Month: January 2026

In one of the most alarming cybercrime investigations in recent years, the IFSO Unit, Special Cell, Delhi Police has dismantled a highly sophisticated international cyber fraud syndicate that weaponized fear, terrorism narratives, and cutting-edge telecom manipulation to extort innocent citizens across India.

Beginning September 2025, victims nationwide were subjected to phone calls from fraudsters impersonating officers of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), particularly from Uttar Pradesh. Citizens were falsely accused of links with terror attacks including Pahalgam and Delhi Blasts, warned of immediate arrest, and placed under so-called “digital arrest”, a psychological trap designed to force instant monetary transfers in the name of national security.

The task of unravelling this syndicate was taken up by IFSO Unit. Initial investigations revealed that the gang was employing highly sophisticated telecom manipulation techniques to evade detection.

The Investigation found that the calls were deliberately routed over low-frequency (2G) networks to avoid real-time location tracking. The criminals were operating SIMBOX systems, enabling them to mask international calls as domestic Indian numbers.

These calls were originating from foreign countries, particularly Cambodia, and were routed into India through clandestine SIMBOX installations.

The SIMBOX devices were being manipulated by overwriting and rotating IMEI numbers, making device identification extremely difficult. Advanced software was used to merge multiple SIMBOXes into a single virtual entity, dynamically rotating IMEIs and SIM numbers. As a result, when call data records were analyzed, the same number appeared to originate from multiple cities within a single day, deliberately misleading investigators.

Despite these formidable obstacles, through persistent technical analysis and field intelligence, the IFSO Unit, Special Cell successfully narrowed down the first physical location of the SIMBOX operations to Goyla Dairy, Delhi. A one-month-long covert surveillance operation confirmed the presence of 04 active locations with SIMBOX installations. A swift and decisive raid followed.

Further investigation revealed a significant international conspiracy angle. It was established that the SIMBOX devices were supplied, installed, and technically configured exclusively by Taiwanese nationals. Communication between Indian handlers and foreign conspirators was conducted via Telegram, using encrypted chats. Forensic analysis of seized digital devices led to the identification of a Taiwanese national

On December 21, I-Tsung Chen, the Taiwanese man allegedly controlling the illegal SIMBOX infrastructure from abroad, was swiftly intercepted and arrested at the Delgi International Airport, marking a decisive breakthrough in the case. During sustained interrogation and forensic examination of his digital devices, it was found Chen to be the principal operational backbone of the syndicate, responsible for illegally smuggling SIMBOX devices into India, deploying them across multiple locations, and ensuring their technical concealment to enable mass-scale cyber fraud targeting Indian citizens.

Further interrogation and intelligence analysis revealed that Chen was not acting alone. He emerged as a key operative of a larger Taiwan-based organized crime network, allegedly led by one gangster namely, Shang-Min Wu.

Interrogation of the accused has unveiled a disturbing transnational conspiracy that stretches far beyond routine cyber fraud. Both accused admitted to having previously worked inside organized scam centres operating in Cambodia, infamous for running industrial-scale cybercrime operations targeting victims across the globe.

It was during their stay in Cambodia that they allegedly came under the influence of a Pakistani national, who systematically recruited, radicalised, and redirected them into a deeper criminal role. Acting on his explicit instructions, the accused returned to India and established an illegal SIMBOX hub in Mohali, Punjab, designed to clandestinely route international scam calls into the Indian telecom network.

Investigators found that every critical resource for this operation, funding, SIMBOX devices, technical instructions, and operational guidance–was allegedly arranged and supplied by the Pakistani handler, indicating direct foreign sponsorship and control of the illegal setup on Indian soil.

More alarmingly, advanced forensic and technical analysis revealed that the syndicate was using *Pakistani-origin IMEI numbers of Faywa Make to overwrite and mask the original identities of SIMBOX devices. This deliberate manipulation of telecom identifiers was aimed at evading *lawful interception, defeating tracking mechanisms, and misleading security agencies, a tactic that significantly elevates the case from cyber fraud to a serious national-security concern.

Interrogation of the accused also brought to light an international command-and-control structure behind the “Digital Arrest” scam, revealing that the operation running on Indian soil was merely the last link in a multi-country syndicate.

