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The UK government <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-home-secretary-signs-order-to-extradite-vijay-mallya-to-india-195145">has approved Vijay Mallya's extradition to India</a>. The order for his extradition was signed on Sunday by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid.&nbsp;

"On February 3 the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India," a Home Office spokesperson said.

"Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences," the spokesperson added.

Mallya's extradition had been ordered on December 10, 2018 by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The home secretary then had two months to review the judgement.&nbsp;

That deadline would have ended on February 10.&nbsp;

Mallya is accused in India of fraud and money laundering. He had borrowed, for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, a total to Rs 9,000 crore.&nbsp;

The money had been borrowed from a consortium of banks led by India's largest public-sector lender, the State Bank of India. Mallya is accused of siphoning off (part of) the money for personal and other uses.&nbsp;

An extradition warrant against Mallya was executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017.&nbsp;

While Mallya's legal team had argued in court that the default on the loans sought by the now-defunct airline were the result of business failure, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had claimed fraudulent intentions by the businessman in seeking and then dispersing those loans.

Judge Arbuthnot, Chief Magistrate at Westminster Magistrates' Court, in her ruling delivered on December 10 at the end of a year-long trial, concluded there was a case to answer in the Indian courts over substantial "misrepresentations" by the "flashy billionaire" of his financial dealings.

"There is clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds and I find a prima facie case the Dr Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money," she had said.

The judgment had also dismissed the defence team's attempt to challenge the case on human rights grounds by claiming that Barrack 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where the businessman is to be detained following his extradition, did not meet minimum requirements.&nbsp;

The UK court said it was satisfied with the various assurances provided by the Indian government, including a video of the jail cell, which had not only been recently redecorated but was also far larger than the minimum requirement threshold.

"I noted that he (Mallya) is taking a whole range of medications which the GoI (government of India) will ensure he has access to," the judge said.

Mallya now has 14 days to appeal against the Westminster Magistrates' Court's verdict. He has said he will.&nbsp;

If the appeal is allowed, the case will proceed to the UK High Court.&nbsp;

There is some limited recourse for the case to go on to a further level of the Supreme Court, but that is only possible if the High Court certifies that the appeal involves a point of law of general public importance, and either the High Court or the apex court gives leave for the appeal to be made.&nbsp;

 
UK judge had been critical of Indian banks in Mallya extradition case

The UK judge who ordered Vijay Mallya's extradition was extremely critical of some of the procedures followed by Indian banks who "waved through" the loans to the former Kingfisher Airlines boss.

Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that the 62-year-old businessman had a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering to answer and expressed her shock at the failure to obtain proper credit reports before certain loans were sanctioned by some of the Indian state-owned banks.

"There was a failure to ensure that the guarantees were formally taken when they should have been and a failure to investigate the representations that KFA (Kingfisher Airlines) made at various stages to obtain the loans," she said.&nbsp;

The judge described these as "continuing failures" by banks and said it remained unclear from the evidence before her if these were by design and with a hidden financial motive.

"Or it is a case of a bank who were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-embattled-fugitive-liquor-baron-who-was-once-member-of-parliament-and-king-of-good-times-195158">in the thrall of this glamorous, flashy, famous, bejewelled, bodyguarded, ostensibly billionaire playboy</a> who charmed and cajoled these bankers into losing their common sense and persuading them to put their own rules and regulations to one side," she said, in one of her most critical statements in the judgment.

"If the criteria for lending to KFA had been applied, if the background checks had been carried out, the loans should not have been granted," she noted.

In an indication that some bank employees may have been involved in a wider conspiracy, the judge concluded she did find a prima facie case of a conspiracy to defraud which involves not just the KFA executives but also some bankers at IDBI who were named in the Indian government case.

"Conspiracies are very rarely proved with direct evidence and there is none in this case but there is evidence that the GOI (government of India) relies on from which it says the court can draw inferences that the bankers were involved in a conspiracy with KFA," the judgment noted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The UK government has approved Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. The order for his extradition was signed on Sunday by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid. "On February 3 the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India," a Home Office spokesperson said.

The UK government has approved Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. The order for his extradition was signed on Sunday by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid. "On February 3 the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India," a Home Office spokesperson said. "Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences," the spokesperson added. Mallya's extradition had been ordered on December 10, 2018 by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The home secretary then had two months to review the judgement. That deadline would have ended on February 10. Mallya is accused in India of fraud and money laundering. He had borrowed, for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, a total to Rs 9,000 crore. The money had been borrowed from a consortium of banks led by India's largest public-sector lender, the State Bank of India. Mallya is accused of siphoning off (part of) the money for personal and other uses. An extradition warrant against Mallya was executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017. While Mallya's legal team had argued in court that the default on the loans sought by the now-defunct airline were the result of business failure, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had claimed fraudulent intentions by the businessman in seeking and then dispersing those loans. Judge Arbuthnot, Chief Magistrate at Westminster Magistrates' Court, in her ruling delivered on December 10 at the end of a year-long trial, concluded there was a case to answer in the Indian courts over substantial "misrepresentations" by the "flashy billionaire" of his financial dealings. "There is clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds and I find a prima facie case the Dr Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money," she had said. The judgment had also dismissed the defence team's attempt to challenge the case on human rights grounds by claiming that Barrack 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where the businessman is to be detained following his extradition, did not meet minimum requirements. The UK court said it was satisfied with the various assurances provided by the Indian government, including a video of the jail cell, which had not only been recently redecorated but was also far larger than the minimum requirement threshold. "I noted that he (Mallya) is taking a whole range of medications which the GoI (government of India) will ensure he has access to," the judge said. Mallya now has 14 days to appeal against the Westminster Magistrates' Court's verdict. He has said he will. If the appeal is allowed, the case will proceed to the UK High Court. There is some limited recourse for the case to go on to a further level of the Supreme Court, but that is only possible if the High Court certifies that the appeal involves a point of law of general public importance, and either the High Court or the apex court gives leave for the appeal to be made. UK judge had been critical of Indian banks in Mallya extradition case The UK judge who ordered Vijay Mallya's extradition was extremely critical of some of the procedures followed by Indian banks who "waved through" the loans to the former Kingfisher Airlines boss. Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that the 62-year-old businessman had a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering to answer and expressed her shock at the failure to obtain proper credit reports before certain loans were sanctioned by some of the Indian state-owned banks. "There was a failure to ensure that the guarantees were formally taken when they should have been and a failure to investigate the representations that KFA (Kingfisher Airlines) made at various stages to obtain the loans," she said. The judge described these as "continuing failures" by banks and said it remained unclear from the evidence before her if these were by design and with a hidden financial motive. "Or it is a case of a bank who were in the thrall of this glamorous, flashy, famous, bejewelled, bodyguarded, ostensibly billionaire playboy who charmed and cajoled these bankers into losing their common sense and persuading them to put their own rules and regulations to one side," she said, in one of her most critical statements in the judgment. "If the criteria for lending to KFA had been applied, if the background checks had been carried out, the loans should not have been granted," she noted. In an indication that some bank employees may have been involved in a wider conspiracy, the judge concluded she did find a prima facie case of a conspiracy to defraud which involves not just the KFA executives but also some bankers at IDBI who were named in the Indian government case. "Conspiracies are very rarely proved with direct evidence and there is none in this case but there is evidence that the GOI (government of India) relies on from which it says the court can draw inferences that the bankers were involved in a conspiracy with KFA," the judgment noted. (With inputs from PTI)

Mallya extradition case: Legal noose around him begins to tighten

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday turned down central government's plea for hearing on the alleged destruction of electronic evidence related to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">Saradha chit fund scam case</a> by the Kolkata Police Commissioner.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, told the Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjeev Khanna, "Extraordinary situation has arrived. The CBI office was under siege. Evidence (electronic) has been destroyed, we've issued four summons to the commissioner. On a daily basis, FIRs are being registered against CBI officers. We are also filing a contempt petition. He should immediately surrender and we have certain things to point out."

The court, however, declined the plea of the Solicitor General to hear the two applications on Monday in the post-lunch session. "We have gone through your application, there's nothing in it," the CJI said posting the matter for hearing on Tuesday.

At the same time, the bench said it is open for the Solicitor General or any other party to lay before the court any material or evidence to show that any West Bengal authority or police official is planning or trying to destroy evidence related to the case.

"If Kolkata Police Commissioner even remotely thinks of destroying evidence, bring the material before this court. We will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," the bench said.

The top court said all material or evidence has to be placed before it by means of affidavit.

An <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mamata-government-making-mockery-of-democracy-constitutional-propriety-bjp-194895">all-out war</a> broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-satyagraha-will-continue-till-india-is-saved-says-mamata-continuing-her-sit-in-194947">sit-in protest</a> over CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.

Some road restrictions have been imposed in the Metro Cinema area in the heart of West Bengal's capital Kolkata where the sit-in is being held.

The Trinamool Congress chief said she would not attend the Assembly, where the state budget would be placed by Finance Minister Amit Mitra, on Monday.

Insisting that it the CBI stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism", Banerjee claimed that the investigation agency knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah want to impose President's Rule in whatever states the opposition is in power.

Other politicians such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister M Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav spoke to Banerjee on Sunday night and vowed support to her protest.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday turned down central government's plea for hearing on the alleged destruction of electronic evidence related to the Saradha chit fund scam case by the Kolkata Police Commissioner.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday turned down central government's plea for hearing on the alleged destruction of electronic evidence related to the Saradha chit fund scam case by the Kolkata Police Commissioner. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, told the Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjeev Khanna, "Extraordinary situation has arrived. The CBI office was under siege. Evidence (electronic) has been destroyed, we've issued four summons to the commissioner. On a daily basis, FIRs are being registered against CBI officers. We are also filing a contempt petition. He should immediately surrender and we have certain things to point out." The court, however, declined the plea of the Solicitor General to hear the two applications on Monday in the post-lunch session. "We have gone through your application, there's nothing in it," the CJI said posting the matter for hearing on Tuesday. At the same time, the bench said it is open for the Solicitor General or any other party to lay before the court any material or evidence to show that any West Bengal authority or police official is planning or trying to destroy evidence related to the case. "If Kolkata Police Commissioner even remotely thinks of destroying evidence, bring the material before this court. We will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," the bench said. The top court said all material or evidence has to be placed before it by means of affidavit. An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the sit-in protest over CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams. Some road restrictions have been imposed in the Metro Cinema area in the heart of West Bengal's capital Kolkata where the sit-in is being held. The Trinamool Congress chief said she would not attend the Assembly, where the state budget would be placed by Finance Minister Amit Mitra, on Monday. Insisting that it the CBI stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism", Banerjee claimed that the investigation agency knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah want to impose President's Rule in whatever states the opposition is in power. Other politicians such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister M Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav spoke to Banerjee on Sunday night and vowed support to her protest.

Will come down heavily on Kolkata Police chief if he thinks of destroying evidence, says Supreme Court

The CBI had to bear the brunt of Kolkata Police after it sought to question some policemen in connection with ponzi scam cases, and one of its officers was even issued notices by the police implicating him in alleged vandalism of a hotel owned by Rose Valley Group, agency officials claimed Monday.

The Sunday showdown, where the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-cbi-face-off-wb-governor-submits-report-to-home-ministry-195075">CBI and Kolkata Police</a> came face-to-face, was a result of tension brewing between the two forces for over two years, they said.

