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Adv Khush Khandelwal’s Criminal Petition Against MLA Jitendra Awhad: Bombay HC Orders Fresh Hearing

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Adv Khush Khandelwal's Criminal Petition Against MLA Jitendra Awhad: Bombay HC Orders Fresh Hearing 2

The Bombay High Court has overturned a 2019 order by the Judicial Magistrate of Thane that denied the filing of an FIR against NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad. The court has now directed a fresh hearing on the demand for the FIR.

This case stems from a criminal statement made by Jitendra Awhad in relation to a 2018 incident, during which the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a man in Nalasopara for possessing homemade bombs. Awhad alleged, without evidence, that the arrested individual, Vaibhav Raut, was planning to bomb the Maratha Morcha.

Advocate Khush Khandelwal, the founder of the Hindu Task Force, filed a petition against Awhad, accusing him of attempting to incite hatred between communities through his statements. The police, however, did not register an FIR based on Khandelwal’s complaint, leading him to approach the 5th Judicial Magistrate Court in Thane.

On November 13, 2019, the magistrate acknowledged that Awhad’s statement constituted a cognizable offense under sections 153(A) and 505(2) of the IPC but refused to order an FIR on jurisdictional grounds. Dissatisfied, Khandelwal challenged this decision in the Bombay High Court, filing Criminal Petition No. 4476/2021.

On September 6, 2024, a division bench led by Justice Sarang Kotwal set aside the magistrate’s previous order, directing a fresh hearing and reconsideration of Khandelwal’s demand for an FIR against Awhad. This ruling reopens the possibility of legal action under sections 153(A) (promoting enmity between groups) and 505(2) (statements creating public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code.

Veteran CPM Leader Sitaram Yechury Passes Away at 72

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Veteran CPM Leader Sitaram Yechury Passes Away at 72 4

Veteran CPM leader and party general-secretary, Sitaram Yechury, passed away on Thursday at the age of 72 after battling a prolonged illness. He succumbed to complications from a respiratory tract infection at 3:03 pm at AIIMS, New Delhi.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) confirmed Yechury’s death via their official X handle, expressing their grief and thanking the medical staff for their dedicated care. Yechury had been admitted to AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection and had been in critical condition for several days, on respiratory support.

Several political leaders extended their condolences. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi remembered Yechury as a “friend” and “protector of the Idea of India,” expressing his sorrow over the loss of their long discussions. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called Yechury’s demise a loss for national politics, while Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted his contributions to public life.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described Yechury as an “unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak” and praised his skills as a parliamentarian.

Yechury’s political journey began nearly 50 years ago as a student leader. He served as CPM general secretary for three consecutive terms from 2005 to 2015 and was re-elected in 2018. He was also a Rajya Sabha member from 2005 to 2017.

Yechury was a key figure in coalition-building efforts, working closely with Congress leaders to shape the United Front government’s Common Minimum Programme in 1996 and playing a crucial role in the formation of the UPA government in 2004.

His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian politics, leaving behind a legacy of coalition-building and strong ideological leadership.

Harris and Trump Clash Over US Withdrawal from Afghanistan

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Harris and Trump Clash Over US Withdrawal from Afghanistan 6

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump exchanged sharp words over the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, with Harris defending President Joe Biden’s decision and attacking Trump for his handling of negotiations with the Taliban.

Harris supported the withdrawal, stating it was something that four previous presidents had wanted but failed to do. She emphasized that it saved $300 million per day that was being spent on maintaining a presence in Afghanistan. However, she criticized Trump for making a deal with the Taliban, which she described as weak and flawed. “He bypassed the Afghan government and negotiated directly with a terrorist organization,” Harris said, referring to Trump’s agreement to release 5,000 Taliban fighters and his invitation to the Taliban to Camp David. She argued that Trump lacked the responsibility and respect required of the president.

In response, Trump defended his approach, claiming that his negotiations with the Taliban helped reduce US casualties. He recounted a conversation with Taliban leader Abdul, warning him of consequences if the group continued to attack American forces. According to Trump, the agreement negotiated by his administration was effective, and it was Biden’s mishandling of the situation that led to chaos, including the loss of military equipment and the deaths of American soldiers.

Trump also asserted that the Taliban failed to uphold their part of the deal, which led to the agreement being terminated. He insisted that under his administration, the US would have withdrawn more quickly and without the same level of loss.

Maharashtra Agriculture Commissionerate Uncovers Onion Insurance Scam

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Maharashtra Agriculture Commissionerate Uncovers Onion Insurance Scam 8

The Maharashtra Agriculture Commissionerate has identified a potential large-scale fraud in insurance claims related to onion crops across eight districts of the state.