The accused disclosed that he was in continuous contact with an individual who had earlier operated from Delhi and had masterminded 02 major illegal SIMBOX installations in Narela and Nihal Vihar, both of which were busted earlier in the year 2025. This Delhi-based operator is now believed to be part of a larger offshore syndicate, having shifted operational control outside India to evade law enforcement.

Further investigation has uncovered that the entire module is being actively supported and remotely directed by a foreign-based group currently operating from Nepal. Intelligence inputs suggest that this Nepal-based layer is suspected to be backed by foreign groups, providing funding, technical direction, and operational cover.

Evidence collected in investigation has already established that, Cambodia served as the training and recruitment ground, where operators were inducted inside scam centres. China nationals supplied and configured the SIMBOX hardware and technical architecture. The Pakistan handler allegedly facilitated funding, IMEI manipulation, and identity masking techniques; and Nepal emerged as the current operational nerve centre, from where instructions were relayed to Indian ground operators.

With critical analytical support from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, investigators cross-mapped these IMEIs and mobile numbers against national cybercrime databases. The results were staggering thousands of cybercrime complaints and registered cases from across the length and breadth of India were found to be linked to this very network.

This case exposes a deeply entrenched international cybercrime syndicate, leveraging advanced telecom fraud, psychological manipulation, and cross-border coordination to exploit Indian citizens under the guise of national security threats. (ANI)

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said that states in India were carved out on the basis of language and stressed the need to address language-related concerns in border regions.

Speaking in Bengaluru with the media, Parameshwara referred to a recent circular issued by the Kerala government directing priority to be given to the local language, Malayalam. He noted that people living in bordering areas, such as Kasargod along the Karnataka-Kerala border, continue to speak Kannada.

He said, “States have been carved out on the basis of language. The Kerala government has issued a circular ordering priority to be given to the local language (Malayalam). People living in bordering areas, such as Kasargod (Karnataka-Kerala border), still speak Kannada. Both the CMs should resolve this.”

His remarks come amid growing concerns over language usage and administrative communication in border districts shared by Karnataka and Kerala.

Earlier, Kerala BJP Chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the CPI(M) over the Malayalam Language Bill 2025. Reacting to the bill, Chandrasekhar accused both parties of repeatedly attempting to divide people for electoral gains. He further took a direct aim at Congress leadership for talking about language, in what he termed as “ironic”, when they are led by a “Italian lady” and have fielded a “non-Malayalam speaking MP from Wayanad.

Speaking to ANI, the Kerala BJP chief said the CPI(M) had historically tried to divide society on class lines and was now resorting to religion and appeasement politics. He alleged that the Congress, particularly in Karnataka, was playing the “Language chauvinism card” whenever it found itself on the defensive.

Earlier, Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal sought to reassure the public amid mounting concerns over the proposed Malayalam Language Bill 2025, stating that the legislation would not lead to discrimination against any section of society.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Balagopal said, “I can assure you about one thing that there will be no discrimination against anyone in the state,” as criticism from neighbouring Karnataka intensified over the bill’s provisions.

The proposed bill has sparked a debate over the first compulsory language across Kerala.

Earlier, Kerala BJP Chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the CPI(M) over the Malayalam Language Bill 2025. Reacting to the bill, Chandrasekhar accused both parties of repeatedly attempting to divide people for electoral gains.

He further took a direct aim at Congress leadership for talking about language, in what he termed as “ironic”, when they are led by a “Italian lady” and have fielded a “non-Malayalam speaking MP from Wayanad.

Speaking to ANI, the Kerala BJP chief said the CPI(M) had historically tried to divide society on class lines and was now resorting to religion and appeasement politics. He alleged that the Congress, particularly in Karnataka, was playing the “Language chauvinism card” whenever it found itself on the defensive.

Launching an attack on Congress leadership, Chandrasekhar said, “It is ironical that the Congress party, on top of whom sits an Italian lady (Sonia Gandhi), who’s the leader, who has brought to Kerala and put on the heads of Wayanad, a non-Malayalam speaking MP (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra), should talk about language and regional identity.