The CBI, probing the ponzi scam cases, wanted to question Rajeev Kumar, head of a special investigation team constituted by the state government, and its members to probe Saradha scam in which thousands of investors were cheated of over Rs 2,500 crore, they said.

The investigation by the agency was met with an alleged retaliatory action from the Kolkata Police, which issued notices to Bratin Ghoshal, a CBI inspector probing one of the ponzi scam cases related to Rose Valley Group.

The Kolkata Police called Ghoshal in connection with alleged vandalism of Park Prime Hotel in the city, reportedly owned by Rose Valley Group, in 2017 soon after the CBI started sending notices to SIT members for questioning in September 2017, they said.

He was asked to report at Ballygunge police station under Section 160 CrPC which allows any investigation officer to record statement and evidence in a case.

The SIT was headed by then Bidhan Nagar Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, who is now Commissioner, Kolkata Police, they said.

The SIT had arrested Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, promoters of Saradha Group and prime accused in the case, in Jammu and Kashmir on March 20, 2013.

"State police were first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official said on the condition of anonymity.

The agency, which wanted to probe SIT members, was not getting a positive response from the police as many officials, including Kumar, gave excuses to evade questioning.

The CBI had to bear the brunt of Kolkata Police after it sought to question some policemen in connection with ponzi scam cases, and one of its officers was even issued notices by the police implicating him in alleged vandalism of a hotel owned by Rose Valley Group, agency officials claimed Monday.

The CBI had to bear the brunt of Kolkata Police after it sought to question some policemen in connection with ponzi scam cases, and one of its officers was even issued notices by the police implicating him in alleged vandalism of a hotel owned by Rose Valley Group, agency officials claimed Monday. The Sunday showdown, where the CBI and Kolkata Police came face-to-face, was a result of tension brewing between the two forces for over two years, they said. The CBI, probing the ponzi scam cases, wanted to question Rajeev Kumar, head of a special investigation team constituted by the state government, and its members to probe Saradha scam in which thousands of investors were cheated of over Rs 2,500 crore, they said. The investigation by the agency was met with an alleged retaliatory action from the Kolkata Police, which issued notices to Bratin Ghoshal, a CBI inspector probing one of the ponzi scam cases related to Rose Valley Group. The Kolkata Police called Ghoshal in connection with alleged vandalism of Park Prime Hotel in the city, reportedly owned by Rose Valley Group, in 2017 soon after the CBI started sending notices to SIT members for questioning in September 2017, they said. He was asked to report at Ballygunge police station under Section 160 CrPC which allows any investigation officer to record statement and evidence in a case. The SIT was headed by then Bidhan Nagar Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, who is now Commissioner, Kolkata Police, they said. The SIT had arrested Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, promoters of Saradha Group and prime accused in the case, in Jammu and Kashmir on March 20, 2013. "State police were first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official said on the condition of anonymity. The agency, which wanted to probe SIT members, was not getting a positive response from the police as many officials, including Kumar, gave excuses to evade questioning.

CBI official was called for questioning by Kolkata Police after notices to SIT members

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said that her dharna against the CBI's attempt to grill the Kolkata Police chief in the chit fund scam cases will continue till Friday in view of the upcoming boards examinations.

Banerjee is sitting on a dharna at the Metro Channel in Esplanade area in the heart of the city, the same spot she had sat on a 26-day fast in 2006 against the acquisition of farmland at Singur for the Tata Motors factory.

She has termed her dharna as "satyagraha" against the CBI and the Centre, which she said was attempting a "coup" in Bengal.

"This demonstration will continue till February 8. Because the boards examinations will be starting soon and we will not be playing the loudspeakers," she said.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee had said she would continue her "satyagraha" till the country and its Constitution are "saved".

A CBI team had gone to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in the city on Sunday to question him in connection with multi-crore chit fund scams but was denied permission, bundled into jeeps and whisked to a police station.

The Trinamool Congress supremo has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to organise a "coup" in the state and alleged that

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is directing CBI to harass political opponents on the orders of the prime minister.

Effigies of Modi and Shah were burnt in several parts of the state including Burdwan, Birbhum, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts.

Trinamool activists also blocked trains in Howrah and Hooghly districts and put up blockades on the national highway in Bankura district.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said that her dharna against the CBI's attempt to grill the Kolkata Police chief in the chit fund scam cases will continue till Friday in view of the upcoming boards examinations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said that her dharna against the CBI's attempt to grill the Kolkata Police chief in the chit fund scam cases will continue till Friday in view of the upcoming boards examinations. Banerjee is sitting on a dharna at the Metro Channel in Esplanade area in the heart of the city, the same spot she had sat on a 26-day fast in 2006 against the acquisition of farmland at Singur for the Tata Motors factory. She has termed her dharna as "satyagraha" against the CBI and the Centre, which she said was attempting a "coup" in Bengal. "This demonstration will continue till February 8. Because the boards examinations will be starting soon and we will not be playing the loudspeakers," she said. Earlier in the day, Banerjee had said she would continue her "satyagraha" till the country and its Constitution are "saved". A CBI team had gone to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in the city on Sunday to question him in connection with multi-crore chit fund scams but was denied permission, bundled into jeeps and whisked to a police station. The Trinamool Congress supremo has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to organise a "coup" in the state and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is directing CBI to harass political opponents on the orders of the prime minister. Effigies of Modi and Shah were burnt in several parts of the state including Burdwan, Birbhum, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts. Trinamool activists also blocked trains in Howrah and Hooghly districts and put up blockades on the national highway in Bankura district.

Dharna will continue till Friday: Mamata Banerjee

A Rohingya Muslim group of eight women and 17 children, who were arrested after being stuck at the India-Bangladesh border last month, was on Monday released from jail following the deposit of bail bonds by Rohingya Refugee Community.

Judicial Magistrate (First Class), S L Tripura Monday ordered for releasing them from jail after the bail bonds of Rs 5,000 for each of them were deposited.

The Magistrate also granted bails for six Rohingya men, also of the same stranded group, during the day on condition that Rs 30,000 is to be deposited per person.

Advocate Prasenjit Debnath, who moved the bail petition for the Rohingyas men, said if the bail bonds are deposited on February 8, when they would be produced in the court again, they would be freed.

Meanwhile, Md Shaqir, a member of Rohingya Refugee Community, who came from Delhi for depositing the bail bonds, told reporters that he would talk to his community for gathering the money for bail bonds for the six men, who were again taken to jail as bail bonds could not be deposited.

The BSF on January 22 handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border since January 18, to the Tripura police, after the paramilitary force and its counterpart, the BGB, failed to reach a decision during talks on the issue, officials said.&nbsp;

A Rohingya Muslim group of eight women and 17 children, who were arrested after being stuck at the India-Bangladesh border last month, was on Monday released from jail following the deposit of bail bonds by Rohingya Refugee Community.

A Rohingya Muslim group of eight women and 17 children, who were arrested after being stuck at the India-Bangladesh border last month, was on Monday released from jail following the deposit of bail bonds by Rohingya Refugee Community. Judicial Magistrate (First Class), S L Tripura Monday ordered for releasing them from jail after the bail bonds of Rs 5,000 for each of them were deposited. The Magistrate also granted bails for six Rohingya men, also of the same stranded group, during the day on condition that Rs 30,000 is to be deposited per person. Advocate Prasenjit Debnath, who moved the bail petition for the Rohingyas men, said if the bail bonds are deposited on February 8, when they would be produced in the court again, they would be freed. Meanwhile, Md Shaqir, a member of Rohingya Refugee Community, who came from Delhi for depositing the bail bonds, told reporters that he would talk to his community for gathering the money for bail bonds for the six men, who were again taken to jail as bail bonds could not be deposited. The BSF on January 22 handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border since January 18, to the Tripura police, after the paramilitary force and its counterpart, the BGB, failed to reach a decision during talks on the issue, officials said.

Rohingya row at India-Bangladesh border: 8 women, 17 children released from jail

Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India has been ordered by the United Kingdom. UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-home-secretary-signs-order-to-extradite-vijay-mallya-to-india-195145">ordered Mallya's extradition to India</a> on Monday.&nbsp;

Accused of conspiracy to defraud banks and money laundering offence, the 63-year-old business tycoon is wanted in India for charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

Mallya is also accused of violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). &nbsp;

Born on December 18, 1955, in Kolkata, Vijay Vittal Mallya is a former Member of Parliament from Karnataka.&nbsp;

Mallya was born to businessman Vittal Mallya and served as the ex-chairman of United Spirits - the largest spirits company in India. In 1983, at the age of 28, Mallya took over United Breweries Group after his father's death.&nbsp;

Mallya continues to serve as chairman of United Breweries Group and has been the chairman of several other companies including Sanofi India and Bayer CropScience in India.&nbsp;

Over the years he consolidated various companies under an umbrella group called the "UB Group". The Kingfisher brand is one of the most prominent ones associated to Mallya's United.

Kingfisher beer makes for over half of market share in India's beer market.&nbsp;

Mallya set up Kingfisher Airlines in the year 2005. The airlines had to be shut down owing to insolvency.&nbsp;

Mallya stint with politics was shortlived. He first became a member of the Akhila Bharata Janata Dal and later joined Subramanian Swamy-led Janata Party in 2003. He served as Janata Party national working president until 2010.

Mallya was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an independent member twice from Karnataka. In the year 2002, he went to Rajya Sabha with the support of Janata Dal (Secular) and Indian National Congress. In 2010, Janata Dal (Secular) and the BJP supported him as an independent candidate to become an MP.&nbsp;

Mallya was often criticised for his extravagant lifestyle and was known as the 'King of Good Times'. His ventures have a timeline of getting embroiled in financial scandals and controversies.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallyas-extradition-case-and-its-origin-a-timeline-195150">In 2013</a>, a consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India approached United Breweries Holdings Ltd for the payback of a loan amounting to Rs 6,493 crore on behalf of Kingfisher Airlines.&nbsp;

In 2016, he fled to the United Kingdom. India demanded his extradition in 2017.&nbsp;

Mallya is on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017 after the Indian authorities brought fraud and money laundering charges amounting to Rs 9,000 crores against the former Kingfisher Airlines boss.&nbsp;

The former Kingfisher Airlines' boss has earlier indicated that he intends to file an application to appeal against the Westminster Magistrates' Court verdict in favour of his extradition to India.

The businessman had told reporters soon after the ruling by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot in London in December 2018 that he would consider the verdict in detail and decide his next course of action. His legal team later confirmed that he will seek leave to appeal against the court order, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

While Mallya's legal team had argued in the UK court that the default on the loans sought by the now-defunct airline was the result of the business failure, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had claimed fraudulent intentions by the businessman in seeking and then dispersing those loans.

Judge Arbuthnot, in her ruling delivered on December 10 at the end of a year-long trial, concluded there is a case to answer in the Indian courts over substantial "misrepresentations" by the "flashy billionaire" of his financial dealings.

"There is clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds and I find a prima facie case the Dr Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money," she said.

The judgment had also dismissed the defence team's attempt to challenge the case on human rights grounds by claiming that Barrack 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where the businessman is to be detained following his extradition, did not meet the requirements.&nbsp;

The UK court said it was satisfied with the various assurances provided by the Indian government, including a video of the jail cell, which had not only been recently redecorated but was also far larger than the minimum required threshold.

Mallya's extradition to India had been ordered by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 9, 2018, after which the home secretary had two months to review and formally approve the extradition.