A letter issued by Agriculture Director Vinaykumar Awate was sent to district collectors and superintending agriculture officers in Nashik, Dhule, Ahmednagar, Pune, Solapur, Satara, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Beed. It flagged significant discrepancies between the insured area and the actual area under onion cultivation.

The Commissionerate’s data shows that onion crops were planted over 75,312 hectares in these districts. However, insurance claims have been submitted for 2,63,136 hectares—an astounding 349% difference. In response, district authorities have been directed to conduct verification through village-level inspections involving insurance company employees. Strict actions are expected to be taken against those responsible for filing fraudulent insurance claims.

CBI to Interrogate Videographer of Autopsy in RG Kar Junior Doctor Murder Case

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CBI to Interrogate Videographer of Autopsy in RG Kar Junior Doctor Murder Case 10

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to interrogate the videographer who recorded the post-mortem of a junior doctor from state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, following her tragic rape and murder last month. The move comes as part of the CBI’s ongoing probe into the case.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that the decision to question the videographer was made after officials observed that crucial aspects of the post-mortem were poorly documented. The omissions in the videography raised concerns about whether the process was carried out according to standard procedures or if it was influenced by external instructions.

The CBI aims to clarify whether the videographer acted independently or was directed by someone to conduct the post-mortem recording in a “casual manner.” Investigators believe that questioning the videographer, along with others present during the post-mortem, could help uncover vital information about a possible conspiracy behind the heinous crime.

Additionally, the CBI is also interviewing the victim’s family members and close associates to gather more details about the circumstances leading to the hasty cremation of the body. The victim’s parents had expressed a desire to preserve the body for a longer period, but their wishes were reportedly ignored.

Governor C.V. Ananda Bose’s office had previously raised concerns about the initial investigation conducted by the Kolkata Police before the case was transferred to the CBI. In a statement, the Governor’s office criticized the “hurried disposal of the body” and suggested that a second post-mortem, if conducted, could have provided additional insights crucial to the investigation.

Investigators believe that if the body had been retained, further examination might have revealed important details that could strengthen the case against those involved in the conspiracy.

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara Denies Lobbying for CM Post Amid Rumors

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Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara Denies Lobbying for CM Post Amid Rumors 12

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara addressed the rumors of senior Congress leaders lobbying in New Delhi for the position of Chief Minister. Speaking on Tuesday, Parameshwara clarified that he was not involved in any efforts to claim the top post.

Responding to media reports, Parameshwara mentioned that Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, was in New Delhi for department-related work, and he himself would only visit the capital for matters concerning the Home Department.

“I am not lobbying for the CM’s post,” Parameshwara asserted, calling discussions around the position unnecessary. He refuted claims that his visit to New Delhi was part of any campaign for the Chief Ministership.

Regarding reports that senior Congress leaders had written to the party high command, asking for a gag order on discussions about a change of leadership, Parameshwara stated that he had repeatedly emphasized the pointlessness of such talks.

Interestingly, Parameshwara had previously remarked that he would not refuse the offer of chief ministership, but he reiterated that he was not actively seeking the position.

Comments on NIA Charge Sheet

When asked about the NIA charge sheet in the Rameshwaram cafe bomb blast case, which indicated plans to target the BJP office in Bengaluru, Parameshwara confirmed that the investigation was being conducted by the NIA. He acknowledged the mention of such plans in the charge sheet but said he was not familiar with all its details.

Regarding information disclosed in the charge sheet about the Renukaswamy murder case, which involved jailed Kannada superstar Darshan, Parameshwara noted that charge sheets are public documents, and it is natural for information to be revealed once they are submitted to the court. He added that the court would base its decisions on the evidence, not on public statements.

Three Arrested in Nalasopara for Alleged Sexual Assault of 30-Year-Old Woman

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Arrested | Image : Representative

Three men have been arrested in Nalasopara, Palghar district, for allegedly sexually assaulting a 30-year-old woman, police officials have confirmed. The accused, identified as Narendra Morya (31), Prakash Singh (26), and Panchraj Singh (35), were taken into custody following a police investigation.

The suspects were produced in court, where the judge ordered their police custody for five days. The Achole Police registered the case based on the woman’s complaint, invoking sections 64, 70(1), and 351(2) of the BNS.

An official from Achole Police Station stated, “A case of gang rape has emerged in the Nalasopara area. Based on the victim’s complaint, a case was registered against three men, and they have been arrested. Further investigation is ongoing.”

