbed a cafe staff in
Bhanwarkuan area on Sun-
day were arrested by police
on Monday.
The incident took place at
Chai Biscuit Cafe where the
three accused Yamin, Ali
and Nadeem came there
and wrongly parked vehicle
on road. On this, victim
Premchand Rathore asked
them to park their vehicle
on the side of the road.
On this, the duo had an ar-
gument which turned ugly
and the three attacked
Premchand. One of the ac-
cused stabbed in his stom-
ach. Seeing blood coming
out, Premchand’s colleague
Anay Bhati intervened in
which the accused stabbed
him as well and fled from
there threatening them
with dire consequences. Po-
lice however have arrested
the three and the court sent
them to judicial custody.

NO RELIEF: TEMP REMAINS MERCURY RAISES

HEALTH CONCERNS
Prospective bride’s sister dies of
MYH records
IN CITY electrocution at groom’s house
ABOVE 43 DEGREES CELSIUS
20% surge in
OUR STAFF REPORTER she came in contact with the high ten-
city.indore@fpj.co.in sion line.

Heat-related
OUR STAFF REPORTER the minimum temperature night hot with the tempera- perature will rise more in The family members of the deceased
city.indore@fpj.co.in was recorded at 29 degrees ture above 29 degrees Cel- the coming days. However, a In a tragic event, a house brimming alleged that the man’s family members

There was no relief from
heat for the residents of the
city on Monday as the day
temperature remained
above 43 degrees Celsius,
consecutively for the sec-
ond day.
The maximum tempera-
ture on Monday was record-
ed at 43.1 degrees Celsius
which was two degrees Cel-
Celsius which was four de-
grees above normal.
Moreover, the Regional
Meteorological Department
officials forecast no relief
for people and said that the
temperature might in-
crease more in a couple of
days.
However, the clouds gave
relief in the evening for a
short period of time but the
sius on Wednesday.
Indoreans are struggling
to stay cool as the mercury
is rising and coupled with
hot winds is making the day
uncomfortable. To add to
the woes of residents, night
weather too has become un-
bearable as the tempera-
ture remained four degrees
Celsius above normal.
“There is no chance of re-
new cyclonic circulation
will affect the city’s weather
conditions in the last week
of this month and drizzling
and light showers will take
place,” officials of Region-
al Meteorological Depart-
ment said.
He added that the temper-
ature in the city area was
comparatively high than in
the Airport area, where the
illness
OUR STAFF REPORTER
Indore
As mercury shot past 43 degrees
Celsius, health-related issues also
escalated recording a five per cent
increase in the number of pa-
tients seeking treatment for heat
with joy and happiness for fixing of
marriage of a woman was plunged
into sorrow by the sudden death of her
sister who got electrocuted af-
ter accidently coming in con-
tact with a high tension line
in Azad Nagar police
circle on Sunday. Amidst
preparations for fixing the
marriage date, the family
was devastated by the inci-
dent that occurred on the
did not warn them that a power line
was passing above their terrace. When
they heard a noise, they ran towards
the terrace and found her
dead. They even alleged that
a few days ago, a labourer
also got electrocuted a few
houses away from there.
On the other hand, the fam-
ily members of the man said
that their six-year-old girl
was also with Santoshi and

city's power
sius above normal while change in weather kept the lief till May 23 and the tem- measurements are taken. stroke, vomiting and diarrhoea. third floor of the man’s house she said that the woman was
MY Hospital reported an upsurge (with whom the marriage talking on mobile phone and

demand reaches
in the number of cases blaming was about to be fixed) in Idrish Nagar could not see the power line. She was
the heat wave pushing local around 2:30 pm. without shoes when the incident hap-

close to 700 MW
healthcare system to its limits.
Dr Dharmendra Jhanwar, MD
Medicine at MY Hospital, dis-
closed that approximately 700 pa-
tients visit the Medicine Depart-
OUR STAFF REPORTER ment OPD daily during summer.
city.indore@fpj.co.in Among these, 20 per cent suffer
from viral infections such as
With the scorching heat fever, cold, cough, sore throat and
baking residents, the city body aches. Meanwhile, five per
has seen a significant in- cent are affected by heat stroke
crease in electricity de- and related symptoms.
mand which reached close Furthermore, the hospital is
to 700 MW. The maximum concerned with the rise in viral
demand recorded on Mon- hepatitis cases attributed to con-
day was around 680 MW. If sumption of contaminated food
the heat continues to in- and water. Health experts empha-
crease, the maximum elec- sise the importance of maintain-
tricity demand will exceed ing a proper diet and avoiding
Lal Bagh
700 MW in the next two BOULEVARDS TO THE RESCUE outside water during summer to
days, said Madhya Pradesh
West Zone Electricity Dis-
AS THE SUN BAKES prevent illness.
To mitigate these risks, health
tribution Company. officials advise drinking plenty of
The historical increase water, avoiding alcohol, bathing
Saket Nagar
in demand in summer is in cold water, covering the head
due to the running of and wearing light-coloured, loose-
about 3.25 lakh air condi- fitting, long-sleeved clothes. They
tioners, 20 lakh fans, 4.5 also caution against leaving chil-
lakh coolers and about 6 dren in enclosed vehicles and rec-
lakh refrigerators. Apart ommend avoiding outdoor activi-
from this, there is also an ties between 12 pm and 4 pm.
According to the police, the deceased pened.
was identified as Santoshi Nihale, a The deceased is survived by her par-
resident of New Ekta Nagar. The fami- ents, a brother and three sisters. The
ly members said that she was a teacher family members, who were immersed
and graduated in BEd. She along with in a joyful event, found themselves
her family had gone to a man’s house grappling with tragic turn of events.
for a marriage proposal of her elder The police began an investigation into
sister. As discussions for marriage the case to ascertain the reasons be-
came to an end, she went to explore the hind the incident and conducted post-
house. When she was at the terrace, mortem of the deceased.
Two missing IMC FAKE BILL SCAM
minors rescued Police carry raids in
within 24 hours search of absconding
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
Annapurna police rescued a
contractors
minor girl and a minor boy OUR STAFF REPORTER
who went missing from their city.indore@fpj.co.in
houses, police said on Mon-
day. Police conducted raids in Ashok Colony and
According to the police, one Manik Bagh areas to locate the absconding
Ritu Yadav lodged a com- contractors in connection with the IMC
plaint with Annapurna po- drainage scam
lice stating that her 14-year- FREEPRESS Police raided the
old girl went somewhere places of relatives

H
increase in the demand for from her house. The police FOLLOW-UP of the accused
industrial electricity. Symptoms and prevention registered a missing case contractors.
In the commercial capital and examined several CCTV Meanwhile, police also interrogated Imran,
eat stroke comes with symptoms like lack
of the state, a lot of elec- cameras installed within 3 who was arrested in relation to a 2019 file con-
tricity is being supplied to
of sweating, red and dry skin, headache, KM of her house. The police cerning the scam.
the markets and malls also. fatigue, dizziness, vomiting and fainting. successfully rescued the girl According to the police, during the interro-
At the same time, a large Vulnerable groups, include the elderly, children, within 24 hours of the inci- gation, it was found that Imran was employed
amount of electricity is be- athletes and outdoor workers. dent and handed her over to by the fugitive contractor Aijaz for a monthly
ing used in other appli- Additional preventive measures include using her parents safely. salary of ?25,000 and was involved in fraudu-
ances in thousands of of- umbrellas and sunglasses when outdoors, During the search for her, lent activities. The scam's funds were man-
fices and seven lakh hous- drinking at least two glasses of water before police could also successful- aged and received by Imran.
es. This has resulted in the
Avenues with trees forming a canopy venturing outside and seeking immediate ly rescue a 17-year-old boy Imran allegedly admitted about the file from
total demand touching al- medical attention in case of a heatstroke. who went missing from his 2019 that it was the first instance where he re-
most 700 MW. In the last are providing protection from the house in Banganga police cir- ceived money related to the scam. The police
Hydration solutions like ORS, coconut water,
three days, the city has scorching sun. The morning walkers are cle. The Annapurna police continue to investigate the matter and search
buttermilk, lemon water and fruit juice are
preferring roads where there are

CYBER DESKS COME UP

consumed about 4 crore recommended to stay hydrated and healthy. handed over the boy safely to for the other accused contractors.
units of electricity. Yashwant Club boulevards. PHOTOS BY PINTU NAMDEV the Banganga police.

ACROSS POLICE STATIONS

‘Taking and giving
alms is a crime’
AMPAIGN WITH
C THIS SLOGAN
WILL BE
LAUNCHED IN CITY
OLLECTOR
C ASHEESH SINGH
REVIEWED THE
PROGRESS OF
‘BEGGAR FREE
CITY’ DRIVE
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
The ongoing campaign
against beggary in the city
will now gain momentum
again. Collector Asheesh
Singh has asked officials of
concerned departments to
speed up the campaign and
make it effective again. In-
formation boards regard-
ing ‘Taking and giving
alms is a crime’ should
also be put up at various
places. The drive will run
under this slogan. He also
instructed to take action
against such beggars who
are begging under the
guise of selling goods.
Collector Asheesh Singh
also directed revenue offi-
cers to ensure speedy dis-
posal of cases pending in
revenue courts.
A meeting regarding
disposal of cases under
Time Limit (TL) was held
here on Monday under
the chairmanship of Col-
lector Asheesh Singh. In
the meeting, Chief Execu-
tive Officer of IDA RP
Ahirwar, Additional Col-
lectors Gaurav Benal,
Roshan Rai, Nisha Damor
and other officials were
present. Collector Singh
congratulated all officials
on peaceful and orderly
completion of voting in
the district. He said that
all departmental officers
should get busy in dis-
charging their depart-
mental responsibilities.
He also reviewed depart-
mental activities in the
meeting. He discussed the
outline of the work to be
done in future.
Thieves enter
factory, decamp
with Rs 5L cash
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
Thieves entered a factory in Ready-
made Complex broke open the
shutter and decamped with Rs 5 to
Rs 6 lakh kept in the almirah in-
side the factory on Saturday night
under Heera Nagar Police Sta-
tion. Police said that Umesh Demla
complained that when he reached
his factory he found that the shut-
ter was half open and its locks
were broken and the cash in the
almirah was stolen.
The accused have also destroyed
items kept inside the factory. Po-
lice are scanning CCTV cameras
and searching for the accused. An-
other theft occurred in the Tilak
Nagar area in which an unidenti-
fied accused entered a house by
opening the door. He opened the
door through an open
window which enabled him to use
his hand to open the door from in-
side.
The accused took the purse kept
on the table in the living room of
the house and fled. All this while
the wife of the complainant was
sleeping on the first floor of the
house. Police are searching for the
accused.
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
In a proactive measure to com-
bat the rising tide of cyber-
crimes within the city, DCP
zone-2 Abhinay Vishwakarma
has inaugurated Cyber Desks
across all police stations within
Zone 2 on Monday.
The strategic initiative aims to
streamline the process for vic-
tims of cybercrime, ensuring
that the victims receive immedi-
ate attention and legal recourse
upon filing complaints.
To ensure efficiency and effica-
cy in handling cyber-related is-
sues, personnel from police sta-
tions in Vijay Nagar, MIG, Lasu-
dia, Pardeshipura, Khajrana,
Tilak Nagar and Kanadia have
undergone specialised training.
This equips them with neces-
sary skills to promptly address
complaints and take appropriate
action, including pre-emptive
measures for potential future
cases resembling reported inci-
dents.
Now, individuals affected by
cybercrimes can directly ap-
proach the Cyber Desk at their
local police station to lodge com-
plaints pertaining to various
forms of cyber fraud, such as on-
line scams, bank-related fraud,
OTP manipulation and social
media deception.
Additionally, complaints can
also be registered through the
newly-established Cyber Desk,
which operates nationally via
the Cyber Help Line 1930. The
centralised system ensures swift
and coordinated resolution of
complaints, providing victims
with the support they urgently
need.
Clash between
shopkeepers over
parking issue,
cross FIRs lodged
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.indore@fpj.co.in
In the Bhawarkuan area, a minor
parking dispute between two shop-
keepers escalated into a brawl. The
incident occurred on Bholaram Us-
tad Roadcausing chaos among the
onlookers. Police have registered
cases of assault against both par-
ties.
According to the police, the alter-
cation took place between Mayank
Jain, who owns a medical store, and
Kishan Ahir, who runs a dairy shop.
The dispute began over a cus-
tomer's vehicle being parked, lead-
ing to a physical fight between the
two groups.
Mayank Jain lodged a complaint
against Kishan Ahir, Aman, Mohit,
and Lalluram, while Kishan Ahir
lodged a complaint against Mayank
Jain, Darshan, and Vineet Kumar.
Both parties accused each other of
having customers park their vehi-
cles in front of their respective
shops, which led to the confronta-
tion. The police have registered cas-
es against both sides and are inves-
tigating the matter.
 NEWS IN BRIEF UJJAIN WEATHER
Actress Shefali Jariwala offers
prayers at Mahakal
UJJAIN CITY INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
‘Rename Ujjain as Avantikapuri’
Ujjain: In a meeting chaired by Shivendra Tiwari, president of the
Sanskrati Rakshak Manch, a proposal was passed to urge the State
government to rename the city of Ujjain as Avantikapuri.
MAXIMUM: 44.0°C, MINIMUM: 28.2°C
HUMIDITY
MORNING: 35 per cent, EVENING: 18 per cent
SUNRISE: 5.43 am , SUNSET: 7.04 pm
Actress and model Shefali Jariwala offered prayers at the

Woman gives poison to

Mahakaleshwar Temple here on Monday. She also
participated in the
bhasm aarti. Later,
Collector, SP PHED pipeline bursts
she told reporters
that she had a wish assure help due to carelessness
son, daughter, kills self
for many years to
participate in the to students of Tata Projects
bhasm aarti and she
was feeling quite stranded in
positive after
attending it. “I am
very happy to be here and I think everyone should visit Kids undergoing Dhuletiya on the phone that no one was at fault for
Kyrgyzstan
FP NEWS SERVICE
treatment
here once. It is a life changing experience,” she said. that mother was unwell this. However, the police or
and was vomiting. family members are un- Ujjain
Cong opposes demolition of Balu Singh immediately aware of the reasons be-
FP NEWS SERVICE left for Ujjain from Dhule- hind Seema’s suicide. Po- Collector Neeraj Kumar
religious sites for road widening Ujjain tia. lice said that the state- Singh and SP Pradeep
The city Congress committee led by its president Mukesh Meanwhile, Seema’s neigh- ments of the children will Sharma spoke with the
Bhati handed over a memorandum to the collector in protest A 42-year-old woman al- bours took her and the be taken in front of the ex- students of Ujjain
against the legedly gave poison to her children to the District ecutive magistrate. The sit- trapped amidst violence
demolition of son and daughter before Hospital with the help of uation will in Kyrgyzstan and as-
temples and consuming it her- an ambulance, become clear only after the sured them of all possible
religious sites self at their resi- where statement of the family help. On Monday, the col-
in the name of dence here on Sun- when Seema’s con- members and husband af- lector discussed with stu-
road widening day night. The dition became seri- ter the post-mortem of dent Rohit Panchal and
exercise woman died dur- ous, she was ad- the woman’s body, the po- SP talked to Yogesh
between KD ing treatment mitted and treat- lice said. Chaudhary. The mobile
Gate and Imli while her two chil- ment was started, Deceased’s brother Sohan number and addresses of
Tiraha. They dren were under- while Mahi and said that Seema and Kamal the said students Water being leaked as PHED’s pipeline burst in Ujjain on Monday
stated that temples are the centre of citizens’ faith and if going treatment. Akshat were tak- were married in the have been noted
these antiquities are destroyed in the name of development,
Congress will strongly oppose it.
Deceased Seema, wife of en to the Government year 2012. Sohan Trivedi is and every possible effort Lakhs of litres of GAMBHIR DAM
Kamal Trivedi was living
in a house in Ratan Avenue
Charak Hospital for treat-
ment. Seema died during
a safety supervisor in a pri-
vate company and is
is being made to help. Uj-
jain residents Yogesh drinking water TO BE DEEPENED
Procession marks birth
anniv of Prithviraj Chauhan
Colony for the last 10 days
with her son Akshat (14)
treatment while the treat-
ment of both the children
getting the work done on
the side near Mandsaur.
Chaudhary, Raj Solanki,
Ravi Sarathe, Vivek Shar-
wasted Collector Neeraj Kumar
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prithviraj and daughter Mahi (4) for was going on of Seema also has a house in ma, Rohit Panchal and Singh, on Monday,
Chauhan, a grand procession was organised with full royal summer which Mahi’s condition Mandsaur. To visit Ujjain Praveen Prajapati are the FP NEWS SERVICE convened a meeting of
splendour vacation. Seema’s brother was said to be critical. during the summer holi- students of Asian Med- Ujjain officials of water resources,
featuring Sohan said that at around 3 Chimanganj Mandi po- days, she had come to the ical Institute in Kyrgyzs- public health engineering
elephants, am on Monday, Akshat in- lice said that Seema had house on Ratan Avenue tan. Also, a Lakhs of litres of drinking and other construction-
camels, formed her maternal written a suicide note be- with her two student Riya Tatawat is st water were related departments
horses, DJs, grandfather fore she died in which she children. There was no dis- udying at ISM Medical wasted following a 400mm regarding the deepening of
bands, drums Balu aka Balkrishna son of held herself responsible pute or tension revealed be- College in Bishkek, Kyr- pipeline of the PHED burst Gambhir Dam. In
of Nasik and Bapu Singh resident of for her death and wrote tween Seema and Sohan. gyzstan. near Chakratirtha on the the meeting held at the
cannons. The banks of Kshipra here on Administrative Complex
procession, Monday, adding to the water Building, the collector
which included
Denizens continue
a display
depicting
emperor to face unscheduled Two die in separate road accidents woes.
The 400mm pipeline
filling the water tank of
Juna Somwariya area near
instructed that the work of
deepening of Gambhir
Dam should be started on
May 23 and be
Prithviraj FP NEWS SERVICE direction hit their two-wheeler. Chakratirtha burst, leading
Chauhan and
Mohammad
power cuts Ujjain Vishal died in the accident, while
Ajay and Rahul were referred to In-
to a fountain-like situation
measuring a height of
accomplished by June 15.

Ghori, was the main attraction. All Rajput leaders

participated in the procession in traditional attire.
Apathy by Discom officials
adds to inconvenience
Traders gherao mandi
secretary over irregularities FP NEWS SERVICE
Ujjain
Not only are the hot days and nights
troubling the denizens, but the lack-
adaisical attitude of the Discom offi-
cials is adding to their inconvenience.
Residents of several localities across
the city had to spend sleepless night on
Sunday due to failure in smooth power
supply. Moreover, the residents of
some colonies which fall under the Uj-
jain South represented by Chief Minis-
ter Mohan Yadav were also deprived of
Angry over irregularities in the Chimanganj Krishi Upaj Mandi,
traders gheraoed mandi secretary Praveen Verma and
alternative tap water supply on Mon-
day morning.
For the last one week, people have
A youth died and his two friends
were injured in a collision between a
car and bike on Unhel road here late
on Sunday. The deceased was identi-
fied as Vishal, 30, son of Lakhan, a
resident of Dwarkapuri, Indore.
He went to Unhel with his friends
Ajay son of Pannalal and Rahul son
of Parasram. The accident happened
when they were returning on a bike
and a car coming from the opposite
3K e-rickshaws to be allowed in Mahakal zone
FP NEWS SERVICE
Ujjain
dore in critical condition. Vishal
has three children.
about 5 feet. The incident
occurred at around 11 am
Meanwhile, this incident
created a stir in the
In another accident, one Ashok when drainage line work PHED. Executive engineer
son of Babulal Sharma, resident of was being done by the Tata NK Bhaskar said that infor-
Ninora, came to Ujjain on a bike. Af- Projects Company. The line mation was received about
ter purchasing some goods, he was got broken by a Poclain ma- the line burst and a team
passing in front of a petrol pump be- chine. The residents of was sent to repair it. Sub-
fore Freeganj overbridge when his Juna Somwariya area engineer Dilip Naudhane
bike collided with the divider. may be deprived of the reached the spot and
Ashok died in the hospital at scheduled water supply on stopped the water by
Sunday midnight. He was a farmer. Tuesday morning. closing the valve.
Terminate agency
looking after Gondia
trenching ground,

Traffic remains disorganised

demanded improvement in the arrangements. Since the last
few days, incidents of theft in the market have increased been facing unscheduled power cuts
rapidly, the cleanliness system has collapsed and they have to throughout the day and night. Since
face bad smell during summers. On Saturday, a businessman’s day’s temperature continues to re-
scooty was stolen in the afternoon. In the second incident, a main around 42 to 44 degrees Celsius
mobile phone was stolen from a businessman’s weighing scale. and that of night temperature above
28 degrees Celsius, people are finding
it hard to go for work or even stay in-
Madhavi Raje’s ashes to doors.
be immersed in Kshipra On Sunday midnight, residents of
several localities, including ward num-
The ashes of Rajmata Madhavi Raje Scindia, mother of BJP
ber 52 (Damdama), complained of pow-
leader and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, will arrive at
er cuts. In localities like Ravindra Na-
Ujjain’s Ramghat on May 24 for immersion in the
gar and Damdama light of most of the
Mokshadayini Kshipra river. Ashti Kalash Darshan Yatra will
houses went off. Residents including
start from Dewas Gate Sakhya Raje Dharamshala at 9 am,
Muskan Ghariya, Prem Chhabra, Ra-
passing through Malipura, Daulatganj, Fawwara Chowk, Nai
jesh Sharma, Ramesh Sisodia told Free
Sadak, Kanthal, Gopal Mandir, Dhaba Road, Shagun Garden it
Press that they tried their level best to
will conclude at Ramghat. For this, a meeting was organised
lodge formal complaints online, but
at BJP Lokshakti office under the leadership of BJP city
did not get any response.
president Vivek Joshi.
According to the residents, they also
approached the Discom officials and
Homage to be paid to peoples’ representatives, but to no
Rajiv Gandhi today avail. As it was a scheduled day of tap
water supply, the residents made
On the occasion of the death anniversary of former prime
online complaints in the early hours
minister Rajiv Gandhi, the city Congress committee will pay
on Monday. The team of Discom
tribute to him bylaying wreaths at his statue at Piplinaka
reached the localities and did hard
Square at 10 am and at the party office at Ksheer Sagar at
work for more than three hours to en-
10.30 am on May 21.
sure smooth power supply, but till then
the water supply time was over.
due to the high traffic pres-
sure on the city roads due to
around 6,000 e-rickshaws op-
erating in the city. To stream-
line the traffic, an action plan
has been made by the region-
al transport officer and DSP,
traffic to run e-rickshaws in
two shifts in the city.
RTO Santosh Malviya said
that under the action plan,
the city has been divided into
Mahakal Zone and other
routes outside the Mahakal
Zone. In Mahakal Zone, 3,000
e-rickshaws
will be divided into
two shifts, 1,500 e-rickshaws
will run in the first shift from
6 am to 2 pm and 1,500 e-rick-
shaws will run in the second
shift from 2 pm to 10 pm. The
remaining 3,000 e-rickshaws
in other zones will run on
other designated routes of
the city outside the Mahakal
zone. The division of the said
areas will be done through
lottery in the presence of Dis-
trict Road Safety Committee
PRE-PAID BOOTHS INSTALLED collector tells UMC
Ujjain: Collector Neeraj Kumar
Singh, during the timeline meeting
For the convenience of the passengers, Ujjain prepaid booths as
per the fixed fee, first near Mahakal temple/ Mahakal police held at the Administrative Complex
station, second outside the railway station and third near building on Monday, instructed the
the warehouse were inaugurated on Monday. The fare for Ujjain Municipal Corporation offi-
battery-operated e-rickshaw vehicles will be Rs 10 per person cials to terminate the agency en-
for the first 3 km and Rs 20 per person for more than 3 gaged in the segregation of waste
km. Also, the rate list of the fixed fee for auto-rickshaw vehicles materials owing to repeated fire in-
has been pasted at the main places of the city. cidents at Gondia trenching
ground. A new agency should be ap-
pointed for proper management of
the trenching ground, he said.
The collector took information
from the UMC officials about the
cleanliness of drains done zone-
wise since May 15 and the inspec-
tion done by the district-level offi-
cers. He instructed that along
with cleaning the drains, cleaning
of sewerage lines should also be
done before the rains. In case of sit-
uations like overflowing of drains
or bursting of sewerage lines dur-
ing rains, action will be taken by
Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh and SP Pradeep Sharma cut a ribbon to inaugurate fixing the responsibility of the con-
the pre-paid booth outside the railway station in Ujjain on Monday FP PHOTO cerned, he warned.
It was told in the meeting that due
to the storm which hit Tarana in the
members. scribed colours and the stick- district on May 12, the electricity
The stickers and permis- ers and permission letters for supply was disrupted in village
sion letters for Mahakal Zone other prescribed routes will Nainavad. This problem continued
will be of different pre- be white. in the village for about 6 days.

Akhil Bhartiya Yuvak-Yuvati
Parichay Sammelan held
Madhya Pradesh, Chhat-
tisgarh, Rajasthan, Gu-
jarat, Maharashtra,
Haryana and Uttar
Pradesh introduced them-
selves on the stage.
On this occasion, a
‘parichay pustika’ was also
released. Besides, talented
students of the community
were also honoured.
Swati Yuvraj Kashid of
FP NEWS SERVICE augurated by garlanding Indore was honoured with
Dewas the statue of Shivaji Ma- Maratha Gaurav Samman
haraj and lighting of cere- along with shawl, quince
The third Akhil Bhartiya monial lamps by Krishna- and memento.
Yuvak-Yuvati Parichay Sam- murari Moghe, former The guests were wel-
melan was organised by the mayor of Indore and spiri- comed by organisation
MHOW/DEWAS NEWS
Moving truck catches fire
FP NEWS SERVICE
Mhow
A fire broke out in a mov-
ing truck near Sagaur Kuti
on Mhow-Neemuch High-
The truck from Maha-
rashtra was going from
Dhar to Indore.
What was inside the
truck is not known yet.
The police reached the spot
Shaurya Yatra of Lord Parshuram taken out
FP NEWS SERVICE ancestors and pass it on
Dewas to the coming genera-
tions. It is the knowl-
Akhil Bhartiya edge that will make In-
Brahmin Ma- dia a world leader
hasangh and mem- again.”
bers of Brahmin The tableaux of Lord
Samaj, on Parshuram and Lord
Sunday, took out a Hanuman became the
Shaurya Yatra of centre of attraction in
Lord Parshuram to the Yatra. Melodious
celebrate the renditions of bhajans
Parshuram Jayanti. while Parshuram Kalyan were being given through-
The yatra, commenced Board president Vishnu out the yatra.
from Sayaji Dwar in the Rajoria and Vikas Awasthi
evening, traversed through were present as special
the main streets of the city, guests.
PANCHANG 21.5.2024
and it reached Mandi Speaking on the (UTTARAYAN)
Dharmashala. occasion, Narottam Saka 1946 Samvat 2081

Shri Shiv Chhatrapati tual leader Mahaman- president Kirti Chavan way under the Pithampur and informed the fire Yuva Sangh district pres- Mishra said, “We should Month : Vaishakh Shukla 13 Tuesday 5.40 P.M.

Maratha Sangh at Malhar daleshwar Prem Parmar. and Shalini Chavan. police station Sector 3. brigade. The incident ident Aditya Dubey said spread the knowledge, edu- Nakshatra : Svati —————————————

Yoga : Vyatipat 12.35 P.M. then Variyan

Smriti Temple, said sangh
president Kirti Chavan.
The programme was in-
During the event, more
than 412 participants from
various states, including
Citizens of the society
and a large number of peo-
ple were present.
As soon as the fire broke
out, the driver left the vehi-
cle and fled the spot.
caused chaos, leading to
closure of the road for a
brief time.
that former home minister cation, science and values
Karan : Garaj —————————————
Pandit Narottam Mishra that Brahmins have re-
Moon : Tula —————————————
was the chief guest, ceived from their
3 MER, HER
1
2 12
4 SUN, JUP, VEN MARS,

Lease renewal issues plague Mhow Cantonment homeowners

RAHU,
NEP
5 11
SAT

FP NEWS SERVICE
Mhow
Residents of the Mhow
Cantonment area are
grappling with significant
challenges as the leases
for over 450 houses remain
unrenewed. The Canton-
ment Board has blocked
the renewal process,
citing even minor en-
croachments as grounds
for refusal. This has left
many homeowners in a
state of uncertainty and
frustration.
The situation is even
more complicated for joint-
family homes, where the
original leaseholders have
passed away. The Canton-
ment Board’s refusal to re-
new leases in such cases
has compounded the diffi-
culties for legitimate resi-
dents.
“We are genuine resi-
dents who have been
maintaining these proper-
ties for years,” said one af-
fected homeowner. “Yet,
we face constant hurdles
while illegal occupants
seem to enjoy the patron-
age of officials,” he
added. This disparity has
sparked allegations of
favouritism and corrup-
tion within the Canton-
ment Board.
Residents argue that the
enforcement of regula-
tions is inconsistent and
biased. “It’s disheartening
to see genuine leasehold-
ers struggling while those
flouting the rules face no
repercussions,” another
resident added.
The impact of these
lease renewal issues ex-
tends beyond legal and bu-
reaucratic
challenges. Homeowners a
re finding it difficult to
carry out necessary re-
pairs and maintenance,
secure loans, or even sell
their properties. The un-
6
certainty is not only af- ensuring that all home- KETU 8
10
PLU
fecting their quality of owners are treated fairly 7 9
MOON
life but also the overall and that encroachments
property market in the are dealt with uniformly.
area. The Mhow Cantonment FREE PRESS CL ASSIFIED
Affected residents have Board has yet to respond to RUNNING CLASSIFIED
begun to mobilise, seeking these allegations. As the
intervention from higher situation develops, home- DISPLAY CLASSIFIED 7 DAY 500/-
15 DAY 1000/-
authorities to address owners remain hopeful for 50/- SQ.CM. B/W. 30 DAY 1500/-
75/- SQ.CM.
these grievances. They de- a resolution that will re- (MINIMUM SIZE 1X3) DISPLAY CLASSIFIED
mand a more equitable ap- store fairness and stability FREE PRESS CALL- 9425082195
proach to lease renewals, to their community.
 Five arms smugglers held, 2 country-made pistols, 7 cartridges seized
BHOPAL INDORE / BHOPAL | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
Bhopal: The city crime branch on Monday arrested five persons on charges of smuggling arms and seized two country-made pistols, live cartridges and two bikes from them.
DCP (crime) Akhil Patel said crime branch had received a tip-off about five men standing near Rachna Nagar underpass carrying arms, and were in a bid to commit a serious
crime. The team rushed to the spot and nabbed all the suspects, who identified themselves as Abhishek Dwivedi (25), Abhimanyu Mishra (24), Atul Verma (23), Jagadeesh Dubey
(19) and Anshu Giri (18). When the officials frisked them, they found two country made pistols loaded with live cartridges, two knives. They were taken into custody thereafter.

@45.5°C: Nowgong, Ratlam Police project robberies as thefts

replace Datia as hottest in state to avoid harming their image
No relief anytime soon as heatwaves grip state
Rain & hail in Betul,
Anuppur, Dindori,
Chhindwara@41.8
Bhopal sees drop in
day temp by a notch,
night temp up by a
1.6 deg/Cel
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Most parts of the state con-
tinued to reel under high
temperatures on Monday.
There was a nominal drop
in day temperature as
many parts experienced
light rain accompanied
with hail in the last 24
hours.
Ratlam and Nowgaon re-
placed Datia as the hottest
place in the state on Mon-
day. Day temperature hov-
Intense heatwave alert for 19 districts
Many parts of the state are in the grip of intense heat for the
last one week in the state. Alert has been issued for Intense
heat wave in districts like Datia, Bhind, Nivari, Rajgarh,
Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Alirajpur, Jhabua,
Ratlam, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Guna, Ashok Nagar, Shivpuri,
Gwalior, Morena and Sheopurkalan.
ered above 45 degree Cel-
sius in these three loca-
tions on the day.
Nowgong and ratlam bat-
tled sweltering heat at 45.5
deg/cel each on the day. Da-
tia that continued to be the
hottest place in the state for
the two days in a row expe-
rienced drop in day temper-
ature which stood at 45.2
deg/cel on Monday.
Dr Ved Pratap Singh, sen-
ior scientist of Meteoro-
logical department, said, “
light rain has been experi-
enced in many parts so,
UPPER LAKE
there is nominal drop in
day temperature but there
is no relief from intense
heat wave specially in
northern belt.”
At temperature front,
Bhopal recorded 41.8 de-
grees Celsius after a drop
of 1.2 degrees Celsius
while its night tempera-
ture went up from 28
deg/cel to 29.6 deg/ Celsius
on the intervening night of
Sunday and Monday . In-
dore recorded 43.1 degrees
Celsius while it recorded a
night temperature of 29.0
ROHAN D UMAK
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
One of the complainants
Brijesh Jatav had lodged a
the main road during
night. The TT Nagar police
number of serious crimes.
Sources at Bhopal police
Of late, the conduct of sev-
complaint at the police sta-
tion about robbery. Howev-
too registered a normal
theft case without impos-
commissionerate main-
tained that several station
Places (deg/cel) eral police personnel has er, his case was registered ing robbery sections on the house officers (SHOs) de-
come into question as they under IPC sections of accused. It also came to liberately registered rob-
Datia 46.4 register cases of thefts even theft. After the police light that the police had bery cases as cases of
Ratlam 45.5 when robberies take place. cracked the case and ar- registered a case after 10 theft. This is because they
This is done to conceal the rested the accused, they re- days, which caused im- do not want their area to
Nowgong 45.5 crime, specially at initial vealed that the total cost of mense inconvenience to be portrayed in bad light
Khajuraho 44.8 stage. It is only when police robbed cell phones was Rs Shrivastava. or labelled as nefarious.
Gwalior 44.7 crack the case that they re- 3 lakh. A Habibganj police sta- When contacted, Addi-
veal it was robbery. In mid-April, another cell tion sub-inspector wishing tional DCP (crime)
Guna 44.6 On April 29, Ayodhya Na- phone snatching incident anonymity said that to- Shailendra Singh
Shivpuri 44.2 gar police station staff ar- was reported from TT Na- wards the end of the year, Chouhan told Free Press
rested two persons in con- gar wherein the mobile when all the crimes across that in cases of robbery
Ujjain 44 nection with 11 robbery in- phone of doctor Neelendra the city are compiled, where external force was
Dhar 43.6 cidents. The accused had Shrivastava was snatched scores of robbery cases are applied, the police always
committed robberies in by unidentified robbers converted into theft inci- registered criminal cases
Tikamgarh 43.7 Bhopal, Sehore and Indore. when he was walking on dents ones to conceal the under robbery sections.
Khandwa 43.5
Damoh 43.5
Khargone 43.4
Man who hacked paramour 5 held for stabbing
Raisen 43 listed criminal near
Narsinghpur 43
Umaria 42.4
to death was married Alpana Talkies
Satna 42.2 Manali police recreates Bhopal, and was insisting that he
should live with her. He thereafter
Bhopal: A band of six miscreants,
who had rivalry with another listed
Rewa 42 crime scene with strangled her to death and stuffed the criminal, assaulted and stabbed him
accused on Sunday
body in a bag. After fleeing the hotel, multiple times near Alpana Talkies
he threw Kaushal’s mobile phone in on the intervening night of Sunday
degrees Celsius. the bushes nearby. The police have and Monday, the police said. The po-
Besides, Betul, Anuppur, OUR STAFF REPORTER found the mobile phone. lice added that the accused even fired
Chhindwara experienced
hail in the last 24 hours.
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Accused has a son, at him and he sustained a bullet
wound on his thigh. The victim has
Similarly, dusty wind Fresh developments have emerged in separated from wife survived the incident, while five ac-
lashed many districts like the case in which Bhopal resident cused have been arrested.
Manali police sources said Thakur was
Shivpuri, Ratlam, Anup- Sheetal Kaushal was murdered at a Mangalwara police station TI Ajay
married. He has a two-and-a-half-
pur, Dindori, Chhindwara, hotel in Manali (Himachal Pradesh) Kumar Soni told Free Press that the
year-old son. As he
Datia, Gwalior, Neemuch, on May 15. Manali’s senior police of- man who was assaulted and shot at
used to have arguments
E
MANALI MURDER CAS
Ashok Nagar, Guna, Seoni, ficials told Free was Amir Ali (22), a listed criminal
with his wife frequently,
Rewa, Damoh, Jabalpur, Press that ac- and resident of Aishbag. On the inter-
his wife left him. She
Khandwa, Sagar, Sin- cused Vinod vening night of Sunday and Monday,
lives in Haryana’s Palwal
grauli, Chhatarpur, Satna, Thakur who was he was on way to Hamidia Hospital to
with her son, sources
Shahdol and Dhar. in relationship with FREEPRESS said. Sources also said
see his friend’s relative admitted
Kaushal and had
hacked her to death FOLLOW-UP Thakur was a hot-
tempered person.
there. Three of his friends were also
with him who were riding separate

Police constable’s
bid to kill self foiled
Had a spat with sub inspector in
connection with cash seizure
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
A police constable posted at Ashoka Garden po-
lice station allegedly attempted suicide on the
police station premises on Sunday evening, the
police said. His suicide bid was foiled by his co-
workers who counselled him and prevented the
untoward incident. According to police offi-
cials, the constable had an argument with a
sub-inspector, after which he decided to take
the extreme step.
According to ACP Akshay Choudhary, consta-
ble Rahul Rana attempted suicide. He told ACP
Choudhary that he and sub-inspector Pawan
Raghuwanshi, are posted at Ashoka Garden po-
lice station. He alleged that Raghuwanshi, in
connection with the recent Rs 71 lakh cash
seized from the house of a man named Kailash
Khatri, often used to threaten and blackmail him
of getting him fired. Notably, the Ashoka Garden
TI and four other police personnel, involved in
the case had been suspended for dereliction of
duties. Citing the same, Raghuwanshi often
used to suspect Rana of being involved with sus-
pended police personnel and resentment had
been prevailing between the two from quite
some time. On Sunday evening, they had a
verbal spat. Frustrated, Rana subsequently went
inside the police station to hang himself. He was
saved. Later, ACP Choudhary went to the police
station to pacify both the parties.
Charas worth Rs 3.48 crore seized
in Shivpuri, three arrested
Accused from Bihar
BHOPAL: Shivpuri police have
seized charas worth Rs 3.48 crore
and have arrested three persons
in this connection, police said on
Monday. Three persons have
been arrested for alleged posses-
sion of 17.48 kg of charas.
SP Aman Singh Rathore said that
acting on a tip-off, a police team
City sees rise in road rage turning violent
Traffic police
personnel often
pass accountability
to nearest police
station
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Incidents of road rage tak-
ing a violent turn are on the
rise in the city. In the first
quarter of the year, January
to April, 62 such incidents
have been recorded in the
on May 15, was a
married man. On Sunday, Thakur Thakur planned murder
two-wheelers. Amir was on his bike.
No sooner did they reach near Al-
had confessed to killing Kaushal as
minutes before..
pana Talkies, six miscreants, of
seized the contraband and arrested
she had been mounting pressure on
him for marriage. Manali DSP KD Sharma said Thakur
whom three have been identified as
Zubair Kilkil, Shannu and Fardeen,
the accused including a woman in
the limit of Kolaras police station.
Manali Deputy Superintendent of
Police KD Sharma told Free Press
purchased the bag in which he stuffed as well as three of their accomplices
arrived there in two cars and blocked
Sheetal’s body from a market in
The accused are the resident of Bi- that the police team recreated the
Manali as he had pre-planned the
his way. They had old enmity with
har. They are Sunil Kumar (25), crime scene along with Thakur on Amir and began assaulting him.
Avdhesh Das (40) and Babita Devi Sunday, to gather more details about murder. Thakur strangled Sheetal to Amir’s friends fled while he was
(45), he said. A case under the Nar- the cold-blooded murder. The police death minutes before checking out of stabbed seven times following the as-
cotic Drugs and Psychotropic Sub- took Thakur to room number 302 of the hotel to avoid decomposition of sault. The accused even fired two
stances (NDPS) Act has been regis- the hotel where he and Kaushal her body. The shop from where shots at him. He managed to dodge
tered and further investigation is stayed. Thakur told cops that Thakur purchased the bag has been one while sustained a bullet wound on
underway, the police said. Kaushal was reluctant to go to identified, Sharma said. his thigh after another shot.
city. The trend continues to
soar amid the sweltering
front of the traffic police per-
sonnel, they appear to be
ployed at a private firm
rammed his vehicle into the
however, was bent on
getting the other man
the Kamla Nagar police sta-
tion, but the accused is on
heat. The situation is com- shrugging off their responsi- car of an additional district booked. He reached the po- the lam.
ing to such a pass that even bilities and advise the quar- judge in Bag Sewaniya. lice station, while the other
in cases of minor collisions, relling parties to get their is- When the judge’s driver got man, in frenzy, consumed Plans afoot to address
people lose their temper in a sues resolved at the nearest out of the car to stop the ac- poison kept inside his car road rage: DCP (Traffic)
jiffy and resort to assault police station. Question re- cused, the techie tried run- and later died.
even with rods and sticks.
The women are at a higher
mains if the traffic police are
just confined to penalise peo-
ning his car over him. The
driver, however, had a nar-
In another such incident in
the last week of April, a
When the issue was put be-
fore the deputy commission-
risk of being violated during ple for helmet and seatbelt row escape. The accused was woman doctor employed at a er of police (Traffic) Sanjay
such incidents. In almost 15 violations, or also supposed booked, but was not appre- government hospital was Singh, he told Free Press
incidents of road rage from to tighten the reins on those hended due to unknown rea- heading somewhere in a car that currently, just two de-
January to April, the women driving /riding haphazardly, son. when a biker dashed her car vices for speed monitoring
victims of road rage were risking others’ lives. In mid-April, two cars col- in Kamla Nagar. When the are being utilised in the city.
manhandled and even mo- lided in Bag Sewaniya and woman protested, the biker He added that more devices
lested in broad daylight in Instances of drivers the driver of one car was hurled abuses at her, hurled will be brought into use and
crowded spots of the city. To losing cool ready to compensate for the a stone at her car’s wind- the reins will be tightened
make matters worse, even if loss borne by the other car shield and fled the spot. She on those misbehaving on
such incidents take place in In January, a techie em- driver. The other car driver, later got the man booked at roads after a crash.