That deadline would have expired on February 9. Mallya now has 14 days to appeal the home secretary's decision.&nbsp;

In January 2019, a Mumbai court declared embattled liquor baron <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/vijay-mallya-first-businessman-to-be-declared-fugitive-economic-offender-188409">Vijay Mallya a fugitive economic offender (FEO)</a> on a plea of the Enforcement Directorate.

With the declaration, he became the first businessman to be tagged so under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018.

(With inputs from PTI)

Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India has been ordered by the United Kingdom. UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid Monday ordered Mallya's extradition to India on Monday.

Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India has been ordered by the United Kingdom. UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid Monday ordered Mallya's extradition to India on Monday. Accused of conspiracy to defraud banks and money laundering offence, the 63-year-old business tycoon is wanted in India for charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores. Mallya is also accused of violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Born on December 18, 1955, in Kolkata, Vijay Vittal Mallya is a former Member of Parliament from Karnataka. Mallya was born to businessman Vittal Mallya and served as the ex-chairman of United Spirits - the largest spirits company in India. In 1983, at the age of 28, Mallya took over United Breweries Group after his father's death. Mallya continues to serve as chairman of United Breweries Group and has been the chairman of several other companies including Sanofi India and Bayer CropScience in India. Over the years he consolidated various companies under an umbrella group called the "UB Group". The Kingfisher brand is one of the most prominent ones associated to Mallya's United. Kingfisher beer makes for over half of market share in India's beer market. Mallya set up Kingfisher Airlines in the year 2005. The airlines had to be shut down owing to insolvency. Mallya stint with politics was shortlived. He first became a member of the Akhila Bharata Janata Dal and later joined Subramanian Swamy-led Janata Party in 2003. He served as Janata Party national working president until 2010. Mallya was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an independent member twice from Karnataka. In the year 2002, he went to Rajya Sabha with the support of Janata Dal (Secular) and Indian National Congress. In 2010, Janata Dal (Secular) and the BJP supported him as an independent candidate to become an MP. Mallya was often criticised for his extravagant lifestyle and was known as the 'King of Good Times'. His ventures have a timeline of getting embroiled in financial scandals and controversies. In 2013, a consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India approached United Breweries Holdings Ltd for the payback of a loan amounting to Rs 6,493 crore on behalf of Kingfisher Airlines. In 2016, he fled to the United Kingdom. India demanded his extradition in 2017. Mallya is on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017 after the Indian authorities brought fraud and money laundering charges amounting to Rs 9,000 crores against the former Kingfisher Airlines boss. The former Kingfisher Airlines' boss has earlier indicated that he intends to file an application to appeal against the Westminster Magistrates' Court verdict in favour of his extradition to India. The businessman had told reporters soon after the ruling by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot in London in December 2018 that he would consider the verdict in detail and decide his next course of action. His legal team later confirmed that he will seek leave to appeal against the court order, news agency PTI reported. While Mallya's legal team had argued in the UK court that the default on the loans sought by the now-defunct airline was the result of the business failure, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had claimed fraudulent intentions by the businessman in seeking and then dispersing those loans. Judge Arbuthnot, in her ruling delivered on December 10 at the end of a year-long trial, concluded there is a case to answer in the Indian courts over substantial "misrepresentations" by the "flashy billionaire" of his financial dealings. "There is clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds and I find a prima facie case the Dr Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money," she said. The judgment had also dismissed the defence team's attempt to challenge the case on human rights grounds by claiming that Barrack 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where the businessman is to be detained following his extradition, did not meet the requirements. The UK court said it was satisfied with the various assurances provided by the Indian government, including a video of the jail cell, which had not only been recently redecorated but was also far larger than the minimum required threshold. Mallya's extradition to India had been ordered by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 9, 2018, after which the home secretary had two months to review and formally approve the extradition. That deadline would have expired on February 9. Mallya now has 14 days to appeal the home secretary's decision. In January 2019, a Mumbai court declared embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya a fugitive economic offender (FEO) on a plea of the Enforcement Directorate. With the declaration, he became the first businessman to be tagged so under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. (With inputs from PTI)

Vijay Mallya: Embattled fugitive liquor baron who was once member of parliament and 'King of Good Times' 

West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">Mamata Banerjee sit-in</a> over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams continued on Monday.

Banerjee, who sat on the dharna around 8.30 pm Sunday to protest against "the attack on constitutional norms", was seen speaking to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders at the protest site on Monday morning.

"I will continue my "Satyagraha" till the country and its Constitution are "saved"," said Mamata.

An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the sit-in protest in front of Metro Cinema over the issue.

Some road restrictions have been imposed in the Metro Cinema area in the heart of the city where the sit-in is being held.

The TMC supremo had said she would not attend the assembly, where the state budget would be placed by Finance Minister Amit Mitra, on Monday. 
Prior to that, a cabinet meeting would be held inside a makeshift room set up behind the stage.

TMC sources said Banerjee was scheduled to attend a meeting of the party's farmers' wing in an indoor stadium here. However, she might not go there and other party leaders would address the meeting.

Samajwadi Party leader Kiranmoy Nanda reached the dharna venue to express the party's solidarity with Banerjee over the issue.

Other national leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister M Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav spoke to Banerjee on Sunday night.

Insisting that it had stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism", Banerjee had claimed that the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah want to impose President's rule in whatever states the opposition is in power.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams continued on Monday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams continued on Monday. Banerjee, who sat on the dharna around 8.30 pm Sunday to protest against "the attack on constitutional norms", was seen speaking to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders at the protest site on Monday morning. "I will continue my "Satyagraha" till the country and its Constitution are "saved"," said Mamata. An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the sit-in protest in front of Metro Cinema over the issue. Some road restrictions have been imposed in the Metro Cinema area in the heart of the city where the sit-in is being held. The TMC supremo had said she would not attend the assembly, where the state budget would be placed by Finance Minister Amit Mitra, on Monday. Prior to that, a cabinet meeting would be held inside a makeshift room set up behind the stage. TMC sources said Banerjee was scheduled to attend a meeting of the party's farmers' wing in an indoor stadium here. However, she might not go there and other party leaders would address the meeting. Samajwadi Party leader Kiranmoy Nanda reached the dharna venue to express the party's solidarity with Banerjee over the issue. Other national leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister M Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav spoke to Banerjee on Sunday night. Insisting that it had stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism", Banerjee had claimed that the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah want to impose President's rule in whatever states the opposition is in power.

My 'Satyagraha' will continue till India is saved, says Mamata continuing her sit-in

UK Home Secretary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-home-secretary-signs-order-to-extradite-vijay-mallya-to-india-195145">Sajid Javid Monday ordered the extradition of Vijay Mallya to India</a> who is wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

Mallya is accused in India of fraud, money laundering and violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).&nbsp;

Mallya's extradition to India had been ordered by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 9, 2018, after which the home secretary had two months to review and formally approve the extradition.

That deadline would have expired on February 9.&nbsp;

Mallya now has 14 days to appeal the home secretary's decision.&nbsp;

Following is the chronology of the case and its origin:

May 9, 2005: United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL) Chairman Vijay Mallya's luxury airline - Kingfisher Airlines - starts commercial operations.

2013: A consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India approached United Breweries Holdings Ltd for the payback of a loan amounting to Rs 6,493 crore on behalf of Kingfisher Airlines.&nbsp;

March 3, 2016: Mallya fled India and took refuge in London.

February, 2017: India sent an extradition request to the UK.&nbsp;

April 18, 2017: Scotland Yard arrests Mallya on an extradition warrant after he surrenders at a central London police station. He is released on bail within hours after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds.

June 13, 2017: The first case management hearing takes place at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London in the extradition case. Mallya's bail is extended until December 2017, for the start of the extradition trial.

July 6, 2017: Mallya appears for a hearing in the case despite an exemption from appearance in court.

September 14, 2017: Another case management hearing in the case when Mallya's defence team informs the court of plans to depose six experts they intend to rely upon in their evidence.

October 3, 2017: Mallya is re-arrested in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is released on the same bail conditions, as the CBI and ED cases are clubbed together for the purposes of the extradition trial.

November 20, 2017: A pre-trial hearing in the case takes note of additional "supplemental" charges of money laundering to the previous charges of fraud, amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

December 4, 2017: Mallya's extradition trial begins.

December 5, 2017: Mallya's defence team lays out its counter-arguments, claiming there was no evidence to support the "nonsensical" case of fraud against their client.&nbsp;

December 7, 2017: The hearing resumes with Mallya's defence claiming his offer to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principal loan amount owed to the Indian banks, led by State Bank of India, had been rejected.&nbsp;

December 11, 2017: Mallya's defence continues deposing its experts and tries to establish that the case against him is "politically motivated".

December 12, 2017: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) takes Mallya's defence team's political expert to the task, claiming that he had relied on flawed material to discredit Indian investigation agencies like the CBI and ED in his testimony.

December 13, 2017: Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where Mallya is to be held on extradition, comes into focus as the defence seek to discredit its suitability through the witness statements of UK-based prison service expert Dr Alan Mitchell and the dismiss his claims.

December 14, 2017: Both sides conclude the evidence stage of the trial, with the case moving into 2018 to complete all procedures.

January 11, 2018: The hearing returns for the judge to hear arguments for and against the admissibility of certain evidence in the case.

March 16, 2018: The judge notes that it is "blindingly obvious" to her that rules were being broken by Indian banks, which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines as the case returns for hearing.

April 27, 2018: The CBI gets a boost as the judge confirms that the bulk of the evidence submitted by the Indian authorities in the extradition case will be deemed admissible.

July 31, 2018: The court asks the Indian authorities to submit a video of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai to allay all doubts over its suitability as the case edges towards a conclusion.

September 12, 2018: At the final hearing in the case, Mallya tells media outside the court that he met finance minister Arun Jaitley before he left India in March 2016. Jaitley instantly issues a statement to dismiss the comments as 'factually incorrect'.

December 10, 2018: Westminster Magistrates' Court judge ordered the extradition of Mallya. The UK Home Secretary will have to sign Mallya's extradition order within two months. However, Mallya's defence team has a chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the verdict.

