Month: May 2024

The first batch of pilgrims from Srinagar departed for Medina in Saudi Arabia on Thursday to perform Haj.

Speaking to ANI, a Haj pilgrim said, “We are thankful to the (central) government for extending us all necessary help. We are delighted that Allah has chosen us to perform Haj at such a young age. I will pray for lasting peace and happiness in Kashmir.”

The first batch of pilgrims embarked on the annual Haj pilgrimage from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in the early hours of Thursday.

“Today, the first flight for Haj 2024 departed for Medinah at 2.20 am (May 9) with 285 people onboard. I wish to congratulate all the pilgrims and wish them a safe journey. The support and facilities for the pilgrims have been getting better under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have introduced the ‘Har Suvidha’ mobile application this year for the convenience of the pilgrims as well as their security during the journey. In the event of an emergency or an unforeseen situation, the app will connect a pilgrim directly to the control room and help centre. As many as 16,500 pilgrims are registered to depart Delhi for Haj this year,” Kausar Jahan, the chairperson of the Delhi State Haj Committee, told ANI.

Meanwhile, officials in Rajasthan’s Pali district said about 80 pilgrims were to be vaccinated before departing for Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed Ayyub Khan, chairman of the state’s Haj Committee, said, “Proper arrangements for inoculation have been made for the Haj pilgrims this year. Vaccines against polio, influenza and Mangalore meningitis are being administered to the pilgrims before they depart for Haj. We all saw how vaccines turned out to be life-savers during the Covid-19 pandemic. It thus explains the significance of the vaccination camp.”

Dr Shri Ram Yadav, chief health officer, Pali said, “A total of 80 pilgrims are to be administered vaccines ahead of the pilgrimage. Of them, 70 have already received their shots.”

Muktesh K Pardeshi, secretary, Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs, conducted a review of preparations for Haj 2024 in Jeddah and Medinah, on Tuesday.

Haj is among the five pillars of Islam, with the others being Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (Donation) and Roza (fasting).

Every year, millions of Muslims around the world embark on the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. The spiritual journey is considered by believers of the Islamic faith to be immensely significant as it affords them an opportunity to connect with Allah, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their faith.

The desire to be among those walking to Mina, echoing the Labaik with the crowd, and performing the rituals of Hajj is a sentiment shared by countless Muslims across the globe.

Hajj draws people from different walks of life towards a common purpose–setting aside their differences and embracing one another as equals before Allah. (ANI)

The massive political row over former Indian Overseas Congress chairperson Sam Pitroda’s racist rant against Indians in an interview refused to die down on Thursday, with Union Minister Giriraj Singh demanding that Congress heavyweights Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi extend an apology to the country.

Expanding on the country’s pluralistic character and how it was a melting pot of people from different ethnicities, Pitroda, in an interview with The Statesman, said those inhabiting the country’s East look like ‘Chinese’ while those living down South bear resemblance with ‘Africans’.

Faced with fury and criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP, as well as a cross-section of Opposition leaders, Pitroda stepped down as the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress.

His resignation was accepted by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, with party general secretary Jairam Ramesh clarifying that Pitroda took the decision on his own accord.

However, unsparing in his attack on the grand old party, Giriraj told ANI on Thursday, “I demand that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi apologise to the country for Pitroda’s obnoxious and racist comments. They (Congress) are out to destroy the country’s character, the singular trait that makes us unique. I want to ask the Congress: do they think the resignation of Sam Pitroda alone can erase the stain that they have put on the country’s image?”

“The mantle of destroying our country and dividing the people passed from the Britishers to the Congress. First, they tried to separate Hindus from Muslims and then they created an imaginary North-South divide. Now, they are trying to differentiate the people, who are all proud Indians, on the basis of their skin tone. The people wouldn’t tolerate such abuse. The Congress believes only in diving the society and creating chasms between people,” the Union Minister told ANI.

In his interview, Pitroda said, “We have survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside a few fights here and there. We could hold a country together as diverse as India, where people in the East look like Chinese, people in the West look like Arab, people in the North look like white and maybe people in the South look like Africans.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP’s all-out attack on the grand old party, calling it ‘racist’ and urging people to give a befitting reply to such insults on the basis of their skin tone.

“
Shehzade (Rahul) aapko jawaab dena padega
(Rahul, you will have to answer for this). My country will not tolerate such disrespect of our people on the basis of their skin tone and Modi, of all, will never take this lying down,” PM Modi roared at a rally at Warangal in Telangana.