DISTRICT NEWS
Officials asked 18 motorboats used for mining confiscated
Three arrested for setting to work out
collectorate office afire complaints
Rajgarh: Collector Harsh
FP NEWS SERVICE
Narmadapuram
The tractor-trolley was
confiscated when it was
transporting sand.
ACCUSED FILCHED RELIEF MONEY Dikshit has directed the of-
ficials to work out the com-
A team consisting of the
officials of the mining de-
District mining officer Di-
vesh Markam, mining in-
plaints made on the CM partment and the police spector Krishna Kant
FP NEWS SERVICE Helpline and those related has seized 18 motorboats Paraste and other officials
Shivpuri to Kisan Samman Nidhi which were being used to and the cops played an im-
and land-acquiring cases do illegal mining in Di- portant role in confiscating
The police on Monday within time limit. mawar and Babri villages the motorboats.
claimed to have arrested Dikshit issued the direc- in Seoni Malwa. Markam said that the
three youths who set the tive at a meeting with the The motorboats confis- mining department was
Nazir branch at the collec- officials at the collectorate cated on May 18 have been continuously acting
torate on Saturday. where additional collector kept in the Shivpur police the MP Mineral (Preven- against illegal miners, the against the miners.
Superintendent of police Shivprasad Mandarah and station. tion of illegal Excavation, officials of the mining de- The department took the
Aman Singh Rathore said the joint collector Ratnesh The officials are acting Transportation and Stor- partment confiscated a action following instruc-
culprits had identified them- declared a reward of Rs the collectorate Lalit Ku- Shrivastava were also against the motorboat own- age Rules) Rules 2022. tractor-trolley in the So- tions from collector Sonia
selves as Roop Singh Parihar, 10,000 each on the criminals. mar Sharma against the present. ers under the provisions of As part of the drive hagpur area on May 17. Meena.
Rahul Parihar and Jitendra The police had also regis- then withdrawal and dis- He also issued show-
Pal. Rathore said that he sift- tered an FIR in connection bursement officer Rakesh cause notices to in-charge
ed through the CCTV footage
immediately after the inci-
with the irregularities in ac-
quisition of land for an irri-
Kumar Dhodhi, former as-
sistant grade-3 of the land
JSO and Nayab Tehsildar
of Malawar for their fail- Truck driver dozes Private hospitals operating
dent and saw three persons gation project in Pichhore. records department Deep- ure to work out the cases in
setting the Nazir branch.
A 30-member team was set
The FIR had been regis-
tered on the complaint of
ak Khatik and Roop singh
Parihar of the Water Re-
time.
Dikshit directed the offi-
off; hits tree, dies unauthorisedly in Sehore
up to inquire the case and office superintendent of sources Department. cials of the Public Health FP NEWS SERVICE
Engineering and those of Badamalhara(Chhatarpur) FP NEWS SERVICE partment. Sources claimed that
CCTV footage tells the tale Files were related to scam the Water Resources De- Sehore even after being unregistered,
The files that a fire destroyed at the collectorate partment to install hand A truck driver was killed in a road accident the treatment of the patients is
During the investigation, when the staff of
on Saturday were reportedly related to pumps or tube wells at any late Sunday night when he dozed off in the Private hospitals have been being performed at the hospital,
the collectorage also saw the CCTV
irregularities in payment of relief to the farmers place in rural areas, which running vehicle which rammed into a tree mushrooming in and around Se- and it lacks experienced
footage they identified two of the three
from whom the land was acquired for an are in the grip of acute wa- in Sadwa village in Badamalhara area in hore, especially after the onset medical staff too. As per the in-
youths who set the office afire as Roop
Singh and Rahul Parihar. It was also irrigation project in Pichhore. A sum of Rs Rs ter shortage. the district, the police said. of the COVID-19 pandemic. As formation received from the
revealed that Rahul Singh Parihar was 2,208 crore, sanctioned for the lower irrigation Chief municipal officer According to reports, the truck loaded per official sources, scores of health department, the hospital
working as a computer operator for project in Pichhore, included expenses acquiring of of Biaora said that 71 tube with fish, which coming from Andhra health norms are being flouted had applied to operate as a five-
Mentana Group of companies that was the land and other work, sources said. As the wells were functioning in Pradesh was going towards Bareli in UP. brazenly by the private hospi- bed facility, and has still not
handling the land acquisition case for a houses and the lands of many farmers came within all the wards. Because the driver Hasin Khan was dozing tals, such as treatment of the pa- been given the nod.
lower irrigation project in Pichhore. It was the submergence area of the irrigation projects, Thirty-forty tankers are off, it hit a roadside tree and he was killed. tients by underqualified per- When the operator of the hos-
Parihar who took Rs 26 lakh instead of Rs 6 the government arranged for their compensation. supplying water daily in Khan died on the spot and his two helpers sons, and demand of exorbitant pital, Dr S Prajapati, was con-
lakh by submitting fake bills. The police had A list consisting of the names of farmers who were every ward, he said. sustained severe injuries. fee by the doctors there. tacted in this regard, he said
registered a separate FIR against him. to be given compensation was sent to the land Dikshit directed the The truck owner immediately sent A similar such incident has that the hospital has been regis-
When the police tried to sew the events, records department. The department, however, sub-divisional officers, another vehicle and unloaded the fish. The been reported from the Shyam- tered under the health depart-
they came to know that the trio was trying transferred the money to the accounts of those Tehsilders and chief mu- truck driver’s body could be taken out after pur road in Sehore, where a pri- ment. Chief medical and health
to burn the files related to the land farmers who had neither any land nor any houses nicipal officers to remove 18 hours. vate hospital has been operating officer (CMHO) of Sehore, Sud-
acquisition case. within the submergence area. encroachments within a The injured were sent to the Badamalhara in full swing without even being hir Kumar Dehariya assured of
week. civil hospital. registered under the health de- probe in the case.

Appointment in place of BP Singh
to decide Chief Secretary’s name
S EC is
retiring
on June 30
NITENDRA SHARMA
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
State Election Commis-
sioner (SEC) BP Singh is
retiring on June 30. The
name of Chief Secretary
Veera Rana is doing the
rounds for appointment
in place of Singh.
In case Rana is appoint-
ed SEC, the government
has to find a new officer
for the post of CS.
After extension of serv-
ice, Rana will be in office
till September, so if the
government wants, it can
reduce her tenure in of-
fice as CS and appoint her
as SEC.
The government may
also appoint Rana to the
post of SEC after she com-
Leaders begin to lobby for political appointments
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Leaders of the ruling party
have begun to chew over
pross and cons for political
appointments after the
polling for 29 Lok Sabha
seats in the state.
Before the Lok Sabha
election, Chief Minister
Mohan Yadav removed
those who were appointed
to posts in Corporations,
Mandals and Authorities.
Hectic lobbying for ap-
Shark Tank India like live events for Insurance Co told to Scorching heat halts translocation of
on-the-spot funding MP startups pay Rs 11L to widow Kanha spotted deer to Kuno, Gandhi Sagar
Group of
professionals,
entrepreneurs got
together to form
Bharat Startup
India
adhya Pradesh
M has 3,898
registered startups,
of which 1,801 are
women-led
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Bharat Startup Alliance
(BSA) is going to organise
a series of live events,
along the lines of TV show
Shark Tank India, to
arrange on-the-spot fund-
ing for startups based in
Madhya Pradesh from
June-July this year. An in-
vestors’ meet will be part
of it.
BSA is a group of young
professionals and entre-
preneurs from different
fields to provide and pro-
mote funding to startups
NULLAH CLEANING YET TO PICK
from the state. It had or-
ganised an event in Febru-
PACE AS MONSOON DRAWS CLOSER
C leaning in
half of zones
complete, work on
rest before June 10
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
As the monsoon draws closer,
the snail pace of nullah clean-
ing in the city could result in
miseries if rains started with-
out the drive being completed.
There are around 125 nullahs,
including primary and second-
ary ones in the city, according to
officials of Bhopal Municipal
Corporation (BMC). BMC ad-
ministration has claimed that
nullaha in 50 per cent of zones
have been cleaned and the rest
will be cleaned by June 10.
While the municipal adminis-
tration has deployed poclain ma-
chines to clean major nullah,
but for cleaning of nullah in
congested slum areas, ‘robots’
or small JCB machines will be
pressed.
Choked nullahas throw life
completely out of gears as rain-
water virtually turns roads into
rivers especially in slum areas.
BP Singh
pletes her tenure in office.
According to rules of
the State Election Com-
mission, if the govern-
ment does not appoint a
new SEC, they can extend
the tenure of the present
SEC for six months.
If the government does
not extend the tenure of
Singh and appoints an-
other officer, it will be
clear whether Rana will
C M removed move of the politicians from Corporations,
Authorities and Mandals before the LS election
pointment to those posts
has started. So, those will-
ing to get into these organ-
isations have begun to
make efforts.
The Congress leaders
who have defected to the
BJP are also laying their
claims to certain positions
in these organisations.
They are making efforts on
their own.
nsurance
ary this year and will fol-
low it up with a meeting of
Venture Capitalists
(VCs) and Angel Investors
before on-the-spot funding
events.
“This initiative aims to
unlock the state's entre-
preneurial potential by fa-
cilitating access to capital
for promising startups. We
have set a target of dis-
bursing Rs 50 crore within
a year through investor
participation,” said Sunil
Sharma, an entrepreneur
from Gwalior who is one of
the founder members of
the BSA.
Madhya Pradesh has
3,898 registered startups,
of which 1,801 are women-
led. “Unfortunately, start-
ups from Madhya Pradesh
B N
BMC focusing on major nullah
MC has so far focused on big nullah
but neglected the congested ones
which may become problematic for
people during monsoon. Similarly, choked
drains have not been cleaned. Before the
arrival of monsoon, all these nullahs and
choked drains have to be cleaned.”
— GUDDU CHAUHAN,
Veera Rana
be appointed to the post
or not.
A CS-rank or an ACS-
rank officer can be ap-
pointed as SEC in case the
SEC should retire or re-
sign.
The officers that the
state government ap-
pointed as SEC in its past
two tenures in office re-
tired as chief secretary.
The Congress govern-
The important leaders
who joined the BJP want
that they should be accom-
modated in various organ-
isations the way those who
joined the ruling party to-
gether with Jyotiraditya
Scindia were adjusted, de-
spite their loss in elec-
tions.
Likewise, those who were
removed from the posts or-
do not get funding from
the state and they have to
depend on investors and
VCs from Bengaluru,
Mumbai etc.” said Shar-
ma, adding that funding
was the key issue for start-
ups.
The group plans to or-
ganise a series of events
patterned on Shark Tank
India. The only difference
would be that the events
would be live. “Startup
promoters will present
their ideas and the in-
vestors will commit on-
the-spot funding for
them,” Sharma said.
The founder member
said that their aim is to
create an environment
conducive to
startup growth and en-
able the emergence of 2-3
billion dollar startups and
fosteringgrowth by organ-
ising on-the-spot funding
events in 10 cities in differ-
ent regions of Madhya
Pradesh.
BSA will bring together
startups, venture capital-
ists, angel investors, high
networth individuals and
the government to create a
synergistic network.
W
first. For congested nullahs or those in
the congested areas we will press ‘robots’ and
even manual nallaha gangs will be deployed.”
Congress corporator
ment appointed BP Singh
as SEC after he retired as
CS.
Before him, R Parshu-
ram was appointed to the
post after his retirement
as CS. Former chief sec-
retary Aditya Vijay Singh
also served as SEC.
The government is
mulling over the appoint-
ment of next SEC. Apart
from Rana, the names of
retired officers KK Singh
and Manoj Shrivastava.
The names of those offi-
cers, who are going to re-
tire like head of the Staff
Selection Board Sanjay
Bandyopadhyay and
Malay Shrivastava, are
also doing the rounds for
the post SEC.
The tenure of SEC is for
six years, and an officer
can remain on the post till
he attains the age of 66.
Singh’s tenure is ending
on June 30 when he com-
pletes 66 years.
ganisations are also trying
to get back their positions.
These politicians are
meeting the senior leaders
of the party and lobbying
for the posts.
Those who are working
for the organisation are
also making efforts for po-
litical appointments.
Those who were not giv-
en tickets for the Vidhan
I to the petitioner. Besides,
company and
finance company
also asked to pay
Rs 20,000 each to
the petitioner
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
District consumer redressal
forum, Bhopal, has instruct-
ed an insurance company to
clear Rs 11 lakh life insur-
ance claim of a woman fol-
lowing death of her hus-
band. The forum found defi-
ciency in the services of the
insurance company for not
clearing insurance claims
even after recovery of the
loan amount by the finance
company.
A petitioner Firoja Rafiq,
a resident of Jahangirabad,
Bhopal had approached the
consumer forum claiming
life insurance of her de-
ceased husband Abdul
Rafiq, who worked with the
jail department.
Advocate Arun Sharma
said, “ The district forum
has instructed the insur-
ance company to pay Rs 11
lakh insurance claim with-
Robots to clean
congested ones
e have one poclain machine at
every two zones. So we have
taken up cleaning of big nullahs
Mayor-in-Council(MIC) member
— RK SINGH BAGHEL,
INJURED
OWL SENT TO
VAN VIHAR
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
An owl rescued from the
forest headquarters build-
ing, Van Bhawan, was sent
to Van Vihar National
Park for better care on
Monday. The owl has in-
jured one of its wings and
is being treated for the
same. It has been kept in a
separate quarantine.
The officers of Van Vihar
National Park said, “It is
Common Barn Owl and
comes under part B of
Schedule 1 of Wildlife Con-
servation Act, 1972. Once it
recovers from the injury, it
will be released in its wild
habitat.”
Sabha and Lok Sabha elec-
tions are also pulling out
all the stops for adjustment
in any organisation.
According to a leader of
the ruling party, the organ-
isation will play an impor-
tant role in political ap-
pointments.
Nevertheless, for politi-
cal appointments approval
has to be taken from the
BJP s central leadership.
Therefore, those who are
seeking political appoint-
ments have to work hard.
in two months of the order
the insurance company and
finance company have also
been instructed to pay Rs
20,000 each to the petitioner
in addition to insurance
claims.”
Sharma said that earlier
Abdul Rafiq had ap-
proached a private limited
company for a loan to pur-
chase a plot. He was asked
to go for a life insurance pol-
icy with an institute which
had a tie-up with the fi-
nance company which was
sanctioning his loan.
Rafiq got a loan of Rs 10.37
lakh, of which Rs 94,000
were paid towards insur-
ance of the loan amount to
the insurance company and
Rs 9.43 lakh to the seller of
the plot.
Sharma said that the in-
surance company had told
the court that Rs 94,000 was
received but in verification
it was found that Abdul
Rafiq annual income was
merely Rs 84,000 and even
his educational qualifica-
tion was not verified. It was
not clear from which ac-
count amount was paid, the
company had claimed, he
added.
‘Nullah in 50% zones cleaned’
ullahs in 50 per cent zones have been
cleaned and the cleaning of
those remaining will be
cleaned by June 10, the tentative
date for monsoon arrival. There are
125 nullah in Bhopal including primary
and secondary.”
BHOPAL CITY
INDORE / BHOPAL | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
Congress LS candidates’ meet held
‘Forget about saboteurs,
focus on reviving party’
AICC general secretary and party state in-charge Jitendra Singh addressing media at PCC on Monday
akul Nath,
N Singhar give
meeting a slip,
Digvijaya attends
virtually, while
senior Nath
leaves meeting
in between
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
The issue of saboteur took
a centre stage at the Con-
gress party Lok Sabha can-
didates’ meeting here on
Monday. Some members de-
manded action against
these party traitors, while
others suggested forgive-
ness and commended those
who worked hard during
challenging times. The Con-
gress candidates and other
party leaders unanimously
agreed to put the issue of
saboteurs behind them and
focus on reviving the party.
AICC general secretary and
party state in-charge Jiten-
dra Singh and State party
president Jitu Patwari
chaired the meeting.
ROCESS
P TO RESUME
AT ONSET
OF MONSOON
IN STATE
OUR STAFF REPORTER
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in
Scorching heat at the peak
of summer has made the
authorities halt any
translocation of wild ani-
mals. Kanha Tiger Reserve
has put on hold relocation
of its spotted deer to Kuno
National Park and Gandhi
Sagar Sanctuary and will
begin the process once
mercury heads south-
wards. The translocation
of the spotted deer will be-
gin when the monsoon sets
its foot in the state.
The translocation of
spotted deer continued till
April and now the authori-
ties are waiting for the
temperature to go down.
Any translocation of wild
animals in extreme heat
may threaten its life.
Sources at the reserve said
that till April, 102 spotted
— YOGENDRA PATEL,
deputy commissioner BMC
Chhindwara Nakul Nath the party should now con-
did not attend the meeting,
while Candidates from Ra-
jgarh Digvijaya Singh
sider their contributions
and think about them.
marked his presence virtu-
L
MANTHAN
ally as he was busy in elec-
tion campaigning. The
PROG FROM
meeting lasted around 3.30
JUNE 15: PATWARI
hours. Nakul Nath in- ater talking to media
formed the party higher persons, the Congress
ups about his pre-planned state president Jitu
programme. Patwari flayed the govern-
The former chief minis- ment for not shelling out
ter Kamal Nath did come money to fulfil the promise
for the meeting but left it they made to women. “The
in between. Leader of Op- state government is plan-
position Umang Singhar ning to buy an airplane
also gave the meeting a slip worth hundreds of crore
citing his ill health. Kamal
Nath addressing the meet-
for their luxury, but not giv-
ing Rs 3000 to women which
ing appreciated the candi- they promised in assembly
dates saying that they con- elections,” said Patwari.
tested the election against
all odds created by state
machinery.
The state president said
that to revive the Congress
in the state, Manthan pro-
Morena candidate Satya- gramme will be organised
pal Sikarwar claimed that from June 15 to August
exit of Congress MLA 15. Congress general secre-
Ramniwas Rawat from the tary and state in-charge Ji-
Congress helped the party tendra Singh claimed the
in getting votes. Jabalpur Lok Sabha polls will throw
candidate Dinesh Yadav up surprising results when
suggested having a discus- votes are counted on June 4
sion about the leaders who as the "true face" of the BJP
had supported the party in has been exposed in the on-
the hard times saying that going polls.
REPRESENTATIONAL PIC
T
‘Increasing population
straining habitat’
he population of spotted deer is causing severe
stress on the habitat. To lessen the burden, per-
mission has been sought to translocate the spot-
ted deer to other regions of the state. As of now, the
translocation process has been halted as its peak of
summer season and is not suitable for translocation.
The translocation process will be resumed during the
onset of the monsoon season.”
— SK SINGH, field director, Kanha Tiger Reserve
deer have been shifted to serve or sanctuary.
Kuno. A female spotted deer
A forest official said that gives birth to two offspring
Kuno has asked for 1,000 and this has led to rapid in-
spotted deer to increase its crease in its population at
prey base. As far as Gandhi Kanha. In a year, around
Sagar Sanctuary is con- eight to ten thousand off-
cerned there is a demand spring of spotted deer take
for 500 spotted deer and so birth in Kanha. The grow-
far, 67 have been. ing population of spotted
Kanha has around 47,000 deer is building huge pres-
spotted deer, probably sure on the natural habi-
highest in any tiger re- tat.
PhD to Sweta Jha in Management
Bhopal: Sweta Jha has been awarded PhD
in Management from Barkatullah
University,Bhopal. Her research topic was,
Managing Workforce Diversity and HR
challenges in Professional Education
Institutes of Madhya Pradesh. She worked
under the guidance of Dr Mukesh
Chansoriya, professor Director MBA,LNCT
Bhopal and Dr Vivek Sharma, Director of, CRIM and Dean
faculty of Management Barkatullah University.
Katni man records video
while voting, booked
ideo surfaces The police said that the in-
V on social media
platform
cident took place at
Bohriband polling station
141 under the Saleminabad
police station. The accused
OUR STAFF REPORTER Pankaj Sahu used his mo-
city.bhopal@fpj.co.in bile phone to record a video
as he exercised his fran-
Katni police have registered chise. The police informed
a case against man for vio- that in the video recording
lating the secrecy of the the man can be seen press-
election process by record- ing the BJP button and he
ing a video while voting, also shows the VVPAT slip.
said officials on Monday. He then turns the mobile
Katni comes under Khaju- camera towards his face.
raho Lok Sabha seat and Earlier, FIR was registered
the polling was held there against the former minister
on April 26 – during the sec- Kamal Patel, Congress MLA
ond phase of the election. Arif Masood and BJP
Presiding officer of the leader and district panchay-
polling station approached at member Vinay Mehar for
police after a video of the violating the election
man casting vote surfaced norms. The case has been
on social media platforms. registered under section 188
Police have registered an and the sections of Public
FIR against the man. Representative Act.
DISTRICT
Shreemad Bhagwat katha underway
Mahidpur: A seven-day Shrimad Bhagwat Katha is being organised at Ram Temple on the banks of
Kalisindh river under the aegis of Mahant Purnanand Bharti of Someshwar Mahadev Temple. The katha
commenced on May 17 and will conclude on May 23. The katha is being narrated by preacher Anjana
INDORE / BHOPAL | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024 Mishra. A kalash yatra was also taken out in the town, participated by a large number of villagers.

Corruption plagues Rs 5 cr Youth’s swimming pool

NEWS IN BRIEF
stunt claims teen’s life

JalJeevan Mission in Balwadi

With a population exceeding 12,000 across 20 wards, Balwadi
grama panchayat has seen approximately Rs 5 crore spent on the
scheme over past 18 months, yet the project remains unfinished
KAPILESH SHARMA
Sadhvi Hemlata Didi Sendhwa
Sarkar visits Nagda Residents of Balwadi gram
Nagda: Sadhvi Hemlata Didi Sarkar had a short stay in panchayat are facing se-
Nagda on Friday. Didi Sarkar on her visit to the city vere water shortages due
praised the work of Sarva Brahmin Yuva Wing. Sarva to the alleged negligence
Brahmin Samaj Mahila president Nirmala Rawal gave and corruption affecting
an effusive welcome to Didi Sarkar with shawl and the JalJeevan Mission
quinces. The picture of Shankaracharya was unveiled. (JJM), also known as the
Nirmala Rawal, Vimala Purohit, Seema Pandya and Har Ghar Nal Yojana.
others were present. The government’s objec-
tive was noble: To provide
clean water to every house-
Former MLA appointed Shri Rewa hold, particularly in re-
mote rural areas where
Gurjar Mahasabha president many still trek several
Sanawad: Social worker and former MLA Jagdish kilometers to fetch drink-
Moranya was appointed as the president of Shri Rewa ing water. However, despite
Gurjar Mahasabha in the annual meeting organised at Shri the initiation of the
Rewa Gurjar Mahavidyalaya. On this occasion, students scheme, collusion between
who scored 90 per cent in class XII board examinations officials and contractors
were honoured. The community members also paid has led to its failure to ma-
tribute to Tarachand Patel and remembered his terialise even after one-
contribution in societal development. Shri Rewa Gurjar and-a-half years, falling
Mahavidyalaya president Rakesh Patel, secretary prey to corruption.
Omprakash Patil and others were present.
Implemented as part of
the JalJeevan Mission, the
tap water scheme aimed to
supply water to every
home by installing water
tanks and pipes in gram
panchayats. However, in
Balwadi, this crucial initia-
tive remains incomplete,
leaving residents without
posed and broken in
the main ward, causing
further distress among the
populace.
Despite repeated calls for
action, responsible officers
and contractors have
shown little seriousness in
addressing the matter. Ef-
forts to contact executive
engineer R S Chauhan and
SDO in-charge Devendra
Chauhan have been fruit-
less, reflecting a lack of ac-
countability.
Residents, particularly
the intended benefits. those in tribal wards, re-
With a population ex- main without water con-
ceeding 12,000 across 20 nections, with pipelines
wards, the Balwadi grama damaged or nonexistent.
panchayat has seen ap- Complaints to the gram
proximately Rs 5 panchayat and contractors
crore spent on the scheme have yielded no results, ex-
over the past 18 months, acerbating the water crisis
yet the project remains un- in Balwadi and surround-
finished. Pipelines lie ex- ing rural areas.
FP NEWS SERVICE
Ratlam
In a tragic incident, an 18-
year-old boy lost his life af-
ter being struck during a
stunt performed by a youth
at the Dolphin swimming
pool in Ratlam. The inci-
dent, captured on CCTV,
has highlighted severe
negligence on the part of
the lifeguard and has
raised concerns about safe-
ty measures at the facility.
The CCTV footage shows
the chilling moment when
a youth’s knee struck the
victim Aniket Tiwari’s
face as he performed a
stunt, causing Aniket to
fall into the pool and lose
consciousness. Despite the
presence of several by-
standers, no immediate ac-
tion was taken to rescue
him. The lifeguards at the
scene responded too late,
resulting in Aniket’s tragic
death by drowning.
This marks the second fa-
tal incident at the Dolphin
swimming pool, which
continued to operate de-
spite previous warnings.
Following the incident, the
pool has been sealed by the
police, and an investiga-
tion is underway.
The authorities have tak-
en swift action to close the
pool and are now focusing
on determining the exact
circumstances and respon-
sibilities leading to this
preventable tragedy. The
incident has raised urgent
questions about the en-
forcement of safety proto-
cols and the accountability
of those managing public
recreational facilities.

Asada Rajput community celebrates

Maharana Pratap Jayanti Women resort to road blockade to Doctor booked for giving triple talaq by post
ban heavy vehicles on residential road
FP NEWS SERVICE
Alot
Residents of Bhambhi
Pura demanded a ban on
heavy vehicles entering
Alirajpur: Asada Rajput community members organised a their residential area due
grand ceremony to commemorate Maharana Pratap to safety and health con-
Jayanti recently. The programme was addressed by special cerns. Despite informing
guests, including Durga Vahini provincial vice-president the SDM, tehsildar and
Malasingh Thakur, community president Rinkesh Singh CMO, no action was taken.
Tanwar and others. A procession was also taken out in the Tensions peaked when a
town with bands and horses. cement-laden truck at-
tempted to pass through,
People appealed to organise prompting local women to
block the road and sit-in
yagya on Buddha Purnima protest under the scorch-
Khachrod: On the call of Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Pariwar, ing 43-degree heat.
Shantikunj Haridwar, citizens were appealed to organise Police arrived but
‘ghar ghar yagya’ across the country on the occasion of couldn’t resolve the issue,
Buddha Purnima on May 23. The Yagya would be
performed by the family members in their respective
homes. The Khachrod Gayatri Parivar members have TERROR OF FISH CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES IN SANJEET
appealed to organise yagya in every village.
Sakal Brahmin Samaj organises
health check-up camp
Case registered after video
of violent clash goes viral
FP NEWS SERVICE
Pipliya Mandi
A video showing a violent
altercation between fisher-
men and employees of a
fish contractor in the San-
jeet area went viral on so-
cial media, prompting po-
lice action.
The incident occurred on
Pipliya Mandi: The Sakal Brahmin Samaj organised a free May 16, when Wasim
of cost medical check up camp under the aegis of Pacific Yakub Khan and his friend
Medical College and Hospital at Sindhi Dharamshala. A total Faizan, who hold a fishing
of 213 patients were examined and medicines were licence from the fisheries
provided. Out of which 37 patients were selected for department, were fishing
operation and taken to Udaipur Pacific Hospital. Babulal on the banks of the Retam
Nagar, Raju Pandit, Kamal Sharma and others were present. river.
According to Wasim,
Workshop on laboratory the conflict began when
employees of the Gandhi
equipment held Sagar fish contractor de-
manded to see their fish-
health hazards from the
frequent passage of large
trucks and the presence of
a cement warehouse.
Councillor Bhayu Panch-
hi and municipal council
president representative
Abhishek Jain also inter-
vened, persuading the
women to allow the truck
to pass. Tehsildar Bhagat
assured residents that gov-
ernment regulations re-
strict heavy vehicle opera-
tions in residential areas
leading SDM Sunil Kumar between 10 pm to 6 am.
Jaiswal to send tehsildar This protest underscores
Sonam Bhagat. The the ongoing conflict be-
women highlighted the tween urban development
risks of accidents and and residential safety.
RECURRING VIOLENCE
T his incident is not isolated. There have been numerous
reports of assaults by the fish contractor’s employees
against fishermen in the Sanjeet area. Fishermen’s
complaints are frequently met with minimal police action,
allowing the cycle of violence to continue.
POLICE RESPONSE COMMUNITY
Nahargarh TI RC Dangi
confirmed that a case has
CONCERNS
Residents and fishermen in
been registered regarding the Sanjeet are increasingly
assault on fishermen. When worried about their safety
asked about the recurring and the lack of effective
nature of these incidents, TI police intervention. There
Dangi said that this was the are fears that without
first case brought to his stringent action against the
attention, and the police will perpetrators, the situation
take legal action whenever could escalate into more
such matters are reported. severe incidents.
FP NEWS SERVICE
Alot
A case has been registered
against a doctor for alleged-
ly giving triple talaq to his
wife by sending her three
letters by post in Alot, po-
lice said on Monday.
Muskaan, a resident of
Shivdham Colony, re-
ceived divorce papers by
post from her husband, Dr
Ishan Satania. Muskaan,
along with her father Za-
hid Khan, has lodged a
formal complaint against
Dr Satania at Alot police
station.
The accused, Dr Ishan
Sataniya (32), an MBBS
doctor from village Ghon-
ing licence. When Wasim
explained that the
licence was at home, the
contractor’s employees
accused them of fish
theft and began assault-
ing them. The employees
recorded the altercation
and uploaded the video to
social media platforms,
including WhatsApp.
Following the viral
video, the fishermen
lodged a complaint at the
Nahargarh police
station.
On May 18, the police
registered a case against
three employees of the
fish contractor- Rahul
alias Punnu, Lalit, and
SD Sharma from the Cha-
chor Entry Centre.
sla in Ujjain district, re-
portedly sent three sepa-
rate divorce papers via
post. Muskaan and Ishan
were married four years
ago and have a
three-year-old
child named
Evan, who
currently re-
sides with
Muskaan.
Based on the
woman’s com-
plaint, the po-
lice on Sunday DR ISHAN SATANIA
registered a
case under the Muslim
Women (Protection of
Rights on Marriage) Act,
2019 against Ishan Sa-
taniya. Quoting the com-
Mystery shrouds death
of two men in Badnawar,
Kheda village
FP NEWS SERVICE
Badnawar
Two persons lost their
lives after consuming
poisonous substances in
separate locations. Sun-
day night, 40-year-old
Sanjay, son of Bherulal
Verma from Badi Chow-
patty in Badnawar in-
gested a poisonous sub-
stance at his residence.
Initially diagnosed and
treated locally, his condi-
tion deteriorated, neces-
sitating his transfer to
Barnagar Hospital.
Despite the efforts,
Bherulal Verma could
not be saved. After a
post-mortem examina-
tion in Barnagar, his
plaint, the police said the
couple married in Novem-
ber 2020, and the woman’s
in-laws started harassing
her for dowry soon after.
The woman
moved in with her
parents and
lodged a com-
plaint of dowry
harassment at
Alot police sta-
tion, police said.
Sataniya al-
legedly sent his
wife three letters
by post on Febru-
ary 28, April 2 and May 8
to give triple talaq, the
police said, adding that
these letters were pro-
duced before the police.
body was returned
home, and the funeral
was conducted in the af-
ternoon. The cause of in-
gestion remains un-
known, and police inves-
tigations are on.
Similarly, Hiralal Pati-
dar from village Kheda
also succumbed to a poi-
sonous substance while
undergoing treatment in
Ratlam.
His funeral took place
on Sunday, with the rea-
son for his consumption
of the substance still un-
clear.
Authorities have
launched inquiries into
both incidents to deter-
mine the causes and pre-
vent future occurrences.

15 booked for creating ruckus at Ratlam district hospital

FP NEWS SERVICE
Ratlam
Sendhwa: A workshop on the use and operation of As many as 15 persons were
laboratory equipment was organised at Veer Baidhani and five of them were arrested
Khajya Nayak Government Post Graduate College here. for allegedly creating ruckus
During the workshop, information about the equipment at the Ratlam district hospital.
used in the chemistry department was given by the The incident happened on
subject expert Dr Kiran Tawde, professor of the Saturday night, resulting in in-
chemistry department of Government College, Niwali. juries to four persons, who are
Experiments using pH meter, colorimeter, high pressure currently undergoing treat-
liquid chromatography (HPLC) and centrifuge machine ment.
were explained to the students.
The altercation stemmed
from a property dispute be-
tween two families in Madina
Colony, which is presently un-
der court consideration. On
Saturday night, the conflict es-
calated into a physical fight.
One group reported the inci-
dent at Manak Chowk police
station, prompting a soldier to
escort the injured to the dis-
trict hospital for medical care.
During this time, the opposing
group also arrived at the hospi-
tal, leading to a violent clash.
The hospital’s examination
counter was severely damaged
and the combatants used what-
ever they could find as
weapons against each other.
Notably, two police personnel
were present but refrained
from intervening due to fear,
opting instead to record videos
of the incident.
Dr Anand Chandlekar,
CMHO, formally requested po-
lice action against those re-
sponsible for the vandalism.
CSP Abhinav Warange con-
firmed that the accused have
been charged under several
sections of the Indian Penal
Code, including section 353 (as-
sault or criminal force to deter
public servant from discharge
of his duty), 147 (rioting), 149
(unlawful assembly), 427 (mis-
chief causing damage), 294 (ob-
scene acts), and 506 (criminal
intimidation).
Additionally, charges have
been filed under Section 3/4 of
the Madhya Pradesh Protec-
tion of Doctors or Medical Per-
sons Act and Section 3 of the
Prevention of Damage to Pub-
lic Property Act.

Six-day yoga camp concludes

Mandleshwar offers adventurers rendezvous with nature’s beauty PANCHANG 21.5.2024
(UTTARAYAN)
Saka 1946 Samvat 2081

Nagar Van to be Standing out amidst

them all is the Nagar Van
for the development of Na-
gar Van. The remaining
Month : Vaishakh Shukla 13 Tuesday 5.40 P.M.

Nakshatra : Svati —————————————

inaugurated on nestled in the Lap of Ladvi amount will be utilised for Yoga : Vyatipat 12.35 P.M. then Variyan

June 5
FP NEWS SERVICE
Mandleshwar
To boost tourism, the Man-
dleshwar administration is
all set to inaugurate a new
tourist place, called ‘Nagar
Mandsaur: A six-days free yoga camp organised for
Van’, on June 5, promising
children by Dashpur Yoga Education Institute concluded
adventurers a rendezvous
here. Children were awarded with prizes and incentives
to encourage them towards yoga. Giving information, with nature’s beauty.
Under the ambit of the
Yoga instructor Surendra Jain said all the children came
Eco-Tourism scheme, ap-
regularly and practised yoga for all six days as they learned
proximately 145 hectares
the mantra of staying healthy through yoga. The camp saw
of land have been trans-
participation of around 70 children.
formed into Nagar Van,
panchayat area of Man-
dleshwar. What sets this
Nagar Van apart is its
proximity to the tourism
hub of Maheshwar and its
serene location along the
banks of the Narmada.
Just 5 kilometres from Ma-
heshwar, this green oasis
welcomes visitors with an
entrance gate reminiscent
of a bird sanctuary. Inside, a
plethora of young and old
activities wait, including
bird-watching towers, medi-
tation centres, illuminated
fountains, arch bridges,
pagodas, a star garden, a
With an entry fee of
merely Rs 30, visitors can
indulge in activities for an
additional fee, ensuring an
affordable and memorable
experience. Open until 6
pm, the timings might
for all who venture into
this green paradise.
Assistant forest conser-
vator, MS Maurya, ex-
pressed, “Mandleshwar is
endowed with a project
worth Rs 80 lakh, out of
Karan : Garaj —————————————
maintenance over the next
Moon : Tula —————————————
5 to 7 years.”
Ranger Shilpi Jayaswal 3 MER, HER
1
of Mandleshwar forest 4 2
SUN, JUP, VEN
12
MARS,
range revealed, “On June RAHU,
NEP
5, we’ll conduct extensive 5 11
SAT
tree plantation on a large
scale. Alongside, Nagar 6
8
Van will be open to the KETU 10
PLU
public; with an entry fee of
7
MOON
9
just Rs 30. Additional
charges for activities will
be Rs 50 per coupon.” FREE PRESS CL ASSIFIED
Forest and Environment RUNNING CLASSIFIED
Minister Dilip Ahirwar
DISPLAY CLASSIFIED 7 DAY 500/-
praised the initiative dur-
50/- SQ.CM. B/W.
15 DAY 1000/-
30 DAY 1500/-
ing his recent inspection,
75/- SQ.CM.
DISPLAY CLASSIFIED
appreciating the aesthetics (MINIMUM SIZE 1X3)

with an expenditure of children’s play area and ad- vary seasonally, promising which approximately Rs 55 and recreational facilities FREE PRESS CALL- 9425082195
nearly Rs 55 lakh. ventures like zip lines. an enchanting experience lakh have been allocated of Nagar Van.
 CHHATTISGARH
Minor reshuffle
RAIPUR: On the return of Richa Sharma (IAS 1994) from central government deputation,
Government of Chhattisgarh has appointed her as Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and
Climate Change department on Monday. The General Administration of Department order
stated that from the day Richa Sharma takes charge as ACS Forest and Climate Change
department, Manoj Kumar Pingua (IS-1994) will be relieved of the charge. CHHATTISGARH | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

Pickup overturns, leave Congress is facing curse

19 dead, others injured
STAFF REPORTER / RAIPUR /
KAWARDHA
A pickup vehicle carrying
about 25 tribals overturned
and fell into a 20-feet deep
ditch, leaving 19 dead out of
which 18 are women and one
man in a road accident which
took place in Kawardha of
Chhattisgarh at around 2.30
pm on Monday.
Chhattisgarh government
has decided to give an assis-
tance of 5 lakh to the families
of the deceased and 50 thou-
sand to those injured in the
accident.
The accident took place
near Bahpani village in
Kawardha area when the
tribals were returning home
after plucking tendu leaves.
The impact of the accident
was so severe that 13 of the
The pickup was overturned with the bodies lying near the accident site.
jured. Under the supervision
of the state government, the
local administration is en-
Kabirdham district. Neces-
sary instructions for better
treatment of the injured have
died in the accident. 13 people
died on the spot. While five in-
jured people died during
In first phase,
16,036 students
selected for
admission in
private schools
STAFF REPORTER / RAIPUR
Under the Right to Free and
Compulsory Child Education
Act-2009 (RTE), the process of
online lottery for admission
in private schools for the aca-
demic year 2024-25 began
with selection of 16,036 stu-
dents on Monday.
The Director General of
Public Instruction stated that
1,22,270 applications were re-
ceived for admission against
the total reserved 52,872 seats
in the primary class of 6,554
private schools of the state.
Today 16, 036 students have
been selected in the first
phase for admission in pri-
vate schools.
In the first phase, the lot-
tery of Raipur, Durg, Bi-
laspur, Rajnandgaon,
Kawardha, Jashpur and Jag-
dalpur districts was conduct-
ed by the Director General of
of its bad deeds: Kashyap
STAFF REPORTER / RAIPUR
Chhattisgarh Forest Minister
Kedar Kashyap on Monday
said Congress leaders are los-
ing elections because of their
bad deeds. Congress party is
not able to recover from the
frustration. He was reacting
to the notice of Congress
leader Selja Kumari and
other host of issues.
He countered that Arun
Sisodia a former Congress
leader had also given notice
to former Chief Minister Bhu-
pesh Baghel, what happened
to it? Kedar said that if Con-
gress has done wrong to the
public then the public will
definitely punish.
Kashyap said Bharatiya
Janata Party is winning all
the 11 Lok Sabha seats of
Chhattisgarh. BJP's popular
candidate Brijmohan Aggar-
wal will win from Raipur Lok
Sabha seat with huge votes.
Raipur Lok Sabha seat will be
included in the list of those
making the record of winning
the highest number of votes
in the country.
Regarding the ongoing sur-
vey in the Congress Party,
Kashyap alleged that the Con-
gress Party is now in a state of
destruction. They have a se-
vere shortage of leaders.
What is more lacking is the
sycophants of the Gandhi
family. Therefore, the Con-
gress Party is conducting a
survey of the leaders who will
back only the Gandhi family.
He further said the elec-
tion results are in favour of
BJP in Odisha. He said that
BJP's double engine govern-
ment is going to be formed
in Odisha. At the same time,
Congress is not even in the
contest in the state, there is
no one to question it. The
Congress party has not been
able to come out of its inter-
nal strife. BJP had made a
dent in the electoral
prospects of Biju Janata Dal
in the electoral field, where-
as Congress was not able to
fight the BJD. He adds that
there is a lot of anger among
the people of Odisha for run-
ning the government by offi-
cials instead of the CM.

victims died on the spot. All
these people were residents of
Semhara village.
President Draupadi Mur-
gaged in providing all possi- been given to the district ad-
ble help to the victims,” he ministration. I pray to God
stated. for peace to the departed
Chhattisgarh Governor souls and express my deepest
treatment. Among the dead,
there were 18 women and one
man”, said Abhishek Pallav,
SP, Kawardha.
11 booked of embezzling
Public Instruction in front of
private school organizations,
parents and various media.
These include 4,655 against

government funds of `3.13 crore

mu and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi have ex-
pressed grief over the acci-
dent. The President tweeted,
“Tthe news of death of many
people in a road accident in
Kabirdham district of Chhat-
tisgarh is extremely sad. I ex-
press my deepest
condolences to the families
who lost their loved ones in
this accident. I wish for the
speedy recovery of the in-
jured people.”
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi also tweeted and said,
the road accident in Kaward-
ha, Chhattisgarh is
extremely painful. “My con-
dolences to those who lost
their loved ones in this acci-
dent. Along with this, I wish
speedy recovery of all the in-
Biswabhusan Harichandan
expressed condolences over
the death of tribals of
Kawardha district. The Gov-
ernor said prayers to Ma-
haprabhu Shri Jagannath for
the salvation of the deceased
and to provide patience to
their families in this difficult
situation and for the speedy
recovery of the injured
labourers.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minis-
ter Vishnu Deo Sai expressed
grief over the death toll in the
accident. In a post in Hindi on
X, he said (roughly translated
to), "Sad news is being re-
ceived about the death of 18
villagers and injury of 4 due
to the overturning of a pickup
near Bahpani village under
Kukdur police station area of
condolences to their families.
I pray for the speedy recovery
of the injured.”
Deputy Chief Minister
Arun Sao, former Chief Min-
ister Bhupesh Baghel and oth-
er political leaders have ex-
pressed their condolences to
the grieving family. Deputy
Chief Minister and Home
Minister Vijay Sharma said
the government will consider
the assistance to be given. He
said the reason for the inci-
dent is brake failure of the ve-
hicle, which is unfortunate.
He was interacting with the
media on his visit to Pan-
dariya where the maximum
family resides.
“A total of 25 people were
traveling in the pickup vehi-
cle. A total of 19 people have
Local people had informed
the police about the incident.
With the help of the police
team and local people, the in-
jured people were taken to the
hospital. Meanwhile, the bod-
ies of the injured have been
sent for post-mortem. Infor-
mation was passed on to the
family members and relatives
of the victims.
Earlier, a serious road acci-
dent had happened in
Kumhari police station area
of Durg on April 9th. The bus
carrying employees from Ke-
dia Company in the Kumhari
police station area went out of
control and overturned,
falling into a 25 feet deep
ditch. Over 13 people died in
the accident while 17 people
were injured.
5,126 reserved seats in
Raipur, 3,462 against 4,293
seats in Durg, 3,609 against
4,558 seats in Bilaspur, 1,471
against 1,703 seats in Raj-
nandgaon, in Kawardha 1,242
students were selected
against 1,351 seats, in Jash-
pur, 895 students were select-
ed against 1,252 seats and in
Jagdalpur, 702 students were
selected against 761 seats.
Selected students will be
informed through SMS on
their mobile number. These
students will have to take ad-
mission in the selected
schools between June 1 and
June 30. The online lottery
process for selecting students
is a completely computerized
and human intervention-free
process.
STAFF REPORTER / GARIABAND
Mainpur Police has registered
a case of fraud against 11 offi-
cers and employees including
three treasury officers, BMA
for misappropriation of gov-
ernment money to the tune of
Rs 3.13 crore.
The incident was of finan-
cial year 2016 to 2019, where
money was fraudulently with-
drawn from the treasury in
the name of health workers.
Rs 3,13,13,971 were withdrawn
by creating a bogus file of in-
crements and arrears.
The police said a case has
been registered against a total
of 11 people including the then
dari, Santosh Komra, GC
Kurre, Bhojram Dewan, ward
boy Vinod Dhruv, driver
Bharat Nande, Lukesh
Chaturvedani under various
sections of fraud.
The investigation report
states that, from the financial
year 2016_17 to 2019_20, the
CRPF jawan
shot in neck,
shifted to
Raipur
STAFF REPORTER/ GARIABAND
During cross firing by Nax-
alites while searching in
Gariaband district of
Chhattisgarh on Sunday
night, a CRPF jawan was
shot and the bullet was
stuck in his neck. The
CRPF team took the injured
soldier to Gariaband Dis-

People will free Jharkhand from misrule: Netam

three District Treasury Offi-
cers, BMO. The matter was
not taken up for the last 4 year
after it was reported.
Among the officers against
LSTAFF REPORTER / RAIPUR whom the case has been regis-
tered, the then BMO K.K.
Chhattisgarh's Agriculture Minister Ram Negi, the then District Treas-
Vichar Netam on Monday said tribals in Jhark- ury Officer Guruvendra Sao
hand are the most victims of corruption. Now (currently Bemetara
the time has come that the state should be free Treasury Officer), DP Verma
from the misrule of Mukti Morcha. He was con- (currently Mahasamund
ducting election campaign and public relations Treasury Officer), K.K. Dubey
at Giridih Lok Sabha constituency of Jhark- (currently Baloda Bazar treas-
hand. ury officer) has been made an
Netam said, whichever way one goes in accused.
Jharkhand, the rampant corruption is visible. A case has been registered
He alleged the public is watching the way the fa- against clerk Virendra Bhan-
ther-son duo has made a dent in the state's re-
sources. The people of the state have now made
up their mind to bless the BJP. He said that now
the people of the state are only seeing BJP as an
One Day state
mourning today
alternative. Only Bharatiya Janata Party can
achieve overall development of the state, he
adds. Chhattisgarh's Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Netam conducted a public relations campaign at Jharkhand on Monday. STAFF REPORTER / RAIPUR
then BMO posted at Mainpur
Community Health Centre
made bogus files of arrears, in-
crements and additional
salaries in the names of more
than 60 employees under his
subordinate. He used to
certify it himself and send it to
the treasury. Treasury offi-
cials also issued payments
without verification. Most of
the payments were sent to the
personal account of Punjab
National Bank specified by
the BMO instead of the ac-
count of the employee related
to the file. Thus, Rs 3,13,43,971
were withdrawn in 4 years.
Bilaspur collector
suspends Food Inspector
trict Hospital. After pri-
mary treatment, he has
been referred to Raipur.
The police said a soldier
has been injured in Shiv-
narayanpur firing in Sun-
abeda Sanctuary of Komna
police station area. The
CRPF team was conducting
a search operation when
the incident occurred. The
intensive search operation
is being conducted. The fir-
ing is going on intermittent-
ly. However, till now the po-
lice have not confirmed that
the bullet was caused by
cross firing.