February 4, 2019: UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid orders Mallya's extradition to India.&nbsp;

UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid Monday ordered the extradition of Vijay Mallya to India who is wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid Monday ordered the extradition of Vijay Mallya to India who is wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores. Mallya is accused in India of fraud, money laundering and violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Mallya's extradition to India had been ordered by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 9, 2018, after which the home secretary had two months to review and formally approve the extradition. That deadline would have expired on February 9. Mallya now has 14 days to appeal the home secretary's decision. Following is the chronology of the case and its origin: May 9, 2005: United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL) Chairman Vijay Mallya's luxury airline - Kingfisher Airlines - starts commercial operations. 2013: A consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India approached United Breweries Holdings Ltd for the payback of a loan amounting to Rs 6,493 crore on behalf of Kingfisher Airlines. March 3, 2016: Mallya fled India and took refuge in London. February, 2017: India sent an extradition request to the UK. April 18, 2017: Scotland Yard arrests Mallya on an extradition warrant after he surrenders at a central London police station. He is released on bail within hours after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds. June 13, 2017: The first case management hearing takes place at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London in the extradition case. Mallya's bail is extended until December 2017, for the start of the extradition trial. July 6, 2017: Mallya appears for a hearing in the case despite an exemption from appearance in court. September 14, 2017: Another case management hearing in the case when Mallya's defence team informs the court of plans to depose six experts they intend to rely upon in their evidence. October 3, 2017: Mallya is re-arrested in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is released on the same bail conditions, as the CBI and ED cases are clubbed together for the purposes of the extradition trial. November 20, 2017: A pre-trial hearing in the case takes note of additional "supplemental" charges of money laundering to the previous charges of fraud, amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores. December 4, 2017: Mallya's extradition trial begins. December 5, 2017: Mallya's defence team lays out its counter-arguments, claiming there was no evidence to support the "nonsensical" case of fraud against their client. December 7, 2017: The hearing resumes with Mallya's defence claiming his offer to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principal loan amount owed to the Indian banks, led by State Bank of India, had been rejected. December 11, 2017: Mallya's defence continues deposing its experts and tries to establish that the case against him is "politically motivated". December 12, 2017: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) takes Mallya's defence team's political expert to the task, claiming that he had relied on flawed material to discredit Indian investigation agencies like the CBI and ED in his testimony. December 13, 2017: Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where Mallya is to be held on extradition, comes into focus as the defence seek to discredit its suitability through the witness statements of UK-based prison service expert Dr Alan Mitchell and the dismiss his claims. December 14, 2017: Both sides conclude the evidence stage of the trial, with the case moving into 2018 to complete all procedures. January 11, 2018: The hearing returns for the judge to hear arguments for and against the admissibility of certain evidence in the case. March 16, 2018: The judge notes that it is "blindingly obvious" to her that rules were being broken by Indian banks, which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines as the case returns for hearing. April 27, 2018: The CBI gets a boost as the judge confirms that the bulk of the evidence submitted by the Indian authorities in the extradition case will be deemed admissible. July 31, 2018: The court asks the Indian authorities to submit a video of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai to allay all doubts over its suitability as the case edges towards a conclusion. September 12, 2018: At the final hearing in the case, Mallya tells media outside the court that he met finance minister Arun Jaitley before he left India in March 2016. Jaitley instantly issues a statement to dismiss the comments as 'factually incorrect'. December 10, 2018: Westminster Magistrates' Court judge ordered the extradition of Mallya. The UK Home Secretary will have to sign Mallya's extradition order within two months. However, Mallya's defence team has a chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the verdict. February 4, 2019: UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid orders Mallya's extradition to India.

A timeline of the Vijay Mallya extradition case

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-cbi-face-off-wb-governor-submits-report-to-home-ministry-195075">CBI-Kolkata Police face-off</a> in her state.&nbsp;

"I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said.&nbsp;

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation. <a href="https://t.co/XhI0uEhpu5">pic.twitter.com/XhI0uEhpu5</a>
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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi government's atrocities. <a href="https://t.co/s8bUhp6BcC">pic.twitter.com/s8bUhp6BcC</a>
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A CBI team had shown up — reportedly unannounced — yesterday at the Kolkata Police chief's home. The CBI has accused Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar of slow-walking the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams.&nbsp;

Five members of the CBI team were detained, but later released.&nbsp;

Mamata herself had turned up at Kumar's home on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

Kolkata Police personnel meanwhile stationed themselves outside the regional CBI office. A little later, CRPF personnel were sent to the CBI office.&nbsp;

Mamata then announced that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-cm-is-following-kejriwals-footsteps-by-staging-dharna-ravi-shankar-prasad-195093">she was staging a dharna</a> against what she said were the Centre's machinations.&nbsp;

The CBI meanwhile has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against Kumar, and the West Bengal director general of police and chief secretary.&nbsp;The plea accuses the trio of the wilful and deliberate violation of the Supreme Court's orders; the CBI says they were investigating the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley scams on the court's orders.&nbsp;

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CBI has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against West Bengal's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex court's orders. <a href="https://t.co/iA5oHKPLtb">pic.twitter.com/iA5oHKPLtb</a>
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Mamata's dharna meanwhile continues.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state. "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation. pic.twitter.com/XhI0uEhpu5 — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi government's atrocities. pic.twitter.com/s8bUhp6BcC — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × A CBI team had shown up — reportedly unannounced — yesterday at the Kolkata Police chief's home. The CBI has accused Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar of slow-walking the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams. Five members of the CBI team were detained, but later released. Mamata herself had turned up at Kumar's home on Sunday evening. Kolkata Police personnel meanwhile stationed themselves outside the regional CBI office. A little later, CRPF personnel were sent to the CBI office. Mamata then announced that she was staging a dharna against what she said were the Centre's machinations. The CBI meanwhile has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against Kumar, and the West Bengal director general of police and chief secretary. The plea accuses the trio of the wilful and deliberate violation of the Supreme Court's orders; the CBI says they were investigating the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley scams on the court's orders. CBI has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against West Bengal's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex court's orders. pic.twitter.com/iA5oHKPLtb — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × Mamata's dharna meanwhile continues.

Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but will not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in Supreme Court

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday, as a result of which train and flight schedules were hampered.

As many as 27 trains coming into Delhi were delayed due to fog in Northern India.

Furthermore, a number of flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were put on hold at the runway as visibility dipped severely. However, no flights were diverted or cancelled.

In addition to inclement weather, poor air quality is also adding to the woes of locals in the national capital and surrounding areas.

According to SAFAR, Air Quality Index (AQI) at Delhi's Lodhi Road area saw major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 docking in the 'poor' category at 206 and 216, respectively.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday, as a result of which train and flight schedules were hampered. As many as 27 trains coming into Delhi were delayed due to fog in Northern India.

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday, as a result of which train and flight schedules were hampered. As many as 27 trains coming into Delhi were delayed due to fog in Northern India. Furthermore, a number of flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were put on hold at the runway as visibility dipped severely. However, no flights were diverted or cancelled. In addition to inclement weather, poor air quality is also adding to the woes of locals in the national capital and surrounding areas. According to SAFAR, Air Quality Index (AQI) at Delhi's Lodhi Road area saw major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 docking in the 'poor' category at 206 and 216, respectively. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

Thick fog engulfs Delhi: Several trains, flights delayed; air quality dips

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reacted to BJP president Amit Shah's remark of NDA "closing its doors"&nbsp;for the TDP supremo.

The Andhra CM condemned Shah's "attitude and arrogance" adding that no one "has asked him to open the door".

"Who has asked him to open the door? Why is he talking like this? I totally condemn this attitude and arrogance," Naidu said.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Monday called the TDP chief a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-is-u-turn-cm-ndas-doors-shut-forever-for-him-amit-shah-195080">U-turn Chief Minister</a>" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again.

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Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu on Amit Shah's remark 'doors closed for Chandrababu Naidu in NDA': Who has asked him to open the door? Why is he talking like this? I totally condemn this attitude and arrogance <a href="https://t.co/vssFVDnObt">pic.twitter.com/vssFVDnObt</a>
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"As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally.

"I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added.

The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014. 
&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reacted to BJP president Amit Shah's remark of NDA "closing its doors" for the TDP supremo. The Andhra CM condemned Shah's "attitude and arrogance" adding that no one "has asked him to open the door".

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reacted to BJP president Amit Shah's remark of NDA "closing its doors" for the TDP supremo. The Andhra CM condemned Shah's "attitude and arrogance" adding that no one "has asked him to open the door". "Who has asked him to open the door? Why is he talking like this? I totally condemn this attitude and arrogance," Naidu said. BJP president Amit Shah on Monday called the TDP chief a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu on Amit Shah's remark 'doors closed for Chandrababu Naidu in NDA': Who has asked him to open the door? Why is he talking like this? I totally condemn this attitude and arrogance pic.twitter.com/vssFVDnObt — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally. "I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added. The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014.

'Who asked him to open door?': Chandrababu Naidu reacts to Amit Shah saying NDA's door shut for him

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has claimed that a “motivated campaign” is going on surrounding the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to derail the pace of the development the state is witnessing in the BJP rule.

Addressing the Asha and National Health Mission convention here, Sonowal assured the people that the land, culture, language of the indigenous people are fully safe in the hands of the present government.&nbsp;

“This (protests against the Bill) is a motivated campaign to derail the pace of development of the state. I urge all people to stand united to thwart the evil design of divisive forces,” he said Sunday.

The chief minister alleged that a misinformation campaign has been launched by certain vested interest groups that 1.9 crore Bangladeshi immigrants would get a settlement in Assam in the days to come if the Bill is implemented.&nbsp;

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

Protests against the bill have rocked the entire northeast over the past five weeks, with several organisations and political parties vehemently opposing it.&nbsp;

The protesters claim that the bill will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants, irrespective of religion.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has claimed that a “motivated campaign” is going on surrounding the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to derail the pace of the development the state is witnessing in the BJP rule.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has claimed that a “motivated campaign” is going on surrounding the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to derail the pace of the development the state is witnessing in the BJP rule. Addressing the Asha and National Health Mission convention here, Sonowal assured the people that the land, culture, language of the indigenous people are fully safe in the hands of the present government. “This (protests against the Bill) is a motivated campaign to derail the pace of development of the state. I urge all people to stand united to thwart the evil design of divisive forces,” he said Sunday. The chief minister alleged that a misinformation campaign has been launched by certain vested interest groups that 1.9 crore Bangladeshi immigrants would get a settlement in Assam in the days to come if the Bill is implemented. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. Protests against the bill have rocked the entire northeast over the past five weeks, with several organisations and political parties vehemently opposing it. The protesters claim that the bill will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants, irrespective of religion.

Assam Citizenship Bill row: CM Sonowal dubs protests as motivated campaign to stall pace of development in state

The second meeting on the Kartarpur corridor will take place at the Home Ministry in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba with Punjab Chief Secretary and Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, in attendance. The first meeting on the corridor took place on January 15.&nbsp;

On November 22, 2018, India shared the coordinates of the Zero Point (crossing point) of the corridor along the International Border with Pakistan. New Delhi has also invited a Pakistani delegation to India to discuss and finalise the modalities of the corridor and has suggested two sets of dates -- February 26 and March 7, 2019. Pakistan has not responded yet.&nbsp;

The Kartarpur Gurudwara is located in Pakistan at the site where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, is believed to have lived for 18 years.

Last year, India approved the building of the corridor on the Indian side so that pilgrims can easily visit the holy site to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev this year. Pakistan later announced that it will also build a corridor on its side of the border from the Gurudwara till the International Border.&nbsp;

India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone in Pakistan on November 28, 2018.

The second meeting on the Kartarpur corridor will take place at the Home Ministry in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba with Punjab Chief Secretary and Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, in attendance.

The second meeting on the Kartarpur corridor will take place at the Home Ministry in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba with Punjab Chief Secretary and Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, in attendance. The first meeting on the corridor took place on January 15. On November 22, 2018, India shared the coordinates of the Zero Point (crossing point) of the corridor along the International Border with Pakistan. New Delhi has also invited a Pakistani delegation to India to discuss and finalise the modalities of the corridor and has suggested two sets of dates -- February 26 and March 7, 2019. Pakistan has not responded yet. The Kartarpur Gurudwara is located in Pakistan at the site where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, is believed to have lived for 18 years. Last year, India approved the building of the corridor on the Indian side so that pilgrims can easily visit the holy site to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev this year. Pakistan later announced that it will also build a corridor on its side of the border from the Gurudwara till the International Border. India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone in Pakistan on November 28, 2018.

Second meeting on Kartarpur corridor to be held on Tuesday

The CBI arrested on Sunday one of its officer and a revenue official in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district in connection with the Rs 126 crore Yamuna Expressway land scam, officials said.

The agency had on Saturday booked V S Rathore, an inspector in the anti-corruption branch in Ghaziabad; Sunil Dutt, the ASI of CBI Academy Ghaziabad; and tehsildar Ranveer Singh over the scam, they said.

