July 2023 - Page 15 of 49 - Lokmarg

ED Arrests Raut’s Aide Sujit Patkar In Covid Centre Scam

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has made the first arrests in the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) Covid Center scam case.

According to ED officials, Sujit Patkar, a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and a civic doctor Kishore Bisure have been arrested.
Patkar and Bisure will be produced in a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court later today.

Earlier in June ED raided 15 locations in Mumbai in connection with the alleged BMC Covid centre scam case and seized cash and documents of properties worth crores, according to ED sources.

The case is linked to a money laundering case against Sujit Patkar.

The ED source said that Patkar is the kingpin of the scam. He is one of the four partners of Lifeline Hospital Management Services that was awarded the contract to run a Covid-19 jumbo centre in Worli.

The ED said that Rs 22 crore was allegedly laundered via shell companies for which Patkar played an instrumental role.

ED had seized Rs 68.65 lakh in cash during the raid. Documents of 50 immovable properties located at various places in Maharashtra with a market value of more than Rs 150 crore, fixed deposits and investments worth Rs 15 crore and jewelery worth Rs 2.46 crore have also been recovered.

According to the sources, ED had also seized several mobile phones and laptops along with many incriminating documents.

The search revealed that one company was giving body bags for dead COVID-19 patients to another company for Rs 2,000. That company was giving the same body bags to the Central Procurement Department for Rs 6,800 and this contract was signed by the then BMC mayor, said the sources in the ED. (ANI)

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WFI Chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Singh

Court Grants Bail To Brij Bhushan, Imposes Conditions

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

A Delhi court on Thursday granted regular bail to outgoing Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and the Federation’s assistant secretary Vinod Tomar Singh in the sexual harassment case registered by several wrestlers.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal on Thursday while allowing the bail petition, directed accused persons to furnish a personal bail bond of Rs 25,000 each.
The Court also imposed several bail conditions that the accused shall directly or indirectly not induce the complainants or witnesses and shall not leave the country without the permission of the court.

He shall not leave the country without the permission of the court, the court said.

The next date of the hearing is July 28 for scrutiny of documents. The court, earlier in the day kept the order reserved after the conclusion of the arguments of all sides.

The Court had noted that the Delhi Police lawyer said that he is neither opposing nor supporting the bail application, his submission is only that the same shall be dealt with provision of law.

During the arguments, Advocate Harsh Vohra appeared for the complainants and stated that since Singh has political influence and was the head of the association of which these complainants are a part, therefore bail should not be granted to him.

If bail is granted it should be done so by imposing strict conditions and he should not approach the complainants.

Advocate Rajiv Mohan who appeared for Brij Bhushan submitted that, in a case where the prosecution doesn’t require custodial interrogation, an arrest is not mandatory.

Singh submitted that he will abide by all conditions and there was no threat to anyone. He said that he was ready to give an undertaking that no such incident will happen.

The Rouse Avenue Court on the last date of hearing had granted interim bail to the BJP MP Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar in sexual harassment case registered by several wrestlers.

Appearing for Delhi Police, Special Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava earlier submitted that, “We have not arrested the accused, we leave it to the court if they want to grant him bail but we are opposing bail… some conditions can be imposed on him that he does not influence the witnesses.”

The Delhi Police chargesheet filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar stated that both the accused are chargesheeted for trial ‘without arrest’ as they have complied with the directions under section 41A of CrPC by joining the investigation.

Results of digital/electronic devices and exhibits seized and deposited with the concerned forensic labs are yet to be received and shall be filed through supplementary police reports.

The analysis of requisitioned CDRs etc., as found appropriate for the purpose of prosecution shall also be submitted expeditiously, stated the Delhi Police in the chargesheet.

The present chargesheet has been prepared against the alleged accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar for the commission of an offence under sections 354/354A/354D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh).

Accused Vinod Tomar aided/facilitated the commission of the crime. Accordingly, he is being forwarded for trial under sections 354/354A/109/506 of IPC.

Chargesheet further stated that based on the investigation so far, Brij Bhushan Singh was “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences” of sexual harassment, molestation and stalking.

A 1599 pages chargesheet in the case, having statements of 44 witnesses and six statements were recorded under CrPC 164.

Delhi Police in the chargesheet also submitted several pictures including the picture clicked during the events.

Delhi Police chargesheet stated that based on the “investigation so far,” of the complaints by six top wrestlers, Singh was “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences” of sexual harassment, molestation and stalking.

Chargesheet stated that witnesses in the matter have mentioned that they also saw the physically wrong gesture of the then WFI president.

Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar on June 15.

This case was lodged on a complaint lodged by women wrestlers.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal issued summons to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar after taking cognizance of the chargesheet.

In the wrestlers’ matter, two FIRs were registered against Brij Bhushan Singh on the basis of the wrestlers’ complaints.