“He further claimed that the Congress leadership underestimates the electorate by assuming people could be mislead with what he described as “nonsensical narratives. “The entire calculation of the Congress party is that people are foolish and they can be made fools of by giving them any kind of nonsensical narrative. But those days are over now. People are asking tough questions that you have to answer clearly and precisely,” he asserted.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions between Kerala and Karnataka over the proposed bill.

Earlier on Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, expressing grave concerns over the bill. In his letter, Siddaramaiah warned that making Malayalam compulsory even in Kannada-medium schools could weaken minority-run educational institutions and burden children in border areas.

Emphasising India’s pluralistic ethos, the Karnataka CM noted that regions like Kasargod have historically thrived on linguistic harmony, with Malayalam, Kannada, Tulu, Beary and other languages shaping everyday life and identity. While reiterating Karnataka’s pride in the Kannada language, he stressed that language promotion must never become imposition.

Calling for reconsideration, Siddaramaiah urged the Kerala government to engage in wider consultations with linguistic minorities, educators and neighbouring states. He maintained that Karnataka would oppose the bill, if passed, using every constitutional means to defend minority rights and uphold the plural spirit of the Constitution. (ANI)

The much-awaited teaser of Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor’s collaborative ‘O’Romeo’ has been unveiled, offering a glimpse of the gritty, dark tale of Romeo.

The makers, on Saturday, dropped the one-minute-35-second teaser, introducing key characters played by Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Farida Jalal, and Nana Patekar.

The teaser opens to show Shahid as the rugged and ferocious Romeo, ready to take on a fight. Sporting a raw, unpolished look with a brutal demeanour, Shahid’s character appeared to be shaped by violence, carrying anger beneath the surface.

The teaser is also packed with a lot of high-octane fight sequences that underline the film’s narrative.

What further stands out are the glimpses of actors Triptii Dimri, Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Farida Jalal, and Nana Patekar, likely to add more layers to the story.

Actor Avinash Tiwary also makes a powerful appearance in the teaser.

Others in the cast are Aruna Irani, Hussain Dalal, Resh Lamba, and Rahul Deshpande.

The teaser was released just a day after fans were treated to the first poster of ‘O’Romeo’.

The poster portrays the actor in a brutally intense character, his expressions breaking into a wild, maniacal grin, smeared with blood and cuts. Shahid’s rugged look, tattooed arms, and an open-neck shirt with chains and a heavy belt give him a raw presence.

Also, the red background and aggressive posture together bring to the fore a mysterious, rebellious aura. “Romeo O Romeo where art thou O’ROMEO!” Shahid wrote along with the poster on Instagram.

‘O Romeo’ marks a fourth collaboration between Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor, who have previously worked together in films like ‘Kaminey’, ‘Haider’, and ‘Rangoon’. Earlier, the makers announced the film’s title and release date, along with a new poster.

Presented by the visionary Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film also stars Triptii Dimri and Nana Patekar. Produced under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, O’Romeo is set to hit theatres around Valentine’s Week on February 13, 2026. (ANI)

A serious conspiracy to falsely implicate Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has come to light, according to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report. The case is related to a 2016 incident registered at Thane Nagar Police Station.

The SIT report recommends filing criminal charges against former Director General of Police Sanjay Pandey, former Deputy Commissioner Laxmikant Patil, and Assistant Commissioner Sardar Patil for allegedly plotting to trap the leaders in a false case.

The report was submitted to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) by former DGP Rashmi Shukla just five days before her retirement.

According to the report, attempts to frame Devendra Fadnavis intensified during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, and these efforts gained further momentum after Sanjay Pandey became Mumbai Police Commissioner and later Director General of Police (DGP).

Meanwhile, polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16.

A day earlier, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde campaigned in Pune ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, asserting that the Mahayuti alliance is contesting the civic polls on the plank of development and will emerge victorious both in Mumbai and Pune.

Speaking to the media during his visit to Katraj, Shinde said he was not aware of statements made by any individual party worker, but stressed that Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party are contesting the elections with full strength.

“We are fighting this election on the issue of development,” he said, adding that the work carried out during his two-and-a-half-year tenure as Chief Minister, along with the work done under Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the past year, is being taken directly to the people. (ANI)

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Saturday said that the 100 per cent increase in financial assistance announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for ex-servicemen (ESM) and their dependents has been fully implemented.

The increased assistance is being provided under schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board.