“Inspector Rathore and tehsildar Ranveer Singh have been arrested in connection with the case,” the CBI official said.

It has also booked some “unknown officials of the UP Police” and “some other unidentified persons” in the case, the official said.

They are accused of a “criminal conspiracy for obtaining an undue advantage by the public servants for the dishonest performance of duty, undue advantage to influence public servant by corrupt or illegal means and bribing of public servants”.

They have been charged under the Indian Penal Code section 120B (party to a criminal conspiracy), and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Meanwhile, Circle Officer of Greater Noida 1st Nishank Sharma, who was probing the case, was summoned by the CBI in New Delhi for questioning.

“In the wake of the CBI questioning, Sharma, a deputy superintendent of police, has been removed as CO Greater Noida and attached in the Gautam Buddh Nagar headquarters,” on official order said Sunday.

According to the police, some YEIDA officials, including its former CEO P C Gupta, in tie-up with some private firms had purchased around 57 hectare “useless” land in 2014 from seven villages of Mathura in lieu of compensation to their owners by the Authority.

But the compensation amount was much higher than what was defined by the Authority for such purchases.

Also in doing so, the accused not only caused loss to the YEIDA but also made personal gains fraudulently, according to the police.

So far, at least six people have been arrested in the five-year-old case in which 21 people, including a former IAS officer, who also served as the YEIDA chairman, the police said.

The CBI arrested on Sunday one of its officer and a revenue official in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district in connection with the Rs 126 crore Yamuna Expressway land scam, officials said.

The CBI arrested on Sunday one of its officer and a revenue official in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district in connection with the Rs 126 crore Yamuna Expressway land scam, officials said. The agency had on Saturday booked V S Rathore, an inspector in the anti-corruption branch in Ghaziabad; Sunil Dutt, the ASI of CBI Academy Ghaziabad; and tehsildar Ranveer Singh over the scam, they said. “Inspector Rathore and tehsildar Ranveer Singh have been arrested in connection with the case,” the CBI official said. It has also booked some “unknown officials of the UP Police” and “some other unidentified persons” in the case, the official said. They are accused of a “criminal conspiracy for obtaining an undue advantage by the public servants for the dishonest performance of duty, undue advantage to influence public servant by corrupt or illegal means and bribing of public servants”. They have been charged under the Indian Penal Code section 120B (party to a criminal conspiracy), and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Meanwhile, Circle Officer of Greater Noida 1st Nishank Sharma, who was probing the case, was summoned by the CBI in New Delhi for questioning. “In the wake of the CBI questioning, Sharma, a deputy superintendent of police, has been removed as CO Greater Noida and attached in the Gautam Buddh Nagar headquarters,” on official order said Sunday. According to the police, some YEIDA officials, including its former CEO P C Gupta, in tie-up with some private firms had purchased around 57 hectare “useless” land in 2014 from seven villages of Mathura in lieu of compensation to their owners by the Authority. But the compensation amount was much higher than what was defined by the Authority for such purchases. Also in doing so, the accused not only caused loss to the YEIDA but also made personal gains fraudulently, according to the police. So far, at least six people have been arrested in the five-year-old case in which 21 people, including a former IAS officer, who also served as the YEIDA chairman, the police said.

CBI arrests its own officer and UP Revenue officer in Yamuna Authority fraud case

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sends-3750-more-troops-to-mexico-border-pentagon-194907">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sends-3750-more-troops-to-mexico-border-pentagon-194907"> to send 3,750 more troops to Mexico border: Pentagon</a>

The United States will send an additional 3,750 troops to its frontier with Mexico, the Pentagon said on Sunday, as President Donald Trump doubled down on his call for a wall to boost border security.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-emiliano-salas-missing-plane-found-claim-investigators-194908">Footballer Emiliano Sala's missing plane found, claim investigators</a>

The missing plane carrying Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala and his pilot has been found, investigators told AFP on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/you-will-stain-the-presidency-with-blood-venezuelas-maduro-to-trump-194921">You will stain the presidency with blood: Venezuela's Maduro to Trump</a>

With hours to go until the deadline passes for Nicolas Maduro to call early elections in Venezuela, ousted President warned Donald Trump of a civil war if he continues to insist on overthrowing him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">CBI to move Supreme Court against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">detention</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919"> of agency officials by Mamata government</a>

The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-return-padma-bhushan-if-government-doesnt-fulfil-promises-hazare-194913">Will return Padma Bhushan if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-return-padma-bhushan-if-government-doesnt-fulfil-promises-hazare-194913">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-return-padma-bhushan-if-government-doesnt-fulfil-promises-hazare-194913"> doesn't fulfil promises: Hazare</a>

Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan.

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US to send 3,750 more troops to Mexico border: Pentagon The United States will send an additional 3,750 troops to its frontier with Mexico, the Pentagon said on Sunday, as President Donald Trump doubled down on his call for a wall to boost border security.

US to send 3,750 more troops to Mexico border: Pentagon The United States will send an additional 3,750 troops to its frontier with Mexico, the Pentagon said on Sunday, as President Donald Trump doubled down on his call for a wall to boost border security. Footballer Emiliano Sala's missing plane found, claim investigators The missing plane carrying Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala and his pilot has been found, investigators told AFP on Sunday. You will stain the presidency with blood: Venezuela's Maduro to Trump With hours to go until the deadline passes for Nicolas Maduro to call early elections in Venezuela, ousted President warned Donald Trump of a civil war if he continues to insist on overthrowing him. CBI to move Supreme Court against detention of agency officials by Mamata government The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao. Will return Padma Bhushan if government doesn't fulfil promises: Hazare Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Leaders of several <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-tampering-issue-tmc-21-other-opposition-parties-to-move-election-commission-195074">opposition parties approached the Election Commission</a> on Monday and sought redressal of the issue of alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

The opposition leaders demanded the poll panel ensure that 50 per cent of EVM results are matched and cross-checked with voter-verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs) before the declaration of results in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The leaders told the Election Commission the people of the country doubted the efficacy of EVMs and this issue needs to be redressed.

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Election Commission: The Commission assured the political parties that issues raised by them would be deliberated and examined. <a href="https://t.co/DLmiZHR0sI">https://t.co/DLmiZHR0sI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092431819985899521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The opposition delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and other members of the panel.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu after opposition leaders meet EC: To bring transparency to election process we should go back to paper ballot but due to time constraint, we are demanding that 50% of VVPATs should be counted at random &amp; be tallied with EVMs. <a href="https://t.co/tbP2AoEoNS">pic.twitter.com/tbP2AoEoNS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092422876882337794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The opposition parties had earlier sought moving back to the ballot paper system, but after the Election Commission made it clear that there was no possibility of going back to the old system, they changed their strategy and are now demanding to match of 50 per cent EVMs with VVPATs.

The leaders of various opposition parties earlier met in Parliament and discussed their strategy on the issue.

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Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress after opposition leaders meet EC: We all have come here to discuss EVM and VVPAT. If it is not possible to introduce ballot papers then at least 50% of VVPAT should be counted for cross verification with EVM. <a href="https://t.co/vlMWJ4tqRQ">pic.twitter.com/vlMWJ4tqRQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092424882531520512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The delegation included Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel and Anand Sharma of the Congress, Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Majid Menon (NCP), Derek O'Brien (Trinamool Congress), Ramgopal Yadav (SP), Satish Chandra Misra (BSP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Mohd Salim and T K Rangarajan (CPI-M), Manoj Jha (RJD), Sanjay Singh (AAP), D Raja (CPI), Danish Ali (JD-S), N K Premchandran (RSP), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) and KG Kenye (NPF).

The leaders of various parties had earlier met in Constitution Club on Friday and discussed their future strategy on the issue.&nbsp;

Leaders of several opposition parties approached the Election Commission on Monday and sought redressal of the issue of alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Leaders of several opposition parties approached the Election Commission on Monday and sought redressal of the issue of alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs). The opposition leaders demanded the poll panel ensure that 50 per cent of EVM results are matched and cross-checked with voter-verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs) before the declaration of results in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The leaders told the Election Commission the people of the country doubted the efficacy of EVMs and this issue needs to be redressed. Election Commission: The Commission assured the political parties that issues raised by them would be deliberated and examined. https://t.co/DLmiZHR0sI — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × The opposition delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and other members of the panel. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu after opposition leaders meet EC: To bring transparency to election process we should go back to paper ballot but due to time constraint, we are demanding that 50% of VVPATs should be counted at random & be tallied with EVMs. pic.twitter.com/tbP2AoEoNS — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × The opposition parties had earlier sought moving back to the ballot paper system, but after the Election Commission made it clear that there was no possibility of going back to the old system, they changed their strategy and are now demanding to match of 50 per cent EVMs with VVPATs. The leaders of various opposition parties earlier met in Parliament and discussed their strategy on the issue. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress after opposition leaders meet EC: We all have come here to discuss EVM and VVPAT. If it is not possible to introduce ballot papers then at least 50% of VVPAT should be counted for cross verification with EVM. pic.twitter.com/vlMWJ4tqRQ — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × The delegation included Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel and Anand Sharma of the Congress, Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Majid Menon (NCP), Derek O'Brien (Trinamool Congress), Ramgopal Yadav (SP), Satish Chandra Misra (BSP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Mohd Salim and T K Rangarajan (CPI-M), Manoj Jha (RJD), Sanjay Singh (AAP), D Raja (CPI), Danish Ali (JD-S), N K Premchandran (RSP), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) and KG Kenye (NPF). The leaders of various parties had earlier met in Constitution Club on Friday and discussed their future strategy on the issue.

Opposition parties meet EC over EVM issue, demand matching of 50% of results with VVPATs

Days after courting controversy over a list of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-kerala-govt-says-51-women-have-entered-sabarimala-temple-191271">51 women who had entered the Sabarimala temple</a>, the Kerala government Monday said only two women of menstrual age had visited the shrine after a Supreme Court's judgement removed the bar on their entry.

In a written reply in the state assembly, the government also said the visit of a Sri Lankan woman in early January was yet to be confirmed.

Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, in response to an unstarred question, said two women had offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine according to the report of the temple executive officer.

He also said they were awaiting confirmation on whether Sasikala, the 47-year-old Sri Lankan woman whose visit was earlier confirmed by sources in the Chief Minister's Office and police, visited the hill shrine.

Surendran was replying to a question by opposition Congress legislators on how many women in the age group of 10-50 years had offered prayers at the temple after the September 28 apex court verdict.

The CPI(M)-led state government had filed an affidavit in the apex court on January 18, saying 51 young women had entered the temple during the recently concluded annual pilgrim season.

However, controversy erupted later as some women who were named in the list were above 50 years of age. Names of at least two men had also crept into the list.

In response to another question, Surendran said the authority to take a decision on matters related to the shrine's customs and traditions was not entrusted with the temple's 'tantri' (head priest) alone.

According to the Devaswom Manual, if any violation of traditional customs occurs, it is for the officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to hold talks with the head priest and take a final decision on atonement rituals, he added.

Last month, the head priest, Kandaru Rajeevaru, had closed the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine to perform a 'purification' ceremony after two women offered worship at the temple.

The TDB, the apex temple body in Kerala, has sought an explanation from him.

The annual pilgrimage season witnessed widespread protests from frenzied devotees and right-wing groups over the LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's verdict, allowing women of all ages to enter the hilltop shrine.