Tuteja sent to
STAFF REPORTER / BILASPUR

RO, ARO, officials undergo

The Government of India has ceived from Kota SDM.
declared one day of state The order states that
mourning on May 21 in Chhattisgarh Bilaspur Dis- Sheikh Abdul Qadir has been
honor of late Iranian Presi- trict Collector has suspended accused of not continuously

training for counting

dent Dr. Seyed Ebrahim the Food Inspector found neg- inspecting the ration shops of

jail till June 3

STAFF REPORTER / Raipur
Returning Officer (RO),
Deputy District Election Offi-
cer (DEO), Assistant ARO,
AARO, EVM incharge,
Polling Booth Nodal,
Training in-charge, Security
Nodal, Technical Team, Mas-
ter Trainer, DIO and DPRO
and other officers underwent
training at New Circuit
House Auditorium on Mon-
day. The counting of votes
will be held on June 4.
Raipur Collector and Dis-
trict Election Officer Dr. Gau-
rav Singh addressing trainees
said the efficiency with which
the voting work was done in
the Lok Sabha elections is his-
torical. Positive response has
been received regarding the
facilities provided to the
polling personnel like trolley
and in the polling station.
The Collector said that now
the counting of votes has to
take place, this is the last and
most important part of the
election. Discharge it serious-
ly. The most important thing
LAST WORD
A dummy counting hall as part of training was installed at the New
Circuit House, Raipur on Monday.
is to behave with restraint
during the counting of votes.
Provide clear information to
the agents of political parties.
He said that signatures
must be taken on their tabula-
tion chart after every round.
The work of counting votes is
sensitive, hence execute this
work very carefully. Trainers
from State Election Commis-
sion, Geeta Diwan, Vinay Ag-
garwal, Deputy Chief Elec-
toral Officer Chhattisgarh,
Raisi and Foreign Minister ligent in investigating irregu- his charge area Kota, not
Hossein Amir Abdollahian. larities in the distribution of keeping in mind the problems
During the period of state ration in PDS shops. of the general public and ig-
mourning, national flags will Bilaspur Collector Avnish noring their problems related
be flown at half-mast at all Sharan has suspended Kota to ration. During the suspen-
STAFF REPORTER ceived a lot of evidence during government buildings in the Food Inspector Sheikh Abdul sion period, the Food Inspec-
the interrogation in the liquor state where the national flag Qadir due to negligence in tor has been attached to the
The local Special Court on scam case. Along with it, is hoisted regularly. No en- government work. The Col- Food Branch of the District
Monday extended the judicial names of many people have tertainment and cultural pro- lector has issued orders for Office. He will be eligible for
remand of retired IAS Anil also come to light during the in- grams will be organized at suspension action on Monday subsistence allowance as per
Tuteja for 14 days. He will re- terrogation of Tuteja. ED will the government level. on the basis of the report re- rules.
main in jail till June 3. be issuing summons and call-
The Enforcement Direc- ing the name to its office for
torate (ED) presented Tuteja,
the accused named in Chhattis-
garh after his remand ended.
questioning. The ED team has
recovered digital devices from
Tuteja. The data is being ex-
A healthy mind resides in
a healthy body: Collector
After hearing the judicial re- tracted and analyzed. The ED
mand was extended. is likely to arrest other people
The ED claimed to have re- in the case.
STAFF REPORTER / Bemetara in cricket, karate, kho kho, by yourself, today a little, to-
Rupesh Kumar Verma, Assis- yoga and football will be giv- morrow more and more. He
tant Chief Electoral Officer Bemetara District Collector en by skilled trainers. Shar- said, “You still have time,
Chhattisgarh, Vinod Aglave, Ranveer Sharma on Monday ma said he has been coming you are still a student, if not
System Manager, Chief Elec- said a healthy mind resides to the stadium regularly more then give at least 1 hour
toral Officer Chhattisgarh ex- in a healthy body. Play the since the second day of join- in the field and stay connect-
plained the process of count- game with sporting spirit, ing in Bemetara. He ed with the game.”
ing in detail. there are immense possibili- appealed to the citizens of Be- Manhar in her address ap-
A model of the counting ties in the game. He was ad- metara that they should also pealed to all the children to
hall was also made at the dressing the 21-day summer come and make good use of take advantage of the train-
training venue, in which the sports training camp inaugu- the stadium. ing and asked them to bring
postal ballot counting table, ral ceremony at Swami He asked all the children glory to themselves and their
EVM counting table and Vivekananda Stadium locat- to stay away from mobile district by participating in
VVPAT counting booth were ed at the district headquar- phones and encouraged the upcoming competitions.
shown. ters. them to increase their abili- Karate coach Ajay Verma
Sub-Divisional Officer ties by playing a lot. He wrote enthralled everyone by
Revenue and Sports and a poem to bring enthusiasm demonstrating karate to the
Youth Welfare In-charge towards sports among the karate players. Training ma-

De-addiction events to mark World No Tobacco Day

Pinky Manhar was present. children - If you have the terial was distributed to all
The 21-day training, training strength then go ahead, but the trainers.

STAFF REPORTER / RAIPUR World No Tobacco Day, var-
ious programs will be or-
To mark World No Tobacco ganized in all the districts of
Day on May 31, various de- the state for de-addiction
addiction programs will be and people will be made
organized to effectively con- aware. De-addiction pro-
trol the tendency of smok- grams will be organized
ing and tobacco consump- from city to village level. In
tion among the general pub- the programmes, the ill ef-
lic. The main objective of fects of tobacco consump-
the programs is to develop tion will be discussed and
public awareness in the so- information about its ill ef-
ciety about the ill effects of fects will be given to the
smoking. public. Apart from this, in-
Social Welfare Depart- formation about the ill ef-
ment officials said that on fects of drug abuse through
social media, various com-
petitions for de-addiction,
cultural programs related
to de-addiction, distribution
of de-addiction literature,
and de-addiction exhibi-
tions will also be organised.
The Collectors of all the
districts of the state, Chief
Municipal Officers and
Chief Executive Officers of
all the urban bodies and
District Panchayats have
been asked to make people
aware by organizing vari-
ous programs.
 BOLLYWOOD GOES INTO POLL MODE

INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

Countdown of disintegration
Mamata wants maximum
seats to help INDIA bloc
in forming govt at Centre

of INDIA bloc has begun: Modi PANSKURA (WB)

West Bengal Chief Minis-

JHARGRAM
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on Monday asserted
that following the fifth
phase of Lok Sabha elec-
tions, the Congress and the
INDIA bloc face imminent
defeat, marking the begin-
ning of the opposition
front's disintegration.
Speaking at a rally in West
Bengal's Jhargram, Modi
accused Congress leaders
of communalism, alleging
that they intend to take
away the reservations of
Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes to give
them to Muslims.
"After the fifth phase of
polls, the TMC and the INDI
alliance stand defeated.
After June 4 (when the re-
sults will be announced),
the opposition bloc will
cease to exist. The count-
down of the disintegration
of the INDI alliance has
begun," he said.
The Prime Minister ac-
cused the Congress of being
a communal party that still
has the thought process of
the Muslim League.
"The Congress wants to
give reservation benefits to
the Muslims by snatching
the rights of SCs, STs and
OBCs. The Congress leaders
are 100 per cent communal.
This is the truth of Con-
gress, which the party and
its ecosystem did not allow
to be revealed to the coun-
trymen for years," he said.
"Many journalists asked
me about Muslim reserva-
tion during my recent inter-
views, but see, Congress
'Shehzada' himself is em-
phasising it in his video," he
said.
Referring to a video that
has gone viral on social
media, Modi said, "On one
hand, Manmohan Singh
had said Muslims had the
first right to Bharat's re-
sources. On the other, the
Shehzada of Congress, in a
video surfaced on social
media, is seen saying Con-
gress will give reservation
to Muslims." The Prime
Minister said he has seen
the video of Congress
Shehzada (Rahul Gandhi),
which is 11-12 years old.
"I have seen a video of the
'Shehzada' of Congress on
social media. In this 11-12
year-old video, the prince of
Congress is openly saying
the Congress will give reser-
vation to Muslims," he said.
Shehzada (Prince) is a
term used by the BJP to
mock Rahul Gandhi and
criticise dynasty politics in
the Congress.
Modi slammed the INDIA
bloc over the issue of reser-
vation and said they want to
give reservations based on
religion.
"Babasaheb Ambedkar
was against providing reser-
vations based on religion.
But now, the INDIA bloc
wants to give reservations
based on religion. In Karna-
taka, they gave OBC reser-
vations to Muslims, do you
want to put an end to your
reservations?" he asked.
Modi said although the
Congress for more than half
a century gave the slogan of
'Garibi Hatao' (remove pov-
erty), "but it was none but
Modi only who made India
the world's fifth largest
economy, who pulled the
country's 25 crore people
out of poverty."
ter Mamata Banerjee on
Monday said that maxi-
mum number of seats to
the Trinamool Congress
will ensure that it can to-
tally help the opposition
INDIA bloc more when it
forms government at the
Centre.
I‘M NOT AGAINST
ANY INSTITUTION'
ONDA: Praising the
Ramakrishna Mission or
Bharat Sevashram Sangha
for their philanthropic
works, West Bengal CM
Mamata Banerjee on
Monday said she was not
against any institution but
criticised one or two
persons for indulging in
politics. Banerjee had on
Saturday alleged that some
monks of the two monastic
orders were working "under
instructions of the BJP".
"This is Delhi's vote, if
we can win every seat
with your votes, we can
totally help the govern-
ment which will be
formed by the INDIA alli-
ance," Banerjee said at an
election rally here,
urging the electorate to
vote for the TMC.

Oppn seeks EC action after purported video
shows teen voting 8 times to BJP candidate
LUCKNOW: A video from
Uttar Pradesh, in which a
youngster is seen voting for
the BJP candidate as many
as eight times, went viral
and sparked a row as 49 Lok
Sabha seats voted in the
fifth phase of the general
election.
The Congress and the Sa-
majwadi Party on Sunday
sought action from the Elec-
tion Commission after a
video went viral.
While sharing the video,
GLITZ & GLAMOUR: Polling booths in Mumbai on Monday looked like a who's who of cine the Congress urged the poll
industry bigwigs which included Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and wife Kiran Rao, Janhvi body to “wake up” and take
Kapoor and veteran actor Prem Chopra action.
“Dear Election Commis-
sion, do you see this?
One person is voting 8
times. It's time to
wake up,” the party
wrote on X. Sa-
majwadi Party chief
Akhilesh Yadav also
shared the video and
sought action from
the Election Commission.
“If the Election Commis-
sion feels that this is wrong,
they should certainly take
some action, otherwise...”
Yadav wrote on x. “BJP's
booth committee is actually
a loot committee.”
Congress leader Rahul
Gandhi alleged that the BJP
wants to under-
mine the mandate
by pressuring gov-
ernment machin-
ery to loot democ-
racy.
“The Congress ex-
pects all officials on
election duty to not
forget their constitutional
responsibilities in the face
of power pressure,” Gandhi
wrote on X. "Otherwise
when INDIA (bloc) forms
the government, action will
be taken so that no one will
dare disrespect the 'oath of
the Constitution' without
thinking ten times.”
Kangana shown black flags
SHIMLA: Black flags
were shown and slogans
were raised against
actor-politician Kangana
Ranaut during her visit
to Kaza of Lahaul-Spiti
district in Himachal
Pradesh on Monday.
Kangana Ranaut,
the BJP Lok
Sabha candidate
from Mandi, was
in Kaza along
with former CM
Jairam Thakur to
address a public
rally.
The Congress claimed
that the people of Lahaul-
Spiti showed black flags
to Kangana Ranaut over
her comments about the
Buddhist spiritual leader,
the Dalai Lama. However,
according to news agency
ANI, the protestors were
workers of the Congress
party.
“Kangana Ranaut's
comments about
the Buddhist spir-
itual leader, the
Dalai Lama,
clearly reflect
her values,” the
Himachal Con-
gress wrote on X.
“In protest, the
people of Lahaul-Spiti
showed black flags
against BJP candidate
Kangana Ranaut from the
Mandi parliamentary con-
stituency.”

SNIPPETS PM Modi to hold Matri PLAY MORE EFFECTIVE KHARGE LAUDS ADHIR AS CONG’S
"They are trying to pres-
ent it differently. But it

Shakti Sammelan ROLE, NADDA TO

will not happen like this as

Molestation
complaint
KOLKATA: The Election
Commission on Monday
removed a BSF personnel
from poll duty in Uluberia
Lok Sabha constituency
following a complaint of
molestation against him, an
official said. A woman lodged
the molestation complaint at
Uluberia Police Station on
Sunday evening, he said.
Villagers boycott
polls in Hazaribagh
HAZARIBAG: Over 2,000
voters in a village in
Jharkhand's Hazaribag
district boycotted the Lok
Sabha election on Monday
because their long-standing
demand for a bridge had
not been met, an official
said. The incident took
place in Kusumbha village
under the jurisdiction of
Katkamdag police station,
nearly 105km from state
capital Ranchi. The village is
part of Hazaribag Lok
Sabha constituency.
Rape charge
NAGAON: An
Independent candidate
from Assam's Nagaon Lok
Sabha constituency, where
polling was held on April
26, has been arrested for
allegedly raping and
blackmailing a woman, a
police officer said on
Monda Monday.
VARANASI
PARTY WORKERS
LADAKU SIPAHI IN WEST BENGAL the Congress party is
strong and understands
each other. What has hap-
NEW DELHI Janata Party (BJP). pened in West Bengal is
Prime Minister Narendra New Delhi: BJP chief JP "Woh hamarey ladaku si- that the Congress high
Modi will interact with more Nadda on Monday asked all Days after snubbing him pahi hain (he is our com- command has taken a deci-
than 25,000 women on Tues- senior leaders and office for questioning TMC su- bative solider)," Kharge sion to have a coalition
day in his Varanasi parlia- bearers of the party to play premo Mamata Banerjee's said on Monday about with the Left and we are
mentary constituency. a "more effective role" and trustworthiness, Congress Chowdhury, who has only moving forward with
Arvind Mishra, the BJP's make an "active contrib- president Mallikarjun intensified his offensive that," Kharge said.
media in-charge for the dis- ution" in the implementa- Kharge heaped praise on against Banerjee, the West The TMC is contesting
trict, said on Monday that workers have been in- tion of the party's poll the party's West Bengal Bengal chief minister, by the ongoing Lok Sabha
Modi will interact with the structed to bring 10 women strategy on the ground. unit chief Adhir Ranjan alleging that she has used West Bengal, Kharge said, polls on its own in the
women -- homemakers, doc- from every booth. Mahila He was speaking during a Chowdhury on Monday, violence to crush the Con- "I do not want to speak state, while the Congress
tors, teachers, business Morcha functionaries are in- meeting at the party head- lauding him as a "ladaku gress in the state and has about an individual. He and the Left are jointly
owners, advocates, and ath- viting various social organi- quarters here attended by sipahi" (combative soldier) been helping the BJP. (Chowdhury) is a combat- fighting the election.
letes -- during a 'Matri Shakti sations, students and national general secretary of the grand old party. Asked if the Congress is ive soldier of the Congress Kharge on Saturday dis-
Sammlelan' at Sampurna- teachers of women's colleges (organisation) BL Santhosh Kharge snubbed Chowd- making the same mistake party and is our leader in missed Chowdhury's criti-
nand Sanskrit University. to the event. and national general secre- hury, a five-time Lok with Chowdhury as it had West Bengal." He said cism of Banerjee while ad-
Modi is eyeing a hat-trick The BJP's women office- taries Arun Singh, Tarun Sabha MP from Bahram- made with Banerjee in some Trinamool Congress dressing a joint press con-
from the constituency, hav- bearers are also going door Chugh and Dushyant Gau- pur in West Bengal, last 1998, when she quit the (TMC) leaders are now try- ference with Shiv Sena
ing secured victories in 2014 to door to inform women tam among other leaders. week for his remarks that party to float her own out- ing to rake up the issue of (UBT) president Uddhav
and 2019. He is up against about the conference, he Nadda held a meeting with Banerjee cannot be fit protesting against its the Congress's alliance Thackeray and Nationalist
the Congress' Ajay Rai. added.Varanasi goes to the all the general secretaries trusted and that she might coyness in the face of Left with the Left but it will not Congress Party (SP) chief
Mishra said women BJP polls on June 1. of the party on Monday. also go with the Bharatiya "atrocities" on its cadre in work. Sharad Pawar in Mumbai.
Prime Minister miffed with Bloc never respected spirit of country: Yogi No derogatory ads against Trinamool,
Didi’s comment on monks
Calcutta HC tells BJP, pulls up poll body
RAJESH MOUDGIL CHANDIGARH tions had already been com-
pleted in the country, he
Uttar Pradesh chief minis- was standing in ONLINE REPORT publications made against
ARITRA SINGHA / KOLKATA ter Yogi Adityanath on Chandigarh without any TMC are outright dero-
Monday launched a scath- worries, because the sen- KOLKATA: The BJP can- gatory and definitely in-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Trinamool ing attack on the INDIA timent of the entire country not publish derogatory ad- tended at insulting the ri-
Congress (TMC) on Monday while addressing in West bloc, including Congress was the same - once again vertisements against Ben- vals and levelling
Bengal after an alleged scuffle took place in and Aam Aadmi Party Modi government and this gal's ruling Trinamool personal attacks," the
Ramkrishna Mission at Jalpaiguri over CM Mamata (AAP), saying they never re- time it would cross four Congress, especially dur- judge said.
Banerjee’s comment about monks. spected the spirit of the hundred. ing the 'silence period' (a "Hence, the said ads
“I have heard that there was a scuffle in Ramkrishna country. Taking a dig at the Con- day prior to the polls and being directly contradic-
Mission on Sunday night after the Chief Minister of Addressing an election gress he said that when the the polling day), the Cal- tory to the MCC as well as
Bengal insulted the monks. The workers over there got rally here in favour of party BJP leaders talked about cutta High Court has said. being violative of the
injured. Everyone knows about my connection with candidate Sanjay Tandon, crossing the 400 mark, the This, the judge said, vio- rights of the Petitioner
Ramkrishna Mission and the role it played in my life. who is pitted against Con- Congress felt dizzy, because lates the Model Code of and all citizens of India to
Even after becoming Prime Minister whenever I get gress’ Manish Tewari, Yogi the condition of Congress Conduct, and the rights of free, fair and untainted
time, I spend time with the saints there,” said Modi. alleged that the opposition sometimes denied had become such that the public had not even the Trinamool Congress election process. The BJP,
Notably, Swami Shivapremananda, head of the existence of Lord Shri Ram and sometimes allowed it to contest elections on 400 seats. and people to fair elec- thus ought to be re-
Ramkrishna Mission in Jalpaiguri said that a few opposed Lord Shri Ram temple built in Ayod- Yogi Adityanath alleged that the environ- tions. Justice Sabyasachi strained from further pub-
masked people with guns entered the premises and hya. ment of “hunger, corruption, unemployment, Bhattacharyya also ad- lishing such Ads until
tied the security personnel and gunman and took away Keeping the focus of the speech on ‘Hin- terrorism, Naxalism and anarchy’’ was the monished the Election further orders," the judge
their SIM cards and then a scuffle took place between dutva’, Yogi spoke about the terrorism and cor- contribution of Congress and whenever there Commission of India for said in the order.
a few workers. “The SIM cards of the workers were ruption during Congress rule and the develop- was any crisis in the country, the first name "grossly failing" to The Election Commis-
also taken and the workers and the security personnel ment, public welfare schemes, respect for reli- among those who fled the country was Rahul address the complaints sion, the judge said, has
were taken in a car and released midway. They tried to gion, culture, faith and heritage during prime Gandhi. He asked the gathering whether Rahul filed by the Trinamool in "grossly failed to address
capture the land of Mission,” said the Swami Shivap- minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government. Gandhi or Manish Tewari ever came forward this matter. the complaints of the
remananda. He said that while the four phases of elec- during Covid crisis? "The allegations and TMC in due time".
18 tendu leaf collectors killed in accident
KAWARDHA (CHHATTISGARH): Nineteen tribals, including 18 women, were killed and
three others injured when a mini goods vehicle ferrying a group of tendu leaves collectors
plunged into a valley in Chhattisgarh's Kabirdham district on Monday afternoon, police said.
INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
NATION
As per preliminary information, a brake failure led to the major accident, they said.

EMERGENCY MEASURES LAUNCHED

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Cong leader's
One more CBI... farmhouse in
Kota razed
Among them are Suchil Mejokar including principal
of a nursing college Jalpana Adhikari, Jugal Kishor
Sharma and his brother Radharaman Sharma. The threats. Revenue minister added.
Court has given 10 days police remand said the officials. KERALA RAINS "The Disaster Manage- Meanwhile, waterlog- KOTA
Earlier on Saturday, in a massive action of the CBI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ment Authority has ging, uprooting of trees
team, the police have arrested inspector Rahul Raj, for warned that there is even and snapping of electric A joint squad of forest and
taking bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a nursing college prin- With heavy rains continu- the possibility of muds- wires were reported in var- police departments on
cipal and director at his residence situated in ing to lash several parts of lides on the road due to ious places across the state Monday demolished three
professor's colony. It was alleged that the inspector had the state, the Kerala gov- heavy rains," he told re- on Monday due to heavy illegal constructions, in-
taken bribe to provide 'suitable' report to the tainted col- ernment on Monday said porters here. rains. cluding a farmhouse of a
lege. The CBI sleuths had also seized 100-100 grams of emergency operation cen- Safety boards would be A 25-year-old migrant Congress leader, during an
two gold biscuits and the amount of Rs 7.88 lakh from tres have been opened in installed in such areas to worker from Bihar went anti-encroachment drive in
his residence. In the bribery connection the police have all district collectorates warn travellers about the missing in Manimala the Anantpura area here,
also arrested middlemen Sachin Jain, principal of a and taluk offices as there threat of a possible land- River in Pathanamthitta officials said.
nursing college Suma Rattnam Bhaskaran, director of is a possibility of land- slide, he said. district, police said. The Around 300 personnel
a nursing college Anil Bhaskaran, Ravi Bhadoria of a slides and mudslides. District collectors have incident happened when from Rajasthan Armed
private nursing college, Priti Tilakwar, Tanveer Khan Hospitals have also been been told to impose a night he, along with two other Constabulary (RAC) and
and Om Giri Goswami. The nine accused were present- put on alert and supplies travel ban in hilly areas if migrant workers, were police and forest depart-
ed into the Court on Sunday and the Court had sent stocked to handle any As incessant rains continue to lash Kerala with reports of landslides necessary, Rajan added. swimming in the river. ments reached the area
them on 10 days police remand. The officials informed eventuality, such as an epi- and rising river water levels in some parts of the state "The 24x7 Emergency Op- Naresh went missing as with JCB machines early
that the arrested accused are scheduled to be taken to demic outbreak. eration Centres have been the water level in the river Monday morning and
New Delhi for the interrogations. Widespread incidents of the state. the state about the rain sit- opened in all collectorates rose but the other two es- began razing the illegal
water-logging in low-lying State Revenue Minister K uation and stressed the and taluk offices with the caped, police said, adding constructions on forest
Over 59% polling.. areas of villages and towns Rajan said special direc- need for strict regulations coordination of various that fire force personnel land spanning over 4,300
The Sopore assembly segment of the parliamentary and uprooting of trees tions have been given to in hilly areas in the wake departments to tackle all launched a search to find square metres, they said.
constituency witnessed a healthy turnout of 44 per cent have been reported across alert tourists who arrive in of possible landslide urgent situations," the him. The farmhouse belonging
after recording single-digit polling percentages in the to Amin Pathan, Rajasthan
past couple of decades. Congress general secretary,
"The Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a
record voter turnout since parliamentary polls were
first held here in 1967," Pole told reporters at the end of Mercury again breaches 47°C was among the three en-
croachments demolished
during the operation that

in many parts of Delhi

polling. The previous highest voter turnout in the Bara- lasted for over three hours
mulla Lok Sabha constituency was witnessed in 1984 at till 9.15 am, Kota DFO
58.90 per cent. Former J-K chief minister Omar Abdul- Apoorv Krishan Srivastav
lah is among 22 candidates contesting on the seat. said. The two other en-
Among other states, Bihar recorded 53.78 per cent
turnout, Jharkhand 63.06 per cent, Odisha 62.23 per Red Alert issued for heatwave UP man dies of croachments razed in the
operation are were owned
cent, Uttar Pradesh 57.79 per cent and Ladakh 68.47 per
cent. The figures, the EC said, were "approximate trend" over next five days sunstroke by Pathan's wife and
another person.
as data was still being collated. According to the figures KOTA Pathan could not be
made available by the Election Commission around 10 NEW DELHI in recent days, Amid mercury ranging reached for a comment on
pm, the approximate polling percentage was 59.06. The culminating in the highest between 43 and 45 de- the matter and was re-
last four phases have registered a total voter turnout of Temperatures in several temperature recorded this grees Celsius in the re- ported to be out of the city
66.95 per cent. With the end of polls in the fifth phase, parts of Delhi again summer on Sunday when gion, heatwave here by his staff.
voting has been completed in 25 states and Union Terri-
tories and 428 constituencies out of 543 in the ongoing
breached the 47 degrees
Celsius mark on Monday,
the overall temperature
reached 44.4 degrees Cel-
claimed the life of a man
from Uttar Pradesh, po-
Delhi orders immediate closure of all schools Srivastav said the illegal
constructions made on for-
Lok Sabha elections. Two more phases -- on May 25 and with the weather office is- sius. Saturday's tempera- lice said. NEW DELHI wever, it has been observed est land in Anantpura
June 1 -- are remaining now. Counting of votes is on suing a 'red alert' for the ture was 43.6 degrees Cel- The body of a 44-year- that some of the govern- were marked during a sur-
June 4. Scattered incidents of violence marred the polls next five days due to heat- sius, up from 42.5 degrees old man identified as In response of the severe ment-aided and unaided vey conducted earlier this
in seven parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal wave to severe heatwave Celsius on Friday. Mahendra Kushwah, a heatwave conditions pre- recognised private schools year, following which the
where TMC and BJP workers clashed in various parts conditions in the national On Monday the national resident of Hathras in vailing in the capital city, are still open during ongo- encroachers in the area
of Barrackpore, Bongaon, and Arambagh seats. capital. capital experienced the Uttar Pradesh, was the Delhi government has ing severe heat waves," a were served notices in Feb-
Till 4.30 pm, the state CEO's office received 1,913 com- The searing heat pushed second-highest maximum found near a hotel at Ba- instructed all private circular released by the ruary and March for evac-
plaints in connection including those related to EVM the city's peak power de- temperature, 3.7 degrees jaria in Dadwada, on schools in the area to de- Delhi government read. uation.
malfunctioning and polling agents being stopped from mand to its highest for above normal. Sunday evening, the po- clare summer vacation A total of 50-day summer The DFO said no unto-
entering booths, an election official said. Clashes broke May, while the Delhi gov- Najafgarh recorded a lice added. until June 30 with immedi- break in the city has been ward incident or protest
out between supporters of the TMC and BJP in the Kha- ernment directed the high of 47.4 degrees Celsius ate effect. declared this year, consider- occurred during the drive
nakul area of the Arambagh constituency. schools that have not on Monday, a day after the 47.1 degrees, Aya Nagar "All the Heads of Schools ing the high as encroachers had evacu-
closed for summer vaca- southwest Delhi area had recorded 45.7 degrees, Pusa of DoE were directed to ob- temperatures.According to ated the place beforehand.
AAP got over... tions to do so with immedi- recorded 47.8 degrees Cel- recorded 46.1 degrees, Pi- serve Summer Vacation the IMD, Delhi will witness The household items on
The probe was launched in 2021 and Khaira was ar- ate effect. sius -- the highest in the tampura recorded 46.6 de- from 11.05.2024 (Sunday) to an uncomfortably hot the premises were re-
rested by the ED that year. He is now with the Congress Delhi has been seeing a country so far this season. grees, and Palam recorded 30.06.2024 (Sunday) for the summer compared to pre- moved before the demoli-
party. Official sources said the ED had sent a detailed steady rise in temperature Mungeshpur recorded 45.2 degrees. Academic Year 2024-25. Ho- vious years. tion began.
communication to the Union Home Ministry in August
last year, underlining the alleged violations by the AAP
and categorising these instances as contravention of
the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and
Capital punishment for Rave party involving techies, Telugu actors busted
The Representation of the People Act.
It is understood that the ED recently shared some
gang rape accused BENGALURU: The Anti- of Bengaluru.
Narcotics division of Kar- The police said the rave
tion revealed that about 100
people attended the party.
fresh inputs in this case with the Ministry of Home Af- MANISH GODHA nataka Police arrested five party was titled ‘Sunset to The police have recovered
fairs (MHA). Sources said the ED found the AAP re- people, including three Sunrise Victory’. During the 15.56 grams of MDMA drugs,
ceived overseas donations of about Rs 7.08 crore till now JAIPUR: The POCSO drug peddlers, after raiding raid, it was found that drugs 6.2 grams of cocaine, 6 grams
and they allegedly "mis-declared and manipulated" the Court-2 of Bhilwara has a rave party organised at a and narcotic substances of hydro ganja, five mobiles
identities and nationalities of the foreign donors apart given death sentence to two farmhouse on the outskirts were supplied. The investiga- and two vehicles .
from some other details. accused who gang-raped a
The agency has also informed the MHA about the ver- 14-year-old girl and burnt
ified names of the donors, their nationalities, passport her alive in Kotri of
numbers, amount donated, mode of donation and bank Shahpura district in Rajas-
account number of the receiver, billing name, address, than. The judge considered
phone numbers, email, time and the date of donation this case as the rarest of
and payment gateway used, the sources said. the rare.
Some fundraising events held by the AAP through its Earlier on Saturday, May
overseas wing volunteers in the USA and Canada be- 18, the Bhilwara POCSO
tween 2015 and 2016 are reported to have been made in A vehicle of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage sprays court had convicted the ac-
alleged violation of the FCRA, the agency told the mini- water mist to provide relief from the scorching sun on a hot cused Kalu and Kanha, while
stry. Alleging violations in a particular instance, the ED summer day near Hawa Mahal in Jaipur on Wednesday acquitted seven accused. The
also informed the MHA that the names of some Canada- court had reserved the deci-
based people and their nationalities had been "con- sion until Monday.
cealed" in the party's financial records to "hide" the for-
eign donations being made to the party into its Indian
bank account.
Vote for Modi to end The victim's parents were
also present in the court
during the hearing today.

corruption, dynastic
Hearing the verdict, the
4 ISIS terrorists... victim's mother said that
The ATS team also recovered three Pakistan-made pis- today we got justice. The

politics, says Shah

tols and 20 cartridges lying abandoned at a location in seven accused who have
the city s Nana Chiloda area based on geo-coordinates been acquitted include the
and photographs found on the mobile phone seized from wife, mother, sister, and
the accused, Sahay said. The pistols carried star marks, others of both the convicts.
and cartridges were prima facie found to be made in the Public prosecutor Maha-
Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) of Paki- RAJESH MOUDGIL pinder Singh Hooda vir Kisnawat said that the
stan, he said. The men informed investigators that they wanted his son to be the minor girl was burnt alive
were earlier associated with the banned Sri Lankan rad- CHANDIGARH: Sharpen- chief minister. in a coal furnace after gang
ical militant outfit, National Thowheeth Jamath (NJT), ing his attack on the INDIA Hailing the contribution rape in August last year.
and joined IS after getting in touch with Pakistani han- bloc, Union home minister of the farmers, defence per- The police had filed a 473-
dler Abu Bakr Al Bagdadi. They are members of IS and Amit Shah on Monday sonnel and the sportsper- page charge sheet in the
radicalised by a leader from Sri Lanka who is living in asked people at the election sons from the state, he held case.
Pakistan, Sahay told reporters. rallies in Haryana to vote that it was the ``dhakad’’
They got in touch with Abu (the IS leader in Pakistan) for prime minister Naren- (strong) Union government
in February this year and remained in contact with him dra Modi-led NDA govern- that took several bold deci-
through social media and were completely radicalised ment to end the dynastic sions for their welfare,
by the ideology, Sahay said. Their leader ordered them politics and corruption in whereas the Congress, on
to carry out terrorist activities in India, to which they the country. the other hand, committed
agreed, and even showed readiness to carry out suicide Shah, who held a whirl- scams in the name of
bombings, Sahay said. They had been paid Rs 4 lakh in wind tour to the state, held farmers, defence personnel
Sri Lankan currency to carry out the activities, he said. rallies at Hisar, Karnal and and sportspersons.
Jhajjar to campaign for the Shah reiterated that Paki-
Juvenile task for... BJP candidates; the state stan-occupied Kashmir
Not just that, he was reportedly served pizza at the which has 10 Lok Sabha (PoK) belonged to India, be-
Pune police station and his blood sample was not taken seats, goes to polling on longs to India and that ``we
even 11 hours after the deadly mishap, media reports May 25. would take it back’’. Com-
said. The sample would have likely been a highly in- Addressing a rally at ing down heavily on Con-
criminating piece of evidence, as CCTV footage shows Jhajjar, Shah who lashed gress on the issue of Kash-
the minor drinking with his friends at a Pune pub prior out at the INDIA bloc con- mir, he held that the Con-
to the accident. The youngster has been charged with stituents alleged that while gress leaders did not
rash and negligent driving, and causing harm by endan- Congress leader Sonia Gan- revoke Article 370 because
gering the life or personal safety of others, which dhi wanted her son Rahul of their appeasement pol-
carries a maximum of two years in jail and a fine. The Gandhi to be the prime itics, whereas the Modi gov-
police commissioner has said they will seek permission minister, the Congress ernment scrapped it in
from a higher court to try the minor as an adult, so that leader in Haryana, Bhu- 2019.
harsher sections of the IPC could be invoked.
However, the bail conditions determined by a Juvenile
Justice Board seem to suggest a reformatory rather
than a punitive system at work.
Indoreans love their...
Being one of the biggest traders of tea leaves, he said,
"The tea leaves business in Indore is over Rs 30 crores a
month. "Indore gets its tea majorly from Assam and
West Bengal. Out of the total consumption, only one per
cent share is of green tea as people prefer the
traditional chai." Meanwhile, Bharat Mathurawal, pres-
ident of Indore Dugdh Vyapari Sangh, too affirmed
city's love for tea and said that over 1 lakh litre of milk
is being consumed every day in city by tea lovers who
prefer to add a dash of milk in their tea.

Printed and Published by PRAVIN NAGAR, for the Proprietors, Compac Printers Pvt. Ltd. at Free Press House, 3/54, Press Complex, A.B. Road, Indore-452 008. n Editor : Arshit Gautam Phones:- 2555111-2, FAX: 2558555. Email: editor.indore@fpj.co.in, Offices: Bhopal Bureau: F-134/2 Professor’s Colony,
Opp. Ravindra Bhawan, Bhopal, Phone : 0755-2660570/71/ 79 Fax: 0755-4271345 E-Mail news.freepress@gmail.com Ujjain:- 2550385. Ratlam:- 234567. Dewas:- 221373. Mumbai, Ph:- 69028000. Advt Dept.: 69028026. New Delhi, Ph:- 23718853. Calcutta Ph:- 22875645. Chennai - Ph:- 28217766. RNI No. 38281/83
 POLL SHOW
INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

THEAET
GR
AFTER YEARS OF THREAT

67% voting in Ladakh Sporadic

JASHN-E POLL
violence, verbal
People are angry (with this slugfest mark
government) for the 2019
development. They firmly
Kargil records higher turnout than Leh Bengal ballot

@ BARAMULLA
FPJ NEWS SERVICE
BARAMULLA
“I didn’t get a chance to vote
in the past and voted today to
choose a government which
will work for the country's de-
velopment,” said Ghulam
Qadir Darzi, 52, as he emer-
ged out of a polling station in
Sopore here on Monday after
voting for the first time.
The new government
should create enough em-
ployment opportunities for
the unemployed youth, said
Darzi, a retired government
employee.
Standing in a long queue
outside this polling station
in Delina village in the Bara-
mulla Lok Sabha constituen-
cy’s Sopore, a region once
known for its association
with separatist activities,
are many such voters who
stayed away from elections
in the past amid boycott
calls and threats issued by
separatists.
For Javed Ahmad Guroo,
Mohd Sultan Bhat and Abdul
Rashid, all in their mid-40s,
too, this ended on Monday.
“We are voting for the first
Voters queue up to exercise their franchise at Baramulla village in Kashmir on Monday
Sultan said he decided to
vote to “get one of our men
out of jail”.
“He was talking about us in
the assembly and we hope our
vote will get him out of prison
and he can start talking about
us again,” the teenager said,
referring to Awami Ittehad
Party chairman Sheikh Ab-
dul Rashid, alias Engineer
Rashid, who is lodged in Del-
hi's Tihar jail since he was ar-
rested by the National Inves-
tigation Agency in a terror-
funding case in 2019.
A total of 22 candidates are
in the fray from the Baramul-
la constituency.
Sopore, 55 km from J&K’s
and anti-social elements.
Geelani, 91, avowedly a
pro-Pakistan supporter who
spearheaded the separatist
movement in J&K for over
three decades, died in Sep-
tember 2021. Voters showed
up in significant numbers in
Sopore on Monday.
According to officials, a
voter turnout of 8% was
recorded in the first two
hours of polling and it was ex-
pected to pick up during the
day. There are over 17.32 lakh
eligible voters in Baramulla,
according to EC.
THE LOGISTICS
The constituency is spread
believe that we are living in a
democracy and can convey
our message through ballots
that what was done in 2019
was not acceptable to us.
—Mehbooba Mufti, PDP boss
—SAJAD HAMEED
RECORD VOTING
n AT 59%, J&K’s Baramulla LS
constituency records all-time
high voter turnout
n ONCE DUBBED “chhota
Pakistan”, J&K’s Sopore
witnesses a remarkable shift
n FORMERLY A hotbed of
militancy and dominated by
foreign terrorists in the 1990s,
Sopore and Rafiabad areas
experienced a resurgence of
electoral engagement with a
high voter turnout.
n SOPORE, IN Baramulla
district, is a part of the
Baramulla constituency.
LEH: Over 67% polling was
recorded in Ladakh on Mon-
day to decide the fate of three
candidates in the fray for the
lone Lok Sabha seat in the UT,
officials said in Leh.
They added the voter
turnout in Kargil was 71.45%
and 62.50% in Leh.
Spread over 59,000 sqkm —
around 40 times the size of Del-
hi — Ladakh is the largest par-
liamentary constituency in
India in terms of area and cov-
ers the two districts of Leh and
Kargil. According to the EC,
the overall poll percentage
was 67.15.
The constituency recorded
a 71.05% turnout in 2019.
Lieutenant Governor Brig
(Dr) BD Mishra (retd) and his
wife Neelam Mishra were
among those who cast their
votes at Skara Yokma in Leh.
“Voting is the festival of
democracy. I am happy we are
celebrating it like that. Free
and fair voting is an
important step of democracy,”
Mishra said. Well-known cli-
mate activist Sonam
Wangchuk, who was in the
news recently for leading a 66-
day sit-in protest in Leh over
demands such as safeguards
under the 6th Schedule of the
Constitution for Ladakh and
statehood, cast his vote in
Leh’s Ulyaktopo village.
“I have just voted and I am
Ladakh LG BD Mishra and an
elderly voter show their fingers
marked with indelible ink in Leh
Of the total 1.84 lakh voters in Ladakh,
95,926 are in Kargil and 88,877 in Leh
happy. I am also feeling sad
because many people don’t ex-
ercise their right to vote.
Many leaders sacrificed a lot
for the country. People should
celebrate the festival of
democracy,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Ladakh
chief electoral officer Yetindra
M Maralkar said they are ex-
pecting 75% voting.
In this sparsely populated
constituency, a unique polling
station for just five members
of a family was also set up in
the remote village of Washi in
Leh district. At the booth at
Ulyatokpo where Wangchuk
cast his vote, there were only
53 voters. There are three can-
didates in the fray for the
Ladakh Lok Sabha seat.
While there are two candi-
dates from the Buddhist-dom-
inated Leh — BJP’s Tashi
Gyalson and the Congress’s
Tsering Namgyal — Inde-
pendent candidate Moham-
mad Haneefa Jan is the lone
candidate from the Shia Mus-
lim-dominated Kargil region.
Haneefa, a former National
Conference leader, quit the
party along with its entire
Kargil unit to contest as an In-
dependent after the Congress
fielded Namgyal as the INDIA
bloc candidate. There are 298
polling stations in Leh and 279
booths in Kargil.
ARITRA SINGHA / KOLKATA
Sporadic violence and verbal
slugfest was witnessed at
places in West Bengal on
Monday. Amid chants of ‘Jai
Shri Ram’ and ‘Joy Bangla’,
TMC and BJP called each
other ‘thieves’ and ‘Go Back’
slogans were raised against
BJP’s Locket Chatterjee in
Hooghly LS constituency.
BJP MP and Barrackpore
candidate Arjun Singh faced
the flak. BJP leader Kaustav
Bagchi’s car was vandalised
by alleged TMC supporters
after he went to Itagarh in
Barrackpore constituency.
“Bagchi is not a voter of
Barrackpore so why did he
come here? Was he here to in-
timidate voters,” said a TMC
supporter.
Two live crude bombs
were recovered from Aram-
bagh and clashes broke out
between BJP and TMC over
polling agents. Incidents of
clashes were witnessed be-
tween two parties in
Bongaon constituency.
VOTE COUNT OVERALL: 73%
Bangaon (SC): 75.73%
Barrackpore: 68.84%
Howrah: 68.84%
Uluberia: 74. 50%
Serampore: 71.18%
Hooghly: 74.17
Arambagh (SC): 76.90%