The MoD added that the decision reaffirms the government’s commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of veterans.

In a post on X, MoD said, “A 100% increase in financial assistance for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents under schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through Kendriya Sainik Board reaffirms the Government’s commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of the veterans.”

Earlier in October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a 100 per cent increase in financial assistance for ex-Servicemen (ESM).

The Penury Grant has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ESM and their widows above 65 years of age with no regular income, as per the ministry.

The Education Grant has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children (Class I to Graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.

The Marriage Grant has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per beneficiary. Applicable for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriage, for marriages solemnised after issuance of this order.

These schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, which is a subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF).

The decision strengthens the social security net for non-pensioner ESM, widows, and dependents from lower-income groups, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of the veterans, a prior statement from MoD added (ANI)

The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on Saturday jointly released a manifesto for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, promising a major push for traffic relief, healthcare, water supply, and affordable public transport.

The two rival factions of the NCP came into an alliance for the PMC election and projected a united development agenda for Pune, despite their political differences at the state and national levels

The manifesto promises to fix 33 missing road links across the city to reduce congestion, widen key roads and improve overall traffic flow. The parties said strengthening public transport would be a priority, including a proposal for free travel on buses and the metro, inspired by European cities.

With Pune having nearly 30 lakh vehicles, the leaders claimed that traffic jams are wasting Rs 750 crore worth of fuel and citizens’ time every year. They argued that better public transport could significantly reduce this economic loss and pollution.

The alliance promised to build hospitals within a two-kilometre radius so that basic medical care is easily accessible. A dedicated cancer hospital and a burns ward are also part of the plan to strengthen the city’s healthcare infrastructure.

Housing societies that adopt eco-friendly practices will be rewarded with a 20 per cent property tax rebate and a ‘Green Society’ certification. The manifesto also focuses on solar power for societies to reduce electricity costs and promote clean energy.

Acknowledging Pune’s water crisis, leaders said even central areas depend on tanker water, underlining the seriousness of the problem. The manifesto commits to improving water supply, sewage treatment and last-mile connectivity to the metro.

The parties also promised to make the Gunthewari regularisation process online and simplify municipal approvals to reduce corruption and delays.

The civic body will provide interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh to skill-trained women, aiming to boost entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Ajit Pawar said that if voters hand over control of the PMC to the NCP alliance, the party would “deliver results, not just promises,” adding that there would be no elections for the next three and a half years, giving the administration enough time to work.

Supriya Sule said the alliance had a proven record of delivering schools and civic infrastructure even while in opposition and pledged to resolve Pune’s traffic, water and public transport challenges.

This is the first time Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule shared the stage since the NCP split in 2023.

The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI)

The Institute for the Study of War, a policy research organisation, on Saturday said it recorded 116 protests across 22 provinces since 3:30pm (local time) on January 8.

As per the report, Iran saw 20 huge protests- ones that have a turnout of over 1,000 people.

In a post on X, the Institute said, “Critical Threats and ISW have recorded 116 protests across 22 provinces since 3:30 PM ET on January 8. Twenty of these protests were large protests, which CTP-ISW defines as protests with more than 1,000 participants. CTP-ISW’s protest data since its last data cutoff likely reflects only part of the protest activity that has taken place in Iran since that time, given that the internet shutdown restricts protesters’ ability to publish and share videos of the protests. Some protesters have reportedly used Starlink to send reports of protests to foreign media.”

Earlier in the day, the Institute said that the regime had sustained the internet shutdown in a bid to dampen the protests, but they have been going on regardless.

In a post on X, the think tank said, “The Iranian regime has sustained its nationwide internet shutdown, likely to disrupt protest coordination and obscure the scale of its repression. Widespread protest activity has continued to take place across Iran amid the internet shutdown.”

Further detailing the protests, it said, “The protests in Iran may have expanded to such an extent that they are challenging Iranian security forces’ ability to suppress them. Protesters damaged regime institutions in multiple cities across Iran on January 8 and 9. The Iranian regime may increasingly rely on the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to suppress the protests as local Law Enforcement Command forces reportedly face bandwidth constraints.”