During the season, over two dozen women devotees, some of whom were branded as activists, unsuccessfully attempted to trek the hill.

However, on January 2, two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindhu (42), offered prayers at the shrine, breaking a centuries-old tradition.

Before the Supreme Court's verdict, women in the age group of 10 to 50 years were not allowed to enter the temple as the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa, is a "Naishtika Brahmachari" (perennial celibate).&nbsp;

Days after courting controversy over a list of 51 women who had entered the Sabarimala temple, the Kerala government Monday said only two women of menstrual age had visited the shrine after a Supreme Court's judgement removed the bar on their entry.

Days after courting controversy over a list of 51 women who had entered the Sabarimala temple, the Kerala government Monday said only two women of menstrual age had visited the shrine after a Supreme Court's judgement removed the bar on their entry. In a written reply in the state assembly, the government also said the visit of a Sri Lankan woman in early January was yet to be confirmed. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, in response to an unstarred question, said two women had offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine according to the report of the temple executive officer. He also said they were awaiting confirmation on whether Sasikala, the 47-year-old Sri Lankan woman whose visit was earlier confirmed by sources in the Chief Minister's Office and police, visited the hill shrine. Surendran was replying to a question by opposition Congress legislators on how many women in the age group of 10-50 years had offered prayers at the temple after the September 28 apex court verdict. The CPI(M)-led state government had filed an affidavit in the apex court on January 18, saying 51 young women had entered the temple during the recently concluded annual pilgrim season. However, controversy erupted later as some women who were named in the list were above 50 years of age. Names of at least two men had also crept into the list. In response to another question, Surendran said the authority to take a decision on matters related to the shrine's customs and traditions was not entrusted with the temple's 'tantri' (head priest) alone. According to the Devaswom Manual, if any violation of traditional customs occurs, it is for the officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to hold talks with the head priest and take a final decision on atonement rituals, he added. Last month, the head priest, Kandaru Rajeevaru, had closed the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine to perform a 'purification' ceremony after two women offered worship at the temple. The TDB, the apex temple body in Kerala, has sought an explanation from him. The annual pilgrimage season witnessed widespread protests from frenzied devotees and right-wing groups over the LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's verdict, allowing women of all ages to enter the hilltop shrine. During the season, over two dozen women devotees, some of whom were branded as activists, unsuccessfully attempted to trek the hill. However, on January 2, two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindhu (42), offered prayers at the shrine, breaking a centuries-old tradition. Before the Supreme Court's verdict, women in the age group of 10 to 50 years were not allowed to enter the temple as the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa, is a "Naishtika Brahmachari" (perennial celibate).

Only 2 women visited Sabarimala: Kerala minister tells Assembly

The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-sits-on-dharna-after-cbi-kolkata-police-face-off-194890">Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar</a>'s residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao.

A full-blown face-off between West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre erupted as a CBI team moved to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, which in turn were unceremoniously denied entry to Kolkata Police chief`s residence and then detained.

Escalating her confrontation with the Centre, Banerjee also started a sit-in to protest, in what her Trinamool Congress party called a "coup" by the Modi government. She was seen sitting on her `Save the Constitution` dharna at Metro Channel in Kolkata, in Rajeev Kumar was also present.

Rao also alleged that there was proof against that he hampered evidence in the chit fund scam.

"We are contacting our senior law officers about the Kolkata incident. Whatever they suggest will be followed. We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the Supreme Court. A SIT has been constituted by the West Bengal government prior to Supreme Court's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner," he told ANI.

"They have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear," Rao added.

All the five CBI officers who were detained by police at Shakespeare Sarani police station in Kolkata have been released.

Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre was heading a SIT on the Saradha and Rose Valley scams. The CBI wanted the top officer to hand over the seizure list made during his probe, sources said.

Reportedly, the top cop was to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he is not responding to notices to appear before the agency.

Rajeev Kumar, according to media reports, became apprehensive of his arrest after Bengali film producer Shrikant Mohita was taken into custody.&nbsp;

The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao.

The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao. A full-blown face-off between West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre erupted as a CBI team moved to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, which in turn were unceremoniously denied entry to Kolkata Police chief`s residence and then detained. Escalating her confrontation with the Centre, Banerjee also started a sit-in to protest, in what her Trinamool Congress party called a "coup" by the Modi government. She was seen sitting on her `Save the Constitution` dharna at Metro Channel in Kolkata, in Rajeev Kumar was also present. Rao also alleged that there was proof against that he hampered evidence in the chit fund scam. "We are contacting our senior law officers about the Kolkata incident. Whatever they suggest will be followed. We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the Supreme Court. A SIT has been constituted by the West Bengal government prior to Supreme Court's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner," he told ANI. "They have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear," Rao added. All the five CBI officers who were detained by police at Shakespeare Sarani police station in Kolkata have been released. Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre was heading a SIT on the Saradha and Rose Valley scams. The CBI wanted the top officer to hand over the seizure list made during his probe, sources said. Reportedly, the top cop was to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he is not responding to notices to appear before the agency. Rajeev Kumar, according to media reports, became apprehensive of his arrest after Bengali film producer Shrikant Mohita was taken into custody.

CBI to move Supreme Court against detention of agency officials by Mamata government

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court will hear <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-cbi-standoff-will-come-down-heavily-on-kolkata-police-if-it-thinks-of-destroying-evidence-says-cji-ranjan-gogoi-to-solicitor-general-tushar-mehta-194966">the CBI plea against the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal government</a> on Tuesday

The bench will be led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, with Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjeev Khanna on it.&nbsp;

The plea by the CBI alleges non-cooperation by the Kolkata Police and the Bengal government in the investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam. The CBI has accused Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar of slow-walking the investigation.&nbsp;

On Sunday evening, a CBI team turned up at Kumar's home — sparking the current political crisis between the Centre and the West Bengal government.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been sitting on a dharna since Sunday night.&nbsp;

The CBI had asked the Supreme Court to hear the matter on Monday itself, saying Kumar had destroyed evidence in the case.&nbsp;

CJI Gogoi had responded that the court had gone through the CBI's submission, and there was nothing in it to suggest Kumar had actually destroyed evidence.&nbsp;

He added though that the court would come down very heavily on Kumar should the CBI be able to provided evidence that he was actually guilty of destroying evidence.&nbsp;

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court will hear the CBI plea against the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal government on Tuesday The bench will be led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, with Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjeev Khanna on it.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court will hear the CBI plea against the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal government on Tuesday The bench will be led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, with Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjeev Khanna on it. The plea by the CBI alleges non-cooperation by the Kolkata Police and the Bengal government in the investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam. The CBI has accused Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar of slow-walking the investigation. On Sunday evening, a CBI team turned up at Kumar's home — sparking the current political crisis between the Centre and the West Bengal government. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been sitting on a dharna since Sunday night. The CBI had asked the Supreme Court to hear the matter on Monday itself, saying Kumar had destroyed evidence in the case. CJI Gogoi had responded that the court had gone through the CBI's submission, and there was nothing in it to suggest Kumar had actually destroyed evidence. He added though that the court would come down very heavily on Kumar should the CBI be able to provided evidence that he was actually guilty of destroying evidence.

Three-judge SC bench to hear CBI plea against Kolkata Police, Bengal government Tuesday

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday claimed to have arrested a JeM operative for his alleged involvement in a terror attack on CRPF Group Centre in Lethpora village in Pulwama district.

The arrested JeM operative has been identified as Fayaz Ahmad Magray.

“Accused Fayaz will be produced in the Special NIA Court, Jammu, and will seek his custody for further investigation and unearthing of the larger conspiracy,” said NIA in a statement on Monday.

“NIA on Monday arrested accused Fayaz Ahmad Magray, son of late Jalalludin Magray, a&nbsp;resident of village Lethpora, Police Station Awantipora, District Pulwama, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, in case RC No. 10/2018/NIA/DLI (attack on CRPF Group Centre, Lethpora),” said the investigation agency.

A terrorist attack on CRPF Group Centre, Lethpora, was carried out in the intervening night of December 30-31, 2017 by three terrorists of proscribed terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

During investigation by NIA, the three terrorists were identified as Fardeen Ahmad Khandey, son of Ghulam Mohideen Khandey, resident of Nazeempora, Tral, Pulwama district, Manzoor Baba, son of Ali Mohammad Baba, resident of Drubgam, Pulwama, and a Pakistani terrorist, namely, Abdul Shakoor, resident of Rawalakot area of PoK.

All the three terrorists were killed in the encounter. In this attack, five CRPF personnel were martyred and three were grievously injured. NIA said that arrested accused Fayaz Ahmad Magray is an active over ground worker (OGW) of proscribed terrorist organisation JeM.

“He is a key conspirator who provided logistical support such as providing shelter to the terrorists and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF Group centre, Lethpora before the terrorist attack,” said the central agency.

“In 2001 also, he was detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) by Jammu and Kashmir Police and he remained under detention for 16 months,” NIA further said in the statement.&nbsp;

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday claimed to have arrested a JeM operative for his alleged involvement in a terror attack on CRPF Group Centre in Lethpora village in Pulwama district.

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday claimed to have arrested a JeM operative for his alleged involvement in a terror attack on CRPF Group Centre in Lethpora village in Pulwama district. The arrested JeM operative has been identified as Fayaz Ahmad Magray. “Accused Fayaz will be produced in the Special NIA Court, Jammu, and will seek his custody for further investigation and unearthing of the larger conspiracy,” said NIA in a statement on Monday. “NIA on Monday arrested accused Fayaz Ahmad Magray, son of late Jalalludin Magray, a resident of village Lethpora, Police Station Awantipora, District Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, in case RC No. 10/2018/NIA/DLI (attack on CRPF Group Centre, Lethpora),” said the investigation agency. A terrorist attack on CRPF Group Centre, Lethpora, was carried out in the intervening night of December 30-31, 2017 by three terrorists of proscribed terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). During investigation by NIA, the three terrorists were identified as Fardeen Ahmad Khandey, son of Ghulam Mohideen Khandey, resident of Nazeempora, Tral, Pulwama district, Manzoor Baba, son of Ali Mohammad Baba, resident of Drubgam, Pulwama, and a Pakistani terrorist, namely, Abdul Shakoor, resident of Rawalakot area of PoK. All the three terrorists were killed in the encounter. In this attack, five CRPF personnel were martyred and three were grievously injured. NIA said that arrested accused Fayaz Ahmad Magray is an active over ground worker (OGW) of proscribed terrorist organisation JeM. “He is a key conspirator who provided logistical support such as providing shelter to the terrorists and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF Group centre, Lethpora before the terrorist attack,” said the central agency. “In 2001 also, he was detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) by Jammu and Kashmir Police and he remained under detention for 16 months,” NIA further said in the statement.

NIA arrests JeM operative in terror attack on CRPF Group Centre in J&K

At least a third of the ice in the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush will thaw this century as temperatures rise, disrupting river flows vital for growing crops from China to India, scientists said on Monday.

Vast glaciers make the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region — which is home to the world's highest peaks topped by Mount Everest and K2 — a "third pole" behind Antarctica and the Arctic region, they said.

"This is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">the climate crisis you haven't heard of</a>," said Philippus Wester, who led the report.

"Global warming is on track to transform the frigid, glacier-covered mountain peaks of the HKH cutting across eight countries to bare rocks in a little less than a century," said Wester of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

The report, by 210 authors, said that more than a third of the ice in the region will melt by 2100 even if governments take tough action to limit global warming under the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

And two-thirds of the ice could vanish if governments fail to rein in greenhouse gas emissions this century. "To me, this is the biggest worrying thing,” Wester told Reuters on the sidelines of an event to launch the report in Kathmandu.