ED salvo: AAP got

time in the past three summer capital Srinagar, over 18 assembly segments in n BARAMULLA WITNESSES a
decades. We decided to come along with adjoining areas three districts of Kupwara, closely-fought contest between
and vote for our better fu- has mostly responded to the Baramulla and Bandipora National Conference vice-
ture,” said Guroo, admitting separatist-sponsored poll boy- and also includes two seg- president Omar Abdullah,

`7cr foreign funds

the separatist-led boycott
calls and threats of violence
kept them away from polling
booths in the past.
Also among the voters is
Mir Masoom Sultan, 18, a
first-time voter, who under-
lines the importance of indi-
vidual voices in shaping polit-
ical outcomes.
QUICK READ
HC no to publishing
derogatory ad of TMC
KOLKATA: The Calcutta High
Court restrained BJP from
publishing any derogatory
advertisement about Trinamool
until further order. Justice
Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya said
the ads are in violation of both
Model Code of Conduct and the
Press Council of India rules. The
HC judge slammed the EC for
not acting promptly in the
matter. “The advertisements are
intended at insulting the rivals
and levelling personal attacks. It
is derogatory and BJP should
stop publishing them until
further orders. The court is
surprised EC failed to address
the TMC complaints. The resolu-
tion after the election is over is
nothing but a failure of the EC,”
he said. —Aritra Singha
15 days to Modi’s
farewell: Jairam
cott calls in the past.
MAJOR DEMOCRATIC
ACTIVITY
The Lok Sabha elections is
the first major electoral exer-
cise after the abrogation of
Article 370 in August 2019
that is being held without any
interference by anti-national
Maya predicts power shift at Centre
BISWAJEET BANERJEE
LUCKNOW
Former Uttar Pradesh chief
minister and Bahujan Samaj
Party boss Mayawati predict-
ed a change in power at the
Centre as she cast her vote in
Lucknow.
She addressed various top-
ics, including the recent re-
moval of her nephew, Akash
Anand, from his post as BSP
coordinator. Mayawati ex-
pressed confidence in the pos-
sibility of a new central gov-
ernment emerging from in
2024. “There will be a change
this time as public is silent
and not speaking openly. They
are observing everything,”
she stated.
The BSP leader has faced
accusations of aligning with
the ruling BJP. However, she
dismissed the claims, focusing
instead on her prediction that
ments of Budgam that were former two-time MLA and
included on the recommenda- Independent candidate Engineer
tions of the delimitation com- Rashid, and People’s Conference
mission two years ago. chief Sajad Lone.
In the 2019 LS election,
Baramulla recorded a voter n THE ENTRY of AIP’s Rashid
turnout of 34.17% with Kup- has made the contest
wara registering a turnout of interesting. PDP candidate and
51.7%, followed by Bandipora former Rajya Sabha member
(31.8%) and Baramulla (24%). Fayaz Mir is also in the fray.
internal decisions.
Encouraging voter turnout,
Mayawati urged people to pri-
oritise voting. “People should
come out in large numbers to
cast votes. Have refreshments
later. First, cast vote,” she
said. She criticised the elec-
tion discourse, saying, “Elec-
tions are being held on allega-
tions and counter-allegations,
not on public interest issues.
Parties should give priority to
issues.”
PTI / NEW DELHI
The ED has written to the
Union Home Ministry alleg-
ing AAP has received over `7
crore foreign funds in contra-
vention of the FCRA, sources
Kangana shown black flags in Lahaul, Spiti
said Monday.
The agency sent the com-
SHIMLA: Actor Kangana Ranaut, BJP candidate from Mandi, was munication after it recovered
shown black flags by local people and Congress workers at Kaza in
Lahaul and Spiti on Monday. Himachal BJP filed a complaint with the
documents and emails
during a drugs-linked money
state chief electoral officer demanding transfer of poll officials and a laundering probe against for-
probe into the incident as both BJP and Congress were given mer Punjab AAP MLA Sukh-
permission to hold rallies adjacent to each other. Congress workers pal Singh Khaira and others.
raised anti-Kangana slogans — “Kangana, go back, Kangana Vangana The probe was launched in
nahi chalegi”. They were enraged over her remarks on Tibetan spiritual 2021 and Khaira was arrested
leader Dalai Lama in April last year. Ranaut had posted a meme featur- by ED that year. He is now in
ing the Dalai Lama that said, “The Dalai Lama receives a warm welco- the Congress.
me at the White House”. The photoshopped picture on X showed the The sources said the ED
Dalai Lama sticking his tongue out with President Biden with a comm- sent a detailed communica-
ent — Both have the same illness, definitely they could be friends. tion to Ministry of Home Af-
Mamata’s brother not on voters’ list fairs in August last year, un-
derlining the alleged viola-
KOLKATA: West Bengal CM and Trinamool boss Mamata Banerjee’s tions by AAP and categoris-
youngest brother Swapan Banerjee, also known as ‘Babun’, on ing instances as contraven-
Monday could not cast his vote as his name was not found in the tion of the Foreign Contribu-
voters' list, an election official said. Babun, a voter of Howrah, went to tion Regulation Act (FCRA)
cast his vote at a polling booth when it was discovered that his name and The Representation of
was not on the list. “The EC is looking into the whole matter. Only it the People Act. It is under-
can explain why this happened,” Trinamool spokesperson Shantanu stood that the ED recently
Sen said. When contacted by PTI, Babun said he was disappointed. “I shared fresh inputs in this
went to cast my vote today and found that my name was deleted. I case with MHA.
have been voting for so many years. I am disappointed that I could They said ED found AAP
not vote this year. As a citizen of a democratic country, I have the received overseas donations
right to vote,” he said. There was a rumour that Babun was of about `7.08 crore till now
contemplating joining the BJP. —Aritra Singha and they allegedly “mis-de-
clared and manipulated” the
identities and nationalities of
the foreign donors apart from
other details.
It has informed MHA of the
verified names of the donors,
nationalities, passport num-
bers, amount donated, mode
and bank account number of
the receiver, billing name, ad-
dress, phone numbers, email,
time and the date and pay-
ment gateway used, they
added.
Some fundraising events
held by AAP through its over-
seas wing volunteers in the
US and Canada between 2015
and 2016 are reported to have
been made in alleged viola-
tion of the FCRA, it said.
Alleging violations in a
particular instance, ED in-
formed MHA that the names
of Canada-based people and
their nationalities had been
“concealed” in the party’s fi-
nancial records to “hide” the
foreign donations being made
to the party into its Indian
bank account.
A senior official said cases
of FCRA violations are pro-
bed by the CBI and the min-
istry can write to it seeking
an investigation into these
charges made by the ED.

NEW DELHI: As the voting for
428 seats after Phase 5 is over,
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh
said 15 days are left for the
farewell of Modi. He said the
trend that started in Phase 1 has
been strengthening. BJP is wiped
out in the south, reduced to half
in the north, west and east India,
he said. —Our Bureau
the electorate’s silence indi-
cated a desire for change.
In Lucknow, Rajnath Singh
faces competition from SP’s
Ravidas Mehrotra and BSP's
Mohammad Sarwar Malik.
Regarding the removal of
Akash Anand, who had been
vocally critical of BJP,
Mayawati was terse. “I have
already tweeted and do not
wish to comment further,” she
said. Her decision to remove
Anand followed his
aggressive speeches against
BJP leaders, which fuelled
speculation about external
pressures influencing BSP’s
In response to BJP’s claim
of securing over 400 seats, Dwarf woman climbs Vinita appealed people to exer-
Mayawati remarked, “All par-
ties are claiming their victory, chair to cast vote cise their franchise. “I am Vinita
Seth, a resident of Patnagarh, feel-
but when the results come, the ing excited after casting my vote
truth will be revealed.” BALANGIR: A 47-year-old dwarf today. I’m 47, and my height is 1
Regarding the INDIA bloc’s woman, Vinita Seth, climbed a foot and 6 inches,” Vinita told ANI.
victory claims, she noted, chair to cast her vote at a polling “I climbed on the chair to cast
“They made similar claims booth at Patnagarh in Balangir LS my vote. I am happy and appeal to
last time as well.” constituency in Odisha. everyone to cast their vote.”

l Nor th East Delhi CONSTITUENCY l POLL DATE: MAY 25 Rahul in Raebareli

after allegations
POORVANCHALIS PITTED AGAINST EACH OTHER
Prakash Agarwal of Congress who 2019, Tiwari is the only candidate BJP BJP, along with former minister Raj CANDIDATES’ PROFILE
against BJP neta
BISWAJEET BANERJEE
RAEBARELI

polled 59.03% votes and defeated BL is repeating this time. The fight is Kumar Chauhan and MLAs, accused Amid allegations of coercion
Sharma Prem of BJP by 2.22 tougher for him since this is the first Kumar of supporting AAP policies, and voter intimidation by
lakh votes. time Congress and AAP have which Congress long opposed. BJP candidate Dinesh Pratap
However, by picking got into a seat-sharing deal in Many believe it would affect the poll Singh, Congress leader Rahul
popular Bhojpuri Delhi and are supporting outcome as Lovely and others still Gandhi visited Raebareli on
singer-actor Manoj each other’s candidates. hold significant sway among voters in Monday.
HOT SEAT Tiwari, BJP turned Congress has also picked N-E Delhi. Gandhi, also contesting
the tide in its favour. a “Poorvanchali” in Unperturbed by allegations, Kumar from Wayanad in Kerala, of-
GAURAV VIVEK BHATNAGAR He won in 2014 by 1.44 former Jawahar- has been saying even Tiwari, who is fered prayers at Peepalesh-
NEW DELHI lakh votes, polling lal Nehru Univer- from Bihar and Modi, who is from Gu- war Hanuman Temple and

The North East Delhi Lok

Sabha constituency compris-
ing 10 of the 70 Assembly seg-
ments, was carved out of the
East Delhi parliamentary
constituency following the
delimitation exercise in 2008.
The constituency has a large
chunk of people, who came to
the city from UP and Bihar
and made it their home.
Overall, the population com-
prises about 29 per cent Mus-
lims and 17 per cent SCs.
CONGRESS WON FIRST,
BJP NEXT TWO POLLS
The first Lok Sabha election
here in 2009 was won by Jai
45.23% votes. AAP
candidate Prof
sity students
union president
jarat are “outsiders”. KANHAIYA KUMAR MANOJ TIWARI inspected polling booths.
Arriving from Delhi to
Anand Kumar
came second
while Con-
Kanhaiya Ku-
mar.
Born in Bihar,
DECODING FIGHT SINCE 2020
North East Delhi witnessed large scale
violence during anti CAA protests in
K anhaiya Kumar served as the
president of JNU Students’
Union and leader of the All India
M anoj Tiwari, one of the earliest
and yet, most sustaining stars
of Bhojpuri cinema, started his
Lucknow before travelling by
road to Raebareli, Gandhi is
seeking to retain the seat held
gress MP Kumar made head- 2020 and this is the first Lok Sabha Students Federation. He served as political career from Gorakhpur in by his mother, Sonia Gandhi,
Agarwal lines when he election after it. Recently, Prime Min- national executive council member 2009. He contested against UP CM who served as a five-time MP
came third was named in ister Narendra Modi addressed his of CPI. He joined Congress on Yogi Adityanath on an SP ticket, but before moving to the Rajya
with 16.30% the charge sheet first rally in Delhi in the constituency September 28, 2021, and has lost. He got 83,000 votes. Yogi got Sabha this year. Raebareli is
votes. with nine others raised the issue of CAA violence and been appointed as the AICC in- 4 lakh and BSP’s Vinay Shankar among the 13 LS seats in UP
In 2019, Tiwari improved his vote by Delhi Police in the spoke about alleged “appeasement” by charge of National Student’s Tiwari bagged 1.82 lakh votes. By voting in Phase 5.
share and victory margin. He polled 2016 JNU sedition case. the united opposition. Union of India. Kumar the next term, Tiwari joined BJP In a post on X, Gandhi em-
53.90% votes and defeated former Kumar believes there will be no unsuccessfully contested from and won his first LS election – from phasised a nationwide call
Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit of ‘OUTSIDER’ ISSUE confusion among the voters sup- Begusarai on a CPI ticket in 2019 North East Delhi defeating AAP’s for change. “A storm of
Congress by 3.66 lakh votes. Dilip The grant of ticket to Kumar irked porting the Opposition parties and General Election. He was a distant Anand Kumar by 1.44 lakh votes. change is sweeping the coun-
Pandey of AAP got nearly 1.90 lakh Congress leaders, including former they know he was the “single op- second spot with 269,976 votes In 2019, his win margin was over try. I appeal to everyone, in-
votes. Delhi unit president Arvinder Singh tion” from INDIA. He believes many and 22.03% of vote shareagainst 3.44 lakh against Sheila Dikshit. cluding those in Amethi and
Lovely, who stepped down from the who voted for BJP in the past are Giriraj Singh of BJP, who won by Today, Tiwari is the only candidate Raebareli, to vote for the
MERA DESH, MERA GAON THEME post protesting grant of ticket to an dissatisfied with its policies. They 422,217 votes. in Delhi who has been repeated. prosperity of your families
Of the seven nominees who won in “outsider”. Lovely, who later joined will vote for him. and the progress of India.”
MUMBAI INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
1.13 lakh voters avail special discount on Metro routes
Mumbai: As many as 1.13 lakh people travelled on
Metro 2A and 7 on polling day. According to officials, the
passengers took advantage of the 10% discount in rates
offered by the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corp Ltd
to encourage turnout. The discount was offered on Metro
2A (Dahisar to DN Nagar) and Metro 7 (Andheri East to
Dahisar East). It was part of the Systematic Voter
Education and Electoral Participation programme.

Mumbai North PICS: SALMAN ANSARI, VIJAY GOHIL Nepean Sea Road Dharavi Dharavi

‘We vote, and then they jump ship’ Missing names, slow process
mar day in Kalyan, Bhiwandi
Healthcare, infrastructure, traffic: Voters of North Central constituency are tired of political MUSAB QAZI / KALYAN
shenanigans – and hope their new representative will focus on things that really matter
Polling in Kalyan and Bhi-
RUCHA KANOLKAR / MUMBAI wandi in Chief Minister Ek-
nath Shinde’s Thane back-
The Mumbai North Central yard was subdued as voters
constituency, known for its complained of missing names
celebrity residents and afflu- in electoral rolls and a slow
ent areas such as Bandra and voting process. A few centres
Vile Parle, is expected to wit- in Bhiwandi also witnessed
ness a close contest between drama as the incumbent MP,
lawyer Ujjwal Nikam of the Kapil Patil, made accusations
BJP and Mumbai Congress of bogus voting.
president Varsha Gaikwad. The two constituencies,
Voters in the constituency which, between them, cover
who spoke to The Free Press Mumbai’s satellite towns
Journal on Monday expressed Kalyan-Dombivali, Bhiwan-
their frustration with the out- di, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath
going MP and complained and Badlapur, as well as A few polling centres in Bhiwandi witnessed
about the lack of development much of the rural swathe of
in their constituency. Thane district, saw a turnout high drama as the incumbent MP, Kapil Patil,
A voter from Mahim Koli- of 41.7% and 48.89%, respec- made accusations of bogus voting
wada near Mahim Causeway tively, according to the provi-
said he preferred to vote sional data released by the
NOTA because the political No candidate has Election Commission at 5pm found. I thought it would be hour and a half before he
developments in Maharashtra worked for us; only on Monday. These figures are due to some error in the sys- could cast his vote. My wife
over the past five years had the wealthy seem to reap lower than 45.31% and 53.2% tem, but when I went to the also faced the same ordeal,”
made him distrust every can- the benefits. The common voting recorded in the last polling station I was denied said Saalim Shaikh, a voter at
didate. “We vote for one party, man never benefits Lok Sabha election in 2019. In- the chance to vote. It was very Kalyan.
only to see them align with — Padma, a 72-year-old cidentally, the CM’s son, surprising, as there has been Meanwhile, the atmos-
others or witness splits. We woman from Shrikant Shinde, is hoping to no change in my address or phere at some polling centres
Kadeshwari Road
are left bewildered by these Mahim Koliwada get re-elected from Kalyan. any other information. The in Bhiwandi got tense when
events. Therefore, this year, Several long-time voters in names of my wife and other Patil visited them in the
we believe NOTA is our best zens of India?” fluent, it is becoming increas- will advocate for us in Parlia- giving the BJP another Kalyan West area, which is family members are intact, evening. Viral videos showed
option,” he said. Shabbir Patel, a 45-year-old ingly difficult for us poor resi- ment. Having grown up in the chance. We believe that part of the Bhiwandi seat, though,” said Vinayak Mali, the MP, who was the BJP’s
Around 20 voters were un- resident of Bandra Reclama- dents to live here. When it Dharavi, she understands our Ujjwal Nikam will advocate were in for a rude shock one of the complainants. candidate from the con-
able to cast their ballots due to tion, stated said he trusted comes to housing develop- struggles and has a proven effectively for us. His expert- when they reach their polling Shiv Sena’s Kalyan city stituency, resorting to foul
technical issues. These voters Gaikwad because the ment, slums are consistently track record of working for ise in crafting policies and booths on Monday morning, head Ravi Patil alleged that language as he confronted po-
reported that although their previous MP failed to deliver neglected. All we see is mini- women’s welfare. We do not laws is what we need in a law- as they were told that their there were as many as one lice and polling officials about
names appeared on the initial on development for the con- mal progress. The youth on want our children to endure maker.” names were missing from lakh names missing from bogus voting purportedly tak-
list, they were omitted from stituency. “We are overlooked Ali Yavar Jung Marg are the hardships we faced. The Padma, a 72-year-old electoral rolls. They realised Kalyan and Bhiwandi elec- ing place at the booths.
the final list at the stations. in every regard; as slum falling prey to drugs, and facilities provided by the Con- woman from Kadeshwari that, several names, especial- toral rolls. “The voters are Shrikant Paropkari, the
Shaikh Shaheen Abdul- dwellers, we constantly strug- while narcotics officers occa- gress in previous years were Road, expressed her discon- ly the ones with Electors Pho- saying that our right to vote Deputy Commissioner of Po-
rasheed, a 57-year-old resident gle for basic necessities. Even sionally take action, they often unparalleled, which is why we tent, stating that no candidate to Identification Card (EPIC) has been snatched. The Elec- lice (Zone II) of Thane, con-
of Bandra’s Chapel Road, ex- to secure drinking water, our settle matters with bribes. support their candidate,” the had worked for the con- numbers beginning with tion Commission should take firmed the incident at one of
pressed his frustration, say- voices are only heard after we Why are these issues not activist said. stituent. “Only the wealthy ‘MT’ were inexplicably delet- action. Many names have the polling centres at Shanti
ing, “I came in the afternoon protest. While Bandra is taken seriously? We want our Anita deshpande, a seem to reap the benefits. The ed from the voting lists. They been labelled as deleted. Nagar area of the city. “The
to vote and was informed that transforming, the slums re- MPs to implement better poli- resident of Bandra (West) common man never benefits. raised the issue with the There are changes in other candidate used offensive lan-
my name was not on the list. main unchanged. Do we not cies and laws.” reclamation, also expressed Our slum land has been ear- polling officials, but to no names,” he told to a media guage and complained about
Despite having an updated deserve a better quality of life? An activist from the frustration with the previous marked for redevelopment. avail. outlet. bogus voting, though there
voter ID and other identity When can we expect Bharatiya Muslim Mahila An- MP. “No one addressed the Despite providing evidence “I have been voting in The voters also complained was no bogus voting taking
proofs, I was denied entry. progress?” he said. dolan said the constituency traffic issues in this con- and living here for over 50 every Lok Sabha election about an unusually slow vot- place. He objected to the pres-
This was a disappointing ex- “We are dissatisfied with was in dire need of change. stituency; roads remain years, we are deemed ineligi- since 2005, including the last ing process at certain booths. ence of people who had al-
perience for me and many oth- the performance of the former “We require improved health- blocked by projects that focus ble. However, on voting day, one. But when I checked my “The queues for voting were ready voted on the premises
ers at Bandra’s MET polling MP. While Bandra is develop- care and infrastructure more on beautification than these same proofs are consid- name online on the Election moving at a snail’s pace at of the centre, who were driv-
booth. Do we not have the ing with new projects and schemes. We have high hopes solving real problems. ered valid. How convenient Commission’s website before some booths. One of my en away. We are yet to regis-
right to vote? Are we not citi- abundant facilities for the af- that the Congress candidate Despite this, we considered for them.” voting it was nowhere to be friends had to wait for an ter a complaint,” he said.

Independent
booked for
garlanding
EVM enclosure
PTI / NASHIK
Police have registered a case
against ‘spiritual leader’
Shantigiri Maharaj, an inde-
pendent candidate, for al-
legedly violating the model
code of conduct after he gar-
landed the EVM enclosure
while exercising his fran-
chise in the Nashik Lok Sab-
ha constituency on Monday,
an official said.
As per a complaint lodged
by a polling official, Maharaj
arrived at the polling booth at
MVP College in Trimbakesh-
war to cast his vote and was
accompanied by 25 to 30 peo-
ple, the official said.
He removed a garland
CHAMPION OF DEMOCRACY
Stars descend among fans, voters
DHARMESH THAKKAR / MUMBAI
The Bollywood brigade was
out in full force to get inked
on Monday.
The earliest to turn up for
voting was actor Varun
Dhawan with his filmmaker
father David Dhawan. The
two arrived at St Joseph High
School, Juhu, at around 11am
to cast their ballot. “My father
always encouraged me to
vote. It is important for every-
one to vote,” Dhawan told The
Free Press Journal while posing
for selfies with polling staff,
police and young voters.
Amitabh and Jaya
Bachchan visited Jamnabai
Narsee School in Juhu at
Salman Mohammad Bhiwankar, a double amputee, shows off his voting ink in Mumbra. The 32- 4pm. Big B showed his identi-
year-old lost his arms after receiving an electric shock in June 2023. He received his voter ID after ty to the polling official and
applying six times –ANIL SHINDE waited patiently for his turn
to enter the EVM booth. The
couple later thanked the
polling staff and policemen
before leaving.
Their daughter-in-law
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan,
came 40 minutes earlier to the
same booth and stood patient-
ly in queue with fellow actor
Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan visited Jamnabai
Narsee School in Juhu. Big B showed his identity
to the official and waited patiently for his turn
Sonakshi Sinha.
Shahid Kapoor, Sanya
Malhotra, Rajkumar Rao
and Janhvi Kapoor, Anupam
Kher, Suniel Shetty, Ranbir
Kapoor, music composer
Shankar Mahadevan, Prem
Chopra, Shah Rukh with
wife Gauri Khan, Saif Ali
Khan with wife Kareena
Kapoor, Rekha, Kiara Ad-
vani, Gulshan Grover, Bhu-
mi Pednekar and Sanjay
Dutt were spotted at various
polling centres in Bandra
and Andheri.
Aamir Khan made a quick
trip to Mumbai from Delhi,
where he is shooting for his
next Sitaare Zameen Par , to
join Kiran Rao and first-
time voters children Ira and
Junaid.
“This is the biggest festival
and everyone should vote as
you will get this opportunity
after five years. If you haven’t
voted then you have no right
to complain,” actor Manoj Ba-
jpayee said after casting his
ballot.
Power couple and parents-
to-be Deepika Padukone and
Ranveer Singh also exercised
their right to vote.
Khiladi Akshay Kumar
voted early in Juhu. “I want
my India to be developed and
strong. I voted, keeping that
in mind. India should vote for
what they deem is right… I
think voter turnout will be
good,” the action star said.
Siblings actor Farhan
Akhtar and director Zoya
Akhtar show their inked fin-
gers after casting their votes.
Salman Khan voted late
evening amid tight police se-
curity at Mount Mary, Ban-
dra (West).

Good samaritans lend ‘A completely peaceful day... Meghana Kirtikar

from his neck and put it on
the EVM enclosure before
casting his vote, the official
said.

A case has been registered
under sections of the Indian
Penal Code and the Repre-
sentative of the People Act
1951 at Trimbakeshwar po-
lice station, he said.
In another incident, some
supporters of Maharaj were
detained after they came to
the polling booths in
Mhasrul and Ambad police
station limits wearing
badges in his support. The
police later released them,
another official said.
Supporters of BJP MLA
Devyani Pharande and Shiv
Sena (UBT) leader Vasant
Gite had a face-off at a polling
centre in Doodh Bazaar in
the Old Nashik area, the po-
lice said.
Pharande was allegedly
checking voter IDs at the cen-
tre when Shiv Sena (UBT) ac-
tivists surrounded her and
shouted slogans, following
which activists from the BJP
and Shiv Sena also arrived at
the scenes, they said.
The police soon intervened
and dispersed the crowd, it
was stated.
helping hand to voters except for a few complaints’ backs her son Amol
DHAIRYA GAJARA / MUMBAI social connect during the
Covid period, a lot of people
As Mumbaikars stepped out
to vote in the scorching heat
who lived abroad and wanted
their parents or grandparents
on Monday, samaritans came to get their vote cast reached
forward to help them in a va-
riety of ways.
out to me,” Sadhnani said
Another group of young
A young social worker in professionals and social ac-
Bandra organised a pick-up- tivists in Wadala ensured
and-drop facility for senior that personnel on election
citizens. Bhavesh Sadhnani duty got relief from the heat
(32) drove the senior citizens and humidity. They young
from his locality and neigh- Samaritans provided butter-
boring areas of Bandra, Khar milk and cold drinks to police
and Santacruz to their desig- and election personnel.
nated polling stations. He Chirag Shah, one of the
helped around 10 people volunteers, said, “I went to
reach their stations and en- cast my vote and felt pity that
sured that they were dropped in such a humid climate,
back home safely. many officials specially
“Last week I got to know Mumbai Police were
that a lot of senior citizens in working without even a fan
my area were not approached or a proper ventilation. I and
for home voting and due to my five friends purchased
the heat and traffic, many some buttermilk and cold
don’t get out of their homes,” drinks to be distributed
he said. among the officials working
“I circulated a message on at the three booths of
social media and due to my Wadala.”
MEGHA KUCHIK / MUMBAI
Despite uncountable com-
plaints of delays at polling
booths, EVM breakdown and
names missing from voter
lists, the Mumbai police said
that polling in the six con-
stituencies of Mumbai –
North, North West, North
East, North Central, South
Central, and South – wit-
nessed no serious or unto-
ward incidents and the over-
all voting process was com-
pleted peacefully.
Satyanarayan Chaudhary,
Joint Commissioner of Police
(Law and Order) said, “No se-
rious offence or violence was
witnessed. It was a complete-
ly peaceful election, except
for a few complaints of viola-
tion of the model code of con-
duct in which legal action is
being taken.”
A source said an incident
occurred under the jurisdic-
tion of the DN Nagar police
A clash broke out
between Shiv Sena
workers and police
under the jurisdiction
of DN Nagar station
station, where a clash broke
out between Shiv Sena
(Shinde) workers and the
cops. Though the police did
not confirm the incident, par-
ty leader Sheetal Mhatre said
that their worker Altaf
Pevekar was detained and lat-
er released.
The three complaints of vi-
olation of code of conduct
were filed at JJ Marg, DN Na-
gar and Kurar police stations
on May 19. The JJ Marg
police registered a case
against a person for
appealing to vote based on re-
ligion at the entrance of
Saboo Siddique Hospital in
Dongri. The police identified
the person who put up the
poster at the hospital gate and
subsequently served him a
notice to appear for a probe.
The case was filed under the
Indian Penal Code sections
188 (disobedience to order
duly promulgated by a public
servant) and section (mainte-
nance of secrecy of voting) of
the Representation of the Peo-
ple Act.
Another case was filed at
DN Nagar station against a
56-year-old man for encourag-
ing votes in favour of candi-
dates of a party through
social media even after the
campaign period ended. A no-
tice has been issued to the ac-
cused, Mohsin Haider.
The third incident oc-
curred in the jurisdiction of
the Kurar police, where a 53-
year-old woman was detained
for possessing liquor. Four
bottles of whiskey were
seized from her by a team of
the Election Commission.
FPJ NEWS SERVICE / MUMBAI never supported my hus-
band’s decision to join the
A piquant situation emerged Shinde faction. I asked him
in Mumbai North West con- why he would salute Shinde,
stituency on Monday. Sitting who is junior to him. I have
Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Kir- voted for my son, and he will
tikar’s wife, Meghana, said win with a huge margin.”
she disapproved of her hus- As a father, Gajanan Kir-
band’s decision to join the tikar has given his blessing
party led by Chief Minister to Amol, she said.
Eknath Shinde and voted for When reporters sought his
her son, Amol, a Shiv Sena reaction, the MP said, “Not
(UBT) candidate. only my wife, but
Following the MAA KA PYAR my daughter was
split in the Shiv also against me
Sena, Gajanan Kirtikar joining the Shinde-led Shiv
sided with Shinde. However, Sena. I did not join the party
his son Amol stayed loyal to for fear of the Enforcement
Thackeray and was reward- Directorate or for money.
ed with a ticket to contest the My reasons were different,
polls against Shiv Sena’s and I had made that clear.”
Ravindra Waikar. The latter Incidentally, after his can-
had publicly stated that he didature for the Lok Sabha
did not want to desert Thack- election was announced,
eray, but did so since an En- Amol was served a notice by
forcement Directorate probe the Enforcement Directorate
was initiated against him. for his alleged involvement
Speaking to reporters, in the Khichdi scam.
Meghana Kirtikar said, “I With input from PTI
PUNE
KILLER PORSCHE
'Accused served pizza at police station; blood sample not taken even after 11 hrs'
ANKIT SHUKLA & INDU BHAGAT
Congress workers, including
the party's Pune Lok Sabha
candidate Ravindra
Dhangekar, staged a protest at
the Yerwada Police Station on
Monday following the tragic
incident where a Porsche
driven by a 17-year-old collid-
ed with a motorcycle, result-
ing in the deaths of two indi-
viduals in Kalyani Nagar. The
Congress workers alleged
that the minor, who is from
the family of a prominent
Pune realtor, was served
pizza at the police station after
being detained and that his
blood sample was not taken
even 11 hours after the acci-
dent, which occurred around
2:30am on Sunday.
"The pub culture should be
stopped. People of this
(Kalyani Nagar) area have
complained on many occa-
sions. We had also requested
the Pune Police Commission-
er to not let pubs remain open
till 1:30am," said Dhangekar.
"Regarding the accident in
which the son of a builder
killed two people, we demand
that the minor be booked un-
der IPC Section 302 (punish-
ment for murder). Besides, he
was also drunk while driving
the car. The Home Depart-
ment is completely responsi-
ble for this. How did he get
bail? He should have been
sent to a correctional facility
and his father should be put
behind bars," he added. The
Kasba MLA alleged that a
transaction of crores of
rupees took place at the Yer-
awada Police Station yester-
day. He also demanded a de-
tailed investigation into who
all contacted the police on that
day.
Meanwhile, residents of the
area have reiterated their
complaints about the pub cul-
ture. Rachna Aggarwal, a res-
ident of Kalyani Nagar, said,
“The pub culture is responsi-
ble for this. We had alerted the
police commissioner and
7 arrested in BGS
Jewellers heist case
STAFF REPORTER
The crime branch of the Pune
City Police arrested seven
persons within 12 hours after
they looted about 600 grams of
gold ornaments at gunpoint
from BGS Jewellers on Mo-
hammadwadi Road, officials
said on Monday.
The accused have been
identified as Yogesh Pawale
(20, resident of Kelewadi,
Kothrud), Aditya Gade (19,
resident of Kelewadi,
Kothrud), Piyush Kalpsesh
Kedari (18, resident of
Jayprakash Nagar, Yerwa-
da), Omkar Walhekar (19, res-
ident of Jay Bhavani Nagar,
Kothrud), Narayan Gawali
(20, resident of Tilekar Nagar,
Kondhwa), Mayur Patel (53,
resident of Wanwadi), and
Nasir Shaikh (32, resident of
Wanwadi).
The incident took place on
Saturday at 12:10pm. The ac-
MIT-ADT, Aniket Sevabhavi Sanstha promote inclusive art education
STAFF REPORTER
MIT Art Design and Technol-
ogy University's School of
Fine and Applied Arts
(SOFA), in partnership with
Aniket Sevabhavi Sanstha,
Pune, has undertaken a
groundbreaking initiative
aimed at promoting inclusive
art education for individuals
with disabilities.
Under the banner of 'Edu-
cational Transformation
through Art Education,' the
collaborative effort saw en-
thusiastic participation from
55 children with disabilities
from Aniket Sevabhavi Insti-
tute, who joined hands with
students of MIT SOFA. To-
gether, they embarked on a
day-long endeavour to create
vibrant murals adorning the
premises of the institute.
INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
The Home Department is
completely responsible for
this. How did he get bail? He
should have been sent to a
correctional facility and his
father should have been put
behind bars. A transaction of
crores of rupees took place at
the Yerawada Police Station
on the night of the accident
- Ravindra Dhangekar,
Kasba MLA
have been seeking an appoint-
ment with the collector, but it
all went in vain as no rules
were being followed. We are
taking up issues of heavy traf-
fic and noise pollution caused
by these pubs and bars with
the authorities, but despite all
that we are facing, the young
people create a ruckus at
night, causing a lot of trouble
for the residents.”
Monika Sharma, another
resident, raised the issue of
noise pollution and the flout-
ing of laws related to the clos-
ing times of these pubs. “For
the past two years, we have
been raising the issue with
different authorities, includ-
ing the police, PMC, and ex-
cise department, regarding
noise pollution caused by the
pubs and rooftop hotels. Why
do the authorities not take ac-
tion and terminate the licens-
es of these pubs flouting the
norms? We are deeply sad-
dened by the news. Despite
the grave issues, such inci-
dents continue to occur. The
peace of the residents is at
stake with such incidents.”
Jaffar Iqbal, a local who
has been living in the area
cused barged into the jew-
ellery shop, pointed a re-
volver at the shop owner and
a staffer, looted the gold orna-
ments, thrashed the staffer,
and escaped from the spot on
their two-wheelers.
The police obtained CCTV
footage of the incident and,
based on clues from the
footage, identified Pavale,
Gade, and Gawali, who are
known criminals. During in-
terrogation, it was revealed
that they were hired by one of
the accused, Patel, to execute
the robbery. After the theft,
Patel was supposed to make
payments to each of them.
Meanwhile, the official X
(formerly Twitter) handle of
the Pune City Police an-
nounced that they cracked
the case within 12 hours, re-
covering 600 grams of gold
and seizing two two-
wheelers, one four-wheeler,
and six mobile phones.
The initiative, guided by
Prof Sheelkumar Kumbhar
and Prof Uttam Janwade,
aimed not only to beautify the
Aniket Sevabhavi organisa-
tion but also to convey mes-
sages of unity, creativity, and
empowerment through art.
The event showcased the
since 1992, said, "Kalyani Na-
gar is mostly populated by
senior citizens who get dis-
turbed at night due to the
emergence of the pub culture.
In the past five years, pubs
have mushroomed in this
area. Once it was a residential
area, and now it is being com-
pletely commercialised. Own-
ers are renting their bunga-
lows and houses, turning
them into commercial prop-
erties. As citizens, we want to
lead a peaceful life in a sound-
free zone. We want the dead-
line for pubs to be reduced to
11pm. Currently, it is extend-
ed to 1:30am. No licenses
should be issued to open any
commercial property in resi-
dential areas, and residential
properties shouldn't be given
for commercial use. Kalyani
Nagar was once a green zone,
but now if you come at night,
most of the clubs adhere to
the timings, but people are
high, and because these pubs
are closed, they come out on
the road, start drinking, and
create a lot of nuisance. Some
Rainfall to
continue
until May 24
STAFF REPORTER
Pune is likely to receive
moderate to heavy rainfall
along with thunderstorms
until May 24, officials from
the India Meteorological De-
partment (IMD) have said.
For the last few days, the
city and its neighbouring ar-
eas have been receiving
rainfall in the evening
hours.
An IMD official said,
“There is a cyclonic circula-
tion over Madhya (Central)
Maharashtra, including
Pune district. As a result,
moisture incursion is taking
place over the region. Hot
conditions till the afternoon
hours and moisture in the
air create local systems over
the city. Owing to these fac-
tors, the city and adjoining
areas will receive rainfall
with thunderstorms and
lightning in the evening
hours.”
The official added that this
weather condition will be ex-
perienced in the city for the
next few days. On some days,
parts of Pune district, in-
cluding the city limits, will
experience gusty wind con-
ditions with a speed of
around 40 to 50 km per hour,
he further said. Meanwhile,
the city’s day temperature is
expected to hover between 38
and 39 degrees Celsius for
the next few days.
transformative power of art
in fostering social integration
and mutual respect among
participants.
Executive President and
Vice-Chancellor of MIT ADT
University, Prof Dr Mangesh
Karad, lauded the initiative,
emphasising its wider impact
pubs don't adhere to the tim-
ings, and despite reaching out
to the authorities many
times, we haven't received a
proper response.
incident that happened yes-
The
terday reflects how unsafe
our environment is."
Speaking to The Free Press
Journal, advocate Satya Mu-
ley questioned why the ac-
cused was given "VIP treat-
ment." "The sections men-
tioned in the FIR did not con-
tain any cognisable offences
which lead to a punishment
of more than two to three
years. Having said this, when
the sections of the offences
are of such mild nature, the
court has little option but to
grant bail because the princi-
ple of the criminal justice sys-
tem is that bail is the rule and
jail is the exception," he
added. "Police should have
framed proper sections and
made a good presentation in
front of the court. The parents
should be held
responsible," Muley
further said.
SII ships first batch of
malaria vaccines to Africa
ANI
In a major feat, the Serum In-
stitute of India (SII) has
shipped its first set of
R21/Matrix-M Malaria vac-
cine doses to the African re-
gion, which has a sizeable dis-
ease burden.
The distribution of malaria
vaccines across the African
region will mark a significant
step in the global fight against
malaria.
As per the information, the
initial shipment will be sent
to the Central African Repub-
lic (CAR), followed by other
African countries such as
South Sudan and the Demo-
cratic Republic of Congo in
the coming days.
Out of the total 1,63,800 dos-
es specifically allocated for
the CAR region, only 43,200
doses were dispatched on
Monday from SII's facility.
SII, Novavax, and the Uni-
versity of Oxford, who are
partners in the innovation of
this novel vaccine, celebrated
the milestone during an
event attended by Eric
Garcetti, US Ambassador to
India. This highlighted the
successful global partnership
between the three countries -
India, the US, and the UK.
Till now, the Serum Insti-
tute of India has manufac-
tured 25 million doses with a
capacity to scale up to 100 mil-
on society. He commended
the efforts of students and fac-
ulty in spearheading such so-
cially responsible projects.
Dr Milind Dhobley, Princi-
pal, and Dean of MIT SOFA,
emphasised the significance
of understanding and con-
necting the unique abilities of
'WILL MOVE HIGHER COURT
TO TRY MINOR AS ADULT'
AGENCIES
Pune Police Commissioner
Amitesh Kumar announced
on Monday that they will seek
permission from a higher
court to try as an adult the 17-
year-old boy whose Porsche
killed two people in Kalyani
Nagar.
The accident occurred
around 2:30am on Sunday,
and CCTV footage later
emerged showing the minor,
from a prominent Pune real-
tor family, driving the luxury
car at over 200 kmph. He al-
legedly lost control of the ve-
hicle, ramming into a motor-
cycle driven by Aneesh
Awadhiya. The impact was so
severe that Awadhiya and
Ashwini Koshta, who was
riding pillion, fell to the road
and
lion doses annually.
In early October 2023, the
World Health Organization
(WHO), recommended
R21/Matrix-M, for the pre-
vention of malaria in chil-
dren.
The R21 vaccine is the sec-
ond malaria vaccine recom-
mended by WHO, following
the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine,
which received a WHO rec-
ommendation in 2021.
Both vaccines are shown to
be safe and effective in pre-
venting malaria in children
and, when implemented
broadly, are expected to have
a high public health impact.
Malaria, a mosquito-borne
disease, places a particularly
high burden on children in
the African region, where
nearly half a million children
die from the disease each
year. Adar Poonawalla, CEO,
SII, said the two countries are
coming together with the best
scientists, the best from aca-
demia, manufacturing, and
innovation, all coming to-
gether, and one common goal,
to save lives.
"But the most important
and critical thing here is that
Serum Institute, as you
know, has always made af-
fordable vaccines which
could, you know, give access
to the lower middle-income
countries all over the world,"
Poonawalla said.
The event showcased the transformative power
of art in fostering social integration and mutual
respect among participants
each individual beyond art.
He expressed pride in the stu-
dents' commitment to social
responsibility and their con-
tributions to creating a more
inclusive society.
Dr Suraj Bhoyer, Head of
Student Welfare Department,
highlighted the heartwarm-
ing moments shared between
the students and children of
Aniket Sevabhavi Sanstha,
underscoring the social com-
mitment demonstrated by all
involved.
The murals created
through this collaborative ef-
fort serve as a testament to
the confluence of empathy
PCMC conducts awareness drive on SUP ban
PUNE: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal
Corporation (PCMC) took to X on Monday and
announced that it had conducted an awareness
activity in the residential areas of Pimple Saudagar,
died. The car subsequently
crashed into roadside pave-
ment railings. Kumar claim
the youngster was drunk at
the time of the accident. He
has been charged under sec-
tion 304 A (causing death by
negligence) of the Indian Pe-
nal Code and sections of the
Motor Vehicles Act.
"On Sunday, we moved an
application before the Juve-
nile Justice Board seeking
permission to try the juvenile
as an adult and send him to an
observation home as the
crime is heinous, but the plea
was rejected. We are now ap-
proaching the sessions court
with the same plea," said Ku-
mar. The blood report is yet to
be received, but the prelimi-
nary probe showed the juve-
nile was drunk at the time of
the accident,
Kumar
stated.
"The
CCTV
PCMC ORGANISES PLOGATHON DRIVE
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has organised a plogathon in Pimple Nilakh, ex-
tending its cleanliness efforts beyond the city's boundaries and actively involving youth in these initia-
tives. This initiative aligns with Swachh Survekshan 2024 and Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan 4.0, aimed
at encouraging community involvement in promoting cleanliness.
Man opens fire at lover's sister
STAFF REPORTER
In a shocking incident in
Pune's Ganj Peth area, a man,
furious after his lover stopped
receiving his calls and also
blocked his mobile number,
opened fire at her sister in the
early hours of Sunday.
According to the informa-
tion received, the accused has
been identified as Rushi Bagul
(27). A case has been registered
against him at the Khadak Po-
and mutual respect, embody-
ing the spirit of inclusivity
and empowerment. The ini-
tiative received invaluable
support from Aniket Sanstha
Director Kalpana Varpe and
trustees Rajshree Jangle,
Suhas Jangle, and Ganesh
Tanpure, further solidifying
the bonds of community in-
volvement in fostering posi-
tive social change.
This initiative stands as a
shining example of how art
education can transcend bar-
riers, foster connections, and
pave the way for a more inclu-
sive and compassionate soci-
ety.
focussing on the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUP).
This initiative aims to educate and sensitise citizens
about the harmful effects of plastic bags and
encourage them to adopt eco-friendly alternatives.
footage of the bar clearly
shows the juvenile consuming
alcohol. There is no doubt that
the juvenile was driving the
car after consuming alcohol.
We will submit all these facts
to the court," he added. "We
have also registered an of-
fence against his father under
the Juvenile Justice Act and
against the proprietors of the
bar for serving alcohol to an
underage person. We have
transferred the probe of these
cases to the crime branch,"
Kumar further said.
Kumar claimed that the po-
lice displayed
professionalism in handling
the case. "The case was trans-
ferred to an ACP-level officer
and it is our endeavour to
make a watertight case. We
will appoint a special counsel
in this case," he added. Mean-
while, the Juvenile Justice
Board's decision to grant the
youngster bail on the same
day while asking him to write
an essay on road accidents
has drawn criticism.
lice Station under sections 307,
342, 506 and 34 of the Indian Pe-
nal Code (IPC) and 3(25) of the
Arms Act.
Bagul and his accomplice al-
legedly went to the woman's
house around 2am on Sunday.
He got angry when she refused
to meet him. He then fired at
the woman’s sister, causing a
minor injury. The accused
then threatened the woman
and her sisters, locked the
latches of their residence from
3 rescued after wall
collapses in Peth area
STAFF REPORTER
Three individuals, identi-
fied as Shila Rajkumar
Chorghe (40), Srushti Ra-
jkumar Chorghe (12), and
Pramod Kedari (41), were
rescued by the Pune Fire
Brigade early Monday
morning after a wall col-
lapsed at an old wada in
Ganesh Peth, where they
resided.
The fire brigade's control
room received a distress
call regarding the wall col-
lapse at around 1:40am.
Upon arrival, firefighters
discovered that the col-
lapsed wall had blocked the
entrance to the family's
house within the
wada.
WHAT ARE THE
BAIL CONDITIONS?
The conditions
include the following:
n The accused should work
with the traffic police of
Yerawada for 15 days.
n The accused should write
an essay on the accident
n He should get treatment
from the concerned doctor to
help him quit drinking
n He should take psychiatric
counselling and submit a
report.
CCTV footage
shows minor
drinking in pub
The CCTV footage of the 17-
year-old, whose speeding
Porsche killed two people in
Kalyani Nagar, drinking with
his friends at a pub has come
to light. Seated at an oval
table, the footage showed
scenes of revelry, with the
table crowded with alcohol
bottles. Pune Police
Commissioner Amitesh Kumar
has confirmed that the
teenager had consumed
alcohol before the accident.
He was reportedly celebrating
his Class 12 results with
friends. "The CCTV footage of
the bar clearly shows the
juvenile consuming alcohol.
There is no doubt that the
juvenile was driving the car
after consuming alcohol,"
Kumar added.
—PIC: @PCMCINDIAGOVIN
the outside and fled from the
spot. Upon receiving informa-
tion, a police team reached the
crime scene and launched a
search for the accused and his
aide. The police subsequently
nabbed Bagul, who reportedly
is a history-sheeter who has
been involved in about six to
seven offences in the past.
Meanwhile, a probe is on to
seize the pistols from the ac-
cused and find out from where
he procured them.
Fortunately, no injuries
or casualties were
reported as a result of
the incident
To safely extract the
trapped individuals, fire-
fighters and the Pune city
police coordinated efforts,
utilising an adjacent
locked house for access.
With permission from the
authorities, the lock was
broken, allowing the
rescue team to safely evac-
uate the three occupants
from the dilapidated struc-
ture. Fortunately, no in-
juries or casualties were
reported as a result of the
incident.
GUJARAT INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
Police bust Duty-Free liquor network, Seize 137 Bottles
Ahmedabad: In Gujarat, a state known for its strict
prohibition laws, the Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB)
successfully intercepted an illegal liquor operation, arresting
two individuals and confiscating 137 bottles of duty-free
alcohol from parked two-wheelers. The arrests took place
on the evening of May 18. The police raided the location,
discovering 137 bottles of liquor concealed in a two-
wheeler parked within the apartment's premises.