Posting videos that she says she received from people in Iran via Starlink, prominent Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad said, “It’s been over 24 hours now that the dictator of Iran has shut down internet connections for 90 million Iranians. Internet access is the lifeline of Iran uprising and by making Starlink services available for Iranian revolutionaries, Elon Musk has made a crucial and indispensable contribution to the fight for democracy in Iran.”

Meanwhile, Internet monitor Netblocks detailed the reported Internet blocks across Iran, “It’s now 8:00 am in Iran where the sun is rising after another night of protests met with repression; metrics show the nationwide internet blackout remains in place at 36 hours, severely limiting Iranians’ ability to check on the safety of friends and loved ones .”

World leaders on Saturday condemned the killing and arrest of protesters as they gripped Iran as threat looms over the administration.

In a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union lauded the bravery displayed by the citizens of Iran and condemned the reported crackdown by the regime. (ANI)

Protests in Iran entered the thirteenth day on Friday, evolving from demonstrations over rising living costs into a nationwide movement calling for the end of the Islamic Republic, which has ruled the country since the 1979 revolution.

Now, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has come out in support of the Iranian protestors. In a post on X, Rubio said, “The United States supports the brave people of Iran.”

The statement follows US President Donald Trump who said on Friday that the situation in Iran is being monitored very closely and hoped for the protestors in the country to be safe. He warned that if protestors were killed, the US would get involved and would hit the country where it hurts.

“Iran’s in big trouble. It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible. We’re watching the situation very carefully. I made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We will be hitting them very hard where it hurts, and that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very hard where it hurts so we don’t want that to happen,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Iran’s former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is living in exile, on Saturday called on Iranians working in economic sectors to strike work and to move to occupy the centre of Tehran. Pahlavi voiced support for protesters across the country, praising continued demonstrations against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ruling establishment.

“I call upon the workers and employees of key economic sectors–especially transportation, oil, gas, and energy–to begin the process of nationwide strikes. Furthermore, I ask all of you today and tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday (January 9 and 10/Day 20 and 21), starting from 6:00 PM, to take to the streets with flags, portraits, and national symbols to reclaim public spaces. Our goal is no longer merely to be present in the streets; the goal is to prepare for the capture and holding of city centres,” he said.

“To achieve this objective, move toward the central parts of cities from as many different routes as possible and merge separate crowds together. At the same time, prepare yourselves from this moment to remain in the streets and secure the necessary provisions. To the youth of the “Immortal Guard” of Iran, and all members of the armed and security forces who have joined the National Cooperation Platform, I say: slow down and disrupt the machine of suppression more than ever before, so that on the appointed day, we may disable it entirely.” he added.

Earlier, in a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union lauded the bravery displayed by the citizens of Iran and condemned the reported crackdown by the regime.

“We commend the bravery of the Iranian people as they stand up for their dignity and their fundamental right to peaceful protest. We strongly condemn the killing of protestors, the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people,” the statement read.

The nations called on Iranian government to end the use of aggressive force against the protesters and preserve their right to freedom of expression. (ANI)

Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan shared warm wishes and love for his son Hrithik Roshan, as the actor turns a year older today. Taking to Instagram, Rakesh Roshan shared a sweet note for Hrithik along with an edited picture of the superstar.

“Duggu love you more every year. Happy birthday!” he wrote.

The picture shows Hrithik hugging a younger version of himself, presenting a heartwarming frame of the actor’s journey.

While fans also extended their greetings to Hrithik in the comment section, actor Neil Nitin Mukesh added, “Happiest birthday dear @hrithikroshan.”

Earlier, Hrithik’s former father-in-law, veteran actor Sanjay Khan, also penned a heartfelt message for him on Instagram.

In his note, Sanjay Khan opened up about his close relationship with Hrithik. He recalled meeting Hrithik for the first time, who was just a teenager, and how Hrithik impressed him with his vast knowledge of bicycles.

“I first met Hrithik Roshan as a teenager, introduced through Zayed. Back then, I needed a new bicycle for my morning rides and casually mentioned it to Zayed. With a grin, he replied, ‘Hrithik’s your guy for advice on that.’ True to his word, Hrithik visited one morning, diving into details about the latest models–like the trendy three-speed gear systems. His explanations were crystal clear, precise, and delivered with a quiet, sincere confidence that left me impressed. Little did I know this young man would one day marry my daughter Sussanne and join our family,” he posted.