“There is an uncle in America, who is the philosopher and guide of the Shehzada. Just as a third umpire guides the on-field umpires in cricket, so does Rahul seek advice from his third umpire from time to time,” PM Modi said.

Pitroda, earlier, courted controversy after advocating the introduction of an inheritance tax in the country along the lines of the US.

Amid the row over the Congress’ alleged promise of a nationwide wealth survey and redistribution, Pitroda expanded on the idea saying, “In the US, there is something called inheritance tax. If a person has appropriated wealth to the tune of USD 100 million, then, as per the rule here, he can only leave behind 45 per cent of his assets for his dependants and children while the State will stake claim to the remaining 55 per cent. It is an interesting law, which says you should leave behind one-half of your total assets or wealth for the State, which to me sounds fair.”

“In India, there is no such tax. If somebody worth 10 billion dies, his children stand to inherit all the wealth that he leaves behind and the people get nothing. Such ideas need to be debated and discussed. When we talk about redistributing wealth, we are talking about new policies and programmes that are in the interest of the people and not of the super-rich,” he added. (ANI)

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that every political party in the country is “committed to ensure that PoK, which is a part of India, returns to India,” and that “the PoK issue has come to the front of people’s thinking” after revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which was considered a difficult decision.

Interacting with students at the Gargi College here, the minister said that people assumed Article 370 could not be changed as the politics of the day had driven it deeply into the public consciousness.

Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated by the BJP-led government in August 2019.

“Take even (Article) 370, people just assume 370 cannot be changed and this is something we have to accept because the politics of the day have driven it very deeply into public consciousness. Now we see, once we change it then the entire ground situation changes,” Jaishankar said.

“All I can say with respect to PoK (is) that there is a parliament resolution, every political party of this country is committed to ensure PoK, which is a part of India, returns to India. This actually is our national commitment but I do want to say one thing. I didn’t use to get people ask us about this ten years ago, or even five years ago. It is when we have put 370 to rest, now people understand, yes PoK is also important,” he added.

Jaishankar said the first prerequisite for something happening is first it must be in your thoughts.

“What has happened today is that because we have finally taken the right decision on 370, in the minds of our own people today, the PoK issue has come to the front of their thinking. As they say, the first prerequisite for something happening is first it must be in your thoughts. once it is in your thoughts, the rest will certainly happen at some point,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the deteriorating economic situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, political and human rights organizations have invoked a long march and called for a sit-in on May 11 to raise the issues faced by the locals in Muzaffarabad in PoJK.

The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) and Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), in a joint statement released earlier, announced that the march will raise issues like skyrocketing inflation, severe unemployment, revocation of subsidies on wheat and flour, unjustified load shedding, exploitation of PoJK’s natural resources and special and unjust privileges being given to the civil bureaucracy in PoJK.

Stressing that people have not received their wages and pensions, Amjad Ayub Mirza, a PoJK activist said, “And now to sabotage the sit-in, the Pakistani administration has ordered the puppet PM of PoK Chaudhry Anwarul Haq to issue a request for the deployment of Punjab province police and frontal corps in PoJK. (ANI)

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Sam Pitroda, whose remarks “people of the East look like the Chinese and those of the South look like Africans” caused a major political furore in election season and embarrassed the Congress, resigned as Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress on Wednesday.

The Congress had earlier distanced itself from Pitroda’s remarks.

“Mr. Sam Pitroda has decided to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress of his own accord. The Congress President has accepted his decision,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X.

Pitroda stirred a major controversy in the middle of Lok Sabha polls and BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi seized on them to target the Congress.

Pitroda, in an interview with ‘The Statesman’, while reflecting upon the democracy in India said, “We have survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside few fights here and there. We could hold a country together as diverse as India, where people in the East look like Chinese, people in the West look like Arab, people in the North look like white and maybe people in the South look like Africans.”

He further added that the people of India respect different languages, religions, food and customs which vary from region to region. “That’s the India that I believe in, where everybody has a place and everybody compromises a little bit,” he said.

Jairam Ramesh said that the analogies drawn by Sam Pitroda are “most unfortunate and unacceptable”.

“The analogies drawn by Sam Pitroda in a podcast to illustrate India’s diversity are most unfortunate and unacceptable. The Indian National Congress completely dissociates itself from these analogies,” he said in a post on X.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders slammed Pitroda over his “racist” remarks with PM Modi referring to them in his election rallies.