Bengal Governor Asks CM to Communicate All Cabinet Decisions Under Article 167

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Bengal Governor Asks CM to Communicate All Cabinet Decisions Under Article 167 15

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to comply with Article 167(c) of the Indian Constitution by informing Raj Bhavan of all decisions made by the state cabinet. This request comes in the wake of the public outcry following the gruesome rape and murder of a woman doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital.

A statement from the Governor’s office, issued Monday night, emphasized that under Article 167, it is the Chief Minister’s duty to provide the Governor with details of all cabinet decisions relating to the state’s administration and any proposed legislation. The statement also reminded the Chief Minister that updates should be provided on matters discussed by the cabinet, especially when a minister’s decision was not taken into consideration by the cabinet.

The Governor’s office criticised the state administration and law enforcement, stating that public perception had condemned their actions in this case. The statement outlined several concerns, including misinformation given to the victim’s parents, alleged tampering of the crime scene, delays in filing the FIR, and the hasty disposal of the body despite the parents’ request for more time. Furthermore, it noted that the transfer and reappointment of the Principal of the hospital raised suspicions about the state’s intentions, as did the Kolkata Police’s alleged attempts to cover up the crime scene tampering.

The statement added that civil society and the courts had strongly reprimanded the law enforcement agencies for their handling of the case, particularly regarding the events following the discovery of the victim’s body.

“Virat is an Australian in Thoughts and Action”: Steve Smith on His Bond with Kohli

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"Virat is an Australian in Thoughts and Action": Steve Smith on His Bond with Kohli 17

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, Australian star batter Steve Smith shared insights into his relationship with India’s Virat Kohli, revealing that they exchange messages often and expressed why he believes Kohli embodies an “Australian” spirit in his approach to the game.

The first Test of the series between India and Australia will commence on November 22 at Perth.

Speaking to Star Sports, Smith said, “We get on quite well, share messages every now and again. Look, he is a great guy and obviously a wonderful player. So, it is going to be nice to come up against him again this summer.”

Smith went on to describe Kohli as the most “Australian” among Indian players. “The way he gets into it, takes on the challenge, and tries to dominate the opposition – he’s probably the most Australian of the Indian players in thoughts and action,” Smith remarked.

Regarding any personal rivalry between the two prolific batters, Smith dismissed the notion. “There is no real, ‘I need to beat him’ mentality. It’s just about going out there, scoring as many runs as I can, and helping Australia succeed. That’s what matters most,” he added.

Smith and Kohli are part of the modern era’s “Fab Four,” which also includes England’s Joe Root and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson. Statistically, Smith has accumulated 9,685 runs in 109 Tests at an impressive average of 56.97, while Kohli has 8,848 runs in 113 Tests, averaging 49.15.

Despite being fierce competitors on the field, the two players shared a touching moment during the 2019 World Cup when Kohli defended Smith against crowd jeering related to the “Sandpaper Gate” scandal. Smith later publicly thanked Kohli for the gesture.

Kohli’s Test performances in Australia have been outstanding, with 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six centuries. Against Australia, he has totaled 2,042 runs in 25 Tests. Smith, meanwhile, has been equally formidable, with 1,887 runs in 18 Border-Gavaskar matches at an impressive average of 65.06.

The Border-Gavaskar series is set to provide a gripping spectacle, with Tests scheduled in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne (Boxing Day Test), and the grand finale in Sydney from January 3 to 7, 2025.

Narayan Maharaj of Shri Kshetra Narayanpur Passes Away at 85

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Narayan Maharaj of Shri Kshetra Narayanpur Passes Away at 85 19

Narayan Maharaj of Shri Kshetra Narayanpur in Purandar taluka passed away on Monday, September 9, at the age of 85. He breathed his last in the evening due to old age. Maharaj was a revered spiritual leader residing at Datta Mandir in Narayanpur, where he was lovingly known as ‘Anna.’ His passing has left his large disciple base across Maharashtra deeply saddened.

Devotees will have the opportunity for a final darshan at the Narayanpur temple on Tuesday, September 10, from 8 am to 2 pm. His funeral rites are scheduled to take place at 4 pm near Yajna Kunda in Narayanpur.

Narayan Maharaj was known for his extensive social work, particularly in promoting community activities. He was a leader in advocating for community marriages, spearheading de-addiction movements, and organising village-wide farming initiatives through his disciples. One of his greatest contributions was establishing four Dattadhams across India, with the one in Narayanpur being a prominent centre for devotion.

His passing has left a deep void among his followers, who continue to mourn the loss of their beloved ‘Anna.’