One was registered under POCSO Act and a cancellation report has been filed in the case of a minor wrestler. The second FIR was filed on the complaint of several wrestlers.

In Patiala House Court, Delhi Police filed Cancellation Report, citing a lack of evidence, on the POCSO matter.

Delhi Police on June 15 filed a report recommending the cancellation of the POCSO case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharana Singh.

This comes after the minor, who had accused the WFI chief of sexual harassment changed her statement. There was no collaborative evidence in the case, Delhi Police said.

In both matters, Delhi Police officials had said that in the FIR registered by the wrestlers, after completion of investigation, we are filing a chargesheet for the offences under sections 354, 354A, 354D IPC against accused Brijbhushan Sharan Singh and for offences under sections109/ 354/354A/506 IPC against accused Vinod Tomar before the Rouse Avenue Court, said Suman Nalwa, PRO, Delhi Police.

In the POCSO matter, after completion of the investigation, we have submitted a police report under section 173 Cr PC requesting for a cancellation of the case based upon statements of the complainant i.e., the father of the victim and the victim herself, added Delhi police. (ANI)

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M’rashtra: 13 Dead, Many Trapped In Raigad Landslide

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

As many as 13 people died, including one rescuer, after the landslide occurred at Irshalwadi village in Khalapur tehsil in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, police said.

“12 bodies have been retrieved from the debris in Irshalwadi, Raigad; also, one rescuer died of cardiac arrest. Total of 13 deaths till now,” police said on Thursday.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrived at the scene of the tragedy in the morning to review and take stock of the relief and rescue efforts in the Raigad district.

He expressed grief over the landslide incident in Raigad that killed. He also announced an aid of five lakh rupees to the families of the deceased, said officials.

According to Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Maharashtra, CM Eknath Shinde announced an ex- gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the Raigad Police has set up a control room after the incident. The police said that so far they have rescued 22 people from the spot but many are feared trapped in the debris.

“We will get a better idea of the situation when the daylight comes. Presently over 100 people from Police and district administration are involved in the rescue operation and we are getting help from NDRF, locals and some NGOs too,” the Raigad Police said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after a landslide in Raigad district amid heavy rainfall while several are still trapped.

Shah said four National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to carry out the rescue operation. (ANI)

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SC Expresses Concern On Issue Related To Cheetahs Death

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed its concern on the death of cheetahs in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh and asked the Centre to take some positive steps regarding this. However, Centre apprised the top court that 50 percent deaths on translocation is normal.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala and Prashant Kumar Mishra made these observations while hearing the issue related to the death of cheetahs.
Taking note of the deaths of two cheetahs last week, the court asked the Centre why were they making it a prestige issue.

The court also questioned why the cheetahs are put in one place. The court suggested the Centre take some positive steps.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the government, responded to the court that they are doing their best efforts for the project. She apprised the court that 50 per cent of deaths on translocation are normal.

The court sought to know the issue of whether they are suited to the climate or facing Kidney or respiratory issues or not. ASG replied that the infections were leading to the deaths.

The court remarked that one of the sanctuaries in Rajasthan is known for leopards and suggested the court consider this aspect.

Twelve cheetahs from South Africa arrived on February 18 in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park after South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the re-introduction of Cheetahs in India to establish a viable cheetah population in the Asian country.

Earlier, eight cheetahs brought from Namibia were released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kuno National Park on the occasion of his birthday on September 17, 2022. One Cheetah died due to illness recently.

The MoU on the reintroduction of cheetahs to India facilitates cooperation between the parties to establish a viable and secure cheetah population in India, promotes conservation and ensures that expertise is shared and exchanged, and capacity is built, to promote cheetah conservation. (ANI)

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Ishita, Vatsal Drop First Picture With Baby Boy

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

Finally, new parents in town Vatsal Sheth and Ishita Dutta on Thursday shared a first picture after welcoming their baby boy.

Taking to Instagram, Vatsal treated fans with a picture from the hospital featuring his wife Ishita and his baby boy.
Sheth family happily posed for the camera and they didn’t reveal the face of their baby boy. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu6QCqLI3Rv/embed

Sharing the photo, he wrote, “Us. We have been blessed with a baby boy. Thank you all for the love and wishes.”

As soon as the picture was uploaded the actor, the fans and industry friends chimed in the comment section to pour in love and blessings.

Shabir Ahluwalia dropped heart emojis.

Anita Hassanandani wrote, “Congratulations.”

Kushal Tandon commented, “Mubarak mere bhai.”

Ridhima Pandit wrote, “Congratulations guys blessings and best wishes.”

Mahekk Chahal posted, “Wow congratulations to you both with a beautiful baby boy . God bless.”

Vatsal and Ishita welcomed their first child on Wednesday.