Glaciers have thinned and retreated across most parts of the region since the 1970s. Ice in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region would push up sea levels by 1.5 metres if it all melted, Eklabya Sharma, deputy director general of ICIMOD, told Reuters.

Mountain climate hotspots

The region stretches 3,500 km (2,175 miles) across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.

The study said the thaw will disrupt rivers including the Yangtze, Mekong, Indus and Ganges, where farmers rely on glacier meltwater in the dry season. About 250 million people live in the mountains and 1.65 billion people in river valleys below.

Changes in river flows could also harm hydropower production and cause more erosion and landslides in the mountains.

But more research is needed to gauge exactly how glaciers affect distant crops, said Wouter Buytaert, of Imperial College in London, who was not involved in the study.

"While glacier meltwater propagates downstream, it mixes with water from other sources such as direct rainfall, wetlands, and groundwater, up to a point where the impact of glacier melting may become negligible," he said.

The authors said that people living in small island states were often viewed as the most vulnerable to climate change because of rising sea levels.

"It's not just occupants of the world's islands that are suffering," said Dasho Rinzin Dorji, an ICIMOD board member from Bhutan. He said in a statement that mountain regions were also extremely vulnerable as "climate hotspots".

At least a third of the ice in the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush will thaw this century as temperatures rise, disrupting river flows vital for growing crops from China to India, scientists said on Monday.

At least a third of the ice in the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush will thaw this century as temperatures rise, disrupting river flows vital for growing crops from China to India, scientists said on Monday. Vast glaciers make the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region — which is home to the world's highest peaks topped by Mount Everest and K2 — a "third pole" behind Antarctica and the Arctic region, they said. "This is the climate crisis you haven't heard of," said Philippus Wester, who led the report. "Global warming is on track to transform the frigid, glacier-covered mountain peaks of the HKH cutting across eight countries to bare rocks in a little less than a century," said Wester of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The report, by 210 authors, said that more than a third of the ice in the region will melt by 2100 even if governments take tough action to limit global warming under the 2015 Paris climate agreement. And two-thirds of the ice could vanish if governments fail to rein in greenhouse gas emissions this century. "To me, this is the biggest worrying thing,” Wester told Reuters on the sidelines of an event to launch the report in Kathmandu. Glaciers have thinned and retreated across most parts of the region since the 1970s. Ice in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region would push up sea levels by 1.5 metres if it all melted, Eklabya Sharma, deputy director general of ICIMOD, told Reuters. Mountain climate hotspots The region stretches 3,500 km (2,175 miles) across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. The study said the thaw will disrupt rivers including the Yangtze, Mekong, Indus and Ganges, where farmers rely on glacier meltwater in the dry season. About 250 million people live in the mountains and 1.65 billion people in river valleys below. Changes in river flows could also harm hydropower production and cause more erosion and landslides in the mountains. But more research is needed to gauge exactly how glaciers affect distant crops, said Wouter Buytaert, of Imperial College in London, who was not involved in the study. "While glacier meltwater propagates downstream, it mixes with water from other sources such as direct rainfall, wetlands, and groundwater, up to a point where the impact of glacier melting may become negligible," he said. The authors said that people living in small island states were often viewed as the most vulnerable to climate change because of rising sea levels. "It's not just occupants of the world's islands that are suffering," said Dasho Rinzin Dorji, an ICIMOD board member from Bhutan. He said in a statement that mountain regions were also extremely vulnerable as "climate hotspots".

At least one-third of Himalayan ice will melt this century: Report

The CBI-Kolkata Police row Monday washed out proceedings in both houses of Parliament, even as Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the developments in West Bengal as "unprecedented" and warned that the Centre has powers to take action.

After repeated adjournments, both the houses were adjourned for the day.

 
In the Lok Sabha, Trinamool Congress members were joined in their protest by members of the Congress, BJD, NCP, SP and RJD who spoke out against the Centre over developments in West Bengal, with many of them alleging that the Narendra Modi government was misusing the CBI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee</a> Sunday began a sit-in protest in Kolkata over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams.

A CBI team, which went to Kumar's residence in the city's Loudon Street area, was denied permission, bundled into police jeeps and whisked to a police station on Sunday.

Amid noisy protests by Trinamool Congress members, Singh told the Lok Sabha that it was "unprecedented" that the CBI was stopped from lawfully doing its duty when it wanted to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar regarding chit fund scams on Sunday.

In the first reaction from the Centre on the incident, the Home Minister said the CBI team wanted to question Kumar as he was "not cooperating".

Making a statement in Lok Sabha on the prevailing situation in Kolkata, Singh described the action against the CBI probe team as "unprecedented" and a threat to the federal system of the country.

"There may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal... under the Constitution, the central government has been vested with the power to maintain normalcy in any part of the country," he said.

"Whatever happened on Sunday, it indicates a constitutional breakdown," Singh said amid din in the House.

He also said that a report has been sought from the Governor. 
The home minister hoped that the West Bengal government, as well as other state governments, provide a conducive atmosphere for law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties.

Earlier, opposition parties in Lok Sabha attacked the government over the alleged misuse of central agencies against political rivals, saying it was against democratic norms.

Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy said there is a crisis in West Bengal and that the Centre was "misusing" the CBI to politically capture the state. 
While alleging that the Centre was "constantly using the CBI to throttle the Opposition", Roy said the party is strongly protesting with all forces at its command.

BJD leader B Mahtab said the incident smacks of impropriety and also questions the integrity of the CBI.

"We are not a banana republic...," he said, adding the CBI is becoming a "political stooge and political weapon" in the hands of the Centre. 
Stressing that the CBI should be a professional organisation, Mahtab charged that there have been attempts in Odisha by the probe agency to defame the BJD.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge charged that the government was using the CBI as a weapon to finish the Opposition and put in place an autocratic regime.

Referring to alleged misuse of the CBI, Kharge said such things have happened not only in West Bengal but also in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Neither the people nor any party would bow down before such actions, he added.

NCP leader Supriya Sule said her party is condemning the CBI for allegedly using its muscle power against a woman chief minister. 
Dharmendra Yadav (SP) and Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav (RJD) also spoke against the Centre.

CPI-M member Badaruddoza Khan said both the Trinamool Congress and the Centre were at fault, adding the CBI did not take action during the last four years.

Saumitra Khan, who won on a Trinamool Congress ticket and had recently joined the BJP, also spoke.

Rajya Sabha witnessed similar scenes with proceedings washed out amid ruckus by Trinamool Congress members over the issue of alleged misuse of the CBI by the Centre.

As soon as the House assembled, slogan shouting by TMC members on the issue resulted in adjournment of the House till 2 PM.

The same situation prevailed when the House resumed in the afternoon. 
TMC leader Derek O'Brien had moved a notice for discussion on the issue. But he was told by Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he can raise this issue during Zero Hour as also during the motion of thanks to the President's address.

In the meanwhile, TMC and SP members trooped into the well and started raising slogans.

The chairman said, "You don't want discussion. You don't want to speak in reply to the motion of thanks (to President's address)".

When TMC members did not show any signs of relenting, Naidu adjourned the House for the day.

In Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar made a plea to agitating members to go back to their seats, stating it was time for motion of thanks on the President's address.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said as the CBI matter is already in the Supreme Court, the court should be allowed to take a call.

The Speaker allowed Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy to speak about the incident in Kolkata involving the CBI and the Kolkata Police.

BJD leader B Mahtab, Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and those from the Left, SP, NCP and RJD also spoke against the Centre during the Zero Hour.

When Home Minister Rajnath Singh started to speak on the issue, Trinamool Congress members trooped into the Well and began shouting slogans. Some of them were also seen clapping.

Mahajan continued with the Zero Hour for less than ten minutes and as the protests continued, the proceedings were adjourned till 2 PM.

Several political leaders, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and RJD national president Lalu Prasad have come out in support of Banerjee.

Gandhi had called up Banerjee and extended support to her, saying the entire opposition is together and will defeat "fascist" forces.

The CBI-Kolkata Police row Monday washed out proceedings in both houses of Parliament, even as Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the developments in West Bengal as "unprecedented" and warned that the Centre has powers to take action.

The CBI-Kolkata Police row Monday washed out proceedings in both houses of Parliament, even as Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the developments in West Bengal as "unprecedented" and warned that the Centre has powers to take action. After repeated adjournments, both the houses were adjourned for the day. In the Lok Sabha, Trinamool Congress members were joined in their protest by members of the Congress, BJD, NCP, SP and RJD who spoke out against the Centre over developments in West Bengal, with many of them alleging that the Narendra Modi government was misusing the CBI. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee Sunday began a sit-in protest in Kolkata over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. A CBI team, which went to Kumar's residence in the city's Loudon Street area, was denied permission, bundled into police jeeps and whisked to a police station on Sunday. Amid noisy protests by Trinamool Congress members, Singh told the Lok Sabha that it was "unprecedented" that the CBI was stopped from lawfully doing its duty when it wanted to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar regarding chit fund scams on Sunday. In the first reaction from the Centre on the incident, the Home Minister said the CBI team wanted to question Kumar as he was "not cooperating". Making a statement in Lok Sabha on the prevailing situation in Kolkata, Singh described the action against the CBI probe team as "unprecedented" and a threat to the federal system of the country. "There may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal... under the Constitution, the central government has been vested with the power to maintain normalcy in any part of the country," he said. "Whatever happened on Sunday, it indicates a constitutional breakdown," Singh said amid din in the House. He also said that a report has been sought from the Governor. The home minister hoped that the West Bengal government, as well as other state governments, provide a conducive atmosphere for law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties. Earlier, opposition parties in Lok Sabha attacked the government over the alleged misuse of central agencies against political rivals, saying it was against democratic norms. Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy said there is a crisis in West Bengal and that the Centre was "misusing" the CBI to politically capture the state. While alleging that the Centre was "constantly using the CBI to throttle the Opposition", Roy said the party is strongly protesting with all forces at its command. BJD leader B Mahtab said the incident smacks of impropriety and also questions the integrity of the CBI. "We are not a banana republic...," he said, adding the CBI is becoming a "political stooge and political weapon" in the hands of the Centre. Stressing that the CBI should be a professional organisation, Mahtab charged that there have been attempts in Odisha by the probe agency to defame the BJD. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge charged that the government was using the CBI as a weapon to finish the Opposition and put in place an autocratic regime. Referring to alleged misuse of the CBI, Kharge said such things have happened not only in West Bengal but also in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Neither the people nor any party would bow down before such actions, he added. NCP leader Supriya Sule said her party is condemning the CBI for allegedly using its muscle power against a woman chief minister. Dharmendra Yadav (SP) and Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav (RJD) also spoke against the Centre. CPI-M member Badaruddoza Khan said both the Trinamool Congress and the Centre were at fault, adding the CBI did not take action during the last four years. Saumitra Khan, who won on a Trinamool Congress ticket and had recently joined the BJP, also spoke. Rajya Sabha witnessed similar scenes with proceedings washed out amid ruckus by Trinamool Congress members over the issue of alleged misuse of the CBI by the Centre. As soon as the House assembled, slogan shouting by TMC members on the issue resulted in adjournment of the House till 2 PM. The same situation prevailed when the House resumed in the afternoon. TMC leader Derek O'Brien had moved a notice for discussion on the issue. But he was told by Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he can raise this issue during Zero Hour as also during the motion of thanks to the President's address. In the meanwhile, TMC and SP members trooped into the well and started raising slogans. The chairman said, "You don't want discussion. You don't want to speak in reply to the motion of thanks (to President's address)". When TMC members did not show any signs of relenting, Naidu adjourned the House for the day. In Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar made a plea to agitating members to go back to their seats, stating it was time for motion of thanks on the President's address. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said as the CBI matter is already in the Supreme Court, the court should be allowed to take a call. The Speaker allowed Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy to speak about the incident in Kolkata involving the CBI and the Kolkata Police. BJD leader B Mahtab, Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and those from the Left, SP, NCP and RJD also spoke against the Centre during the Zero Hour. When Home Minister Rajnath Singh started to speak on the issue, Trinamool Congress members trooped into the Well and began shouting slogans. Some of them were also seen clapping. Mahajan continued with the Zero Hour for less than ten minutes and as the protests continued, the proceedings were adjourned till 2 PM. Several political leaders, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and RJD national president Lalu Prasad have come out in support of Banerjee. Gandhi had called up Banerjee and extended support to her, saying the entire opposition is together and will defeat "fascist" forces.