He said people of the country will not tolerate insults on the basis of the colour of their skin and demanded an answer from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

“‘Shehzade aapko jawaab dena padega’. My country will not tolerate the disrespect of my countrymen on the basis of their skin colour and Modi will never tolerate this…,” PM Modi said in his rally at Warangal.

“I was thinking a lot that (President) Droupadi Murmu who has a very good reputation and is the daughter of an Adivasi family, then why is Congress trying so hard to defeat her but today I got to know the reason. I got to know that there is an uncle in America who is the philosophical guide of ‘Shehzada’ and just like the third umpire in cricket this ‘Shehzada’ takes advice from the third umpire,” he said.

“This philosophical uncle said that those who have black skin are from Africa. This means that you are abusing several people of the country on the basis of their skin colour…Where will they take the country? No matter what skin colour we have, we are the people who worship Lord Krishna…,” he added. (ANI)

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Amid a diplomatic standoff, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer on Wednesday arrived in New Delhi on an official visit to India to discuss bilateral ties between the two countries.

During his visit, the two sides will discuss bilateral and regional issues and seek ways to provide impetus to our multifaceted relationship.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also shared details of his arrival on X saying. “Warm welcome to FM @MoosaZameer of Maldives on his official visit to India. Discussions on bilateral & regional issues and seeking ways to provide impetus to our multifaceted relationship lie ahead.”

According to the MEA release, the Maldivian Minister will hold a meeting with the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss the bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

“Moosa Zameer, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives will be in India on an official visit on 09 May 2024. During his visit to New Delhi, Foreign Minister Zameer will meet the External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar for discussions on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest,” MEA statement said.” Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Foreign Minister Zameer’s visit is expected to lend further momentum to the bilateral cooperation between the two countries,” it added.

The visit comes as India has said that it will replace its military personnel from Maldives before May 10.

On May 3, India and Maldives held the 4th meeting of the bilateral High-Level Core Group and reviewed the replacement of Indian military personnel from the Island nation by May 10 and noted that the government will replace military personnel before the noted time. Earlier, the Mohamed Muizzu-led Maldives government formally requested that India withdraw its troops from Male.

Maldives foreign ministry said in a press release that both sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation. “Discussions were held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development and defence cooperation.”

“Both sides noted with satisfaction that the Government of India will replace military personnel at the last of the three aviation platforms by May 10, and all the logistical arrangements are going ahead as per schedule,” the press release added.

It was further agreed that the fifth meeting of the High-Level Core Group will be held in Male on a mutually agreeable date during the month of June/July.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the first batch of Indian personnel in the Maldives had been replaced by technical personnel.

The external affairs ministry earlier informed that both India and the Maldives have agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives.

Last month, the MEA said that the first batch of Indian technical personnel reached the Maldives to replace the defence personnel.

India and the Maldives have held two high-level core group meetings, and the third one is expected to take place soon.

The removal of Indian troops from the country was the main election campaign of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives. (ANI)

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Amidst the rising heatwave conditions in the national capital, Delhi’s first heat stroke unit has been prepared to treat patients in the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

The heat stroke unit was inaugurated by the Additional Secretary of the Union Health Ministry, Roli Singh on Wednesday.

Speaking about the same, Roli Singh, Additional Secretary, MOHFW, said, “It is a good initiative RML has taken this initiative to start a heat stroke management unit. I am glad to see that state-of-the-art equipment here.”

“The idea is to inform more and more people regarding this unit and encourage them to make use of these facilities. I would like to congratulate the RML team for this,” she said.

The ministry has also issued an advisory regarding heat stroke management. This advisory has been given to every state by the ministry.

Roli Singh further informed that the advisory on heat stroke management has been sent to every hospital wherein information is provided on ways to manage heat stroke patients, the requirements, and what things need to be taken care of.

“The Union Health Ministry has given instructions to make arrangements for ice packs, glucose, and ORS among others in hospitals to prevent heat stroke,” she added.

As temperatures rise, so does the importance of safeguarding public health against heat-related emergencies.

The Heat Stroke Unit represents a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring the well-being of our citizens, particularly during the sweltering summer months.

Dr Professor Ajay Shukla spoke on the newly inaugurated unit and said, “Equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and staffed by a team of highly trained professionals, the Heat Stroke Unit stands ready to provide immediate and specialized care to those affected by heat-related illnesses.”

“From rapid cooling treatments to expert medical supervision, our facility is fully prepared to address the diverse needs of patients suffering from heat exhaustion, heat stroke and any other heat-related illnesses,” said Dr Shukla.