Ishita and Vatsal tied knot in 2017. The couple fell in love during the shoot of a TV show, ‘Rishton Ka Saudagar – Baazigar’.

Ishita announced her pregnancy news on March 31 with an Instagram post. She dropped a few silhouette pictures in which the couple is seen posing at the beach.

The news of Ishita’s pregnancy broke out when she appeared at the airport flaunting her baby bump. She looked absolutely gorgeous and radiated the pregnancy glow. The actress also smiled and waved at the paps. However, she did not make any official statement on social media at that time.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ishita was last seen in the thriller film ‘Drishyam 2’ alongside Ajay Devgn and Tabu. Helmed by Abhishek Pathak, the film was a blockbuster.

Vatsal, on the other hand, was recently seen in the Pan-India film ‘Adipurush’ alongside Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon.

He recently finished shooting for his Gujarati debut film, which also stars Helly Shah.

Excited about the project, Vatsal said, “This film is really special and it was an amazing experience shooting for it as we have shot it in Somnath, Dwarka and the last schedule was shot in Daman! We have wrapped the film and it’s finally done.” (ANI)

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Shaken Me To The Core: Kiara On Manipur Video

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

After Akshay Kumar, actor Kiara Advani on Thursday took to social media and reacted to the viral video that allegedly shows two women in Manipur being sexually assaulted on a road.

Taking to Twitter, Kiara wrote, “The video of violence against women in Manipur is horrifying and has shaken me to the core. I pray the women get justice at the earliest. Those responsible must face the most SEVERE punishment they deserve.”

Speaking on the video that showed two women being paraded naked in Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I am filled with pain and the incident is shameful for any civil society.”

“No accused will spared, we will never forgive those who are behind this,” he said.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Monsoon session of the Parliament that begins today, PM Modi said, “This a shameful incident for any society..who did this and who is responsible is another issue but this has put our nation to shame. I appeal to all chief minsters to tighten law and order. Whether it is Rajasthan, Chattisgarh or Manipur…the issue of a woman’s honour is above all politics.

Meanwhile, several opposition MPs have given notices in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha demanding discussions on the situation in Manipur, arising from a fresh controversy as a video of two women being paraded naked surfaced and was widely circulated.

Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Naga communities against the High Court’s order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only STs can buy lands in hilly areas.

The majority Meitei community, which occupy the Imphal valley and nearby areas, sought the ST status keeping in view their increasing population and increased requirement of land, so that they could purchase lands in the hilly areas.

The government has planned heavy legislative business for the monsoon session of Parliament beginning Thursday with Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, among 31 bills on its agenda.

The monsoon session of Parliament will continue till August 11. There will be a total of 17 sittings during the session. It will commence in the old Parliament Building. (ANI)

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NCPCR, NCW Have Taken Cognizance Of Jodhpur Incident: Smriti

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani on Thursday said that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and National Commission for Women have taken cognizance of the Rajasthan’s Jodhpur incident.

“Both @NCPCR and @NCW have taken cognisance of the horrific incident in Rajasthan”, tweeted Union Minister Irani.
The statement came after the Jodhpur Police recovered four charred bodies from a hut at Cherai village in Ramnagar gram panchayat of Jodhpur. As per the information, the family members were first murdered and then their bodies were set on fire.

Dharmendra Yadav, Superintendent of Police, Jodhpur Rural told ANI, “The Jodhpur police have recovered 4 burnt bodies from a hut in Ramnagar village. Further investigation is underway”.

Coming down heavily on the Congress government over the recovery of the charred bodies, the BJP demanded the resignation of CM Gehlot.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Rajendra Rathore, on Wednesday, said law and order in the state had deteriorated to such as extent that even the legislators of the ruling Congress were not safe.

His remark came amid a walkout by the BJP members from the Assembly on Wednesday, citing law and order.

Addressing media persons after the walkout, Rathore lashed out at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, claiming that he has failed to discharge his duties as the Home minister, a portfolio he holds additionally.

“CM Gehlot has failed in his additional role as the Home Minister of the state. Even their (Congress’s) own MLAs are saying that they are not feeling safe in the state. The law and order situation has deteriorated in Rajasthan. Today, the state is in the shadows of gangsters,” the BJP leader said.

Bharatiya Janta Party Rajasthan State President Chandra Prakash Joshi sought Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s resignation following the matter.

The BJP State president said, “The incident is shameful, the Chief Minister should resign from his post for this incident which took place in the home district of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot”.

He added, “Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is busy increasing the glory of his son Vaibhav Gehlot but the glory of Rajasthan is decreasing.”.”The number of crimes is continuously increasing in Rajasthan from several times”, he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Divya Madrena on Wednesday appealed to the government to take note of the law and order situation in Jodhpur.