Both houses of Parliament adjourned over CBI-Kolkata Police row

Social activist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-anna-hazare-to-launch-hunger-strike-from-wednesday-on-lokpal-193754">Anna Hazare</a>, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan.

Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party ally Shiv Sena came out in Hazare's support, urging him to emulate socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan and lead an agitation against corruption.

Hazare has been on a hunger strike since last Wednesday at his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, demanding appointments of Lokpal and Lokayuktas and resolution of farmers' issue.

"If this government does not fulfil its promises made to the country in the next few days, I will return my Padma Bhushan," he told PTI Sunday evening.&nbsp;

"(The) Modi government has breached the faith of people."

The 81-year-old was awarded the third-highest civilian honour of the country in 1992.

Hazare's demands include the immediate appointment of anti-corruption ombudsmen Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states, implementation of Swaminathan Commission's recommendations for tackling agrarian distress and electoral reforms.

In the morning, in support of the Army man-turned- activist's demands, a group of farmers and youths blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune highway at Supa village in Parner tehsil, 38 km from here.

The police tried to pacify the protesters and asked them to end the blockade as vehicles had backed up for around six km on both sides, Supa police station inspector Rajendra Bhosale said.

As many as 110 protesters were detained in the afternoon and released after the traffic resumed, Bhosale said.

Dr Dhananjay Pote, who checked Hazare in the morning, said he had lost 3.8 kg in the past five days and his blood pressure, blood sugar and creatinine level in the urine had gone up.

Around 5,000 farmers from the district are likely to stage a protect outside the Ahmednagar collector's office on Monday to support Hazare's agitation, his associates said.

The decision to hold the protest was taken at a gram sabha (village meeting) at Ralegan Siddhi on Saturday night.

Leaders of various political parties from Parner tehsil were present at the meeting.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray appealed to the BJP-led state government -- of which his party is a part -- to intervene and asked it to not to "play" with Hazare's life.

Thackeray also asked Hazare to take to the streets instead of "giving up" his life and urged him to emulate the role played by Narayan in the 1970s when the socialist leader took on the Indira Gandhi government.

Hazare should not meet the fate of activist G D Agrawal, who died during a fast for his campaign for clean Ganga, the Sena leader said.

Hazare had earlier declined to meet state government envoy and minister Girish Mahajan for talks.

The anti-corruption crusader had told PTI that he welcomed the Maharashtra cabinet's decision to bring the office of the chief minister under the ambit of the Lokayukta.

"However, the strike will continue till the government fulfils promises they made before coming to power about the passage of Lokayukta Act, an appointment of Lokpal (at the Centre) and to tackle farmers' issues," he said.&nbsp;

Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan.

Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan. Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party ally Shiv Sena came out in Hazare's support, urging him to emulate socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan and lead an agitation against corruption. Hazare has been on a hunger strike since last Wednesday at his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, demanding appointments of Lokpal and Lokayuktas and resolution of farmers' issue. "If this government does not fulfil its promises made to the country in the next few days, I will return my Padma Bhushan," he told PTI Sunday evening. "(The) Modi government has breached the faith of people." The 81-year-old was awarded the third-highest civilian honour of the country in 1992. Hazare's demands include the immediate appointment of anti-corruption ombudsmen Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states, implementation of Swaminathan Commission's recommendations for tackling agrarian distress and electoral reforms. In the morning, in support of the Army man-turned- activist's demands, a group of farmers and youths blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune highway at Supa village in Parner tehsil, 38 km from here. The police tried to pacify the protesters and asked them to end the blockade as vehicles had backed up for around six km on both sides, Supa police station inspector Rajendra Bhosale said. As many as 110 protesters were detained in the afternoon and released after the traffic resumed, Bhosale said. Dr Dhananjay Pote, who checked Hazare in the morning, said he had lost 3.8 kg in the past five days and his blood pressure, blood sugar and creatinine level in the urine had gone up. Around 5,000 farmers from the district are likely to stage a protect outside the Ahmednagar collector's office on Monday to support Hazare's agitation, his associates said. The decision to hold the protest was taken at a gram sabha (village meeting) at Ralegan Siddhi on Saturday night. Leaders of various political parties from Parner tehsil were present at the meeting. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray appealed to the BJP-led state government -- of which his party is a part -- to intervene and asked it to not to "play" with Hazare's life. Thackeray also asked Hazare to take to the streets instead of "giving up" his life and urged him to emulate the role played by Narayan in the 1970s when the socialist leader took on the Indira Gandhi government. Hazare should not meet the fate of activist G D Agrawal, who died during a fast for his campaign for clean Ganga, the Sena leader said. Hazare had earlier declined to meet state government envoy and minister Girish Mahajan for talks. The anti-corruption crusader had told PTI that he welcomed the Maharashtra cabinet's decision to bring the office of the chief minister under the ambit of the Lokayukta. "However, the strike will continue till the government fulfils promises they made before coming to power about the passage of Lokayukta Act, an appointment of Lokpal (at the Centre) and to tackle farmers' issues," he said.

Will return Padma Bhushan if government doesn't fulfil promises: Hazare

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-european-interference-in-venezuela-195064">Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela</a>

Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-vs-bengal-ready-to-give-my-life-but-not-compromise-says-mamata-cbi-files-contempt-plea-in-sc-195124">Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state.&nbsp;

"I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president</a>

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059"> leave </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">country</a>

Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran.

In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">Body found in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">wreckage</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090"> of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators</a>

British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader. Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state. "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said. UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections. After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand US leave country Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran. In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran". Body found in wreckage of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

A Delhi court on Monday extended <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajiv-saxena-co-accused-in-agustawestland-sent-to-4-days-of-ed-remand-194108">AgustaWestland co-accused Rajiv Saxena's</a> Enforcement Department (ED) custody by four more days.

Dubai based businessman Saxena was extradited to India in the wee hours of January 31.

He was produced in the Patiala House Court today and was sent to the four days ED remand.

Saxena was brought to India from the UAE in connection with alleged scam in the Rs 3600 crore deal for purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland company.

He was allegedly operating a number of bank accounts in Switzerland in which huge amounts of money were deposited, according to the government dossier.

The banks, in which the amounts were allegedly deposited, include Union Bancaire Privee UBP in Zurich, UBS Switzerland and Credit Suiss AG, states the dossier accessed by ANI.

The remittances into these accounts came allegedly from Matrix Group Ltd, UHY Saxena and Associates, Tiramisu Holdings Inc and Tanay Holdings Ltd, claimed the government dossier.

A Delhi court on Monday extended AgustaWestland co-accused Rajiv Saxena's Enforcement Department (ED) custody by four more days. Dubai based businessman Saxena was extradited to India in the wee hours of January 31.

A Delhi court on Monday extended AgustaWestland co-accused Rajiv Saxena's Enforcement Department (ED) custody by four more days. Dubai based businessman Saxena was extradited to India in the wee hours of January 31. He was produced in the Patiala House Court today and was sent to the four days ED remand. Saxena was brought to India from the UAE in connection with alleged scam in the Rs 3600 crore deal for purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland company. He was allegedly operating a number of bank accounts in Switzerland in which huge amounts of money were deposited, according to the government dossier. The banks, in which the amounts were allegedly deposited, include Union Bancaire Privee UBP in Zurich, UBS Switzerland and Credit Suiss AG, states the dossier accessed by ANI. The remittances into these accounts came allegedly from Matrix Group Ltd, UHY Saxena and Associates, Tiramisu Holdings Inc and Tanay Holdings Ltd, claimed the government dossier.

AgustaWestland case: Delhi court extends co-accused Rajiv Saxena's ED custody

TMC supporters allegedly vandalised BJP party office in South Kolkata on Monday.

The BJP accused TMC supporters of vandalising its office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata stating that "law and order has completely collapsed! No one is safe under TMC".

".@mamataofficial’s goons have vandalised the BJP party office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. Mamata represents the Bhawanipore constituency," read a tweet posted by BJP Bengal.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mamataofficial</a>’s goons have vandalised the BJP party office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. Mamata represents the Bhawanipore constituency. 
 
Law and order has completely collapsed! No one is safe under TMC. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MamataFreeBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MamataFreeBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/v28er7Sb80">pic.twitter.com/v28er7Sb80</a>
— BJP Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Bengal/status/1092372365332246528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty.

In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday.

Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

As the West Bengal CM continues with her dharna, she claimed that her 'Satyagraha' isn't against any agency but against "Modi-government's atrocities."

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Kolkata: BJP office in Bhabanipur has been vandalised. More details awaited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/LvKXrQqtHW">pic.twitter.com/LvKXrQqtHW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092383319147319296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-vs-bengal-ready-to-give-my-life-but-not-compromise-says-mamata-cbi-files-contempt-plea-in-sc-195124">I am ready to give my life</a> but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Banerjee noted on Monday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.

The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

As per an ANI report, the CBI has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against West Bengal's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex court's orders. More details on the development are awaited.&nbsp;

TMC supporters allegedly vandalised BJP party office in South Kolkata on Monday. The BJP accused TMC supporters of vandalising its office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata stating that "law and order has completely collapsed!

TMC supporters allegedly vandalised BJP party office in South Kolkata on Monday. The BJP accused TMC supporters of vandalising its office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata stating that "law and order has completely collapsed! No one is safe under TMC". ".@mamataofficial’s goons have vandalised the BJP party office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. Mamata represents the Bhawanipore constituency," read a tweet posted by BJP Bengal. Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action. .@mamataofficial’s goons have vandalised the BJP party office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. Mamata represents the Bhawanipore constituency. Law and order has completely collapsed! No one is safe under TMC. #MamataFreeBengal pic.twitter.com/v28er7Sb80 — BJP Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) February 4, 2019 × Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty. In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday. Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. As the West Bengal CM continues with her dharna, she claimed that her 'Satyagraha' isn't against any agency but against "Modi-government's atrocities." Kolkata: BJP office in Bhabanipur has been vandalised. More details awaited. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/LvKXrQqtHW — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Banerjee noted on Monday. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday. The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported. As per an ANI report, the CBI has filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against West Bengal's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex court's orders. More details on the development are awaited.

BJP accuses 'Mamata's goons' of vandalising party office in South Kolkata, posts video

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BJP accuses 'Mamata's goons' of vandalising party office in South Kolkata, posts video