Dr Seema Wasnik, Incharge of this unit and HOD, of Emergency Medicine, said, “Rapid and early cooling is the only urgent step to bring down the mortality and morbidity in heat stroke patients. Heat stroke can have mortality as high as 80 per cent if not treated in time and rapidly.”

She further said that a special room has been prepared under the heat stroke unit in which all the necessary things have been kept for the treatment of patients suffering from heat stroke.

“A special type of tub has been kept to normalize the body temperature of the patient suffering from heat stroke, in which ice and water have been put and if needed, the patient will be made to lie in it so that his body temperature can be normalized immediately,” she said.

“Apart from this, an ice-making machine has also been kept here so that ice can be used immediately if needed. All kinds of facilities have been kept in this heat stroke room,” she added.

The inauguration of the Heat Stroke Unit marks a milestone in the doctors’ efforts to prioritize public health and safety.

Through proactive measures and community outreach, the doctors aim to raise awareness about the dangers of heat-related illnesses and empower individuals to take preventive action.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to the realization of this vital initiative, including our dedicated staff, partners, and supporters. Together, we are making strides towards a safer, healthier future for our community,” said Dr Seema Wasnik. (ANI)

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The Danish envoy to India, Freddy Svane on Wednesday issued an urgent call for action regarding the deteriorating state of cleanliness near Denmark and Greek embassies in New Delhi.

Standing near his embassy in what should be a service lane, the envoy pointed to trash strewn around and lamented the unsightly conditions and urged authorities to prioritise action over rhetoric.

The Danish envoy posted a video on X saying, “Lovely and green New Delhi. Many words but no action. Saddened by this.”

He also tagged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, VK Saxena in the video.

“Welcome to great green and trashy New Delhi. Here we have the Danish embassy, and we have the Greek embassy over there. This should be a service lane. But you see, it’s full of trash, and people are just dumping whatever they like to do here. So I hope somebody will listen to this and take action. No more nice words. Just action,” the envoy said in the video.

Earlier on March 6, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena had also highlighted the civic misery in the national capital sharing pictures on his social media platform X

In a series of posts, Saxena not only highlighted the civic woes of the city but said that it was his duty to highlight the issues of the people before the state’s Chief Minister.

“Being the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, it is my constitutional responsibility and duty to highlight the issues of the people before the Chief Minister of my government and draw your attention towards the problems being faced by the people of Delhi,” the Delhi LG posted on X.

In the same post, the Delhi Governor said that the local people told him that nearly 35 to 40 thousand people were living miserable lives in about 4 thousand houses here.

In response, Arvind Kejriwal thanked Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena for pointing out key issues in Sangam Vihar, a locality in South Delhi, and also said the work that the Governor was doing should have been done by the opposition.

“LG Sahib, I am thankful to you that you pointed out our shortcomings. Earlier, you had also highlighted the shortcomings of Kirari and Buradi. I am now ordering the Chief Secretary to remove all these shortcomings in all these areas within seven days,” CM Kejriwal had then said in a post on ‘X’. (ANI)

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Excitement is brewing as the makers of the highly anticipated film ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ starring Janhvi Kapoor and RajKummar Rao unveiled new posters.

Janhvi took to Instagram and treated fans with a new glimpse of her and RajKummar’s characters.

The first poster captures Janhvi and Rajkummar wearing their Indian jerseys and standing close to each other. Beaming in joy, the Indian flag could be seen painted on their faces.

In the second poster, Janhvi and RajKummar are seen screaming with joy and cheering in the stands of the cricket stadium.

The next poster shows the actors expressing their happiness amidst the crowd gathered to watch the game.

Sharing the posters, Janhvi wrote, “Miliye Mr aur Mrs Mahi se, inke liye life is cricket aur cricket is life cricket se badh ke, Mr Mahi only loves his dear wife #MrAndMrsMahi in cinemas on 31st May, 2024.”

As soon as the posters were shared, fans and industry members chimed in the comment section.

One of the users wrote, “We got another Dhoni movie before Gta 6.”

Another user commented, “Can’t Wait.”

Producer Karan Johar also posted on his Instagram “Love, ALL OUT! Witness a glimpse of an imperfectly perfect partnership that goes beyond the boundaries.”

Directed by Sharan Sharma, known for his directorial debut ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl,’ ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ marks the second collaboration between Janhvi Kapoor and RajKummar Rao after their successful stint in ‘Roohi.’