Cong MLA alleges major land fraud Tourist dies paragliding, 4

Seven injured in
stray dog attacks
in Vadodara
FPJ NEWS SERVICE /
VADODARA
Stray dog attacks have be-
come a disturbingly common
occurrence across Gujarat,
with seven people injured in
separate incidents on a single
day. This alarming trend has
reignited concerns about re-
sponsible animal manage-
ment and public safety.
The most concerning inci-
dent involved a one-year-old
girl, Priyanka Alpeshbhai Ya-
dav, who was mauled by a dog
near Ramji Mandir in Dholi
Paliya, Varnama village. Six
other individuals were also
rushed to Sayaji Hospital
after being attacked by stray
dogs in separate incidents.
The victims include residents
of a housing society in Gotri,
identified as Meenaben (24),
Niraliben (6), Vaishaliben (7),
and Varshaben (12). All are re-
ceiving medical attention for
their injuries.
Animal Birth Control
Chaudhary demanded an SIT probe against the Ex-Surat Collector
MELVYN THOMAS / SURAT
Former Union Minister and
Khedbrahma MLA Dr Tushar
Chaudhary has called for the
formation of a Special Investi-
gation Team (SIT) to investi-
gate allegations of corruption
and crores of rupees worth of
land fraud against former
Surat District Collector
Ayush Oak. The allegations
involve the unauthorized en-
try of tenants' names into gov-
ernment land records, caus-
ing significant financial dam-
age to the state.
In a press conference held
in Surat on Monday, Dr
Tushar Chaudhary, Congress
candidate for the
Sabarkantha Lok Sabha seat,
leveled serious accusations
against Ayush Oak, who
served as Surat District Col-
lector until February 2024.
Chaudhary accused Oak of
defrauding the Gujarat Gov-
ernment by arbitrarily enter-
ing the names of 'tenants'
(ganotiyas) into the records of
government land measuring
approximately 2.17 lakh
square meters located at sur-
vey number 311/3 in Dumas.
“Former Surat District Col-
lector Ayush Oak is fully re-
sponsible for this fraudulent
activity,” he stated. "I demand
the formation of an SIT to
thoroughly examine all docu-
ments related to this case, en-
suring that proper legal
action is taken against those
responsible."
According to Chaudhary,
Oak, despite his
constitutional responsibility
to protect government proper-
ty, conspired to seize govern-
ment land by entering
tenants' names into official
records without authoriza-
tion. This, he claimed, result-
ed in the loss of crores of ru-
pees to the government.
“In 2015, an investigation
conducted by the then district
collector concluded that the
land belonged to the state gov-
ernment,” he explained.
“However, Ayush Oak ig-
nored this report and issued a
wrongful order to enter the
names of the tenants into the
land records just two days be-
fore his transfer.”
Dr. Chaudhary argued that
Oak’s actions were part of a
larger scheme to embezzle
government property. “We
believe that a huge amount of
corruption has been commit-
ted in this matter. The names
of the tenants were entered
under connivance to defraud
the government,” he asserted.
The former Union Minister
insisted that Ayush Oak's role
must be investigated immedi-
ately and that he should be sus-
pended for his actions. "Ayush
Oak wrongfully entered the
names of the ganotiyas under
the Ganot Dhara, overruling
the 2015 report by the former
district collector," Dr. Chaud-
hary said. "This clear act of cor-
ruption and abuse of power
cannot go unpunished."
held for culpable homicide
FPJ NEWS SERVICE / MANDVI
A tragic incident unfolded at
Mandvi Beach, leaving a
tourist from Jharkhand dead
after a paragliding mishap.
The deceased, Baldevsingh
Kore, reportedly fell from the
paraglider due to alleged neg-
ligence by the operators. Fol-
lowing the incident, the
Mandvi police registered a
case of culpable homicide
against four individuals, in-
cluding the chief manager of
Shiv Waters Sports.
“My husband participated
in a paragliding ride on Fri- wife, children, and brother his injuries at KK Patel Hos-
day last, paying Rs 700, but stationed at the Air Force pital in Bhuj.
was not provided with any base in Bhuj, were vacation- “We have confirmed the
safety equipment,” stated ing at Mandvi Beach. After detention of the main opera-
Sukhwinder Baldevsingh the fall, instead of seeking tor, Pankaj Bhanushali, and
Kore, the victim's wife. “Dur- medical attention, the the beach operator, Abbas Su-
ing the ride, the driver of the paragliding operators al- laiman Para,” informed PI
towing vehicle drove at high legedly fled the scene, leaving DD Shimpi of Mandvi police
speed, causing my husband to Kore critically injured. Near- station. “Both accused have
fall to the ground.” by tourists intervened and been remanded into two-day
According to reports, rushed him to medical facili- police custody as investiga-
Kore's family, including his ties, but Kore succumbed to tions progress.”

and Rabies Vaccination

programs are a solution
These incidents highlight
the growing problem of stray
dog management in Gujarat.
The uncontrolled canine pop-
ulation poses a significant
threat to public safety, partic-
ularly for vulnerable groups
like children and the elderly.
A doctor treating the vic-
tims at Sayaji Hospital, ex-
pressed concern about the
rise in dog bite cases. “We're
witnessing an increasing
number of dog bite injuries,
and it's crucial to address the
root causes of this issue,” he
said.
Experts have emphasized
the need for a multi-pronged
approach to tackle the stray
dog menace. This includes
implementing effective Ani-
mal Birth Control (ABC) and
Rabies Vaccination (ABR)
programs to manage the pop-
ulation and prevent the
spread of disease. Additional-
ly, promoting responsible pet
ownership and educating the
public on how to interact with
stray dogs safely are crucial
steps.
The Gujarat government
and local authorities must
take immediate action to im-
plement a comprehensive
stray dog management plan.
The safety and well-being of
the citizens should be the top
priority.
Surat loses sheen Gujarat Education Dept holds Tea vendor handed
as diamond hub Madrasa survey in Ahmedabad `49 Cr penalty notice
MELVYN THOMAS / SURAT cline. Diamond and gems and FPJ NEWS SERVICE / PATAN me sign a bunch of papers,
jewellery exports during 2023- FPJ NEWS SERVICE / and then returned my
Diamonds have lost their glit- 24 reached Rs 13,747 crore, a AHMEDABAD A tea vendor in Patan, Gu- Aadhar card while taking a
ter in Surat, the world's sharp drop from the Rs 26,513 jarat, was left bewildered af- photocopy, saying it was for
largest diamond cutting and crore recorded in 2022-23. The Gujarat education de- ter receiving an income tax (I- the I-T department,” Dave re-
polishing centre. The Surat This translates to a loss of Rs partment, acting on a state or- T) department notice de- counted.
Special Economic Zone 12,766 crore for the SEZ. No- der, recently conducted a sur- manding a hefty penalty of Rs Years passed, and Dave re-
(SurSEZ), India's leading tably, diamonds and vey of madrasas in Ahmed- 49 crore. The notice accused ceived two more IT notices,
gems and jewellery SEZ, wit- jewellery contribute over 95 abad city and rural areas. The Khemraj Dave of Kankrej of both in English. Unsure of the
nessed a staggering 64 per per cent of SurSEZ's annual primary focus of the survey illicit transactions totaling Rs content and intimidated by
cent decline in diamond and exports, highlighting the in- was to ensure that students 34 crore found in his bank ac- the official language, he did
jewellery exports during 2023- dustry's critical role in the receive a well-rounded educa- count. However, Dave, who not respond. Finally, in Au-
24 compared to the same peri- zone's economic activity. tion, including both religious has been running a simple tea gust 2023, a third notice ar-
od in 2021-22. This marks the “Lab-grown diamond studies and primary educa- stall at the Patan commodity rived, prompting him to seek
biggest export value drop jewellery is becoming a tion. market since 2014, discovered legal help. Advocate Suresh
ever for major com- A joint team consisting of a shocking truth - his identity Joshi explained the gravity of
SurSEZ, even
surpassing the
The diamond industry petitor to nat-
ural diamond
the District Education Officer
(DEO) and the Ahmedabad
had been stolen.
“I couldn't believe it when I
the situation - a hefty tax
penalty for alleged illegal
drop in the faces competition from jewellery,” Municipal Corporation saw the notice,” said Dave. “It transactions in Dave's ac-
COVID-19 pan- lab-grown diamonds says a (AMC) School Board visited was all in English, and the count.
demic. leading dia- 175 madrasas in the city and Muslim students enrolled in lack of clarity emerged re- amount was unbelievable. I “There were no such trans-
While industry leaders mond company owner in 29 in rural areas. The city these institutions remained garding the financial situa- knew something wasn't actions in my account. It just
point fingers at the global eco- Surat. “Consumers, partic- DEO team surveyed 70 insti- unclear. As a result, the DEO tion of many madrasas, and right.” didn't make sense,” said
nomic crisis, the Russia- ularly in the US and China tutions, while the AMC has decided to extend the sur- data on non-Muslim students Dave's ordeal began in 2014 Dave, emphasizing his inno-
Ukraine war, and geopolitical – India's biggest diamond School Board team covered vey until Tuesday to include was inconclusive. when he sought help from cence.
tensions in Israel, a more markets – are increasingly 105. In rural areas, village of- unregistered madrasas and The education department Alpesh Patel, a customer at Upon contacting the IT de-
pressing concern is opting for lab-grown dia- fice teams conducted surveys collect missing data. will compile the collected his tea stall, to link his PAN partment, a shocking truth
emerging: competition from monds due to their signifi- in all 29 madrasas. The survey gathered infor- data and submit it to the card with his bank account. came to light. Someone had
lab-grown diamonds. These cantly lower prices, often While the survey achieved mation on various aspects of state's Primary Education Trusting Alpesh, Dave pro- opened a bank account under
stones pose a significant more than 90 per cent significant progress, some madrasa operations, includ- Department. This informa- vided him with his Aadhaar Dave's name and used it for il-
threat to SurSEZ's cheaper than natural dia- challenges emerged. Fifteen ing the institution granting tion will then be forwarded to card, PAN card, and even licit activities. Armed with
dominance in key markets monds.” This shift in con- madrasas in the city and three permission, the administra- the Gujarat government, who eight photographs. Little did this information, Dave filed a
like the United States, Eu- sumer preference is posing in rural areas were found to be tor's name, details on non- will ultimately share it with Dave know, this act of trust police complaint, leading to
rope, Latin America, and Chi- a serious threat to the tra- closed or did not provide nec- Muslim student enrollment, the National Commission for would turn into a nightmare. the unmasking of the culprits
na. ditional diamond industry essary details. Additionally, and the source of funding for Protection of Child Rights “The next day, Alpesh - Alpesh Patel and his brother
Data reveals a stark de- in Surat. information regarding non- teacher salaries. However, a (NCPCR). came back to my stall, made Vipul.

Surat gears up for 21BY72 Ahmedabad sizzles Liquor racket

busted after
Startup Summit under heatwave highway chase
FPJ NEWS SERVICE / NADIAD
FPJ NEWS SERVICE / SURAT FPJ NEWS SERVICE / residents to prioritize staying
AHMEDABAD cool. “Drink plenty of fluids, Nadiad town police arrested
The Diamond City of Surat is even if you don't feel thirsty,” three individuals involved in
set to shine brightly in the The city of Ahmedabad advised Shah. “Avoid strenu- an alleged liquor smuggling
startup world as IVY Growth braces for a brutal heatwave ous activity outdoors, espe- racket, following a dramatic
Associates prepares to host as the Indian Meteorological cially during the hottest part chase on the Ahmedabad-
the third edition of its mar- Department (IMD) issued a of the day. Wear loose, light- Vadodara Expressway. The
quee event, the 21BY72 Start- Red Alert for the next five colored clothing and a hat if seized liquor is estimated to

Two cars collide, one

up Summit. Scheduled for days. Temperatures are ex- you must go outside.” be worth a staggering 2.06
June 15 and 16, the summit pected to soar to a scorching The Red Alert comes as a lakh.
boasts an ambitious goal: to 45 degrees Celsius (113 de- stark reminder of the dangers Acting on a tip-off, a joint

engulfed in flames
FPJ NEWS SERVICE /
GANDHINAGAR
A fiery collision on Monday
afternoon sent shockwaves
through Gandhinagar as two
cars slammed into each other
on Sarita Udhan.
Eyewitnesses described a
chaotic scene as the impact of
the crash sparked a fire in
one of the cars. “The car
caught fire right after the col-
lision,” said a bystander.
“There were sparks, and then
suddenly flames.”
The Gandhinagar Fire
Brigade responded swiftly,
arriving at the scene to extin-
position Surat on the global
startup map.
“The third edition of
21BY72 will witness the par-
guish the blaze. “We were ticipation of more than 20,000
able to bring the fire under people,” said Prateek Toshni-
control quickly,” a wal, a Chartered Accountant
spokesperson for the fire de- and investor, highlighting the
partment confirmed. event's significant growth
The cause of the accident from the previous edition.
remains under investigation. “We are thrilled to welcome
However, initial reports sug- over 200 startup founders,
gest that one car may have 100+ Venture Capitalists, and
been speeding at the time of 500+ investors alongside in-
the collision. dustry leaders, making it one
“It all happened so fast,” of the largest startup summits
another witness recounted. in the country.”
“One car hit the other head- The event promises an ex-
on, and then there was smoke ceptional platform for net-
everywhere. People rushed working, learning, and col-
over to help, and thankfully, laboration. With over 100 ven-
everyone got out safely before ture capital funds and 500 an-
the fire got too big.” gel investors anticipated,
startups will have the oppor-
tunity to showcase their offer-
ings and secure funding. The
summit will also feature in-
sightful talks from industry
experts like Dr. Vaidya's & V3
Ventures Founder Arjun
Vaidya and Head of Venture
Capital at Google India Apur-
va Chamaria, alongside inter-
active workshops designed to
empower entrepreneurs.
“One of the main
highlights of the summit is
the Trailblazers Mine,” said
Rachit Poddar, Co-Founder of
IVY Growth Associates. This
live pitching event allows se-
lected startups to directly
present their ideas to poten-
tial investors and industry
leaders. Additionally, close to
100 startups will have the
chance to exhibit their inno-
vative products and services,
further propelling their
growth prospects.
IVY Growth Associates has
a clear vision: to transform
Surat into a thriving startup
hub. By connecting startups
with investors not just from
India but also from the UAE,
UK, and USA, 21BY72 aims to
accelerate entrepreneurship,
boost the local economy, and
drive angel investment
across the nation.
grees Fahrenheit) or even
higher, posing significant
health risks to residents.
“This red alert is a serious
concern,” says DrAnita Shah,
a leading physician in
Ahmedabad. “Exposure to
such extreme temperatures
can lead to heatstroke, dehy-
dration, and even death, espe-
cially for vulnerable popula-
tions like young children, the
elderly, and those with chron-
ic health conditions.”
Residents are taking pre-
cautions to cope with the in-
tense heat. “We're stocking
up on water and electrolytes,”
said Rakesh Patel, a local res-
ident. “We're also trying to
stay indoors during the peak
heat hours of the afternoon.”
Health officials have urged
of extreme weather events.
“Heatwaves are becoming
more frequent and severe due
to climate change,” said envi-
ronmental activist MHS
Shaikh. “We need to take ac-
tion to mitigate climate
change and invest in adapta-
tion strategies to protect our-
selves from these scorching
summers.”
Here are some additional
do's and don'ts from medical
professionals to stay safe dur-
ing the heatwave:
Do: Take cool showers or
baths frequently. Limit sug-
ary drinks and alcohol. Eat
cooling foods like fruits and
vegetables.
Don't: Leave children unat-
tended in parked cars.
Overexert yourself outdoors.
team of Ahmedabad police
and the cybercrime branch
set up a surveillance opera-
tion near Nadiad's Ganesh
Chokdi. The tip-off indicated
a Maruti car, loaded with for-
eign liquor, travelling from
Modasa to Kapadvanj via Na-
diad on the expressway.
As officers spotted the ve-
hicle approaching, they sig-
nalled it to stop. However, the
driver, Chokharam Godra,
ignored the signal and sped
away, initiating a high-speed
chase. The pursuit culminat-
ed near the toll plaza close to
Vadodara.
Upon apprehending
Godra, a search of the car re-
vealed 49 cartons containing
a total of 1,043 bottles and 233
cans of beer.

A BOOMING DEFENCE SECTOR

MGVCL launches awareness Surat drone startup inks deal with Israel's Defense Force
campaign on smart meters FPJ NEWS SERVICE / SURAT

In a major development for

FPJ NEWS SERVICE /
VADODARA & SURAT
Vadodara and Surat have re-
cently seen numerous com-
plaints regarding the new
Smart Meters installed by the
Gujarat government-run
power distribution firm,
Madhya Gujarat Vij Compa-
ny Limited (MGVCL). In re-
sponse, MGVCL has
launched an educational
campaign to inform residents
about the Smart Meters, aim-
ing to dispel misconceptions.
This move follows a viral
video that fueled misunder-
standings about the billing
process associated with
Smart Meters.
The viral video, featuring a
woman claiming exorbitant
bills due to the Smart Meters,
sparked significant backlash.
However, MGVCL officials
claim that the video provided
only partial information, like-
ly due to misunderstanding.
MGVCL officials explained
that to mitigate doubts, five
old meters (Check Meters)
shall be installed randomly
among every 100 Smart Me-
ters to allow for direct com-
parison of readings and en-
sure transparency.
Tejas Parmar, MD of MGV-
CL, highlighted that the first
Smart Meter was installed in
his own home, along with a
Check Meter. “The counts of
the Smart Meter and Check
Meter were the same,” Par-
mar stated, emphasizing that
Smart Meters do not generate
higher bills. "The only differ-
ence between the Smart Me-
ter and the old meter from the
consumer's perspective is the
payment mode. Previously, it
was post-paid; now, the mode
is pre-paid.”
Addressing the viral
video, Parmar clarified the
situation involving the
woman who complained of
receiving a Rs2,000 bill in
just 12 days. He stated that
the excess amount came
from her previous bills and
the amount for 12 days was
Rs836 and not Rs2000.
India's defense sector, an Is-
raeli company has signed a
deal to purchase a lethal
drone “Kamikaze” from
Surat-based startup Inside
FPV. This marks a significant
achievement for the city, of-
ten known as the 'diamond
city', and highlights India's
growing prowess in defense
technology.
In 2020, Arth Chowdhary,
Deyvant Bhardwaj and Oshi
Kumari founded insideFPV.
The drone start-up manu-
factures a “plug-and-fly” un-
manned aerial vehicle (UAV)
which is far easier to use than
its competitors. It also sells
drones and parts used to
make them online.
UAV Dynamics, a leading
Israeli defense contractor
known for its advanced
drones and the Iron Dome
missile system, signed the
deal with the startup. The
agreement entails the supply
of around 100 Kamikaze
drones to Israel over a 5-6
year period. This collabora-
tion signifies a crucial step
forward for India's defense in-
dustry, with its technology
being adopted by a nation
renowned for its sophisticat-
ed military equipment.
Deadly Precision: The Ca-
pabilities of the Kamikaze
Drone
The Kamikaze drone
boasts an impressive array of
features that make it a valu-
able asset for defense and se-
curity purposes. Its compact
size and lightweight design
allow it to carry explosives
for targeted attacks. With a
remarkable speed of 250 kilo-
meters per hour, the drone
can deliver its payload and re-
turn swiftly, minimizing its
exposure and maximizing its
effectiveness. Additionally, it
can be operated remotely
from a distance of 10 to 12 kilo-
meters, ensuring operator
safety. The versatility of the
Kamikaze drone extends be-
yond offensive capabilities, as
it can also be employed for
surveillance, reconnaissance,
and inspection tasks.
A Testament to India's
Growing Defense Prowess
The decision by a promi-
nent Israeli company to ac-
quire Indian-made drones
underscores the significant
strides India has made in
the defense sector. “India
did not have this technology
till now, but now we are de-
veloping it," said Chowd-
hary. “India is becoming
self-sufficient in the defense
sector. We will save the lives
of our soldiers. We will pro-
vide many other technolo-
gies in 5 years.” Chowd-
hary's remarks highlight
the potential of Indian de-
fense startups to develop in-
novative solutions and con-
tribute to national security.
The recent MoU with UAV
Dynamics serves as a testa-
ment to this growing poten-
tial.
BRS MLC Kavitha's judicial custody extended till June 3
HYDERABAD: The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Monday
extended the judicial custody of BRS MLC K Kavitha, who has been arrested
in a money laundering case related to alleged excise policy scam, till June 3.
Officials of Enforcement Directorate ( ED) and Central Bureau of
Investigation ( CBI) produced Kavitha in the court through a video
conference. The Court extended Kavitha's judicial remand till June 3.
The BRS leader was arrested by the ED on March 15, 2024 and by the CBI
on April 11. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

TELANGANA GOVERNMENT SHOULD

NOT WALK INTO L&T TRAP: CL RAJAM
L
&T is putting fresh
queries into the main-
tenance of the Hyder-
abad Metro Rail. L&T is find-
ing ways to get out of the loss
bearing Metro Rail project.
In the beginning itself, the
L&T, with a view to get the
prestigious Metro Rail Con-
tract, quoted much less than
its competitors and managed
to secure the contract. The
then state government has
awarded the contract to L&T
as it quoted far less than its
competitors. The L&T is
awarded the contract for 60
years built and operate
mode. But after six years into
operation, L&T released the
bitter truth and has been try-
Harish Rao slams Congress Government
FPJ BUREAU/NALGONDA
Former minister and
Siddipet MLA Harish Rao to-
day alleged that the Revanth
Reddy government was re-
sorting to lathi-charge on gov-
ernment teachers and mak-
ing false promises to the poor
people of the State.
Speaking to media persons
after paying floral tributes to
the father of former party
MLA Ravindra Kumar Kani-
lal Nayak, who passed away
recently, Harish Rao alleged
that the Congress' 100-day
promises had not been imple-
mented in Telangana and
added that the students did
not get the assurance cards
while noting that Scooty and
unemployment allowance are
not given to them. He also
said the Deputy Chief Minis-
ter Bhatti Vikramarka had
shrugged off his hands on the
implementation of the unem-
ployment allowance. He said
none of the promises made by
the Congress leaders Priyan-
ka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi
and Revanth Reddy before the
elections had been imple-
mented.
He alleged that the Con-
gress government had cheat-
ed its employees by not releas-
ing a single DA so far and
ing to get out of the project
since then. In the past, it gave
excuses like lack of patron-
age from commuters, heavy
losses in operating costs and
managed to get some benefits
from the state government.
Now it is repeating the same
excuses. The L&T is report-
edly planning to get some
more benefits from the state
government or get out of the
project with no losses. The
L&T has taken the free RTC
bus ride scheme of the gov-
ernment as the reason for its
huge losses. The L&T argu-
ing that due to free RTC bus
travel for women, the com-
muters number for the metro
rail services has drastically
added that Pension benefits
had not been given to the re-
tired employees. “We are de-
manding better PRC for em-
ployees. The educated and the
unemployed should think
and vote. Teach a lesson with
your vote,” he said. Harish
Rao said their
candidate Rakesh Reddy
party
should win in the MLC elec-
tions as he would become the
voice of the people of the
State.
He said to vote for the Con-
gress was to support the Con-
gress' deceit. He said the col-
lege managements were fac-
fallen and causing heavy
losses to the Metro.
If there is drop in the Metro
commuters since the imple-
mentation of the free RTC
travel for women four months
ago, then it should be scientif-
ically studied. Find out how
much percentage of com-
muters decreased following
the implementation of the
Free RTC travel scheme in the
last four months. Whether
there is any increase in the
number of male travels by
Metro? A decision should be
taken after undertaking a sci-
entific survey on the matter.
Incase, the state govern-
ment takes over the mainte-
nance and running of the Hy-
ing difficulties due to non-
payment of fee reimburse-
ment to them. He said the col-
lege Managements and edu-
cated people should think and
vote. Stating that the State
government promised to give
₹100 crore to Journalists, he
said not even 100 paise was
given to them so far.
He said the Congress gov-
ernment should be admon-
ished for not giving 100 paise.
He mocked that while the
words of the Congress gov-
ernment are crossing the
forts, its actions were not
crossing the threshold.
derbad Metro Rail, it has to
incur heavy expenditure on
the losses of the Metro Rail as
well as the expenditure in-
curred on the free RTC travel
for Women scheme. If L&T
wants to quit from the proj-
ect, the state government
should constitute an experts
Committee of Technical, Fi-
nancial and Legal experts,
study the project and give its
recommendation to the state
Incase, the state government takes over the maintenance and
running of the Hyderbad Metro Rail, it has to incur heavy
expenditure on the losses of the Metro Rail as well
as the expenditure incurred on the free RTC travel
for Women scheme.
Harish asks govt to
pay diagnostic
centre’s staff salaries
Hyderabad: Former minister
and MLA Harish Rao today
responded to the news
reports of the management
of Telangana diagnostic
centres and pending salaries
of its staff.
"It is sad that within five
months, the Congress
government has demolished
the Telangana diagnostic
system, which was started
during the BRS regime to
provide free medical tests to
the people of the State. KCR
has set up 36 diagnostic
centres across the State, made
available 134 types of medical
tests and made Telangana a
role model for the country in
medical services. The
diagnostic centres, which have
provided quality medical tests
to lakhs of poor and common
people without financial
burden, are now reeling under
a lack of maintenance. The
staff has not been able to
even get their salaries for six
months. This is a testimony to
the congress government's
indifferent attitude towards
public health,” he alleged.
government. The state gov-
ernment should collect from
the L&T the future losses.
The state government should
act with alertness on the mat-
ter, protect people’s money
and keep an eye on the possi-
ble legal issues.
-CL Rajam
(CL Rajam is Chairman,
Intercontinental Infrastructure
Limited)
– CL Rajam .
NAS & TAS to celebrate golden
jubilee of nuclear test on May 22
FPJ BUREAU/HYDERABAD
As you know, 50 years ago, on
the May 18, 1974, our country
successfully carried out a nu-
clear test, code-named "Smil-
ing Buddha". To commemo-
rate and celebrate the golden
jubilee of the proud moment,
the National Academy of Sci-
ences (local chapter) together
with the Telangana Academy
of Sciences (TAS) is organiz-
ing an event on May 22 at
Vivekananda auditorium of
IICT starting at 4 pm.
According a pressnote is-
sued here today, Ch. Mohan
Rao, president, S. Satya-
narayana, general secretary,
TAS, said Padma Vibhushan
Dr R. Chidambaram, one of
the prime movers of India's
nuclear program, who played
Fernandez Hospital
Launches IUI Clinic
at Necklace Road
FPJ BUREAU/HYDERABAD
Fernandez Hospital an-
nounced the launch of IUI
services at their Necklace
Road clinic. The top-tier facil-
ity offers a simple and afford-
able pathway to parenthood
through Intrauterine Insem-
ination (IUI), enhancing the
a major role in the "Smiling
Buddha" (Pokhran-1) as well
as "Operation Shakti"
(Pokhran-II) will be the chief
guest and delivers a lecture
on "May 1974 Test and Be-
yond". Dr Komal Kapoor,
Chairman & Chief Executive,
Nuclear Fuel Complex, will
be the Guest of honour.
Following the lecture, there
will be a "Press Meet" at the
Museum Hall, IICT to
interact with the speaker R.
Chidambaram, Dr Komal
Kapoor, Dr. Ch. Mohan Rao,
former Director, CCMB, Pres-
ident, Telangana Academy of
Sciences (TAS) and National
Academy of Sciences (NASI),
Hyderabad, Prof. S. Satya-
narayana, Gen. Secretary,
TAS & Former Vice Chancel-
lor, Osmania University.
CII IGBC Green Property
Show 2024 concludes
FPJ BUREAU/HYDERABAD
The CII Indian Green Build-
ing Council's (IGBC) Green
Property Show 2024, a pre-
mier exhibition showcasing
eco-friendly residential proj-
ects and sustainable building
technologies, concluded its
successful second edition to-
day at the HITEX Exhibition
Centre here. The three-day
event witnessed an excep-
tional response from develop-
ers, financial institutions,
prospective homebuyers, and
environmentally conscious
citizens.
Deputy Chief Minister
Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka
was chief guest,
Komatireddy Venkat Reddy,
Minister for Roads, Buildings
and Cinematography was the
guest of honour. Speaking on
the occasion, Mallu Bhatti
Vikramarka said, "The IGBC
Green Property Show 2024
has been a resounding suc-
cess, demonstrating the
growing commitment of our
state towards sustainable de-
velopment and eco-friendly
living. It is heartening to wit-
ness the active participation
of developers, homebuyers,
and citizens in this noble en-
deavor. Together, we can cre-
The three-day event
witnessed an
exceptional response
from developers,
financial institutions,
prospective
homebuyers, and
environmentally
conscious citizens.
ate a greener and more live-
able future for generations to
come."
Today’s Valedictory Ses-
sion started with Green Res-
idential Society Challenge
by Amruta, Associate Coun-
sellor CII – IGBC; Awareness
on Cyber Security & Anti-
narcotics by Ms. Lalith
Sharma, (Cyber Team Lead);
Waste Management in
Office & Homes by Mr.
Bobby Kurien, (Re- Sustain-
ability limited); Enhancing
Urban Biodiversity, Ms.
Farida Tampal (State Direc-
tor WWF- India,
Hyderabad); Road Safety for
citizens (Expert from Traffic
Training Institute); Green
Residential Society chal-
lenge, Ms. Amruta (Associ-
ate Counsellor CII – IGBC).

Congress should be wiped out: KTR chances of pregnancy with

the latest techniques and
compassionate care.
FPJ BUREAU/ILLANDU Speaking about the launch
Agriculture has been of new IUI service, Dr Evita
BRS party working president good during the BRS Fernandez, chairperson and

Panchayat secretary & bill

KT Rama Rao, while claiming Managing Director of Fer-
that former CM KCR gave Ry-
regime. In 2014, nandez Foundation, said,
thu Bandhu benefit when the Telangana was "We understand the emotion-

collector of Nanajpur in ACB

farmers started sowing oper- ranked 14th in the al and physical challenges
Bathini family ations, CM Revanth Reddy
put Rythu Bandhu when
agricultural faced by couples struggling
to conceive, and we are com-
to distribute there were elections in the
State. It would be profitable
production. mitted to offering person-
alised and compassionate FPJ BUREAU/HYDERABAD Balraj, Bill Collector at her of- and dishonestly.
fish prasadam for the farmers if the Rythu care to help them achieve fice for showing official The bribe amount was re-

on June 8 Bandhu benefit was given at

FPJ BUREAU/HYDERABAD
It is well-known that the
Bathini family offers fish
prasadam every year during
Mrigasira Karte. This year
too, the Bathini family is get-
ting ready to distribute the
fish prasadam. The family
members revealed the details
in this regard.
the time of sowing opera-
tions, he added.
KTR participated in the
graduate MLC by-election
campaigning held at Illandu
constituency centre and
spoke in support of the BRS
party candidate Enugula
Rakesh Reddy.
Speaking on the occasion,
he said in Telangana, there
was a marked change in
every village, town or district
headquarters. “Agriculture
has been good during the BRS
regime. In 2014, Telangana
was ranked 14th in the agri-
cultural production. By 2023,
Haryana and Punjab have
emerged as the top producers
of agriculture production, es-
pecially in paddy. KCR had in-
troduced Rythu Bandhu
scheme to give confidence to
farmer families. During
KCR's tenure, Rythu Bandhu
was given when sowing was
done. But in the Revanth Red-
dy’s government, it was given
at the time of casting of votes
and when the harvest was
reaped,” he said.
their dream of becoming
parents. With our dedicated
team and advanced facilities,
we strive to make this jour-
ney as smooth and support-
ive as possible. Our goal is to
support couples in their jour-
ney to parenthood by provid-
ing expert care and advanced
reproductive technology in a
nurturing environment."
Today at 11 am, Radhika Red-
dy, Panchayath Secretary, of-
fice of the Gram Panchayath,
Nanajpur, Ranga Reddy Dis-
trict was caught by Anti-Cor-
ruption Bureau officials of
Ranga Reddy Unit when she
demanded and accepted a
bribe of Rs 35,000/- from the
complainant Mohd. Barkath
Ali of Tadban, Bahadurpura,
favour i.e. for allotment of
house number and also allow-
ing to construct compound
wall for Plot No. 83 & 84/p (500
sq. yards) at Sy No. 6/9, Nana-
jpur Village, Shamshabad
Mandal, Ranga Reddy
District which belongs to the
complainant". The Accused
officers thereby performed
their public duty improperly
covered from the possession
of the bill collector.
Principal accused Radhika
Reddy and A-2 Balraj, Bill
Collector at the Office of the
Gram Panchayath,
Nanajpur Village were ar-
rested and produced before
the First Addl. Special Judge
for SPE and ACB cases,
Court at Nampally.

'Sanatana Dharma' Crusader in USA

“This year Mrigasira
Karte will enter at 11 am on
Saturday, June 8. From 11 am
on June 8 to 11 am on June 9,
the fish prasadam will be dis-
tributed at Nampally exhibi-
tion ground,” they said. They

also said fish prasadam
would be distributed to the
devotees free of cost and
added that Puja programmes
and preparation of prasadam
would be held at Doodh Bowli
on June 7 in collaboration
with various foundations.
They said Medical service,
food facility and drinking wa-
ter supply would be provided
free of cost to the devotees for
24 hours.
"We are providing fish med-
icine prasadam for the preven-
tion of respiratory diseases
like asthma, cough," they said
and urged the State govern-
ment to make adequate
arrangements for the organi-
sation of the program just like
the previous governments had
made all the arrangements for
the distribution of fish
prasadam. “We are making all
arrangements for the devotees
who come for fish prasadam
without any difficulty. We are
going to distribute fish
prasadam without any incon-
venience in coordination with
all the departments. All
arrangements are being made
for lakhs of devotees coming
from across the country and
abroad,” they added.
5 In fact, few days ago I saw a brief news item on him and
4 years old Mr MVL Sashi
Bhushan, born and brought
up in Hyderabad, and after
completing his Computer Engi-
neering, moved to USA to do his
MS in Computer Sciences, to pur-
sue his illustrious professional Ca-
reer, visited me nd spent consider-
able quality time, explaining his
efforts in spreading the message of
'Sanatana Dharma' in USA and
eliciting my views on the same
subject.
In fact, few days ago I saw a brief
news item on him and about his ef-
forts of spreading the message of
‘Sanatana Dharma,’ basically in
USA and forming part of it con-
structing a ‘108 feet Statue of Adi
Shankaracharya’ in Atlanta, USA. I
got in touch with him over phone and
invited him to about his pursuits.
As part of his professional ca-
reer, Sashi Bhushan, in addition to
his earlier career with various
Global Fortune 500 companies, is
Chairman of the Board of RiVi
Group of companies {Multiple
Global Information Technology
and Healthcare companies},
Founder of Med Converge, Board
Member on Global India Business
Council, Advisor to Various Com-
panies’ Boards, Expert Member in
Various Industries etc. among oth-
ers. This is just one side of him.
Apart from his professional ca-
reer, Sashi Bhushan's has Learnt
Astrology, Vaastu, Hindu Mytholo-
gy, Itihashas, Puranas, Smarta and
Nadi Sastra etc. He has also been
involved in number of 'Santana
and Philanthropic Activities' be-
ginning with his ‘Munificent Do-
nation of Lands and Build
constructing a ‘108 feet Statue of Adi Shankaracharya’ in
Temples in Hyderabad, Tettu
(Prakasam District) and Tirupati.
Sashi Bhushan is the Founder
President of Sri Siddheswari Seva,
a nonprofit organization in USA,
engaged in promoting Sanatana
Dharma there. In his capacity as
'Chief Operating Officer' of Sri
Siddheswari Peetham, Courtal-
lam, Sashi Bhushan reports di-
about his efforts of spreading the message of ‘Sanatana
Dharma,’ basically in USA and forming part of it
Atlanta, USA.
rectly to the Chief Pontiff Courtal-
lam Shankaracharya, Jagadguru
HH Sri Siddheswarananda
Bharati Swamiji and oversees en-
tire operations of the Peetham in
India and abroad to promote
Sanatana Dharma effectively.
Sashi Bhushan, to expedite his
pious pursuit and commitment,
and to promote 'Sanatana Dharma'
in USA, purchased 500 acres of
Land near Atlanta and now is in
the process of building an Ashram
called 'Siddha Ashram of North
America' and ultimately develop-
ing it a 'Center of Excellence in
Sanatana Dharma.'
In accordance with his thought
process, Sashi Bhushan in consulta-
tion with Experts in the field,
drafted a unique vision for this 'First
of its Kind Ashram and Center of
Excellence,' which will be a sort of
'Lead Kindly Light' through
Sanatana Dharma, to consistently
‘Serve as a Timeless Reminder of
our need for Divine Guidance, Faith
amid Uncertainty, and Trust in
God's plan. It is undoubtedly hun-
dred percent certain, that, on its
total completion it shall become a
‘Role Model for Sanatana Dharma.’
The Vision of Sashi Bhushan
among others include
construction of 108 feet Statue of
Adi Shankaracharya, establishing
a Veda Patashala, Gau (COW) Sha-
la, providing Vedic Farming and
Village Facilities, organizing a
Museum of Ancient Wisdom, de-
signing, and developing one
Sanatana Dharma Cultural Her-
itage Centre, construction of a
Sanatana Dharma Temple and
Spiritual Center, and an Event
Center for Yoga, Ayurveda, and
other Sanatana Dharma activities.
In fact, one of the core themes of
his Vision, namely, organizing '108
Havan Kunds' in the Ashram, has
been already Completed.
Sashi Bhushan as Founding
Member of Hindu PAC (Political
Action Committee), an independ-
ent, non-partisan organization for
the Hindu American Community
in USA, has been consistently en-
gaged in a mission mode in identi-
fying and supporting state level as
well federal level candidates com-
mitted to religious freedom, civil
and human rights, and other Hindu
American and India’s interests. He
said that, he is confident of
fulfilling his commitment to build a
strong, effective, and respected Hin-
du-American voice across the USA.
When I presented my books on
Ramayana, Bhagavata, Bharatha
and the latest one ‘Sajiva Vahini
Sanatana Dharmam’ Sashi
Bhushan had a quick glance and
visibly had an appreciation of it.
He also said that, it meticulously
interprets these ancient scriptures
to extract their core teachings and
practical applications in contem-
porary life and hence makes the
book an invaluable resource for
anyone interested in understand-
ing the timeless principles of Hin-
duism and Sanatana Dharma and
their relevance today
-Jwala Narasimha Rao Vanam
(Former CPRO to KCR and
a prolific writer)
Former Prez Zuma disqualified from elections over criminal record
Cape Town: South Africa's highest court ruled Monday that
former President Jacob Zuma is not allowed to contest in a national
election next week because of a previous criminal conviction. The
Constitutional Court said that a section of the constitution
disqualifying people from contesting if they've been sentenced to
over 12 months in prison applies to Zuma. He was sentenced to 15
months in prison in 2021 for contempt of court for refusing to
testify at a judicial inquiry into government corruption.
WORLD
INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