“Despite being a woman MLA, I am not safe in Rajasthan. I have complained so many times about impending attacks on me. The attackers are roaming freely. They pass by my home often. No arrests have been made. I appeal to the government to take note of the law and order situation in Jodhpur”, said Madrena. (ANI)

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RS Adjourned Till 2 pm Over Discussion On Manipur

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm on Thursday with some opposition leaders demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Manipur in the House even as government expressed its willingness to discuss the issue.

The House which met at 12 noon after it was adjourned in the morning following obituary references, saw opposition members urging the Chair that they had given notices for adjournment motion which should be considered.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said he he had received 12 notices under Rule 176 for short duration discussion and the government had also expressed its willingness for discussion on the situation in Manipur.

The Chairman said he had also received notices for discussion pertaining to rail safety and unemployment situation.

He said the government is ready for discussion on Manipur under Rule 176.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge referred to remarks of Union Minister Piyush Goyal about the government’s willingness to discuss the issue and said opposition members had also given notices.

Derek O’Brien of Trinamool Congress said that they had given notices under Rule 267 for discussion on Manipur situation over ethnic violence in the state.

He also said that Prime Minister Modi should speak on the House on the situation in Manipur. Chairman adjourned the House till 2 pm amid din the House. (ANI)

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Manipur: First Arrest Made; Biren Says Capital Punishment For Culprits

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

Manipur Police has made its first arrest in the case registered in connection with the video of the incident in May this year in which two women being paraded naked in Manipur, chief minister N Biren Singh said on Thursday.

“Last night at around 1.30 am, we arrested the main culprit,” the Manipur chief minister told ANI.
A video of the two-month-old incident had gone viral evoking sharp reactions from various political parties and triggering outrage.

Speaking to ANI, the Manipur chief minister said, “This is an inhumane act…so we have condemned this immediately…we instructed police to immediately act and arrest the culprits.”

“Every man every human being will condemn this act,” Singh said adding that they will seek for the perpetrators to get punishment “to the maximum possible extent.”

“Really shocked when I saw the video and after seeing it I inquired about the incident it happened on 4 May…but this video leaked after 40 days. I asked for mass combing ops…and last night itself we have arrested one man involved,” the Manipur chief minister said.

According to a senior police official the incident took place on May 4 in Manipur’s Thoubal district and a case of abduction, gangrape and murder has been registered in the matter.

Superintendent of Police (SP), K Meghachandra Singh in a statement on July 19 said “As regards the video of 2 (two) women paraded naked by unknown armed miscreants on 4th May 2023, a case of abduction, gangrape and murder was registered at Nongpok Sekmai Police Station (Thoubal district) against unknown armed miscreants.”

Earlier in a tweet Manipur chief minister N Biren Das said that strict action will be taken against all the curprits, including considering the possibility of capital punishment.

“After taking a Suo-motu cognisance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning. A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment,” the Manipur chief minister tweeted.

“Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning spoke said he is pained over the incident and said the incident is “shameful for any civil society.”

“No accused will spared, we will never forgive those who are behind this,” the Prime Minister said.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Monsoon session of the Parliament today, PM Modi said, “This a shameful incident for any society..who did this and who is responsible is another issue but this has put our nation to shame. I appeal to all chief ministers to tighten law and order. Whether it is Rajasthan, Chattisgarh or Manipur…the issue of a woman’s honour is above all politics.

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Centre Orders Twitter, Social Media To Take Down Video On Manipur Women

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

The Centre on Thursday asked Twitter and other social media to take down the video of two Manipuri women being paraded naked as the matter is under investigation.

As per sources, the Government has told social media platforms operating in India that it is imperative for them to adhere to Indian laws. The order was given after a video of the incident went viral on social media triggering shock and outrage.
According to the sources, “The government has issued an order to Twitter and other social media platforms, instructing them not to share the viral video of the two Manipuri women being paraded nude. It is imperative for the social media platforms to adhere to Indian laws as the matter is currently under investigation.”

According to a senior police official the incident took place on May 4 in Manipur’s Thoubal district and a case of abduction, gangrape and murder has been registered in the matter.

“The investigation has started and the state police is making an all-out effort to arrest the culprits at the earliest,” the statement read.

The police statement was also tweeted by BJP Leader and IT Cell in-charge Amit Malviya.

Union Minister for Women and Child Welfare Smriti Irani tweeted that she had spoken to Chief minister Biren Singh over the issue. “The horrific video of sexual assault of 2 women emanating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhuman. Spoke to CM N Biren Singh ji who has informed me that the investigation is currently underway & assured that no effort will be spared to bring perpetrators to justice,” Irani tweeted.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in his tweet claimed that the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue has pushed the state into anarchy.

“PM’s silence and inaction has led Manipur into anarchy. INDIA will not stay silent while the idea of India is being attacked in Manipur. We stand with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way forward,” the Congress leader tweeted. (ANI)

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