The film promises to be a captivating sports drama, offering audiences a compelling narrative coupled with stellar performances from the lead actors.

Originally slated for an April release, the sports drama is now set to hit cinemas on May 31, 2024, as confirmed by Karan Johar recently.

Recently, taking to his Instagram handle, Johar shared the exciting news with fans, expressing his enthusiasm for the project. In his announcement post, he emphasized the film’s significance, describing it as more than just a story but an exploration of dreams and the obstacles posed by loved ones. He expressed his closeness to the project and eagerly awaited the opportunity to share more details with fans.

While fans eagerly anticipate ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi,’ Janhvi Kapoor has an exciting lineup of projects in the pipeline.

Apart from her role in ‘Devara’ alongside Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan, she is set to star in ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ alongside Varun Dhawan and ‘RC16’ alongside Ram Charan.

On the other hand, RajKummar Rao is gearing up for the release of the biopic ‘Srikanth,’ which chronicles the inspiring journey of industrialist Srikanth Bholla, set to hit theatres on May 10, 2024.

Additionally, Rao has an exciting lineup of projects, including the highly anticipated ‘Stree 2’ opposite Shraddha Kapoor and the family drama ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Wo Wala Video’ opposite Triptii Dimri. (ANI)

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Building more anticipation among fans, makers of the upcoming film ‘Savi: A Bloody Housewife’ starring Anil Kapoor and Divya Khossla unveiled the third teaser on Wednesday.

Taking to Instagram, Divya khossla treated fans with another intriguing video and captioned the post, which read, “I’m on a mission where the stakes are high, anything can happen to me at any moment. Yet, I’ll face all risks for my family’s sake.#SaviABloodyHousewifeTeaser 3 out now!”

In the third teaser, Savi, a bruised housewife is seen talking about how people can go to any extent for their family and she is doing just the same. The video shows, Divya as a worried mother.

Few days ago, makers released the first teaser.

The teaser opens with Divya Khossla Kumar’s character making a bold confession, stating her intentions to break someone out of a high-security prison in London, describing it as a fortress.

Directed by Abhinay Deo, the film stars Anil Kapoor, Divya Khossla and Harshvardhan Rane in lead roles.

The film is slated to hit cinemas on May 31, 2024.

Apart from this, Anil will be seen in the action-drama ‘Subedaar’.

The film will be directed by Suresh Triveni, who previously directed T-Series’ comedy-drama ‘Tumhari Sulu’ (2017) and ‘Jalsa’, both headlined by Vidya Balan.

Vikram Malhotra, Suresh Triveni, and Anil Kapoor serve as producers for the film.

“In an adrenaline-fueled action drama, Subedaar Arjun Singh grapples with civilian life, navigating a strained relationship with his daughter, and societal dysfunction. The man who once fought for the nation must now fight enemies within to protect his home and family,” read the official synopsis of the project. (ANI)

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Janata Dal (Secular) leader and Karnataka MLA, HD Revanna, was on Wednesday sent to judicial custody till May 14 in connection with the kidnapping case linked to the ‘obscene video’ case.

He was arrested by the special investigation team (SIT) on May 4 in connection with an alleged kidnapping case registered against him at KR Nagar police station in Bengaluru.

HD Revanna and his son, Prajwal Revanna, are facing a probe by an SIT, constituted by the Karnataka government over allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against the duo following a complaint by a woman who worked in their household.

HD Revanna’s son, Prajwal Revanna, is a sitting MP and candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency. He is seeking a second term from the seat as an NDA candidate. The voting concluded on April 26.

HD Revanna, who is also JD(S) MLA from Holenarsipura, along with his associate were booked under Sections 364A (kidnapping for ransom), 365 (kidnapping with intent to cause harm), and 34 (common intention) of the IPC.

The FIR, registered by KR Nagar police, also lists HD Revanna as accused number one and another man, identified as Babanna, as accused number two.

However, HS Revanna has termed this case a “political conspiracy” against him.

“It’s a political conspiracy going on against me. In my 40 years of political life, I have never seen anything like this,” he told reporters.

Former CM and JD (S) chief HD Kumaraswamy has alleged that the Congress-led Karnataka government wanted the character assassination of party leader HD Revanna.

“This government does not want a fair inquiry. They are misusing the office. Nothing is going to happen ultimately. They wanted character assassination of HD Revanna and for that reason, they are using their office,” Kumaraswamy told ANI.

He also alleged that the pen drive containing obscene videos allegedly linked to Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna was circulated by police officers and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. (ANI)

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