GLOBAL
BULLETIN
2 killed in stabbing
spree in China
Beijing: At least two people
were killed and 10 others injured
when a knife-wielding woman
went on a stabbing spree at a
primary school in east China's
Jiangxi province on Monday, in
the second such incident in the
country this month. The incident
happened in Guixi city and the
suspect, a 45-year-old female
surnamed Pan, has been brought
under control by the police. The
injured have received treatment,
among which six were slightly
wounded while trying to dodge
the attack, local public security
authorities said. Further
investigation into the incident is
underway, the report said.
Julian Assange
gets relief
London: Wikileaks founder Julian
Assange on Monday won a
major reprieve as a London court
permitted him to appeal against
ICC PROSECUTOR FOR NETANYAHU’S ARREST
AP / JERUSALEM
The chief prosecutor of the
International Criminal
Court said Monday he is
seeking arrest warrants for
Israeli and Hamas leaders,
including Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Ne-
tanyahu, over their actions
during the seven-month
war between Israel and
Hamas, the AP reported.
Karim Khan said that he
believes Netanyahu, his de-
fense minister Yoav Gallant
and three Hamas leaders —
Yehia Sinwar, Mohammed
Deif and Ismail Haniyeh —
are responsible for war
crimes and crimes against
humanity in the Gaza Strip
and Israel.
The prosecutor must re-
quest the warrants from a
pre-trial panel of three
judges, who take on average
two months to consider the
evidence and determine if
the proceedings can move
forward.
Israel is not a member of
the court, and even if the ar-
rest warrants are issued,
Netanyahu and Gallant do
not face any immediate risk
of prosecution. But Khan’s
announcement deepens Is-
rael’s isolation as it presses
ahead with its war, and the
threat of arrest could make
it difficult for the Israeli
leaders to travel abroad.
Israeli Foreign Minister
Israel Katz said the chief
prosecutor’s decision to
seek arrest warrants
against Israel’s leaders is “a
historic disgrace that will be
remembered forever.”
He said he would form a
special committee to fight
back against any such ac-
tion and would work with
world leaders to ensure that
any such warrants are not
enforced on Israel’s leaders.
Both Sinwar and Deif are
believed to be hiding in
Gaza as Israel tries to hunt
them down. But Haniyeh,
the supreme leader of the Is-
lamic militant group, is
based in Qatar and fre-
quently travels across the
region.
Benny Gantz, a former
military chief and member
of Israel’s War Cabinet with
Netanyahu and Gallant,
harshly criticized Khan’s
announcement, saying Is-
rael fights with “one of the
strictest” moral codes and
has a robust judiciary capa-
ble of investigating itself.
Who is Iran’s new
acting president?
“The State of Israel is wag-
ing one of the just wars
fought in modern history
following a reprehensible
massacre perpetrated by ter-
rorist Hamas on the 7th of
October,” he said. “The
prosecutor’s position to ap-
ply for arrest warrants is in
itself a crime of historic pro-
portion to be remembered
for generations.
Khan said in a statement
that “the effects of the use of
starvation as a method of
warfare, together with other
attacks and collective pun-
ishment against the civilian
population of Gaza are AP / DUBAI Supreme Leader Ayatollah
acute, visible and widely Ruhollah Khomeini.
known. ... They include mal- Iran's first Vice President The US Treasury said the
nutrition, dehydration, pro- Mohammad Mokhber was organisation oversaw bil-
found suffering and an in-
creasing number of deaths
appointed as acting presi- lions of dollars in assets as
dent of the Islamic Republic “a business juggernaut un-
among the Palestinian popu- on Monday after the death der the direct supervision
lation, including babies, oth- of President Ebrahim Raisi of Supreme Leader Ali
er children, and women.” in a helicopter crash in the Khamenei that has a stake
country's northwest, as per in nearly every sector of the

Prachanda cruises
a report by the AP. Iranian economy,
his extradition to the US on
espionage charges, a legal saga
which has been going on for Ship behind Baltimore Mokhber, 68, largely re- including energy, telecom-
mained in the shadows munications, and financial
compared to other politi- services”.

through trust vote bridge collapse refloated

over a decade. The 52-year-old
Australian national has been held
at Belmarsh high-security prison
in London since 2019 when he
was taken into custody from the
Ecuadorian Embassy where he
had sought asylum. While the US
authorities want Assange to face
trial for allegedly endangering
lives by publishing thousands of
classified documents on
Wikileaks, his lawyers have
argued that the case against him
is politically motivated.
EU’s far right
rallies for elections
Madrid: Europe’s far-right
political parties unofficially
launched their campaign Sunday
for European Union elections in
Spain with messages against
illegal migration while declaring
their support for Israel in its war
against Hamas.French National
Rally party leader Marine Le Pen
and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia
Meloni tried to rally voters at an
event in Madrid ahead of the EU
elections. “We are in the final
stretch to make 9 June a day of
liberation and hope,” said La
Pen. Meloni called for youth to
vote. “You are the only possible
future for Europe,” she said.
PTI / KATHMANDU
Nepal Prime Minister Push-
pa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'
on Monday won a vote of con-
fidence in Parliament, the
fourth within 18 months of
taking office, amidst sloga-
neering by the main Opposi-
tion Nepali Congress that ab-
stained from the voting, PTI
reported.
Prachanda, 69, a former
guerilla leader from the Com-
munist Party of Nepal
(Maoist Centre) -- the third
largest party in the House of
Representatives (HoR) -- re-
ceived 157 votes in the 275-
member House of Represen-
tatives.
In total, 158 lawmakers
took part in the voting. The
main Opposition Nepali Con-
gress boycotted the voting
process and chanted slogans
against Deputy Prime Minis-
ter and Home Minister Rabi
Lamichhane, accused of mis-
appropriation of cooperative
funds, leading to the delay in
the session. One HoR mem-
ber remained neutral.
Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire
announced that Prachanda
had won the floor test as he
got a majority in the Parlia-
ment.
The vote comes days after
one of the coalition partners,
Janata Samajbadi Party
(JSP), withdrew its support
last week for his government
while quitting the coalition
government. According to
constitutional provisions, a
prime minister has to take a
vote of confidence after an
ally withdraws support to the
ruling coalition.
AP / BALTIMORE
The container ship that
caused the deadly collapse of
Baltimore's Francis Scott
Key Bridge was refloated
Monday and has begun slow-
ly moving back to port, as per
a report by the AP.
The Dali has remained at
the collapse site since it lost
power and crashed into one
of the bridge's supporting
columns on March 26, killing
six construction workers and
snarling traffic into Balti-
more Harbour.
The ship appeared to start
moving shortly after 6 am as
crews started to maneuver it
out of the wreckage. It started
and stopped a few times be-
fore slowly backing away
from the collapse site.
Officials said it would
move at about 1 mph on the
roughly 2.5-mile (4-km) trip, a
fraction of the speed it was
travelling when it lost power
and crashed into the bridge.
Pieces of the bridge's steel
trusses protruded from its
bow, which remained cov-
ered in concrete from the col-
lapsed roadway.
Officials have said they
plan to unload the ship's con-
tainers and complete some
short-term repairs while it's
docked in Baltimore.
Monday morning's high
tide had been expected to
bring the best conditions for
crews to refloat and start
moving the ship, according
to a statement from the Key
Bridge Response Unified
Command.
Several tugboats were es-
corting the Dali on its path to
the marine terminal. The
work is expected to last at
least 21 hours.
Crews conducted a con-
trolled demolition on May 13
to break down the largest re-
maining span of the
collapsed bridge.
The Dali experienced four
electrical blackouts within
about 10 hours before leaving
the Port of Baltimore for Sri
Lanka and hitting the bridge,
according to a preliminary
report issued by the National
Transportation Safety Board.
cians in Iran's Shiite theoc- As the head of EIKO,
racy. However, Raisi's Mokhber oversaw an effort
death has thrust Mokhber to make a COVID-19
into public view. He is ex- vaccine during the height
pected to serve as caretaker of the pandemic. Only a
president for some 50 days fraction of that ever made it
before mandatory presi- to the public, without ex-
dential elections in planation.
Iran. Iranian media
Iran's supreme Mokhber reports suggest
leader Ayatollah was crucial in Mokhber, who
Ali Khamenei Iranian efforts to holds a doctor-
made the an- bypass Western ate in interna-
nouncement of tional law, was
Mokhber's ap-
sanctions on its crucial in Iran-
oil industry
pointment in a con-
dolence message he
ian efforts to by-
pass Western sanc-
shared for Raisi's death tions on its oil indus-
in the crash Sunday. The try.”Mokhber has been a
helicopter was found Mon- member of Iran's Expedien-
day in northwestern Iran. cy Council since 2022,
Despite his low-key pub- which advises the supreme
lic profile, Mokhber has leader, as well as settles dis-
held prominent positions in putes between parliament
the country's power struc- and the Guardian Council,
ture, particularly in its Iran's constitutional watch-
bonyads, or charitable dog that also oversees the
foundations which were fu- country's elections.
elled by donations or assets Mokhber was born Sept
seized after Iran's 1979 Is- 1, 1955, in Dezful in Iran's
lamic Revolution. southwestern Khuzestan
Mokhber oversaw a province to a clerical fami-
bonyad known in English ly. He served as an officer
as the Execution of Imam during the 1980s in the Iran-
Khomeini's Order, or EIKO, Iraq war.
referring to the late

Crossword #1144 YOUR DAY By Vinayak Vishwas Karandikar

ARIES: Today is the
day to travel, study,
LIBRA: Today is the
day to travel .
Saudi King to
undergo lung
US judge blocks rule on
health care. Expect
expenditure for health,
travel, study. People in
Expenditure for
business, health,
travel is expected. People from
treatment gun background checks
communication, tourism, education medical, communication, health, AP / DUBAI AGENCIES / AMARILLO to a request for comment.
will be benefited. Ill health of or travel will be benefited. Ill Kacsmaryk, an appointee of
travel with family members is health of family members is Saudi Arabia's 88-year-old A federal judge on Sunday Donald Trump, issued his rul-
indicated. Some people may suffer indicated. Some people may King Salman has been diag- blocked the Biden adminis- ing ahead of the rule taking ef-
from bronchitis. suffer from stomach pain. nosed with a lung infection tration from fully imple- fect on Monday in response to a
and will undergo treatment menting a new rule that lawsuit by Texas, gun rights ad-
TAURUS: Today is SCORPIO: Today is the with antibiotics after falling would require gun dealers to vocates, and three other Repub-
the day of gain and day to travel, enjoy ill with a fever and joint pain, obtain licenses and conduct lican-led states.
loss. Expect with care. Expect state media reported early background checks when The lawsuit challenged a rule
expenditure for expenditure for Monday. selling firearms at gun shows finalized last month that Demo-
travel, business, health, business, education, health, King Salman underwent and online, as per a report by cratic President Joe Biden's ad-
entertainment, premiums. People premiums. People in art, medical examinations at the Reuters. ministration said would affect
from communication, tourism and entertainment, medical, insurance, Royal Clinics at Al Salam US District Judge Matthew more than 23,000 unlicensed
entertainment will be benefited. communication will get success. Palace in Jeddah, the Red Kacsmaryk in Amarillo tem- dealers and tens of thousands of
Ill health of family members is Fun time with family members is Sea port city, the state-run porarily restrained the gun sales annually by closing
indicated. Some people may indicated. Some people may suffer Saudi Press Agency said. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, the “gun show loophole”.Under
suffer from back pain. from back pain. “It was found that there Firearms and Explosives' rule the rule, those selling weapons
GEMINI: Today is the SAGITTARIUS: Today is was a lung infection, and the from being enforced in Repub- at gun shows, other venues and
day to focus on work. the day to study, medical team decided that he lican-led Texas or against over the internet are subject to
Expenditure for business. Expect - may God protect him - members of several gun rights the same requirements as gun
business, spouse, expenditure for should undergo a treatment groups. stores to check the backgrounds
house, vehicle, education is education, house, vehicle, programme consisting of an- “I am relieved that we were of potential buyers.
indicated. People dealing with premiums. People in property, tibiotics until the infection able to secure a restraining or- Kacsmary faulted the rule
property, vehicle, education, automobile, education, goes away,” the report said. der that will prevent this ille- for not allowing people deal-
communication will be benefited. communication will get success. It did not elaborate. gal rule from taking effect,” ing firearms for personal pro-
Difficult to spare time for the family. Family dispute is indicated. Some In April, the monarch en- Texas Attorney General Pax- tection from being
Some people may suffer from people may suffer from back pain, tered a hospital for medical ton, a Republican, said in a considered eligible for a
bronchitis. asthma, cough. checks and was later dis- statement. statutory exemption to the li-
charged. The US Department of Jus- censing requirement for peo-
Across 47 Spine diamonds or clubs 40 Old card game CANCER: Today is the CAPRICORN: Today is King Salman took the tice, which is defending the ple who buy or sell guns for a
1 ___ up : enthuses 50 Indian leavened 22 Children 42 Surrealist painter Max day to travel, invest, the day to study, travel, throne in 2015. rule in court, did not respond “personal collection”.
or elates bread 25 Makes mistakes 43 Help a felon take care of health. invest. Expect
5 Not shallow 52 Feeling of self- Expect expenditure for expenditure for
26 Maui garland 44 Kind of pudding

Scientists make potential

health, education, travel. People education, travel, health. People in
9 Parting word importance; conceit 28 Seaport on W Kyushu 45 Flat-bottomed boat from medical, tourism and education, medical, communication,
12 Israeli carrier (2,2) 53 Water falling from 29 Preserve or contend 46 Marshes education will get success. Tour tourism will be benefited. Ill health
13 Jane Austen heroine the sky in droplets 30 Compass point 48 Awkward lout? with family is indicated. Some of, or travel with family members is
14 Minstrel song
15 Of planes - as a
prefix
54 Read superficially
55 Pull along behind
56 Small amphibious
33 A word meaning 'half'
36 Mt. Rushmore's state
(1,3)
49 Louse egg
51 Navigation Mgmnt.
Unit
people may suffer from ear pain.
LEO: Today is the
day of losses, so
plan it accordingly
indicated.
AQUARIUS: Today is
the day to work,
earn, enjoy. Expect
breast cancer breakthrough
AGENCIES / MANCHESTER
16 A quartet? creatures
FPJ - SUDOKU - 36 and take wise expenditure for
18 Managed but not 57 Ex-India paceman Scientists say they have a
decisions. Expect expenditure health, business, family needs.
very successfully? Yohannan made a potentially
for premiums and maintenance. People in medical,
(3,2) “ People in art and entertainment communication, entertainment, “gamechanging” break-
20 Indian lute Down will get success. Dispute among sports will get success. Good through in breast cancer re-
21 Hindu ascetic 1 Seed of a legume family members is indicated. family time is expected. Some search after discovering how
Some people may suffer from people may suffer from back to preserve breast tissue out-
22 Family 2 Grace and beauty
muscle pain. pain, eye pain. side the body for at least a
23 Varsity 3 Comical imitations, week. The study, funded by
24 Food store in short? travesties VIRGO: Today is PISCES: Today is the the Prevent Breast Cancer
27 This one's __ __ : 4 Laziness or the day to study, day to earn. Expect charity, found tissue could be
I'll pay the bill? indolence business. Expect expenditure for preserved in a special gel so-
expenditure for business, lution, which will help scien-
(2,2) 5 Resist openly; business, spouse, self, study. entertainment, education, house, tists identify effective drug Dr Hannah Harrison, a re- “However, not all drugs
31 Frozen water refuse to obey People in communication, vehicle. People in fields like treatments for patients, as search fellow at the Universi- work for all women. This new
32 1995 Stallone title orders sales, marketing, ads will be communication, sports, per a report by The Guardian. ty of Manchester, said the dis- approach means that we can
role, Judge ___ 6 Rock music style benefited. Good family time entertainment will be benefited. Experts found the pre- covery would help scientists start to determine which
34 Slim battery type 7 Large bird is indicated. Some people Family get together, enjoyment is served breast tissue main- test the most appropriate drugs will work for which
35 Hardy heroine 8 Indian Zoroastrian may suffer from bronchitis, indicated. Some people may suffer tained its structure, cell types drugs on living tissue for the women by measuring their
body pain. from back pain, bronchitis and ability to respond to a se- treatment and prevention of impact on living tissue. “Ulti-
37 Ascend 9 An inky stain
ries of drugs in the same way breast cancer. She said: mately, this means that
38 US soldiers 10 Hindu God of death Solution as normal breast tissue. Pub- “There are various risk-re- women can take the most ef-
WHAT TO DO: Fill in the
39 Windows 11 Ogler or viewer lished in the Journal of Mam- ducing options for women at fective drug for their particu-
grid so that every row, every 46 Fens, 48 Oaf, 49 Nit, 51 NMU.
predecessor 17 Chinese: Prefix column and every 3x3 box
29 Maintain, 30 East, 33 Demi, 36 S Dak, 40 Ombre, 42 Ernst, 43 Abet, 44 Sago, 45 Scow,
10 Yama, 11 Eyer, 17 Sino, 19 Budd, 21 Suit, 22 Kids, 25 Errs, 26 Lei, 28 Nagasaki, mary Gland Biology and Neo- high risk of developing breast lar genetic makeup.”
41 Implied or signified 19 Herman Melville's contains the digits 1 to 9. Down: 1 Pea, 2 Elegance, 3 Parodies, 4 Sloth, 5 Defy, 6 Emo, 7 Emu, 8 Parsi, 9 Blot, plasia, the research could bol- cancer – for example, those Harrison and her team
43 Guwahati locale hero Billy ___ ster the development of new with a significant family his- managed to keep breast
Every puzzle has only one
52 Ego, 53 Rain, 54 Skim, 55 Tow, 56 Efts, 57 Tinu.
35 Tess, 37 Rise, 38 GIs, 39 DOS, 41 Meant, 43 Assam, 46 First, 47 Backbone, 50 Naan, drugs to treat and prevent tory or who have mutations tissue viable outside the body
46 Initial 21 Spades, hearts, correct solution. by, 20 Sitar, 21 Sadhu, 22 Kin, 23 Uni, 24 Deli, 27 On me, 31 Ice, 32 Dredd, 34 AAA,
Across: 1 Peps, 5 Deep, 9 Bye, 12 El Al, 13 Emma, 14 Lay, 15 Aero, 16 Foursome, 18 Got breast cancer, without the in the BRCA [breast cancer] for relatively long periods.
need for testing on animals. genes.
EDIT INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Fear is the mother of foresight.
— THOMAS HARDY

FREE PRESS
FOR FREE FLOW OF TRUTH
As Oppn sprouts wings, BJP lacks the zing thing
State of
can be said confidently as to how seats along with its ally out of 28 ernment, have withdrawn their liamentary election. Mamata
the BJP will perform in the state. seats. This time it can easily be pre- support and the BJP government is Banerjee is a fighter and she knows

Poll season ending, the Union

UP was the game changer for the
BJP in the 2014 elections. In 2009,
BJP had only 10 seats from the
dicted that BJP is in deep trouble.
The party has already lost assem-
bly elections with a huge margin.
hanging precariously by a thread.
In other North Indian states too the
BJP might lose a few seats. Even
that if the BJP gets more seats than
TMC then she will find it difficult
to retain her government in 2025.

no wave discernible
state with 20.27% vote share. Even
in the 2012 assembly election, the
÷Ashutosh BJP did not do well but in two
years’ time, its vote share jumped
The party is greatly factionalised MP and Gujarat can throw a sur- Odisha is another state which can
on caste lines, ego battles between prise. These are the states where in open new opportunities for the
senior leaders are out in the open 2019 and 2014, BJP’s strike rate was BJP. In 2019, it had won 8 seats
and campaigning in the state is more than 85% and vote share was against BJD’s 12 but Naveen Pat-

A
s two thirds of India’s inordinately stretched-out

T
he general election 2024 has
general election has been completed, a general become one Hitchcockian
sense of fatigue has set in. With another two phases suspense thriller. Nobody
knows the climax. Will the BJP get
left and nearly a fortnight to go for the results to be declared,
the majority mark, is the biggest
this is perhaps the lengthiest electoral exercise India has question now. Normally after the
witnessed. The fifth phase of the seven-phase election has 3rd or 4th phase of polling, one gets
just been completed and therefore there should be a sense of an idea in which direction the
which way the wind is blowing, but social media has wind is blowing. The BJP, which
changed the name of the game. There is a wide disparity in
started as favourite in this election
is now struggling. If the prime min-
the results being projected by YouTubers and independent ister’s tone is any indication then it
analysts as compared to television channels, who have been is apparent that he is not sure if he
dubbed mouthpieces of the government. In 2014 the people’s will get the third term; he and his
army of supporters are making
disillusionment with the various scams allegedly perpetrat-
every effort to cross the finishing
ed by the UPA government was apparent and there was a line.
general mood for change among the electorate. Therefore, The Opposition has suddenly dis-
Narendra Modi’s victory was not at all unexpected even if covered wings. Its body language
the extent of his win surprised some. In 2019 the election has changed and its leaders look
more energetic. In contrast the
was too difficult to gauge till Pulwama happened. The hor- prime minister who is known for
rific deaths of 40 CRPF jawans in a terror attack in Jammu his energy and articulation, looks
and Kashmir changed the trajectory of the election, tired and is repeating himself. It is
followed as it was by India’s ‘muscular’ response of striking apparent that after Ayodhya Pran
Pratishtha, when the saffron wave
inside Pakistani territory. National pride won the day and
was palpable and it was felt that the
the BJP’s 300-plus seats performance was par for the course. BJP was winning with a big mar-
This year, however, the situation is different. While the gin, victory was written on the
BJP was banking on the consecration of the Ram temple in wall; the Prime minister was confi-
Ayodhya on 22 January by Prime Minster Modi creating dent of his next tenure. Now that
zing thing is missing. The Ram
the kind of euphoria that would see it through in the hus- Mandir issue which was consid-
tings, the fact is that public memory is relatively short. ered to be the X - Factor in the elec-
Even the number of visitors to the Ayodhya temple has tion, has disappeared. For BJP, the
dwindled and the BJP can no longer bank on Ram to help it state (UP) which was supposed to
electorally. Modi has not hesitated to raise the issue in his get the maximum seats, is now giv-
ing a different vibe, and nothing
campaign speeches even going to the extent of saying that
from 15% to 42% and parliamen-
tary seats unprecedentedly in-
creased to 73 along with its ally
Apna Dal and since then the BJP’s
dominance has remained unchal-
lenged. It had a few jitters in the
2022 assembly elections but finally
it sailed through comfortably de-
spite the Samajwadi party improv-
ing its vote share by 10%.
Even this time in the month of
January, It was believed that the
BJP would gain about 70 seats
thanks to the Ram Mandir wave.
But now the same thing can’t be
said. There is no wave against the
Modi government but an under-
current can be felt now, a definite
anti-incumbency is visible. The
voter is unhesitatingly expressing
their disappointment with the cen-
tral government. Though it is true
that people are not angry with
Modi, but, a certain amount of de-
jection is definitely discernible.
Hindutva is no longer the deciding
factor, though the prime minister
and Chief minister of UP Yogi
Adityanath are trying their best to
polarise voters on the lines of Hin-
du - Muslim binary but it has not
had the desired effect.
Like UP, Karnataka is another
state which can be the Achilles
heel for the BJP. This is the state
that had wholeheartedly supported
BJP in national elections since
2004. In 2019, the BJP had won 26
lacklustre. Modi is popular but
freebies offered by the Congress
government have neutralised the
Modi factor. And now it will be a
miracle if the BJP can retain even
half the seats it won in 2019.
Rajasthan has emerged as a sur-
prise package this time. On earlier
The Opposition has discovered wings. Its body language
has changed and its leaders look more energetic
occasions, in 2014 and 2019, the BJP
has won all 25 seats. But this time,
the noise from the ground is telling
a different story. Again like Kar-
nataka, Modi is still the most popu-
lar leader in Rajasthan but people
are very upset with BJP MPs which
has turned the election into a local
battle. This time the battle is being
fought on local issues and the image
of the sitting MP will be the
deciding factor. This is the state
which BJP won just a few months
back in the Vidhana Sabha elec-
tions.
Haryana is also going to disap-
point the BJP. There is so much
anger in the air that the party has
had to change its chief minister. A
new chief minister from the back-
ward community has taken over
but people are not willing to listen.
Three independent MLAs who had
extended support to the BJP gov-
more than 50%.
Maharashtra and Bihar are
unique cases. In both the states the
BJP carried out damage control ex-
ercises. In Bihar Nitish Kumar’s
somersault will be talked about for
long and in Maharashtra, the BJP
tried to decimate the Shiv Sena and
NCP which were called political
master strokes then. But now it is
not giving the dividends the party
expected. There is so much confu-
sion in the state that it is hazardous
to make any guess as to the elec-
toral outcome. The state might be
up for a big shock. In my opinion
this time, Maharashtra will be the
Kingmaker.
It will be wrong to infer that the
BJP is losing everywhere. Bengal,
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telan-
gana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are
the states where the BJP might
gain extra seats. In West Bengal,
Mamata Banerjee is engaged in a
terrible fight. Last time BJP
stunned everyone by winning 18
seats against TMC’s 22. In the as-
sembly elections, the BJP did not
perform as per expectation but it
did maintain a respectable vote
share of 38%, 2% less than the par-
naik is defensive this time and
Odisha can write a new chapter in
Modi-Shah’s book.
Despite a disappointing perform-
ance in the recently-held assembly
elections, Telangana is fertile
ground for the party. The Congress
is very well placed after the mag-
nificent victory but BRS is on de-
cline. The state is poised to see a di-
rect fight between the BJP and the
Congress. The BJP had four MPs in
the present parliament from the
state, and this tally might improve.
Though in Andhra Pradesh the
BJP drew a blank in 2019 but this
time, in alliance with Chandra
Babu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan,
the party is likely to gain a few
seats. In order to improve BJP’s
footprint, Modi has majorly fo-
cused on Tamil Nadu and Kerala
and any gain in the two southern
states will be a bonus.
The truth is that every election is
a new election and one can’t be
compared with any in the past.
There are still two rounds of
polling to go. As they say, till the
last ballot is cast, no election is won
or lost. Modi is known for his glad-
iatorial instincts, therefore let’s
not hazard a guess. Hold your
breath and wait for EVMs to be
opened on June 4.
The writer is Editor, SatyaHindi.com,
and author of Hindu Rashtra. He
tweets at @ashutosh83B

What student protests in US and elsewhere say

the Congress would bulldoze the temple if it came to power.
Whether this will have any resonance with voters remains
to be seen. There is no single narrative being peddled by the
BJP as is evident from the Prime Minister’s speeches hark-
ing on Muslim appeasement, caste configurations and even
‘Ambani Adani’. The development agenda of ‘Viksit Bharat’ war in Gaza. ing students and have decided to in- In some cases, speakers sympathetic even now, remains deeply suspect.)
is nowhere in sight in the campaign speeches of BJP leaders Learning (We need to remember that in the
past 60 years or so, students in the US
clude a human rights framework in
their future investment policies.
to the Palestinian cause have been
barred from speaking.
In any case, the inspiring reality is
that once again, young students in
Curve
who have embarked on divisive rants. While the INDIA
universities have consistently While many administrators have ac- Further, not only university ad- universities are re-shaping not only
bloc is trying to focus on bread-and-butter issues such as protested on many issues, domestic cused protesting students of ‘anti- ministrators, but also leading politi- their universities but also the wider
price rise and unemployment, this election is a waveless and foreign. They were in the fore- semitism’ endangering the lives of cians from the Republican Party, as political debate on a global issue: this
one and as of now, despite a rigorous campaign by the Op- ÷ Vrijendra front of anti-Vietnam war protest, many Jewish students on the cam- well as major private donors to uni- time, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
position, it appears to be advantage NDA though ‘400 paar’ against apartheid in South Africa pus, some administrators and a large versities and other leaders have con- These protests remind us what uni-
and then against the Iraq war. Do- number of faculty are hugely sup- sistently attacked protesting versities are really about (and should
is still a distant dream.

E
ver since Hamas attacked Is- mestically, they were in the forefront portive of these protests. students and their supporters. They be about): not simply a place to learn

Anti-democratic shutdowns
rael in a surprise move, killed
more than 1000 Israelis and
took around 250 Israeli citizens as
hostages on October 7, 2023, the dis-
of civil rights movement from the At the same time, these protests have repeatedly and deliberately certain specific skills and specialised
very beginning. They pushed for have also forced a debate on the misdirected any opposition to the knowledge, but primarily a place to
more rights, protection and respect limits of free speech and academic present Israeli government with an debate, question, challenge the pre-
for women and queer people long be- freedom in the universities. While attack on Jews everywhere. Even vailing orthodoxies; a place to imag-

I
ndia now has the dubious distinction of leading the
world in internet shutdowns for the sixth year in a row,
making it a classic case of a democracy with faultlines.
Nothing can be more detrimental to free speech than the
blocking of communication lines, which is what an internet
shutdown amounts to. According to a recent study, there
were 115 cases of such shutdowns in 2023 in the country, ac-
counting for 43% of global shutdowns which were recorded
at 283. Internet shutdowns in India rose by 41 per cent from
201 in 2022 to 283 in 2023. The worst hit was Manipur where
internet services were suspended for 212 days in 2023 with a
break of three days. Sixty four shutdowns affected more
than one district and there was a statewide shutdown in
Punjab in March last year. Such suspensions are a direct vi-
olation of human rights as gender- related violence and cus-
todial torture cannot be exposed.
When Article 370 was abrogated and Jammu and Kashmir
rendered a Union territory, a major casualty was internet
services which were restored only after months. The real
feelings of the people thus remained unknown to the rest of
the country.
Internet shutdowns also have a detrimental effect on the
economy. According to the study, such suspensions cost In-
dia $1.9 billion and a loss of $ 118 million in foreign invest-
ment in the first half of 2023 alone. A single day’s shutdown
can push up to 379 people into unemployment, the study
added. Whatever the justification for such shutdowns, they
proportionate and immediate re-
sponse from Israel from October 8,
2023 onwards — and the assault con-
tinues till date, killing more than
35,000 Palestinians and displacing
lakhs of them (many have termed the
Israeli assault as ‘genocide’ of Pales-
tinians) — has invited criticism and
protests.
Soon after the Israeli assault,
protests against the war in Gaza be-
gan at Columbia university in
NewYork. In recent weeks, these
protests have spread to universities
across the US — more than 140 uni-
versities and colleges, the UK and
many other countries in the Europe.
The protesting students are demand-
ing that universities divest from
companies which are supplying
arms to Israel. They have accused
that universities and colleges invest-
ing in Israeli companies are
complicit in the war against Pales-
tinians. They are also demanding an
immediate ceasefire in the ongoing
Gautama Buddha
— Dada JP Vaswani
fore others outside the campus did. In
the recent years, they have protested
against economic inequality and for
climate change.)
As I write this, even more protests
are expected with Israel’s recent at-
tack on Rafah despite international
condemnation. Some students have
begun hunger strikes against their
university’s ‘inaction’. These protests
have acquired a much wider publicity
and spread across many universities
in the US, UK and Canada in the re-
cent weeks also because administra-
tors at Columbia University, specifi-
cally its Chancellor, called on the po-
lice to deal with protestors after stu-
dents occupied the building, Hamilton
Hall. The police immediately arrested
more than 100 students and forced
them to vacate the premises.
Different academic institutions
have responded differently to these
protests: some have resorted to
crackdown by the police while others
have begun to negotiate with protest-
LETTERS
TO THE EDITOR
Aloof society
these protests have been overwhelm- leading corporates are not far behind.
We need to remember that in the past 60 years or so,
students in the US universities have consistently
protested on many issues, domestic and foreign
ingly peaceful, and protesting stu- Many have blacklisted protesting
dents have found many creative students and openly rescinded even
ways through music and dance and employment contracts! These sup-
discussions to remain focused on the porters of the present Israeli govern-
issue of ongoing war in Gaza, the dra- ment have made many of us, in a
conian crackdown on protesting stu- country like India, deeply aware of
dents in many universities is rightly how double-standards and hypocrisy
viewed as an attack on free speech mark so many in the so-called demo-
and peaceful assembly on campus. cratic West. (This is not to suggest
Apart from the police brutality, in that the western democracies are no
many campuses, events have been democracies at all. Despite their
cancelled, students have been ex- many fault-lines, western democra-
pelled; arbitrary disciplinary hear- cies are far more democratic in their
ings have taken place and there has practices and institutional frame-
been outright censorship. Many uni- work than many other countries, in-
versities have cancelled the annual cluding India, which are only partial-
commencement ceremonies where ly democratic in many ways and
students are awarded their degrees. where democratic consciousness,
fish in troubled waters by stoking
communal and regional sentiments of
people. Open debates are always welcome
which is a basic need in democracy. Open
debates and press conferences bring out
ine new possibilities and new ways of
seeing; a place to dream alternative
dreams; a place where students learn
to be citizens and learn to engage
with the larger world as adults.
Of course, it is naive to think that
students alone can reshape the world.
It is also true that they are not often
right and prudent but their protests,
time and again, have forced the
larger society and politicians to con-
front the inconvenient truths that de-
fine the reality around us. This time
too, these students have brought out
to the fore the devastation caused to
the millions of ordinary Palestinians
by the war waged against them by the
Israeli state with the complicity of the
US and many other governments in
the West. More power to them!
Vrijendra taught in a Mumbai college
for more than 30 years and has been
associated with democratic rights
groups in the city
predominant role of cash. Around 80% of
the lawmakers in the Parliament, it is said,
are crorepatis. Even the parties who
oppose surveys on caste base their choice
of candidate solely on caste. Those who

G
are antithetical to the very principle of democracy and autama, the Buddha, was meditation, he gives away his
one of India’s great gifts fine clothes to his charioteer, be- the feelings and expressions of the win by corrupting the voters, talk of

should be avoided except under extremely dire circum-
to the world and its civili-
stances. sation. Millions all over the
world call themselves Buddhists
INDIA 75 YEARS AGO and draw inspiration from His
FPJ Archives
MAY 21, 1949 life. Through precept and prac-
tice he taught that one of the
highest values in life is maitreyi,
love for all. Buddha recognised
no caste.
The Buddha was born over two
thousand five hundred years
ago, as the son of a king– Raja
Suddhodhana on the sacred day
of Vaisakh Purnima at Lumbini,
situated near the city of
Kapilavastu. The royal as-
trologer prophesied that
the infant, whom they
named Siddhartha,
would grow to be either
a great Chakravarti (an
comes a fakir and enters the for-
est. Gautama’s quest ends in illu-
mination and attainment of nir-
vana.
Buddha received illumination,
under a tree. To this day, we ven-
erate this tree as the Bodhi Tree.
The Buddha’s first impulse, on
attaining illumination, was to
withdraw from the world. But,
the Compassionate One that he
was, he saw that the world need-
ed his ministration and his mes-
sage. Filled with compassion, he
went out among them to give his
message.
The task was by no
means easy! In the early
days of his mission, he
met every form of
abuse, opposition, and
T
he worst part about the suicide of a
couple in Kandivali (May 20) is that they
had no one to talk to about their problems
and the depression they were undergoing.
In general, society has become more aloof
and normal talking among neighbours has
reduced; moreover, not everyone has a
friends’ circle. After the fifties one feels
very alone as half the life is gone, and if
one is not sure about the future, depression
can creep in. We need family counsellors
who can guide people in such situations.
But even in the 21st century we feel
reluctant to take counselling help.
Maya Bhatkar
Open debates needed
I ndia is an under-developed country. By
and large Indian politicians don't have
formal educational qualification and are
candidates, and the voters can discern for
themselves whether they are speaking the
truth or trying to pose lies as truth.
Flourishing democracies like USA always
make it a point to grill candidates in open
debates and press conferences. India,
where we claim to be a thriving democracy,
should not hesitate to organise open
debates for candidates before elections.
Sanjay Chopra
Public life and service
T his refers to the article ‘Who are the
people attracted to public life? (May 20).
It is true that tall leaders of various parties
give lectures on saving democracy,
maintaining decency and etiquette,
eradicating corruption and so on. But while
practising politics they do the opposite of
what they preach in public. Caste and cash
removing corruption and punishing the
corrupt! It is indeed a serious concern that
the number of criminals finding place in
lawmaking bodies is increasing. With these
inherent and serious weaknesses our claim
of India being the largest democracy is
rendered meaningless. Waiting for
someone to bring about such changes is
futile; the correction should start from the
people who should solemnly vow to keep
aside caste, cash and criminality while
casting their vote and make their choice on
those who genuinely work for developing
the unprivileged. Wherever such a
candidate is not available the vacancy
should continue till one comes forward at
some point of time. It should gain the
shape of a great social democratic
revolution that involves every individual.
AG Rajmohan

Emperor) or a
renunciate who
GUIDING LIGHT
would bring inner enlighten-
ment to thousands of lost souls.
The father surrounded the
Prince with luxuries and com-
forts. To keep him bound, he got
him married to one of the most
beautiful girls — Princess
Yashodhara. Soon, a son, Rahula
was born to them. At the age of
twenty-nine, Siddartha went out
to see the city of his father. He be-
held what the Buddhist books
call the “four signs,” — witnesses
to the impermanence of the
DETENUS ABANDON world. He saw an old man, a dis-
eased man, a dead man, and a
HUNGER-STRIKE monk. And there entered into his
heart a vision of dukkha, the
Bombay, Friday. Over two hundred and fifty Communis and world-sorrow.
working class detenus who had been on hunger-strike for the last He renounces the palace. On
18 days in different jails in Bombay, broke their fast today on an reaching the forest of
appeal from the Citizens Committee.
persecution. But notorious for mudslinging, horse-trading, are the main qualifying factors to get Dear reader,
he chose the way high-handed behaviour, corruption, nominated as a candidate to contest We are eager to know your opinions, comments and
suggestions. Write to editor.indore@fpj.co.in Using snail
of love! He conquered by love. He amassing illegal wealth etc. No leader has election. The Union Finance Minister’s mail? Send your letters to Free Press, Free Press House, 3/54,
abjured all violence. the vision to transform this country. India assertion that she does not have money to Press Complex, AB Road, Indore 452008
How I wish the nations today being a federal set-up, politicians like to contest the election is a confession of the
would heed the Wisdom of the
Buddha! Let us bow our heads in MIKA’S MATRIX
reverence to the Lord of Peace,
Compassion and Maitri.
Buddham sharanam
gachhami
Sangam sharanam gachhami
Dhammam sharanam gachha-
mi!
*May 23 is Buddha Purnima.
Dada J P Vaswani is a
humanitarian, philosopher,
educator, acclaimed writer,
powerful orator, messiah of
ahimsa, and non-sectarian
spiritual leader
 BIZ BULLETIN
Wabtec Corp inaugurates
`230-cr plant in Rohtak
Wabtec Corporation on Monday
NFRA imposes `2.5 crore fine on two auditors in Reliance Commercial Fin case
The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has slapped
penalties totalling Rs 2.5 crore on two auditors for professional
misconduct and auditing lapses in the Reliance Commercial Finance
case for FY2018-19. The audit regulator imposed a fine of Rs 2 crore
on Shridhar & Associates and Rs 50 lakh on Ajay Vastani. In addition,
the regulator also barred Vastani for 5 years from undertaking any
audit in respect of financial statements or internal audit of the
functions and activities of any company or body corporate.
MONEY
INDORE| TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
inaugurated its manufacturing plant worth
Rs 230 crore in Rohtak, Haryana. The
EPFO adds
plant will initially manufacture transit rail
components and subsystems, the company
said, adding that it will in Rs 150 crore in
the first phase and the remaining Rs 80
VOTE FOR PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT 14.41 lakh net
crore in the second phase.
members in Mar
RITES to supply 200 train
coaches to Bangladesh
RITES Limited, a leading engineering
consultancy firm, on Monday signed a
contract agreement for supplying 200
broad gauge passenger carriages to
Bangladesh Railways. The export arm of
Indian Railways, RITES has won the USD
111.26 million (approximately Rs 915 PTI / New Delhi
crore) contract, funded by the European
Investment Bank (EIB), through a global Retirement fund body EPFO has
competitive bidding process, as per a recorded a net addition of 14.41 lakh
company release. members in March this year, ac-
cording to the latest payroll data re-
SAIL profit grows to leased on Monday. The payroll data
highlighted that approximately 11.80
`3,066 cr in FY24 Captains of industry, including bigwigs from the house of Tatas, Ambanis, Mahindras and Birlas, joined fellow citizens in the financial capital to vote on Monday in the fifth phase of
lakh members exited and subse-
Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) on the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. With Mumbai known for voter apathy, many industry leaders appealed to electors to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise to quently rejoined the EPFO (Employ-
Monday reported a marginal 2 per cent fall choose their Lok Sabha representatives. ees' Provident Fund Organisation), a
in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,126.68 labour ministry statement said.