Sanjay also spoke about how his daughter, Sussanne, and Hrithik have maintained a dignified bond despite their separation. “From Sussanne come my joys, grandsons Hrehaan and Hridhaan–handsome, wonderful boys raised with her signature integrity. Their separation was graceful, never bitter. I proudly joke to friends that she’s gifted Hrithik two aces of spades,” he added.

Son of filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, Hrithik Roshan made brief appearances as a child actor in several films during the 1980s and later even worked as an assistant director on some of his father’s films. Later, he made his debut as a leading actor with the landmark box office success that was ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’ in the year 2000 and became an overnight sensation with this movie.

Over the years, the actor created a niche for himself with notable performances in films like ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Lakshya’, ‘Krrish’, ‘Agneepath’, and ‘War’, among others.

The actor is currently gearing up to make his debut as a director with the much-awaited ‘Krrish 4’. (ANI)

The Mayor of Delhi, Raja Iqbal Singh, on Friday addressed a press conference and provided detailed information about the events that took place during the Corporation House meeting, according to a press release.

He stated that in today’s meeting of the House, a condemnation resolution was scheduled to be read out in protest against the insult to Sikh Gurus by Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Chief Minister Atishi Marlena.

Along with this, an important discussion was also proposed on the serious problem of illegal parking that has been continuing for a long time in various areas of Delhi.

During the press conference, Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma, Leader of the House Pravesh Wahi, Education Committee Chairperson Yogesh Verma, and other councillors were also present.

The Mayor said that as soon as the Leader of the House, Pravesh Wahi, began reading the condemnation resolution against the insult to Sikh Gurus by Atishi Marlena, Aam Aadmi Party councillors deliberately started creating a ruckus.

Due to this disruption, the proceedings of the House were obstructed and the discussion was not allowed to move forward. Mayor Iqbal Singh alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party was fully aware that objectionable remarks had been made by its leader against Sikh Gurus.

To evade this fact and avoid accountability in the House, the Aam Aadmi Party deliberately created disorder in a planned manner and disrupted the proceedings of the House.

Leader of the House Pravesh Wahi stated that in the meeting of the MCD House, a condemnation resolution was passed against the insult to Sikh Gurus by AAP leader Atishi Marlena. He said that any insult to Sikh Gurus would not be tolerated.

The Mayor said that today’s meeting was also supposed to include a serious and necessary discussion on illegal parking in Delhi, but the Aam Aadmi Party did not want this issue to be discussed. He alleged that during the Aam Aadmi Party’s tenure, a widespread network of illegal parking was established across Delhi, and these parking mafias enjoyed political patronage.

He further said that the Aam Aadmi Party had a direct nexus with these parking mafias, and illegal parking operations were carried out with their collusion. This is why, he said, they now want to avoid any discussion on this issue and are disrupting the proceedings of the House.

Mayor Iqbal Singh made it clear that the BJP-led MCD is committed to taking the strictest possible action against illegal parking in Delhi. He said that if required, the Corporation would not hesitate to lodge FIRs against parking mafias.

The Mayor also informed that the MCD is continuously taking action against illegal construction and encroachments. This action will continue relentlessly and without any pressure in the future as well, so that Delhi can be freed from illegal construction and encroachments and citizens can be provided a safe and well-organised environment.

The Mayor said that the Aam Aadmi Party repeatedly works to undermine the dignity of the House because it has no concern for citizens’ problems or development works.

He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party does not understand the seriousness of House meetings and repeatedly disrupts proceedings to deliberately stall important issues related to the citizens of Delhi.

Mayor Iqbal Singh said that the MCD House is the highest forum for democratic deliberation, where issues concerning the citizens of Delhi should be discussed seriously, and solutions should be found.

However, the Aam Aadmi Party repeatedly creates disorder and undermines the dignity of this forum, which not only disrupts the proceedings of the House but also neglects public interest.

The Mayor said that the BJP-governed MCD is working on the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance. The Corporation’s objective is not merely political-counter-allegations, but to free Delhi from illegal activities and provide better facilities to citizens.

The Mayor assured that the MCD will continue to take firm decisions in the public interest in the future and that no form of disorder or anarchy will be tolerated. (ANI)