Real estate sector booming, Sentiment

crore during the March quarter, because of According to the statement, these
higher raw material prices. It had posted a members switched their jobs and re-
Rs 1,159.21-crore net profit in the year-ago joined the establishments covered
period, the company said in an exchange under the ambit of EPFO and opted
filing. The company's revenue from to transfer their accumulations in-
operations also fell to Rs 27,958.52 crore stead of applying for final settlement

Index Score at decadal high in Q1 2024

from Rs 29,130.66 crore in the March
quarter of FY23.
Whirlpool of India Q4 PAT
rises 24.7% to `79.5 cr
Consumer durables maker Whirlpool of
India Ltd on Monday reported a 24.7 per
cent increase in consolidated net profit to
Rs 79.45 crore in the March quarter. The
company had posted a net profit of Rs
63.71 crore during the January-March
quarter of the previous fiscal, Whirlpool of
India, a subsidiary of Whirlpool
Corporation, said in a regulatory filing.
Whirlpool's revenue from operations was
up 3.66 per cent to Rs 1,734 crore during
the quarter under review.
IRFC Q4 net profit grows
34% to `1,717 crore
Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC)
Ltd on Monday reported a 34 per cent rise
in its profit to Rs 1,717.3 crore for the
March 2024 quarter on account of higher
income. It had clocked a profit of Rs
1,285.2 crore during the fourth quarter of
the last fiscal, the state-owned company
said in a regulatory filing. The company's
total income rose to Rs 6,477.9 crore in
the January-March quarter from Rs
6,230.2 crore in FY23.
Power Mech Projects Q4
PAT rises to `84 cr
Power Mech Projects Ltd on Monday
reported a 13 per cent rise in consolidated
net profit to Rs 84.41 crore for the March
quarter on account of higher income. It
had clocked Rs 74.57 crore profit after tax
(PAT) in the year-ago period, the company
said in an exchange. The company's total
income rose to Rs 1,311.86 crore, from Rs
1,183.20 crore in January-March FY23.
Kalpataru bags SAR 3.4 bn
contracts from Aramco
Kalpataru Projects International Ltd on
Monday said it has bagged three contracts
worth 3.4 billion Saudi Riyal (SAR) from
Aramco to expand gas supply network in
Saudi Arabia. In March, Kalpataru Projects
International Ltd (KPIL) announced that it
received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from
Aramco, for carrying out EPC work for
three packages of the third expansion
phase of the Master Gas System Network
(MGS-3) in the country.
CyberArk acquires Venafi
thus, safeguarding long-term finan-
cial well-being and extending their
social security protection.
The EPFO's provisional payroll
data released on Monday also
showed that the body has added 14.41
The Future Sentiment score experienced an increase, rising from 70 in Q4 2023 to 73 in Q1 2024 lakh net members in March 2024, the
ministry stated.
IANS / Mumbai quarter, 62 per cent of respondents held a similar opinion. The data indicates that around
With strong momentum in office leasing, the outlook to- 7.47 lakh new members have been
Real estate sector in India is in a booming stage. As per wards new supply has also strengthened in the near term. enrolled during March 2024.
The Knight Frank-NAREDCO Real Estate Sentiment In- In Q1 2024, 65 per cent of the survey respondents expect A noticeable aspect of the data is
dex Q1 2024 (January-March) report, the Current Senti- office rents to increase. The survey respondents in Q4 the dominance of the 18-25 age
ment Index Score jumped to 72, compared to last quarter's 2023 shared a similar view, with 53 per cent holding it. group, constituting a significant
69, setting a decadal high. Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, 56.83 per cent of the total new mem-
The Future Sentiment score experienced an increase, Knight Frank India, said, "The significant rise of the Cur- bers added in March 2024, indicating
rising from 70 in Q4 2023 to 73 in Q1 2024. A score of 50 in- rent Sentiment Index Score within the optimistic territo- that the majority of individuals join-
dicates neutrality, scores above 50 signal positive senti- ry is driven by India's robust economic landscape. Confi- ing the organised workforce are
ment, and scores below 50 denote negative sentiment. dence among stakeholders has surged, with Indian enter- youth, primarily first-time job seek-
As per this quarterly survey, 73 per cent of the respon-
dents are anticipating an increase in residential sales in
prises, including those in the real estate sector, anticipat-
ing gains from a flourishing domestic economy.
ers. Gender-wise analysis of payroll
data showed that out of 7.47 lakh new
the next six months, compared to 65 per cent in the previ- expect residential prices to increase in the next six Hari Babu, President-NAREDCO, said, "The Knight members, around 2 lakh are new fe-
ous quarter. The positive homebuyer sentiment and sta- months. However, during Q4 2023, 65 per cent of survey Frank NAREDCO Real Estate Sentiment Index for Q1 male members.
bility in home loan interest rates have led stakeholders to respondents held a similar view. Office leasing is 2024 paints a buoyant outlook for the Indian real estate Also, the net female member addi-
expect that growth in demand will prevail in the residen- expected to improve in the next six months by 74 per cent sector. With the Current Sentiment Index rising from 69 tion during the month stood at
tial sector in the next six months. of survey respondents in Q1 2024. 69 per cent of survey re- to 72 and the Future Sentiment Score climbing from 70 to around 2.90 lakh. The female mem-
80 per cent of survey participants in Q1 2024 believed spondents had a similar opinion in the previous quarter. 73, stakeholders demonstrate unwavering optimism, ber addition is indicative of a broad-
that residential launches would improve in the next six 58 per cent of survey respondents expect office supply driven by the government's commitment to aggressive er shift towards a more inclusive
months. 82 per cent of the survey respondents in Q1 2024 to improve in the next six months. In the previous economic growth." and diverse workforce.
Govt releases guidelines to prevent EtO Peak power demand hovering near projected
contamination in spices exported from India 235 GW this month amid severe heat wave PTI / New Delhi brings relief from the scorching
PTI / New Delhi ments of different countries, and heat in summer, is likely to hit
only 0.2 per cent of all consign- India's peak power demand is the Kerala coast on June 1 every
India has come out with detailed ments were non-compliant," the hovering near the projected 235 year.
guidelines to prevent EtO (ethyl- official said. GW level in May, following exces- Moreover, the Southwest Mon-
ene oxide - a carcinogenic chemi- On the other hand, 0.73 per sive use of cooling appliances like soon covers almost the entire
cal) contamination in spices for cent of imported food consign- air conditioners and desert cool- country and reaches Delhi by the
exports, an official said on Mon- ments were non-compliant. ers amid severe heat waves in the end of June, experts said, adding
day. There is a drastic decline in country. that therefore, power demand
The government has put in alerts on Indian food commodi- According to the power min- Last week, the peak would remain steady and high
place other preventive measures of EtO - covering all stages ties export to the European istry data, the peak power de-
power supply touched next month also.
like mandatory testing of spices
being exported to Singapore and
(sourcing, packaging, transporta-
tion, testing) of supply chain, for
Union on account of EtO.
Further, most of the countries
mand met or the highest supply
in the day has already reached 233 229.57 GW on May 18,
Earlier in March this year, the
India Meteorological
Hong Kong, the official added. all jurisdictions," the official said. have different MRLs GW on May 6 compared to 221.42 while it was around 226 Department (IMD) had projected
The steps assume significance The official added that periodic (maximum residue limits) for GW recorded a year ago. that India is likely to experience
amid reports on the recall of two sampling is also being done from EtO. For example, while the EU Earlier in the month, the GW on May 15, 16 and 17 a warmer summer and more
Indian spice brands' -- MDH and exporters by the Spices Board has fixed this limit to 0.02 to 0.1 power ministry estimated that heatwave days this year, with El
Everest -- products in Singapore based on which corrective meas- mg per Kg, Singapore's limit is the power demand would peak at The peak supply was 229.77 GW Nino conditions predicted to con-
and Hong Kong due to the pres- ures are enforced. 50 mg per Kg and Japan has 0.01 235 GW during the daytime, and on May 4, and interestingly the tinue at least until May.
ence of EtO residue in certain Explaining the issue, another mg per Kg. 225 GW during evening hours in highest supply in a day crossed From March to May, the
spices. official said that in food products, Different countries fix their May; and 240 GW during daytime the 221.42 GW, recorded in May above-normal number of heat-
"Mandatory pre-shipment there is a certain degree of failure own MRLs for pesticides based and 235 GW during evening hours last year, on May 2 this year. wave days is likely over most
sampling and testing for EtO for of samples, and India's sample on their country-specific good in June 2024. The industry experts opined parts of the country, except
Singapore and Hong Kong has failure is less than 1 per cent. agricultural practices (GAP) Last week, the peak power sup- that power demand would in- northeast India, the western Hi-
been started; and guidelines have "In 2023-24, 99.8 per cent of and dietary consumption pat- ply touched 229.57 GW on May 18, crease further due to the increase malayan region, the southwest
been put in place for all exporters around 1.4 million tonnes of terns. There is no international while it was around 226 GW on in the intensity of heat in May, as peninsula and the west coast, it
to avoid possible contamination spices have met quality require- standard for Ethylene Oxide. May 15, 16 and 17. the Southwest Monsoon, which stated.

for $1.54 billion

Cyber security company CyberArk on
Monday announced it is acquiring Venafi,
a leader in machine identity management,
from software-focused investor Thoma
Bravo, for $1.54 billion in a cash and stock
deal. The acquisition will help CyberArk
establish a unified platform for end-to-end
machine identity security at the enterprise
scale.
Gold prices are likely to
touch $3200: Experts
The second edition of the Kamakhya Gold
Outlook event took place recently at the
Jio Convention Centre, coinciding with
new all-time highs in gold and silver
prices in India. This event, an initiative by
Manoj Jha, CMD of Kamakhya Jewels,
aims to unite industry leaders for an in-
depth discussion on the gold market and
price forecasts for the upcoming year.
Index Plus to begin on
May 31 in Mumbai
INDEX PLUS, India's leading exhibition for
interiors, architecture, furniture, and
design now in its 36th edition, will be
held from May 31st to June 2nd, 2024, at
the Jio World Convention Centre in
Mumbai. INDEX PLUS brings together
suppliers and buyers in a vibrant,
Algorithms' opacity a challenge to Govt plans extensively to ensure adequate coal
competition impact assessment: CCI stock at thermal power plants ahead of monsoon new broadcasting
INFORMIST / New Delhi
The Competition Commission of
India's Chairperson Ravneet Kaur
said that while algorithms in digital
markets are important in shaping
user experiences and making
pricing and product placement
decisions, their opacity can make it
challenging to assess their impact
on competition. "Issues like
algorithmic collusion where
algorithms might implicitly
coordinate prices or market
strategies without explicit human
directions pose novel challenges for
us," said Kaur, while addressing the
15th annual day of the Competition
Commission of India on Monday.
Addressing these challenges
requires a nuanced approach, she
added.
Kaur highlighted that one of the
most important features of digital
markets was the tendency towards
market concentration. Many digital
COMPANY ANNOUNCES 1:2 BONUS SHARE
Kaur said that cos that
PTI / New Delhi
can collect, analyse and
leverage vast amounts of The coal ministry has planned
data can gain significant stock of dry fuel at all thermal
extensively to ensure adequate
competitive advantages
platforms benefit from network
effects where the value of service
increases as more users join, said
Kaur. This can quickly lead to a
winner-takes-all scenario where one
or few companies may dominate
the market, she added.
Emphasising that data is an
important resource in the digital
economy, Kaur said that companies
that can collect, analyse and
leverage vast amounts of data can
gain significant competitive
advantages. This raises concern
about data dominance, where
control over large data sets can
create insurmountable barriers to
entry, she said.
TRAI move on
showing a growth of 25 per cent.
policy to make
Coal stock at TPPs as on May
15, 2024 stood at 45 MT, 29 per cent
India a global
higher than the stock of 34.83 MT
on the corresponding date of last
content hub: BIF
power plants ahead of monsoons year.
in order to meet increased de- Coal India Ltd (CIL) which ac-
mand for electricity. counts for over 80 per cent of do-
During monsoons, coal avail- mestic coal production has pit-
ability gets impacted due to rains. head stock of 85 MT, which is 30
According to official sources, year, source said, adding that per cent higher compared to last
in a recent sub-group meeting thermal power generation is year.
with state power generating com- growing at 8.78 per cent and rake The government has projected
panies at the level of inter-minis- supply is growing at 8.45 per cent. 260 GW peak power demand this
terial committee of coal, power Adequate transportation summer (April to June 2024).
and railways, it has been ob- arrangements are in place to Peak power demand had touched IANS / New Delhi
served that adequate stock of coal meet enhanced demand of coal an all-time high of 243 GW in Sep-
is available at all thermal power for increased need of thermal tember last year. Broadband India Forum (BIF) on
plants (TPPs) in the country.
Coal supply and logistics
power for the growing economy,
they said.
CIL's production increased 10
per cent to 773.6 MT in FY24 but
Monday commended the initiative
by the Telecom Regulatory Authority
issues are discussed and resolved Total stock of coal as on May fell short of its production target of India (TRAI) to gather public input
on weekly basis through sub- 15, 2024 at pit-head and on transit of 780 MT for the fiscal. Coal In- for the National Broadcasting Policy
group meetings. to TPPs is 147 million tonnes dia's production was 703.2 MT in (NBP).
This year, coal production is (MT) compared to 117 MT on the 2022-23. The BIF said an enabling policy
growing at 7.26 per cent over last same day last financial year, framework can provide the much-
needed fillip for the broadcasting sec-
tor to unlock its full potential and po-
sition India as a global leader in

Oil India posts highest-ever quarterly profit in Q4

collaborative environment dedicated to
innovation and excellence in design.
Meril's Myval THV Series
shine at EuroPCR 2024
Vapi-based Meril Life Sciences recently
presented findings of its Myval
Transcatheter Heart Valve Series at
EuroPCR 2024 in Paris. The event
recognised the medical device
manufacturer’s research as one of the top
three late-breaking trials. The LANDMARK
study showed that the performance of
Myval THV series in terms of safety and
effectiveness was non-inferior to the
contemporary THV series.
—Agencies
PTI / New Delhi
State-owned Oil India Ltd (OIL) on Monday re-
ported its highest-ever quarterly net profit in
three months to March 31, helped by higher oil
production and better prices.
Standalone net profit of Rs 2,028.33 crore in
January-March was 13.45 per cent higher than
the earnings in the same period of last year, the
company, in a statement, said, adding this was
"the highest ever (quarterly) profit after tax".
On a consolidated basis, after taking into ac-
count earnings of Numaligarh Refineries Ltd, its
net profit was up 18 per cent to Rs 2,332.94 crore
in January-March -- the fourth quarter of 2023-24,
according to a stock exchange filing by the na-
tion's second-biggest state-owned oil and gas pro-
ducer. Oil production was up 6 per cent year-on-
year. Higher oil prices led to a 16 per cent rise in
turnover to Rs 10,375.09 crore.
Earnings from crude oil produced and sold
rose 18 per cent but the same from gas dropped
16.5 per cent on lower prices.
For the full 2023-24 fiscal (April 2023 to March
2024), its consolidated net profit fell 29 per cent to
Rs 6,980.45 crore. On a standalone basis, a net
profit of Rs 5,551.85 crore for FY2023-24 was lower
than Rs 6,810.40 crore of the previous year.
The fall in annual profit was "due to the provi-
sions made for statutory compliances," OIL said
in the statement.
For the full fiscal, crude oil production was up
5.7 per cent to 3.17 million tonnes, while natural
gas output rose 3.21 per cent to reach a record
3.182 billion cubic metres. "Further, the company
drilled a record-breaking 61 wells during FY23-24,
which surpassed all its previous records since in-
ception," it said.
OIL said its board approved issuing a 1:2
bonus issue (one free share for every two held).
It also approved a final dividend of Rs 3.75 per
equity share of Rs 10 each (pre-bonus), which
translates into a final dividend of Rs 2.50 per
share (post-bonus) for 2023-24.
The final dividend is in addition to the interim
dividend of Rs 3.50 (pre-bonus) and the second in-
terim dividend of Rs 8.50 (pre-bonus) paid for the
fiscal.
broadcasting.
"Coming on the footsteps of the re-
cently announced Indian Telecom-
munications Act 2023, the proposed
National Broadcast Policy could
serve as a great enabler of reforms in
the broadcasting sector and likely to
give a big boost to the entire media
and entertainment sector while mak-
ing India a global content hub," said
T. V. Ramachandran, President of
BIF.
In its submission, BIF has
addressed four key areas, including
bridging the viewership
gap, tariff forbearance, OTTs are not
broadcasting services and market-
driven innovation for choice of di-
rect-to-mobile (D2M) technology.
 INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

QUALIFIER 1

High-flying KKR take on SRH in power-hitting slugfest

IPL CORNER
Abhishek opens up on
story behind his ‘L’
celebration
HYDERABAD: Sunrisers Hyderabad
(SRH) young batting sensation Abhishek
Sharma on Monday revealed why he
makes the ‘L’ - a sign using his thumb
and index finger- after securing wins
KKR and SRH will get only a
day’s time to traverse
thousands of kilometres and
get here for the first half of
the playoffs as they both
featured on the final day of
the league round on Sunday
AHMEDABAD
High-flying Kolkata Knight Riders and an un-
predictable Sunrisers Hyderabad, teams that
have built their IPL 2024 campaign on power-
hitting, will look to outmuscle each other in
Qualifier 1 here on Tuesday.
SRH would feel they have hit their strides
following a comprehensive win over PBKS
and having also got recent game-time, which
isn’t the case for KKR whose last complete
game was on May 11.Shreyas Iyer’s KKR had
won four games on the trot before rains
washed away their last two league games and
the two-time winners.
Table-toppers KKR (19 points) will also
have to fill in the huge void at the top with
their second-highest run-scorer and wicket-
keeper Phil Salt (435 runs) leaving the camp
for national duties with England ahead of
the T20 World Cup.Salt had forged a devas-
tating partnership with Sunil Narine (461)
at the top and KKR were immensely benefit-
ed by their ultra-aggressive approach with
the bat, backed up well by a potent middle-
order even though skipper Iyer (287) has not
had a major impact yet.
The washed out contest against RR in partic-
ular robbed KKR of an opportunity to give ex-
pected replacement Rahmanullah Gurbaz a go
at the top with Narine, something that would
have settled a few concerns certainly.
For KKR, the form of Nitish Rana adds more
solidity to the middle-order while a fiery An-
dre Russell among the finishers promise them
vital runs.
In many ways, SRH match KKR’s firepower
on paper and that is what adds more to the
lure of this contest.
Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have
both got their runs at a strike rate exceeding
200 while inspiring their side to rewrite a few
records.
Australian southpaw Head has in many
ways redefined aggressiveness with the bat
while also remaining successful (533 runs
with one century and four fifties).His fearless-
ness has also brought the best out of the young
Indian batter Abhishek (467), who has clob-
bered an overall 41 sixes this IPL - 10 more
than his overall tally of 31 in the previous six
seasons.
SRH have also managed to find answers to a
couple of questions which were lingering on
for a while. At No 3, the 2016 winners have
found a dependable option in Rahul Tripathi
who can both accelerate as well as weather
storms when bowlers are on-song.
Additionally, Heinrich Klaasen has redis-
covered his form after a dip in the middle of
KKR vs SRH head to head
Kolkata Knight Riders have dominated this
rivalry so far as they have won 17 of 26
matches between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad have
managed to win 9 games. The IPL playoffs
match between KKR vs SRH will be 30th
game between the two sides.
Total matches played: 29
Kolkata Knight Riders won: 17
Sunrisers Hyderabad won: 9
No result: 0
Abandoned: 0
the tournament. With a crucial knock of 42
against PBKS, Klaasen has signalled having
found his mojo back, which only makes SRH
even more formidable.
At Ahmedabad, as seen in the World Cup fi-
nal last year, teams batting second have had
more success, winning four out of six complet-
ed games while only twice the team which bat-
ted first could defend successfully.Also,
against the style of play for both these teams -
to bury oppositions under mountains of runs -
this venue has had only two scores of 200 or
above in 12 innings, which means the bowlers
will also have their say.If KKR have a battery
of spinners to back their fast bowlers led by
Mitchell Starc, SRH’s pace bowling attack led
by skipper Pat Cummins has time and again
produced unified efforts to make their
mark.In their only meet earlier this season
back in late March, KKR had pipped SRH by
four runs in a high-scoring game.
Match starts at 7:30 pm

Gambhir’s trailblazing unit’s TRY TO WIN A THIRD TWENTY20 WORLD CUP TITLE
and reaching important batting
milestones during the matches.
Abhishek revealed that this celebration

Caribbean aiming to defy history

was started by him and his opening

2024 season summarised

partner Travis Head.”It is personal to us.
It stands for love, we are spreading
love,” said Abhishek.He also said about
having his family at the stadium, “My
whole family, except my father, is here.
It is special to me if they are able to
come here and see me, celebrate with
me in such moments.”
Vettori believes SRH
bowlers were little rusty
HYDERABAD: After his side’s four-
wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in
the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024,
Sunrisers
Hyderabad
(SRH) head
coach Daniel
Vettori said
the SRH
bowlers were
rusty at the
start of the
first inning AHMEDABAD
of the match.
In a video The upcoming Indian Premier
shared on SRH’s official social media League (IPL) clash between Kolkata
handle, Vettori said the bowlers made a Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers
comeback and gave fight in the last Hyderabad (SRH) at Narendra Modi
four overs of the first inning.”Great Stadium here promises to be a run-
blowout after sort of 10 days off to fest, with the match taking place be-
come together against a team that was tween two trailblazers of the season,
still ready to perform. We were who made a habit of hitting fours
obviously a little rusty with the ball at and sixes, putting up huge totals for
the start but to fight back in the last 4 fun.
overs was incredible,” Vettori said. WHAT HAS WORKED FOR
How Swapnil‘s talent KKR THIS SEASON?
-KKR’s batting in death overs:
found opportunity KKR leads the table in death overs
BENGALURU: Swapnil Singh has hitting, smashing at a run-rate of
become an overnight star, playing a 13.02 in the overs 17-20. KKR has
vital role in Royal Challengers scored 432 fours in 199 balls in death
Bengaluru’s stunning run to the IPL overs, with 32 and 29 sixes. KKR has
playoffs. The played just 59 dots in this phase.
spin-bowling -Sunil Narine’s success: Under the
all-rounder mentorship of former captain Gau-
made his RCB tam Gambhir, Narine is enjoying
debut in one of his greatest seasons as an all-
Hyderabad rounder in IPL history. In 13 match-
last month es, he has scored 461 runs at an aver-
and has since age of 38.41 and a strike rate of over
gone on to 182, with a century and three half-
be part of centuries. His best score is 109. He
each of their has also taken 15 wickets at an aver-
six smashing age of 20.80, with an economy rate of
wins on the 6.63. He is in contention for both Or-
trot.
Swapnil’s story is one of fulfilment and
ange and Purple Caps and has led
the side’s strong campaign along
with opener Phil Salt (435 runs at an
average of 39.54, with a strike rate of
182.00 and four fifties). With Salt not
available due to England’s series
against Pakistan, it would be inter-
esting how Narine plays alongside
Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gur-
baz.
GAUTAM GAMBHIR’S RE-
TURN: Gambhir’s return to the side
has done wonders for KKR. Having
captained the team to 2012 and 2014
titles, his return has changed the
side’s fortunes, bringing them from
the lower half of the points table in
the past two seasons to the top this
season. The team looks like a cohe-
sive unit, united by the message of
playing positive and attacking
cricket and with their eyes on the
trophy.
ANDRE RUSSELL’S EFFICIEN-
CY WITH THE BALL: : Andre Rus-
sell is known for his hard-hitting
batting and sixes that travel miles
into the stands. But a very underrat-
ed aspect of his game is his pace
bowling. Though he has scored 222
runs in nine innings at an average
of over 31 and a strike rate above
185, Russell’s bowling has outshined
his batting. He has taken 15 wickets
at an average of 17.40, with an econ-
omy rate of 10.30 and best figures of
3/25.
PRESENCE OF AN IN-FORM
FINISHER IN RAMANDEEP:
Though the team’s designated fin-
isher Rinku Singh has not hit much
form this season, he can still land a
few big blows. In his absence, big-
hitting Ramandeep Singh has stood
up as a finisher, with 125 runs in
nine innings at an average of 31.25
and a strike rate of 201.61. He has
smashed 12 sixes this season.
WHAT WORKS AGAINST
KKR?
Absence of Phil Salt: Phil Salt and
Narine’s success has helped KKR
the most, often pulling off stunning
starts in the powerplay and making
the job easy for KKR’s middle-order.
With Salt not around, Gurbaz will
be Narine’s partner at the top. Gur-
baz has relatively weaker stats than
Salt though he is a capable hard-hit-
ter too. In 11 T20Is, he has made 227
runs at an average of 20.64 and a
strike rate of 133.53, with two fifties.
Poor form of Rinku Singh: With
just 168 runs in 11 innings at an av-
erage of 18.66 and a best score of 26,
Rinku’s IPL 2024 has been a disap-
pointment and can be due to either
lack of form or lack of opportunities
down the order. Rinku has a chance
to redeem himself with a strong per-
formance in the knockout games
and let everyone know that the ‘fin-
isher’ is not going anywhere.
Mitchell Starc’s erratic bowling:
Starc is an Australian and a big-
match player and fans will have
huge expectations from him. But
KKR’s big buy at Rs 24.75 crore has
been extremely erratic on his
return to IPL.
Though he has 12 wickets, his av-
erage is 33.00 and his economy rate
a massive 11.36. His bowling stats
are boosted by figures of 4/33
against MI.
No host has won the tournament on home soil in the first eight editions,
a trend Sammy hopes to break with the 2024 T20 World Cup being
staged in the United States of America and the Caribbean
ANTIGUA
After leading the
West Indies to
two Twenty20
World Cup titles
as a captain,
Daren Sammy
has to defy histo-
ry to win again as
a head coach.
Sri Lanka went
the closest by
reaching the
final in 2012 be-
fore losing to
West Indies in
Colombo. That
win is widely re-
membered for
the Gangnam
Style celebrations of the Caribbean win a third title.
players after Sri Lanka was bowled West Indies and England are the
out for 101 in pursuit of a 138-run tar- only teams to have won the title
get.Four years later, a fearless brand twice, and no host has ever won, he
of West Indies cricket set the Eden said, “so all that is motivation for
Gardens alight in India. Carlos the guys to do well.” The last two T20
Brathwaite hit four consecutive six- World Cups in the United Arab Emi-
es against Ben Stokes in the final rates in 2021 and Australia in 2022
over to steer the Caribbean team to a didn’t go well for West Indies.
second T20 World Cup title. Kieron Pollard’s team was eliminat-
Sammy was appointed head coach ed in the group stage in the UAE
of the West Indies limited-overs with just a win. Nicholas Pooran’s
squads last year. His past teammates side didn’t qualify for the main
Johnson Charles and Andre Russell, round in Australia the following
T20’s most accomplished all- year.
rounder, are the only two-time Young fast bowler Shamar Joseph,
champions still in the squad. who has just played three T20s and is
“What we’ve been able to do yet to make his T20 International de-
throughout the last year as a T20 but, was selected ahead of Matthew
group, the players we’ve exposed, Forde as the West Indies looked for
has brought us to this moment, and I extra speed in the bowling attack.
think we’re about to knock it out of “ The tournament starts June 1
this world.’” Curtley Ambrose, the with a North American rivalry be-
great West Indies pace bowler, was tween the US and Canada in Dallas
confident the squad could play the and concludes with the final on June
consistent, smart cricket required to 29 at Bridgetown, Barbados.

TWO CONTRASTING CRICKET MATCHES BCCI lays foundation

redemption when talent meets
opportunity in an enabling
environment.Speaking on RCB Bold
Diaries after RCB marched into the

stone for indoor

playoffs at Chinnaswamy Stadium,

R
ecently in an interdi- plight. Indore innings cowardice in facing just 10 runs more to overtake
Swapnil revealed how he had visional cricket spread over 3 days similar the highest individual score
contemplated retirement before RCB match played at and ultimately adversity.What of 452 not out, which stood in
chose him at the auction in what was

cricket academies
Holkar cricket stadium in
an emotional moment for him and his Indore,a noble example of
family. sporting spirit was displayed
How fun was that: Faf by Sagar division cricket
team.They were playing
on team’s miraculous against the mighty Indore di-
playoff qualification vision team, which included
NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers leading players of state
Bengaluru skipper Faf Du Plessis cricket team.
expressed happiness at his team’s After dismissing Sagar
fightback to team for a paltry score of 109
secure the runs, Indore division bats-
final playoff men made merry at the ex-
spot in the pense of weak bowling
ongoing attack (if at all it could be
Indian called attack)of Sagar
Premier team.Batsman after batsman
League (IPL) piled up three figure
with a win knocks.Karan Tehlani top
over scored with an imposing
Chennai score of 361. Chanchal
Super Kings Rathore followed up with
(CSK) on 282and Anil Maurya 122 not
Saturday, saying that the franchise’s out.Adding to the misery of
turnaround in the tournament was Sagar bowlers their name-
“fun.” RCB skipper took to Instagram sake,Sagar Solanki notched
and wrote, “How fun was that... so up 117.As if this was not
proud of everyone the way they have enough,Harsh Gawli also
made the impossible happen. Special made 102. Indore batsmen
night. Special group. Look forward to mercilessly hammered
the next one.” Sagar bowlers all over the
ground.
The hot sun added to their
their captain de- makes it worse was the name of legendary Aus-
clared at the colos- that this happened tralian batsman,Don Brad-
sal score of 1184 in the premier man.But alas, the captain of
for 7 wickets. cricket tourna- Kathiawad team dastardly
What surprised ment of India Ran- forfeited the match at this
the spectators ji trophy. juncture.
was the persever- In 1948 ,Maha- A whole day of the match
ance of Sagar rashta cricket as- remained but the Kathiawad
bowlers and field- sociation hosted team didn’t take the field af-
ers. They stuck to Kathiawad cricket ter tea time.Their unsportng
their task unflag- team for a four day act deprived an Indian bats-
gingly for They really fixture in Pune.In man of earning the honour
deserve compli- their first innings of holding the world record
ments for Kathiawad of highest individual
their team score.Though the record of
bravery scored a highest score in India still
in facing modest stands in his name.A conso-
the ad- 238. Ma- lation for Nimbalkar was re-
verse circumstances without harashtra started their reply ceiving a telegram from Don
flinching.They were out- strongly with 132 for 1 Bradman congratulating
played in all departments of wicket at the end of first day. him for his feat.In later NEW DELHI from Arunachal Pradesh,
the match.They went down On second day, Maharashtra times,Hanif Mohammad of Manipur, Meghalaya, Mi-
by a huge margin of an in- batsmen flogged Kathiawad Pakistan scored 499 and The Indian Cricket Board zoram, Nagaland and
ninhs and 841 runs. Their de- bowlers and added further while going for the 500th run (BCCI) on Monday laid the Sikkim and will be based
feat was huge but they 455 for loss of Kamal Bhan- was unfortunately run out. foundation stone for in- in Shillong, Itanagar, Ko-
earned equally huge admira- darkar who scored 205.At The honour now belongs to door cricket training hima, Aizawl, Imphal and
tion for their sporting spirit this stage,Bhausaheb Nim- West Indies batsman Brian academies in six North- Gangtok.”Honoured to
and attitude towards their balkar was going strong on Lara with 501 not out. Re- Eastern states, with the have laid the foundation
task . 301 not out. On third day,he markably he also holds the sole emphasis on helping stone for BCCI’s upcoming
In contrast to this noble ex- batted relentlessly to be on record for highest test score budding cricketers from state-of-the-art indoor
hibition of sporting 443 not out at tea time and of 400 not out. the region. training facilities in the
spirit,one team displayed a the team score was 826 for 4 Shyam Phadnis is well- The indoor cricket acade- North-East,” Shah wrote
condemnable example of wickets.Nimbalkar needed known cricket writer mies will serve players on X, formerly Twitter.
 Rohan to pair with either Balaji or Yuki at Paris Games
NEW DELHI: India's top doubles player Rohan Bopanna will pick either N Sriram Balaji or Yuki Bhambri as
his partner for the Paris Olympics and All India Tennis Association (AITA) will most likely approve his choice
even as the combinations will be discussed by the selection committee.Ranked four in the world, 44-year-old
Bopanna, being a top-10 player, can pick a player of his choice as per the rules.
SPORTS
INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

Winning gold in Asian Relays TAUNTED FOR BEING "MENTALLY IMPAIRED"

Para world champion

Indian mixed 4x400m relay
team sets national record
BANGKOK
India's mixed 4x400 relay
team set a national record
while winning the gold
medal at the inaugural edi-
tion of Asian Relay Cham-
pionships here on Monday
but missed the target of
entering the Paris
Olympics qualification
bracket.
India was leading in all
the four legs of the relay
race.
Sri Lanka finished sec-
ond with a time of 3:17.00
while Vietnam was third
with 3:18.45.Monday's tim-
ing will put India in the
21st place -- from earlier
23rd -- in the Road to Paris
list of World Athletics
while the aim was to be ei-
ther in the 15th or 16th
spot.
India, thus, is in a diffi-
cult position to make the
Olympics cut as only six-
teen teams will compete in
the mixed 4x400m relay
event in Paris.Fourteen
mixed 4x400m teams have
already automatically
The quartet of Muhammed Ajmal, Jyothika Sri Dandi, Amoj Jacob and on Monday was to at least
Subha Venkatesan clocked 3 minutes 14.12 seconds to win the race. The
earlier national record of 3:14.34 was clocked by the Indian team while
better 3:13.56 and sit at the
16th spot, but the country
failed to do so.Athletics
Federation of India (AFI)
winning silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year may consider sending the
mixed 4x400m relay team
in international competi-
tions before the June 30
deadline.India will com-
pete in the men's and
women's 4x400m relay
races on Day 2 on Tuesday.
In Bahamas, the Indian
mixed 4x400m relay quar-
tet of Rajesh Ramesh, Ru-
pal Chaudhary, Avinash
Krishna Kumar and
Jyothika Sri Dandi ran a
poor race and failed to
make the Paris cut in the
heat race of first round
qualifiers.
The Indian team pulled
out of the second round
qualifiers heat race after
Ramesh got injured while
qualified for Paris timings of countries till list, below the top 14 teams running the men's 4x400m
Olympics during the World the qualification deadline that have booked Paris relay race.Later, both the
Athletics Relays in of June 30. ticket during the World men's and women's 4x400m
Nassau, Bahamas earlier Czech Republic (3:11.98) Athletics Relays in Ba- relay teams made the Paris
this month, and only two and Italy (3:13.56) are cur- hamas, where India had cut during the second
spots were left to be filled rently in the 15th and 16th failed to make the round qualification heat
on the basis of best spot in the Road to Paris grade.India's target here race.
Deepthi feted in village
NEW DELHI
For a long time, Deepthi
Jeevanji's parents were
taunted by fellow villagers
for having a "mentally im-
paired" child.
But now they are count-
ing the compliments as
the same bunch
converged at their modest
house in Telangana's
Kalleda hamlet to cele-
brate her world record-
beating gold medal in the
Para Athletics World
Championship in Kobe,
Japan.
Born to daily wage
labourers at in Warangal
district of Telangana, the
20-year-old Deepthi on
Monday clinched gold
with a world record
time of 55.07 Deepthi
seconds in
women's 400m T20
the Jeevanji wins
category race. She gold with world
also qualified for the
upcoming Paris Par- record time
alympics.The
category is meant
for athletes who
T20
I ndia's Deepthi Jeevanji
clinched the gold medal
with a world record time
have intellectual im-
pairment.
of 55.07 seconds in the
women's 400m T20
Deepthi's coach category race at the World
Nagpuri Ramesh Para Athletics
said her parents Championships here on
were at the Monday. Deepthi smashed
receiving end of American Breanna Clark's
taunts from the villagers,
earlier world record of
who would often say that
55.12 seconds set during
she will never get married
since she is "mentally im-
last year's edition of the
paired"."Deepthi's parents championships in Paris.
were daily wage labourers Aysel Onder of Turkey was
and they were struggling second with 55.19 seconds
to run the family. On top while Lizanshela Angulo of
of that they faced con- Ecuador was third with
stant taunts from the vil- 56.68 seconds on the
lagers that a mentally im- fourth day of
paired girl cannot get competitions.India's tally
married," Ramesh told has now swelled to four
PTI from Hyderabad, medals -- 1 gold, 1 silver
where Deepthi trains cur- and 2 bronze.On Sunday,
rently. Nishad Kumar (T47 high
"After Deepthi won gold jump) and 200m runner
in the Hangzhou Asian Preethi Pal (T35 200m
Para Games last year, the race) won a silver and
scenario changed. Now, bronze respectively.
the same villagers are The championships will
praising them for being continue till May 25.
parents of Deepthi.

IN HIS THIRD STINT AS TT COACH

Nagal bows
Costantini wants India to out after Focus on Sindhu at Malaysia Masters
be at par with China, Japan loss to world
No 19 Baez
KUALA LUMPUR

Back from a break, P V

Open though she did come
close to claiming the Spain
Masters last year when she
NEW DELHI Sindhu will look to hit the reached the finals in
GENEVA right notes in her quest for Madrid.Sindhu, who had
Italy's Massimo Costantini some confidence-boosting also suffered a stress frac-
is back in India to coach India's top-ranked sin- wins ahead of Paris ture on her left ankle en
the national table tennis gles player Sumit Olympics when she spear- route to the 2022 Common-
team for a third time and Nagal made a first heads India's campaign in wealth Games gold, will look
his main goal is to put the round exit from the the Malaysia Masters bad- to hit the ground running
country at par with the Geneva Open after go- minton tournament start- when she opens against
sport's traditional power- ing down fighting ing here on Tuesday. Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour
houses China and Japan. against Argentina's Se- Sindhu, a former world this week.
Costantini has been bastian Baez. champion, returns to the in- Top stars such as An Se
handed charge of the The world no.94 went ternational circuit after Young, Chen Yu Fei, Akane
squad for two years with a down 6-7 (7) 3-6 to the skipping the Uber Cup and to hit top form after recover- a series of narrow losses. Yamaguchi or Carolina
contract extension clause Argentine, who is a Thailand Open, and she will ing from a knee injury sus- Sindhu has just two quarter- Marin are not participating
for another couple of clay court specialist, in aim to go deep in the tained in October last year. final finishes to show in her this week and Sindhu will
years.India had won a then a match that lasted one women's singles draw of the A silver and bronze-win- six competitive appearances be desperate to test her
record five medals at the hour, 52-minutes here BWF World Tour Super 500 ner at the Olympics, Sind- so far. preparation against the next
2010 Commonwealth on Sunday. event.The 28-year-old from hu's return hasn't been The last title win for her generation players, who
Games in Delhi in his first "Gutted with the loss Hyderabad hasn't been able smooth and she has endured came in the 2022 Singapore have troubled her recently.
stint before he returned to today. But good prepa-
coach the country to an un- ration ahead of Roland
Playing with pimpled rubber is
precedented two medals at
the 2018 Asian Games, end- way to go against Chinese
Garros. Paris next," Na-
gal, who has qualified Visually-impaired athlete
qualifies for Paris Paralympics
ing a 60-year drought. for the French Open,
Following the team's his-
toric outing in Jakarta, the
W hether it was Manika beating the world number two Wang
Manyu this month or Ayhika stunning the world number
one Sun Yingsha earlier this year, players with pimpled rubbers
tweeted after
loss.Nagal started off
the

Italian joined the Interna- brightly taking an OUR STAFF REPORTER

tional Table Tennis Feder-
have produced sensational results. "Recently, I gave an interview
to a major Chinese publication, they reached me out asking about early 4-1 lead over Baez. BHOPAL 2 MEDALS IN
ation (ITTF) as its High He also had a set
Performance Manager be-
the success of India and what is the future of the pimpled rubber?
point.But world no. 19 Visually-impaired para athlete Kapil SAILING C’SHIP
In China, they don't trust that rubber much, but they were very Players of MP Sports Academy won
fore arriving in India last Baez, who has already Parmar from Madhya Pradesh won gold
impressed that China was about to lose to India. two medals including 1 gold and 1
week, a country he calls won two titles on clay in the J1-60kg category at the IBSA
second home, for "unfin- this season, showed his Judo Grand Prix Tbilisi 2024 in Turkiye silver in Senior National Sailing
ished business". Prior to His immediate task is to dia has qualified for the class to force a and qualified for Paris Paralympics Championship 2024 , held in
his return, India did not prepare the men and team events for the first tiebreaker owing to his 2024. He defeated Brazil's Elielton De Mumbai. Divyanshi Mishra and Neha
have a head coach for six women squads for the time. "I am here for unfin- fantastic first serve Oliveira in 20 seconds in the final Thakur won one gold and one silver
long years. Paris Olympics, where In- ished business. performance. match. Parmar , who is the world num- medal. Both the players are training
ber 1 player in blind judo, cemented his under academy's chief trainer
place in the IBSA world and Paralympic Narendra Rajput and assistant
DIKSHA FINDS FORM, FINISHES TIED-24TH rankings in the J1 -60kg category. trainer Anil Sharma.
BRANDENBURG (GERMANY): Indian golfer Diksha Dagar finally returned to form, finishing tied-24th
along side compatriots Pranavi Urs and Tvesa Malik at the 2024 Amundi German Masters here. Diksha STARS SHINING AT SAN SIRO
finally got her mojo back as she fired six birdies on the second nine, which was the front side of the Golf

Inter Milan celebrates 20th Serie A title

& Country Club Seddiner See.After being one-over for her first nine holes, Diksha had six birdies in the
next eight holes and finished with a 67 for a total of 1-under 287.Pranavi, who was tied-second after the
first round, shot 69 which included a streak of four birdies from the 13th to 16th.

INDORE SPORTS MILAN

Hockey selection trials conclude Devj Academy Before the sun set in Milan
on Sunday, San Siro had
victorious two stars shining brighter
INDORE: Devj Academy defeated than ever as Inter Milan fi-
CCI by 10 runs in the Paramdeep nally got its title celebra-
Singh Pathania Memorial Under-14 tions underway.
cricket meet. While Inter fans had been
Brief scores: Devj Academy 196 celebrating since last
all out in 49 overs (Vivan Pandey 53, month when the Nerazzur-
Japjeet 33, Aditya Chauhan and ri secured the Serie A title
Aryan Dangi 2 wkts each). CCI with five rounds remain-
186/7 in 50 overs (Abhishek Dhakad ing, the players finally got
43, Vivan Pandey, Balram Yadav and their hands on the trophy
INDORE: Men's hockey selection trials of sub-junior and Kartik Patil 2 wkts each).
junior for MP Academy concluded at Chimanbag Ground on after the final home match
Monday. More than 200 players from Indore division attended of the season - a 1-1 draw
the trials. Olympian Sameer Dad Lokendra Sharma and Dr Bhopal, Morena players excel against Lazio.
Habib Hasan were present to encourage the participants. The title was Inter's 20th,
Talking about the astro-turf, Sameer Dad said over the years, earning it a coveted second
astro-turfs came up in many cities like Delhi, Mumbai, star and after the match all Steven Zhang could lose
Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. The benefits of artificial the players wore special FOUR TEAMS AT RISK control of the club early

grass, he said, have been well documented for years. To
discover the truth about any potential risks of artificial turf,
many studies have been completed. And each time artificial
turf has been found to be safe. He, however, stressed the
need for astro-turf in Indore. Those present on the occasion,
were vice president of MPOA Om Soni and district sports
officer Reena Chauhan. The programme was conducted by
association secretary Kishore Shukla.
Acharya appointed coach
INDORE : MPTTA’s general secretary
Jayesh Acharaya will accompany the
India team to World Para Table Tennis
(Olympic qualifier) as coach.
Indore’s physiotherapist Kinjalal Shah
has also been included in the team.
The team comprises 11 players. The
winners will qualify for the Paris Para
Olympics, said Pramod Gangrade,
general secretary of the Para Table
Tennis Association.
team shirts that had "20"
and two stars on the back.
They were each called out
individually to walk to the
stage and get their medals,
with Lautaro Martinez
coming out last - after
coach Simone Inzaghi.
The Inter captain then
lifted the trophy up to
INDORE: The state-level taekwondo meet organized by cheers from a still-packed
Taekwondo Training Centre concluded in Indore on Monday. San Siro as fireworks were
Bhopal and Morena produced standout performances, earning set off behind them.The
laurels from all quarters. Those present were Mayor players paraded the trophy
Pushyamitra Bhargav, MIC member Rajesh Udawat, around the edge of the field
Vishwamitra awardee Virendra Pawar, secretary Mithilesh and were joined by their
Kemre and Bharat Pareek. close friends and family,
RESULTS who had been waiting in an
Junior: WINNER Dhar. RUNNER-UP Rewa. Cadet: WINNER area sectioned off for them
Indore. RUNNER-UP: Morena. Senior category: WINNER: near the stage.
Katni. RUNNER-UP: Khandwa The father of Inter for-
ward Marcus Thuram was
also present, proudly wear-
T
here are four teams at risk of finishing in 18th spot and next week if it fails to re-
following Sassuolo and bottom club Salernitana - which pay a debt of nearly 400
was mathematically relegated last month - into Serie B. million euros ($434
Empoli currently occupies that spot after conceding an million) to American in-
equalizer in the 14th minute of stoppage time in a 1-1 at vestment fund Oaktree.
Udinese.Empoli thought it had got a valuable win against a
direct rival for safety when M'Baye Niang converted a
RELEGATED
penalty in the final minute after Nicolò Cambiaghi was AFTER 11 YEARS
tripped by Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic.However,
Sassuolo was relegated
deep in stoppage time Samardzic went from villain to hero
from Serie A after 11 years
by converting another spot kick to ensure Udinese remained
a point above the bottom three.Empoli replaced Frosinone, in the Italian top flight.
A 2-0 loss at home to
which moved two points clear with a 1-0 win at Monza.
Cagliari doomed Sassuolo
to Serie B and ensured
ing an Inter shirt - albeit Musicians and Inter fans Claudio Ranieri's team
back-to-front so that his Tananai and Ligabue per- stayed up.Cagliari moved
son's name was on his formed a mini concert. three points clear of the
chest. Lilian Thuram, who Even questions over the relegation zone with one
won the World Cup with financial status of the club round remaining, but two
France in 1998, played as a couldn't dampen the spir- of the teams below it - Udi-
defender for Parma and Ju- its. There are reports that nese and Frosinone - play
ventus. Suning and Inter President each other on the final day.
 CLICK ON PUZZLES TO PLAY PUZZLES
MUMBAI | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

Crossword # 1144

Word Search
Across
1 ___ up : enthuses or
elates
5 Not shallow
9 Parting word
12 Israeli carrier (2,2)
13 Jane Austen heroine
Riddler 14 Minstrel song
Use 4 4's and only 4 4's along with any mathematical opera- 15 Of planes - as a prefix
tors to make a total of 5. 16 A quartet?
18 Managed but not very
successfully? (3,2)
20 Indian lute
Solution: (4*4+4)/4 = 5 21 Hindu ascetic
22 Family
23 Varsity
24 Food store in short?
27 This one's __ __ : I'll
pay the bill? (2,2)
31 Frozen water
32 1995 Stallone title role,
Judge ___ Down 25 Makes mistakes
34 Slim battery type 1 Seed of a legume 26 Maui garland
35 Hardy heroine 2 Grace and beauty 28 Seaport on W
37 Ascend 3 Comical imitations, Kyushu
38 US soldiers travesties 29 Preserve or contend
39 Windows predecessor 4 Laziness or 30 Compass point
41 Implied or signified indolence 33 A word meaning
43 Guwahati locale 5 Resist openly; refuse 'half'
46 Initial to obey orders 36 Mt. Rushmore's state
47 Spine 6 Rock music style (1,3)
50 Indian leavened bread 7 Large bird 40 Old card game
52 Feeling of self- 8 Indian Zoroastrian 42 Surrealist painter
importance; conceit 9 An inky stain Max
53 Water falling from the 10 Hindu God of death 43 Help a felon
sky in droplets 11 Ogler or viewer 44 Kind of pudding
54 Read superficially 17 Chinese: Prefix 45 Flat-bottomed boat
55 Pull along behind 19 Herman Melville's 46 Marshes
56 Small amphibious hero Billy ___ 48 Awkward lout?
creatures 21 Spades, hearts, 49 Louse egg
57 Ex-India paceman diamonds or clubs 51 Navigation Mgmnt.
Yohannan 22 Children Unit

SUDOKU
49 Nit, 51 NMU.
44 Sago, 45 Scow, 46 Fens, 48 Oaf,
Dak, 40 Ombre, 42 Ernst, 43 Abet,
29 Maintain, 30 East, 33 Demi, 36 S
22 Kids, 25 Errs, 26 Lei, 28 Nagasaki,
11 Eyer, 17 Sino, 19 Budd, 21 Suit,
7 Emu, 8 Parsi, 9 Blot, 10 Yama,
3 Parodies, 4 Sloth, 5 Defy, 6 Emo,
Down: 1 Pea, 2 Elegance,

Fish 57 Tinu.
53 Rain, 54 Skim, 55 Tow, 56 Efts,
Can you find the words connected in one way or the other with the theme indicated by 47 Backbone, 50 Naan, 52 Ego,
the title in today's Word Search? 41 Meant, 43 Assam, 46 First,
The words may be read horizontally, vertically or diagonally either forwards or backwards,
35 Tess, 37 Rise, 38 GIs, 39 DOS,
27 On me, 31 Ice, 32 Dredd, 34 AAA,
but always in straight lines. Use a ruler to cross them through as you find them. 21 Sadhu, 22 Kin, 23 Uni, 24 Deli,
16 Foursome, 18 Got by, 20 Sitar,
Al, 13 Emma, 14 Lay, 15 Aero,
Across: 1 Peps, 5 Deep, 9 Bye, 12 El

Alewife Herring
Anchovy Mackerel
Angler Moray
Bass Pomfret
Carp Salmon
Catfish Sardine
Char Sculpin
Cod Shark
Duckbill Swordfish
Eel Trout WHAT TO DO: Fill in the
grid so that every row, every
Haddock Tuna column and every 3x3 box
Halibut contains the digits 1 to 9.
Every puzzle has only one
correct solution.
      
You should avoid using hot water at any cost, as it may increase the problem and affect
your skin tremendously. Each one of us loves bathing in hot water, but you should
certainly prevent using hot water on dry and flaky skin. You should use warm water or
cold water, as it helps to relax your pores and allows the dirt to get washed away.
INFO
J O U R N A L

| TUESDAY | MA
21, 2024

Vastu tips to MONIKA KHAJURIA How to get pink lips 2 Lemon and
honey
Lemon is known

naturally at home
for its skin lightening

decorate bedroom
and brightening

D
ark and discoloured
properties. This mix
lips can be a cause of
will prevent your skin
concern. Dark lips are
from getting dry and
evident on your face due to
dark.
the contrast with the rest of
Sun damage can be Keep the lips clean and Ingredients: 2 tsp
your face. It can ruin your Home remedies to the rescue
AMRISHA SHARMA appearance and shake your a real issue fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp
Your lips can also With all these tips, you can honey.
confidence. Dehydration, We love lipsticks.
become dark due to also care for your lips and prevent Directions for use: In
sun damage, excessive From matte to glossy, we
the damage by the darkening of the lips using some a bowl, mix both the
smoking and lack of proper put on various textures

V
astu Shastra nourishing home remedies. These ingredients together.
is an Indian care can be the reason for sun. We take many and shades of lipsticks.
precautions when it are made of natural ingredients that Apply the mixture on
science that your chapped and dark lips. But, wait! Have you
comes to protecting moisturise your lips and give you rosy, your lips. Leave it on
brings harmony, If darkening of the lips is considered the chemicals
our skin from the soft and supple lips. for about 15 minutes.
an issue you are facing as infused in these lipsticks
success, love and
well, it is time to notch up harmful UV rays, might be what is 1 Brown sugar and honey Rinse it off later using
peace in the life Being coarse in texture, sugar cold water. Repeat
of a person. Vastu your lip care. Today, we but unfortunately darkening our lips? Clean
not when it comes to helps to gently exfoliate the skin. this remedy 1-2 times
believers always do have curated for you some your lips every night
your lips. Get a lip Honey is a natural emollient for the in a week.
everything in the amazing tips and remedies before you go to sleep.
that can make your lips soft, balm infused with Never sleep with lipstick skin that adds moisture to your lips,
shastric way. Be it keeps it soft and brightens it as well.
home decor ideas rosy, plump and prevent it SPF. You will find on or but a cheap quality
from darkening. many options in the lip product. Be gentle and Ingredients: 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1
or placement of tbsp honey.
showpieces or decor market. Apply the pay attention. We can
lip balm on your Directions for use: In a bowl, take
items, every big to Keep the hydration on often miss the products in
the brown sugar. Add honey to
minute details of Keeping your skin lips whenever you the minute cracks of our
go out for a boost lips. So, ensure that you it and mix well to get a coarse
the house is done moisturised is the first mixture. Apply the mixture to
according to vastu Tips for decorating the bedroom: step towards healthy and of protection and keep your lips clean, fresh
moisturisation. and soft. your lips and massage it in for
tips. It is believed After the entrance, see that nourished lips. Hydrated lips about a minute. Leave it on for
that vastu also Many vastu believers are happy lips. Dryness will
helps build a better
you include something that feel that there should be no not only cause cracked but Switch to another 5 minutes before
makes you feel serene and gives rinsing it off. Repeat this
relationship with peace. You can either keep your
mirror inside the bedroom. dark lips as well. Use a lip micellar water remedy 2-3 times in a week.
your partner. If you Ideally, you should not balm throughout the day to As discussed above,
couple picture, a painting or place any mirror inside chemicals infused in the
are a vastu shastra flower vase that brings positive your bedroom as it leads
keep your lip moisturised. 4 Aloe vera and 5 Beetroot and sugar
believer, try these There are also various products can darken your lips.
vibes and enhances your mood. to misunderstandings and And that also holds true for yogu rt This is the perfect mix
tips to decorate As soon as you enter, see this and lip kinds of butter Aloe vera & if you are looking for rosy,
your bedroom and fights with the partner. available in the market your cleanser. Cleansers that
feel a peaceful mind. soft lips. Apart from adding
have a peaceful However, you can place a that specially target the include harsh chemicals do more yogurt are both
Avoid keeping fish mirror inside your master damage than good. It dries your nourishing and hydration to your lips, beetroot
time in one of the aquariums, plants and divine moisturisation level of moisturising acts as a natural lip stain for
best places inside bedroom by following some your lips. So, use a lip lips and makes them dark as
idols inside your bedroom. This vastu tips. Place the mirror agen ts for the the lips.
your house. well. A great alternative to these
can lead to material loss. on the side where your bed
balm or lip butter to lips. Aloe vera Ingredients: 1/2 beetroot, 2
regularly and gently harsh cleansers is micellar
According Soft pastel shades of blue, tbsp sugar.
is not visible. Make sure water. It cleanses the lips in the is extremely
to vastu shastra, green and off-white are ideal you cover the mirror at
moisturise your lips. soothing and Directions for use: Extract
bedrooms should vastu colours for your bedroom. night with a cloth piece.
Exfoliating the lips is best and gentlest way possible.
hyd ratin g for the the juice from the beetroot
Just take some micellar
be in square or Soft and light colours like light Having a mirror on the wall vital water on a cotton pad, put lips while yogurt and collect it into a bowl.
rectangle shape. pink, blue, rose, green and yellow opposite the foot of your bed Just like your skin, provides gentle Add sugar to it and mix well.
it on your lips for a few
This brings in more or white can not only make your can disturb your sleep so be your lips also need exfoliation. Scrub your lips using this
seconds and wipe the
prosperity and peace bedroom look beautiful and more careful. exfoliation. Include a lip
make-up off. Ingre dients: 1 tbsp mixture for 4-5 minutes. Rinse
in the lives of a peaceful but also good in the scrub in your nighttime aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp it off thoroughly. Repeat this
couple. vastu way. One of the vastu tips for skincare routine. yogurt. remedy once a week.
The entrance Build a soothing effect decorating your bedroom is, Exfoliating will remove 3 Sugar and milk cream Directions for use: 6 Pomegranate juice
door to your inside your bedroom by using use a wooden bed. You can chapped and cracked lips The lactic acid present in In a bowl, take the Rich in vitamin C,
bedroom must open dim lights. Adjustable lighting keep the bed in Southwest, to leave you with soft and milk exfoliates your skin to aloe vera gel. Add pomegranate juice not only
to 90 degrees angle. is best as they can be increased South and West directions. plump lips. Once or twice remove any dead skin cells. yogurt to it and nourishes the lips but also adds
According to vastu, if or decreased depending on the Avoid using beds that have a a week, after you have Ingredients: 1/2 tbsp sugar, mix well. Apply the a rosy tint to it.
the door doesn’t open choice and demands. box to store things. If you have cleansed your skin to 1/2 tbsp milk cream. mixture on your lips Ingredients: 1 tbsp
completely, chances You should avoid having a such box beds, make sure they sleep, use a lip scrub to Directions for use: Mix both and massage it well pomegranate juice.
of getting good luck television inside your bedroom are clean and decluttered. gently exfoliate your ingredients together in a for about 5 minutes. Directions for use: Apply the
reduces. So, see that as it disturbs your sleep and These are a few vastu tips lips. Once you are bowl. Apply the mixture Once done, rinse it off pomegranate juice on your
the door doesn’t peace of mind. But, according to for decorating your bedroom. done, put on some lip to your lips and scrub for thoroughly. Repeat lips. Leave it on for an hour.
open partially but vastu, if you want to keep electric Bring peace and prosperity in balm and go to sleep. a couple of minutes and this remedy 2-3 times Rinse it off later using cold
completely to a 90 appliances, place them on the your personal lives by trying You will wake up rinse it off. Repeat this in a week. water. Repeat this remedy 1-2
degree angle. south-east of the room. these ideas. with smooth lips. 2-3 times in a week. times in a week.

MUMBAI Can diabetes can cause infertility However, there is

nothing to be alarmed
about if your partner is PRAVEEN KUMAR
How to make
  Explains doctors
having Diabetes. Diabetes
doesn’t necessarily always your body flexible
D
iabetes can not only lead to infertility. Thanks

affect the heart,
blood vessels,
eyes, kidneys, and nerves
but can affect your
reproductive health
as well. Sometimes,
diabetes can become
an obstacle when
you wish to have a
baby. Those couples
who wish to plan
pregnancy should
keep their blood sugar
levels in check in
order to avoid any
problems during
conception and
delivery.
Diabetes is
a chronic (long-
lasting) health
condition that affects how
your body turns food into
energy. But it does not only
affect the way you digest
your sugars. Its effects can
be seen systematically in
all organ of the body from
eyes to skin to increased
probability of having
infections and gangrene
if the blood sugars are not
kept in check. And this may
have an impact on your
fertility. Infertility due to
diabetes is commonly seen
in both men and women.
“Infertility means the
inability to conceive even
after a year of pregnancy.
Diabetes can affect the
ability to get pregnant
and successfully have a
baby. It causes hormonal
disruptions which in turn
can lead to delayed or
failed implantation and/
or conception. Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
can be associated with
women with type I and
II diabetes. It can lead to
oligomenorrhea (irregular
periods) or secondary
amenorrhea (absence
of periods).
Diabetes and
infertility may
cause premature
ovarian failure
(premature
menopause) in
women,” said
Dr Ritu Hinduja,
Fertility Consultant,
Nova IVF Fertility,
Mumbai.
Dr Hinduja
added, “In men,
Diabetes may lead to
poor quality of sperm,
and DNA damage.
Diabetes at times can
also lead to the narrowing
of blood vessels which can
also impact the penile region
causing erectile dysfunction
and infertility in males. Too
much blood sugar levels may
damage the sperm DNA and
affect the sperm count and
motility levels. Sometimes
men with diabetes may
have a low sperm count
and experience decreased
libido. In women, at times,
it may lead to the absence
of ovulation and affect egg
D
uring
to ART technologies, childhood, Dance: Even dancing
quality. We receive at least couples who are battling bending is helps a lot in making
2 out of 30 couples aged 35-45 infertility can be helped an easy task, but your body flexible. When
visiting in a month who have to a large extent. “Before once you have you dance, your body
diabetes-led infertility.” conceiving, the couple reached adulthood learns rhythm, balance,
“There are many couples should make sure to and started getting coordination and of course,
who face problems in maintain the blood into a sedentary being flexible too.
sugar levels within the
conception because one of the
recommended range, your
job, bending could Aerobics: Some
partners/ both are having also look like an aerobics focus on making
diabetes.40 percent of women BMI and body weight impossible task. your body flexible. Choose
with PCOS could develop needs to be ideal for
Of course, your such exercises and work
prediabetes and 10 percent conception, exercise daily,
diet should be on them. Your aim is to
of women with PCOS tend to eat a well-balanced diet
healthy and your allow your body to move
exclusive of junk, oily,
develop diabetes that could lifestyle should be in different ways and
processed and canned
affect reproductive health active in order to get accustomed to
and fertility in both men and
food, quit smoking and
be flexible. Also,
Stretching:
alcohol, take supplements If you wish to make all kind actions
women. Diabetes can invite your body should Crawl: like bending,
as per the doctor’s advice, Imagine that your body flexible,
problems such as Polycystic be well hydrated. jumping and
rest enough and stay you are an you need to stretch it
Ovary Syndrome or PCOS, Most of us think crawling.
stress-free. animal. For before workouts. Also,
menstrual irregularities, that lifting weights
and abnormal thyroid Go for regular health example, try do dynamic stretching Hydration
regularly is
function in women. While check-ups and follow-ups to walk like exercises like lunges, and nutrition:
enough to stay fit.
in men, diabetes can lead to with the treating doctor. a gorilla. Use push-ups, squats and Maintaining
No, if you focus
erectile dysfunction, low sex Speak to a gynaecologist if both hands even jumping proper hydration
only on building
drive, and low sperm count. trying to conceive for them and legs. Bend jacks. and nutrition
muscles, your body
A couple should go for a to shift you to medications tends to become and touch the floor. is essential for
thorough evaluation before that are safer in pregnancy rigid, not flexible. Walk like that for a few Breathing flexibility. Water
planning pregnancy, eat well, and also offer tighter And when you are minutes. It challenges -control: keeps your
stay physically fit, and then control of blood sugar. If rigid, even though your flexibility. Breathing muscles and joints
conceive after checking all incase you are unable to you are strong, Yoga: Yoga is deeply helps lubricated, while
the health parameters. Doing conceive with unprotected you may not be the best tool when it your muscles nutrients like
so can ensure hassle-free sexual intercourse for able to bend and comes to enhancing the relax. When vitamins C and
pregnancy,” concluded Dr a year, please consult a move effortlessly. flexibility of your body. your muscles E, magnesium,
Pratima Thamke, Consultant fertility consultant, who Therefore, here are Practicing certain release the and omega-3 fatty
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, can help you with the right some ways to make postures of yoga tension, they acids support
Motherhood Hospitals, kind of fertility treatment.” yourself more boosts your fitness and tend to get muscle health and
Kharghar. highlighted Dr Hinduja. flexible. overall health. more flexible. elasticity.

DR. KARISHMA JARADI

Head Dental Surgeon at Dentzz
Hidden aspects of oral health: Unveiling potential Medications and oral health:
Some drugs can have side
effects that affect the oral
cavity. In case you suspect

issues despite a healthy appearance

Dental that any of your medications
may be resulting in an oral
health problem, talk to your

T
he oral hygiene basics are doctor or dentist about it.
well known to all: brush twice Beware of hidden Diet: a silent culprit:   
 Holistic approach
a day, floss regularly, and sugars:
see a dentist. However, what about
Toothpaste Healthy dental habits are hidden harm: to wellness:
selection matters: Sugar isn’t dependent on a balanced diet. Smoking It is important to realize
the aspects of oral health that always as Sugary and acidic foods cause
Not all toothpaste is is well known that oral health has links
are hidden? There may be a few dental and gum diseases.
created the same. Choose obvious as for its general with a person’s general state
underlying issues beneath that Include more calcium-rich
one with fluoride content. candy. Sugar negative impact of well-being because chronic
stunning smile. Let’s delve into foods like milk, cheese, and
The latter strengthens the is not only on health but illnesses such as diabetes
these 10 little-known factors leafy greens which will help
enamel- which is the hard found in it also affects can affect oral health and
that can affect your oral health. sweets but strengthen teeth and bones.
outermost part of your the oral cavity vice versa. Maintaining a
in many Don’t forget water! It cleanses proper diet, exercising, and
The tongue factor: teeth defending them
processed out harmful bacteria and
significantly.
We always concentrate on from decaying. Check It increases managing stress can lead to
with your dentist for foods and neutralizes acids in our improved overall and oral
teeth and gums while ignoring the risk of
recommendations drinks. mouths. health.
the fact that the tongue plays gum disease,
based on your Be careful
an important role in oral
about what Dry mouth: cancerous
Being aware of all
hygiene. It carries bacteria, specific needs. Dry mouth is not just growths in the
food particles, and dead you purchase by these factors makes you
thirst but a condition mouth, and
cells contributing reading ingredient more proactive towards
whereby one’s mouth does staining of teeth
to bad breath and lists and going for sugar- maintaining oral health.
not generate enough saliva among other
other mouth free options whenever possible. Do not be deceived with a
leading to more cavities things. If you
problems. Clean Flossing: healthy-looking mouth as
and gum diseases. Saliva are addicted
your tongue Flossing might seem like helps in washing away Grinding your teeth: to cigarette
there may be underlying
gently with a chore but it’s critical to food particles, neutralizing There is a condition called bruxism, oral health issues that may
smoking, affect your teeth without you
a scraper or get rid of plaque and food acids, and enhancing the which involves grinding teeth while you
sleep or even during the day, this often quitting knowing it. Schedule dental
soft-bristle particles between teeth as remineralization of tooth
leads to headaches and jaw pain. Often, remains the visits, discuss your concerns
toothbrush well as under the gum-line enamel. If you have long-
people aren’t even aware they grind their best option with the dentist, and make
every day where your toothbrush lasting dry mouth, ask your
cannot reach. Skipping teeth, especially at night. If you suspect for improving sure you live healthy and
for fresher medical doctor about other
flossing can lead to gum bruxism, consult your dental practitioner general and oral maintain a bright smile
breath causes of this problem and
disease or cavities so for possible causes including mouth guard. health. inside and out.
and a treatment alternatives.
healthy make sure you prioritize
it in your daily routine. Disclaimer: The Free Press Journal bears no responsibility for the content that appears on this page.
mouth.
 Madrasa student found A 19-year-old madrasa student was found hanging
from a tree in Padoli village here early Monday,
Jain said that on Sunday, when his cousin, who also
studies at the same madrasa, was not seen anywhere,

hanging from tree in

police said. Mohtasim went out searching for him.When Mohatsim
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sagar Jain told PTI that did not return till late at night, the Madrasa management
Mohatsim, a Bihar native, had come to study at the Nasir informed the police. Upon searching, Mohtasim was

INDORE | TUEDAY | MAY 21, 2024

UP's Saharanpur Ul Uloom Madrasa in Padoli village in the Nagal Police
Station area only two months ago.
found hanging from a tree in a field outside the village.
– PTI/Saharanpur

UPSC prelims answer key 2024: What went wrong?

School timings
changed in
Himachal after
From students to UPSC toppers and coaches, many have raised questions over the discrepancies in the answers heatwave alert
SUNIDHI VIJAY / MUMBAI dates who study at different and said, “Every year UPSC’s founder of Examkund. She PTI / SHIMLA / DHARAMSHALA /

FILE PHOTO: ANI

The prelims answer key re-
leased by the Union Public
Service Commission (UPSC)
for the Civil Services Exami-
nation (CSE) 2023 has stoked a
controversy after many can-
didates alleged discrepancies
in the answers. The candi-
dates have flooded social me-
dia asking the UPSC to take
accountability or, at least, ex-
plain the answers.
According to the students,
the answer keys are different
from the unofficial answer
keys released by the coaching
institutes. Some also claimed
to be completely oblivious to
the answer keys released by
the UPSC. As many as 15 an-
swer keys are allegedly differ-
ent from what was prescribed
by the coaching institutes.
The Free Press Journal
(FPJ) reached out to several
candidates who appeared for
the prelims this year, as well
as some experts to understand
if the discrepancies mattered
in the final result.
UPSC candidate, Satyam
Yadhuvanshi said, “The an-
swer key released by UPSC is
completely different from
what was told to me by the
coaching centre. I would have
understood if it was just my
coaching centre who got it
wrong but all my fellow candi-
centres have also complained
about this issue.” Yadhuvan-
shi further said that the UPSC
should at least provide the
students with the source or
explanation behind the an-
swer key to make them aware
of and understand the logic
behind it.
Clearing the doubt of how
the same question can have
different answers, Ayussh
Sanghi, CA and UPSC coach
said, “It is not uncommon for
UPSC to ask questions that
have multiple correct an-
swers, in that case, the stu-
dents have to select the an-
swer that appears to be more
correct. Thus, it is a probabil-
ity game.” However, accord-
ing to Sanghi, UPSC has clari-
fied in the past if this was the
case and given marks for both
options. He said, “UPSC had
clarified in past instances af-
ter the exam about giving
marks for either of the op-
tions.” Sanghi has over 10
years of experience in the
UPSC teaching realm.
Explaining what went
wrong this time, he
continued, “However, this
time, UPSC has removed the
elimination technique to in-
crease the competition. But,
the mistake that happened
this year is that in one of the
questions, UPSC asked,
‘Which of the following state-
ments are correct’ but gave
only one option which is
where the contradiction hap-
pened.”
“Whenever the coaching
centres are too heavy on the
studies or materials, UPSC
tends to break the mould and
take a different direction. For
example, in 2011, UPSC asked
most questions from chapters
that were least expected by
the coaching centres. This is
acceptable. However, this
time the UPSC has not been
fair to the students and to
break the arrogance of the
coaching centres, they have
committed mistakes in the an-
swer keys,” Sanghi
continued, adding that this
might be someone’s last at-
tempt and because of this,
he/she may lose his only
chance of clearing the exams.
Smit Patel, UPSC AIR 562
told the FPJ that he also faced
the issue of discrepancy in
three and three-and-a-half
marks. He added, “I did not at-
tempt many of the questions
that are deemed controversial
after the release of the answer
key. I might have found them
to be too tricky while solving
the paper.” Patel continued
that even though the question
paper was tough this year, it
was reflected in the low cutoff
and easy scoring. “It all boils
down to whether a candidate
is capable of holding their
nerves while at the same time
playing with their knowl-
edge,” he added.
Pavan Patel, a UPSC men-
tor, echoed similar thoughts
answer key is somewhat dif-
ferent from coaching insti-
tutes, but the margins were
narrow. However, it is more
visible this time due to in-
creased vagueness in op-
tions.” Sharing an example
about the same, he added, “In
the answer key on nocturnal
animals, UPSC provided only
one option as the right an-
swer. However, even experts
in this field have no clue as to
why this was done.”
Another UPSC candidate,
Pradhan Pranshu, said that
while there can be variations
in answers, UPSC should at
least provide explanations for
the answers which are multi-
ple-option based. “I faced a
discrepancy of almost eight
marks and even though I am
not blaming the UPSC for it, I
just want to know the expla-
nation behind their answers
because even while I was at-
tempting some of the ques-
tions, I was very sure that
they could not be wrong,”
Pranshu continued.
“It’s high time for UPSC to
take accountability for its
process. There needs to be
transparency in the final an-
swer keys of the UPSC Pre-
lims exam, along with proper
justification and citing au-
thentic sources for each an-
swer,” said Shivani Garg,
added that with millions of
students undertaking this
exam annually, the candi-
dates have a right to clarity
and accuracy in the evalua-
tion process.
However, Mohammad Zia,
the founder and director of
UPSC Master had a slightly
different opinion on the mat-
ter. He said, “One key aspect
is that coaching centres often
rely on predictions and
trends, which may not always
align with the actual UPSC
answer key. It's essential for
candidates to cross-verify in-
formation and understand
that coaching centres provide
guidance, not guaranteed an-
swers.” He further added that
this situation highlights the
importance of critical think-
ing and self-preparation
alongside external guidance.
Similarly, Shamal Bhagat,
AIR 258 shared that she also
faced certain discrepancies in
the answer keys after the re-
sult was announced. “There
was a 10-mark variation in
my answer key as well. How-
ever, candidates have to re-
member that there can be
variations in answer keys
from one coaching centre to
another as well. How people
interpret certain questions
also plays a role here,” she
said.
BILASPUR (HP)
The Directorate of Higher Ed-
ucation in Himachal Pradesh
ordered a change in school
timings on Monday for places
in the lower hills after a heat
wave alert for several dis-
tricts.
The India Meteorological
Department (IMD) issued a
heat wave alert on Sunday
for eight out of 12 districts,
barring Shimla, Chamba,
Kinnau Lahaul and Spiti.
Amarjeet Sharma, the di-
rector of the Higher Educa-
tion department told PTI that
instruction has been issued
for adjusting the class tim-
ings from 7.30 am to 1 pm in
the schools in Kangra,
Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur,
Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh
area of Solan, and Poanta
sahib and Nahan In Sirmaur
district.
In a notification issued on
Monday, Sharma said that
these areas are experiencing
an unprecedented rise in the
maximum temperature up to
45 degrees Celsius and stu-
dents are facing difficulties
due to the harsh weather con-
ditions.
Meanwhile, Kangra Deputy
Commissioner Hemraj Bair-
wa also announced that class-
es will now start at 7.30 am and
end at 1 pm. The new timings

SC student enrollment Violence in Bishkek: Indian mission asks

will apply to all sub-divisions
of Kangra district, except
Dharamshala, Baijnath, Jais-
inghpur, and Palampur and

sees 44% increase from Indian students to stay indoors

will remain in effect until fur-
ther notice, he said.
Additionally, schools have

2014 to 2022: NCBC

PTI / NEW DELHI
The student enrollment un-
der the Scheduled Caste (SC)
category grew by 44%, from
4.61 million in 2014-15 to 6.62
million in 2021-22, the Nation-
al Commission for Backward
Class (NCBC) said on Satur-
day.
Minority female student
enrollment also witnessed a
42.3% increase, from 1.07 mil-
lion in 2014-15 to 1.52 million
in 2021-22, according to the
data shared by the NCBC.
In a statement issued on
Saturday, NCBC chairman
Hansraj Gangaram Ahir
highlighted the ongoing ef-
forts and significant achieve-
ments of the current govern-
ment in safeguarding and en-
hancing the constitutional
rights of Other Backward
Classes (OBCs).
OBC children securing ad-
missions.
The same period saw the
implementation of a 27%
reservation in Navodaya
Schools, facilitating the ad-
mission of 19,710 OBC stu-
dents. In 2021-22, a 27% reser-
vation in Sainik Schools al-
lowed 1,026 OBC children to
gain entry.
MBBS admissions saw
1,662 OBC students in 2021,
1,804 in 2022 and 2,090 in 2023,
the statement said. Admis-
sions for PG medical courses
included 2,663 OBC students
in 2021, 3,032 in 2022 and 3,322
in 2023, it added.
The NCBC data showed
that from 2014-15 to 2020-21,
there was a 32.6% increase in
OBC student enrollment in
central universities, with fe-
male OBC enrollment rising
by 40.4%.
PTI / NEW DELHI
India on Saturday asked its
students in Bishkek to stay
indoors after the Kyrgyz cap-
ital city reported mob vio-
lence targeting international
students, especially from
South Asia.
The Indian embassy in the
Central Asian country said it
is in touch with the Indian
students and the situation is
"calm" now.
The mission asked Indian
students in the city to stay in-
doors.
In a statement, the Kyrgyz
foreign ministry said that "de-
structive forces are deliber-
ately disseminating untrue
and false information" about
the situation in Bishkek. It
said the situation in the city is
"calm and under full control",
adding all necessary meas-
ures have been taken to en-
sure security.
External Affairs Minister S
Jaishankar advised the Indi-
an students to stay in regular
touch with the Indian em-
bassy.
"Monitoring the welfare of
Indian students in Bishkek.
The situation is reportedly
calm now. Strongly advise
students to stay in regular
touch with the Embassy," he
said in a post on 'X'.
The Indian embassy said,
"We are in touch with our stu-
dents. The situation is
presently calm but students
are advised to stay indoors for
the moment and get in touch
with the Embassy in case of
any issue."
Police in riot gear were de-
ployed in part of Kyrgyzstan's
capital overnight as large
crowds gathered in anger
over an alleged fight between
local and foreign people, The
Spire of main building of International University of Kyrgyzstan in
Bishkek
Times of Central Asia report-
ed. The incident appeared to
reflect tension over the pres-
ence of migrants, many from
South Asia, in Kyrgyzstan, it
how many of them are in
Bishkek.
The Kyrgyz foreign min-
istry said destructive forces
are deliberately disseminat-
ing untrue and false informa-
tion about the situation in the
Kyrgyz Republic in foreign
mass media and social net-
works, especially in the terri-
tory of Pakistan.
It said the situation in the
city of Bishkek is calm and
under full control. All neces-
sary measures have been tak-
en to ensure security, and
maintain peace and stability,
it said.
"Therefore, the ministry
asks the representatives of
mass media, blogger commu-
—MIKE DUDIN_UNSPLASH
nity, as well as foreign col-
said. leagues to be guided only by
The number of Indian stu- the official and confirmed in-
dents in Kyrgyzstan is esti- formation of the competent
mated to be around 15,000. It bodies," the Kyrgyz foreign
is not immediately known ministry added.
been advised to avoid
outdoor activities during this
period and ensure proper
drinking water availability
for students, Bairwa said.
In the Bilaspur district, the
opening and closing times of
schools have been changed.
Classes will now be conduct-
ed from 8 am to 2 pm, Bi-
laspur Deputy
Commissioner Abid Hussain
Sadiq said in a notification in
this regard.
The new system will come
into effect from Tuesday. Be-
sides, the Bilaspur Regional
Manager of the Himachal
Road Transport Corporation
has also been requested to
reschedule the bus timings
for the convenience of stu-
dents and teachers.
Most parts of the state on
Sunday reeled under scorch-
ing heat as maximum tem-
peratures stayed three to six
degrees Celsius above the
season's normal.

IIIT Delhi landlocked due to entrance blocked by DSEU

Minority female student
enrollment saw a 42.3% in-
crease, from 1.07 million in
2014-15 to 1.52 million in 2021-
22, SC student enrollment
grew by 44%, from 4.607 mil-
In Institutes of National
Importance, there was a 71%
increase in OBC enrollment,
with female OBC enrollment
more than doubling, the
statement said.
PTI / NEW DELHI
PIC: IIITD_FACEBOOK

lion in 2014-15 to 6.623 million
in 2021-22, with female SC en-
rollment rising by 51%, the
statement said.
Enrollment of ST students
increased by 65.2%, from
1.641 million in 2014-15 to 2.71
million in 2021-22, with
female ST enrollment in-
creasing by 80%, it added.
According to the
statement, during the aca-
demic year 2020-21, a 27%
reservation for OBC students
was implemented in central
Schools, resulting in 34,133
The NCBC claimed that en-
rollment in higher education
grew from 34.2 million in 2014-
15 to 41.4 million in 2020-21,
reaching 43.3 million in 2021-
22, marking a 26.5% increase.
Female enrollment rose
from 15.7 million in 2014-15 to
20.7 million in 2021-22, a 32%
increase, it said.
The statement said that en-
rollment of OBC students
surged by 45%, from 11.3 mil-
lion in 2014-15 to 16.3 million in
2021-22, with female OBC en-
rollment increasing by 49.3%.
The Indraprastha Institute of In-
formation Technology (IIIT)-Delhi
has alleged that the construction
work at the neighbouring institute
Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship
University has led to the "illegal"
blocking of one of its entrances,
impacting several essential servic-
es like water, electricity and gas
supply passing through the area.
The IIIT-Delhi has written to Lt
Governor VK Saxena and the Di-
rectorate of Training and Techni-
cal Education to seek their inter-
vention in the issue, a senior offi- high voltage electricity line and way out of the campus leaving our
cial of the institute told PTI. Piped Natural Gas (PNG) line are 4,000 students and faculty in a very
The institute has also filed a po- placed. These supplies pass dangerous situation," he said.
lice complaint against the alleged through gate number 3 of IIIT Del- The IIIT Delhi has been at log-
blocking of gate number 3 of the hi which is blocked by DSEU on gerheads with the Delhi govern-
campus leaving the institute with the pretext of some construction ment-run DSEU for the past month
only one entry/exit point in case of work. We are completely in a land- over the blocking of the entrance
emergency, he said. lock situation since our gate num- and has written to the Delhi LG as
There was no immediate reac- ber 2 passing through their cam- well as the DTTE — the nodal body
tion from the DSEU and Vice- pus is already closed," the official, for institutes providing technical
Chancellor Ashok Kumar Na- who did not wish to be named, education.
gawat could not be reached for a said. The DSEU is a collegiate public
comment. "In case of any emergency like state university set up by the Gov-
"The IIIT Delhi and DSEU share fire, earthquake, or any other nat- ernment of NCT of Delhi.
a common passage where our es- ural and manmade disaster IIIT Delhi LG VK Saxena serves as
sential services like water supply, Delhi does not have an alternative the Chancellor of the university.

The unique stories of these toppers exemplify how resilience and

‘Cheers, not tears’, unique determination can empower students to achieve their goals.

parent-teacher approach at Rizvi
MEGHA CHOWDHURY / MUMBAI
Bandra’s Rizvi College has in-
novated a way to ensure a
happier parent-teacher inter-
action. Instead of focusing on
students' shortcomings, the
teachers only talk about the
good things—the students’
positive sides—during par-
ent-teacher interactions.
Principal Prof Ashfaq Ah-
mad Khan has directed all
faculty members to give only
positive feedback during par-
ent-teacher meetings while
refraining from highlighting
negative points.
The rationale behind this
unconventional approach
stems from the so-
cioeconomic
backgrounds of
the college's stu-
dent body. "I want
to make sure our
parents feel good
about the money
they spend on
their kids' educa-
tion, especially Prof Ashfaq Ahmad Khan ing that.
since 90% of our
students come from lower-in- a student, says her parents
come households,” Khan told work hard to keep her in col-
Rather than sharing the shortcomings of the students with their
parents, the college does something unique
The Free Press lege. "Many of us, including
Journal (FPJ). myself, work to support our-
Khan highlights selves financially. The posi-
that it's important tive feedback we receive dur-
that parents feel ing the meetings reassures
proud of their chil- our parents that their efforts
dren, and this ap- are worth it and makes my
proach could be a parents happy and proud."
good way of ensur- When questioned about
the potential drawbacks of
Atiya Rehmani, not informing parents of
where their children may be
lagging in studies, Khan says
Rizvi College
it's better to focus on fixing
the problem within the col-
lege first.
"Informing parents about
issues their child may be fac-
ing can often lead to unneces-
sary stress and anxiety," he
told the FPJ.
Additionally, Rizvi College
offers extra classes and keeps
an eye on the students who
need help, so that parents
don't have to worry too much.
Grade 12 ISC topper Thane girl scores 99.4%
despite multiple bone
secures University of fractures,
tops school
Bristol admission
SUNIDHI VIJAY / MUMBAI
nessed all my focus on my
studies,” Agrawal continued.
SUNIDHI VIJAY / MUMBAI cus was on completing the Navya Agrawal topped her A basketball enthusiast,
minimum criteria of 90% de- school’s class 10 ICSE board Agrawal has represented Ma-
A Grade 12 ISC topper, Rashi manded by her preferred uni- exams this year despite sus- harashtra and Thane at vari-
Vishwesh Karnik, scored versity. taining multiple bone frac- ous competitions.
99.5% in her exams and has “I applied to five universi- tures at an inter-school She stated that her studies
now secured admission at the ties in the U.K. and got select- Kabaddi championship last were interrupted for two to
University of Bristol, Eng- ed in four out of five of them,” August. Agrawal, a student of three months due to the frac-
land. A student of Eu- Karnik, who will pursue a EuroSchool, Thane, scored ture, so she had much catch-
roSchool, Thane, law degree, added. 99.4% in her class ing up to do.
Karnik had a mix “The reason why I 10 exam and got a “We were al-
of commerce and chose the Univer- perfect 100 in five ways there for her
humanities in her sity of Bristol is subjects–Physics, and helped her
class 12. because it
TOPPERS’ Chem- keep her mind off
“I can never sit comes in
TALES
istry, Bi- since she was not
continuously for the top ten ology, His- able to play sports
three to four universities in the tory and Physical and had to let go of
hours to study. I U.K. for law and is Education. the dream of play-
made sure to take also recognised by “Injuring my ing nationals last
a 10-minute break Rashi Karnik the Bar Council of hand was defi- year,” said her
Navya Agrawal
after studying for India. So if I were nitely a setback, mother, Saloni
an hour,” said Karnik. “I to come back to practice, I however, my teachers and Agrawal.
studied up to six to seven could easily do that,” she parents always supported Agrawal, who has current-
hours a day because I did not said. me,” she said. Agrawal broke ly undertaken PCM (Physics,
want to burn myself out,” she Karnik has also secured a the radius and ulna bones of Chemistry, Maths) as her cho-
added. scholarship worth £6,500 her left arm and also under- sen subject in class 11, aims to
For Karnik, it was a pleas- known as the Think Big went surgery for it. “I missed crack the JEE exam and se-
ant surprise to score this high Scholarship offered by the basketball nationals because cure admission to one of the
a percentage since all her fo- University of Bristol. of this as well, but then I har- top IITs in the country.

INDORE | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024
Ektaa Kapoor and Jeetendra
Gulzar along with daughter Meghna
Junaid and Ira Khan
Dharmendra
Blame Game
Actress rants about the mismanagement at the polling booth
CJ DESK
A
ctress and television
host Gauahar Khan
slammed polling
booth authorities
after her name went
missing from the list of
potential voters. The ac-
tress stepped out to vote in
Mumbai on Monday after-
noon, however, it looks like
she didn't get her finger
inked, despite having an Aad-
har card. Gauahar made an ap-
peal to the Election Commission of
India to allow citizens to vote on the basis
of Aadhar cards or passports.
In a video shared by a paparazzo on Insta-
gram, Gauahar is seen coming out of the
polling booth, however, she did not pose for
the photographers. Instead, she said the situa-
tion inside is very confusing and 'badly organ-
ised'. She also took to her Instagram stories
and posted videos to share her ordeal.
"I really have an appeal. Why do we have
Aadhar cards if we are not considered citi-
zens enough to vote? Your Aadhar card is
your identity that you are an Indian citizen
and you should be able to vote with that. But
when you go to voting counters with our Aad-
YoonA & Han he 77th Cannes Film Festival is currently taking place in France, where A-list celebs from
So-Hee grace
the Cannes
T around the world have graced in style. Popular South Korean beauties also stunned the red
carpet in princess gowns. Girls' Generation group member YoonA and popular Korean actress
Han So Hee walked the Cannes red carpet, looking ethereal in a princess dress. Both the K-
beauties walked for the screening of the Horizon: An American Saga movie. Singer and actor Lim
2024 red YoonA, also called Yoon-ah graced this year's Cannes red carpet in a dreamy pink ensemble by
carpet Monique Lhuillier. She donned a structured pink gown that boasted a plunging V neckline and a
flowing chiffon skirt with delicate pleats. — CJ Desk
RESPONSIBLE
CITIZENS
Celebs cast their votes in the
respective constituencies
Vardhan Puri with his mother
Preity Zinta
(l-r) Hrithik, Sunaina, Pinky and Rakesh Roshan
Saira Banu
Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri with sons Abram and Aryan
Esha Deol Sohail Khan
Salman Khan
Suniel Shetty Manish Malhotra
Hema Malini Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan Boney Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor
It’s a boy!
CJ DESK
ollywood actress Yami Gau-
B tam and filmmaker Aditya
Dhar announced the birth
of their first child, a son, on
Monday, May 20. Taking to so-
cial media, they released a joint
statement and revealed that they
har cards and ID proofs, they were blessed with a son on the aus-
say you cannot vote be- picious occasion of Akshay Tritya
which was on May 10. The couple
cause your name is not in
the list. I'm just mak- has named their son Vedavid.
ing a humble We are thrilled to announce the
appeal that arrival of our beloved son, Vedavid,
on the ba- who graced us with his birth on the
sis of your auspicious day of Akshay Tritya.
Aadhaar Please shower him with all your
card, you kind blessings and love," they
must be wrote.
allowed to They also expressed gratitude to
vote as an the medical professionals. The cap-
Indian citi- tion of their post read, "We would
zen," Gauahar like to express our heartfelt grati-
is heard saying in tude to the exceptionally dedicated
the video. and wonderful medical profession-
She added, "Why are we als at Surya Hospital, especially Dr.
being denied our right to Bhupender Awasthi and Dr. Ran-
vote just because the sur- jana Dhanu, whose expertise and
vey they've done doesn't tireless efforts made this joyous oc-
have your name? It has casion possible."
names of people who are not It further read, "As we embark on
even living in the building. this beautiful journey of parent-
Here people are fighting and hood, we eagerly anticipate the
going berserk because they bright future that awaits our son.
have their IDs but the sur- With every milestone he achieves,
vey does not have their we are filled with the hope and be-
names. That is the most lief that he will grow to become a
basic deprivation of your beacon of pride for our entire fami-
rights." ly as well as our beloved nation."
CELEB SPOTTING MUMBAI | TUESDAY | MAY 21, 2024

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As She Returns From Cannes Mumbai| Watch The Video Urges Everyone to Vote

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Bump As She Casts Vote With Husband Vote Along With His Family Bachchan Exercise Their Right
Ranveer Singh To Vote

'Bhai' Salman Khan Casts His Vote Back From Cannes, Aishwarya Rai
In Bandra Bachchan Casts Vote in Mumbai
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ROHIT SHARMA | PRIVACY RIGHTS

Iranian President Raisi's Life 'In Danger' After Mumbai 5th Phase Voting: What do Voters in Bandra Election Survey: Mumbai Votes in 5th Phase
Helicopter Crash; Biden Holds Emergency Meet Feel About Elections | Election Survey | Malabar Hill | Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Lok Sabha Elections Phase 5: From Rajkumar Rao Iran President Ebrahim Raisi Dies In Chopper Americans and Brit National Arrested in DR
to Janhvi Kapoor, celeb cast their vote in Mumbai Crash, Pictures & Videos From Crash Site Congo Coup Attempt; Three Dead in Shootout

Suspected ISIS Terrorists Arrested at Pune Teen Who Killed 2 With Porsche Got 'Increase Taxes For Those Who Don't Vote',
Ahmedabad Airport After Bomb Threat Bail In 15 Hours. Ordered To Write Essay Paresh Rawal's Suggestion Triggers Controversy

'Go Back' Chants Target Kangana Ranaut World Leaders Mourn After Iranian President ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants for Israel
in Spiti; BJP Decries Attack on Convoy Raisi and FM's Deaths in Helicopter Crash PM, Defense Minister, and Hamas Leadership

Speculation of Assassination Surrounds Death

of Iran's President Raisi in Helicopter Crash