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An Emirates&nbsp;plane bound for Dubai on Tuesday&nbsp;(Sep 24)&nbsp;night suddenly caught fire and smoke started to rise from its tail just before its take-off from the Chennai International Airport.&nbsp;

The incident was recorded and the video soon went viral on social media.&nbsp;

As per the media reports, the plane was being refuelled before departing for&nbsp;Dubai when the smoke started to rise from it.

The smoke was seen coming out from the Boeing 777 aircraft's engine compartment when it was stationed on the tarmac. When the incident took place, no passengers were aboard the plane.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/jetblue-flight-detects-fire-like-smoke-in-cockpit-makes-emergency-landing-as-passengers-freak-out-761099">&nbsp;JetBlue flight detects 'fire-like smoke' in cockpit, makes emergency landing as passengers 'freak out'</a>

The video was shot by ground workers from the tarmac and airport employees were seen carefully approaching it as the smoke continued to rise from it.

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Sept. 24, a fire broke out on an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Emirates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Emirates</a> Boeing 777-300ER (A6-ECZ) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) while being refueled at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> Int'l Airport and preparing to operate a flight to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dubai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dubai</a>.The fire service arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. 
 
🎥 via <a href="https://twitter.com/aviationbrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aviationbrk</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://t.co/kgjsUfT8FB">pic.twitter.com/kgjsUfT8FB</a>
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The plane most probably caught fire because of the overfilling, according to media reports.&nbsp;

The ground staff cleared the area and fire officials sprayed water on the tail of the plane to extinguish the fire.

"Ground staff alerted pilots, who shut down engines to prevent escalation. And fire engines rushed to the site to prevent any untoward situation. The situation was brought under control. In between, all passengers were deplaned for a safety inspection," said a Chennai airport official.

<h2>Here's how the airline reacted to the incident</h2>

In the aircraft, around 300 passengers were supposed to get on board minutes after the incident.

The flight was earlier scheduled to take off at 10:00&nbsp;pm, however, it got delayed by more than two hours and took off at 12:30 am (local time).

India's aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered an enquiry into the matter.

Watch:&nbsp;Direct passenger flights set to resume after more than four years

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/direct-passenger-flights-set-to-resume-after-more-than-four-years-759364/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Emirates, meanwhile, issued an apology for the inconvenience faced by the passengers. "Following an engineering inspection, the aircraft was cleared to proceed to Dubai. Emirates apologizes for the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance," said the airline.

Speaking to news agency ANI, an Emirates spokesperson said that the flight was delayed because of a "technical fault".

"Emirates flight EK547 from Chennai to Dubai on 24 September 2024 was delayed due to a technical fault. Following an engineering inspection, the aircraft was cleared to proceed to Dubai. Emirates apologises for the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

An Emirates plane bound for Dubai on Tuesday (Sep 24) night suddenly caught fire and smoke started to rise from its tail just before its take-off from the Chennai International Airport.

An Emirates plane bound for Dubai on Tuesday (Sep 24) night suddenly caught fire and smoke started to rise from its tail just before its take-off from the Chennai International Airport. The incident was recorded and the video soon went viral on social media. As per the media reports, the plane was being refuelled before departing for Dubai when the smoke started to rise from it. The smoke was seen coming out from the Boeing 777 aircraft's engine compartment when it was stationed on the tarmac. When the incident took place, no passengers were aboard the plane. Also Read: JetBlue flight detects 'fire-like smoke' in cockpit, makes emergency landing as passengers 'freak out' The video was shot by ground workers from the tarmac and airport employees were seen carefully approaching it as the smoke continued to rise from it. Sept. 24, a fire broke out on an #Emirates Boeing 777-300ER (A6-ECZ) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) while being refueled at #Chennai Int'l Airport and preparing to operate a flight to #Dubai.The fire service arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. 🎥 via @aviationbrk#india pic.twitter.com/kgjsUfT8FB — FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) September 25, 2024 × The plane most probably caught fire because of the overfilling, according to media reports. The ground staff cleared the area and fire officials sprayed water on the tail of the plane to extinguish the fire. "Ground staff alerted pilots, who shut down engines to prevent escalation. And fire engines rushed to the site to prevent any untoward situation. The situation was brought under control. In between, all passengers were deplaned for a safety inspection," said a Chennai airport official. Here's how the airline reacted to the incident In the aircraft, around 300 passengers were supposed to get on board minutes after the incident. The flight was earlier scheduled to take off at 10:00 pm, however, it got delayed by more than two hours and took off at 12:30 am (local time). India's aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered an enquiry into the matter. Watch: Direct passenger flights set to resume after more than four years Emirates, meanwhile, issued an apology for the inconvenience faced by the passengers. "Following an engineering inspection, the aircraft was cleared to proceed to Dubai. Emirates apologizes for the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance," said the airline. Speaking to news agency ANI, an Emirates spokesperson said that the flight was delayed because of a "technical fault". "Emirates flight EK547 from Chennai to Dubai on 24 September 2024 was delayed due to a technical fault. Following an engineering inspection, the aircraft was cleared to proceed to Dubai. Emirates apologises for the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance," the spokesperson said. (With input from agencies)

Smoke billows out of tail of Dubai-bound Emirates flight before take-off in Chennai, video goes viral

India stomped ahead of Japan and emerged as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, stated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an official statement on Wednesday (September 25).

The ministry emphasised that this success was driven by the country's dynamic growth, its expanding economy, youthful population and solidification of its position as the region's leading force.

The shift in ranking also reflects the increasing geopolitical stature of the country.

"In a major shift, India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature," the ministry announced.

<h2>India's rise gets marked on API&nbsp;</h2>

Australia’s Lowy Institute think tank publishes the annual Asia Power Index, which measures resources and influence for assessing the countries' relative power in Asia.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-economy-to-grow-at-71-in-fy25-moodys-analytics-761683">Indian economy to grow at 7.1% in FY25: Moody’s Analytics</a>

The report takes into consideration 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific, from Pakistan to Russia to as far as the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

“India is rising, although a tad bit slowly. India has overtaken Japan to become the third-ranked power in Asia, but its clout remains below the potential promised by its resources,” stated the survey report.

“The Asia Power Index shows that New Delhi still has limited ability to project power and influence east of the Malacca Strait. However, the fact that its influence remains well below the level promised by its resources suggests it still has ample potential for further growth as a major power,” it added.

<h2>Ministry emphasises on India's growing influence&nbsp;</h2>

The ministry stated that India's gradual rise and growing influence in the region has been clearly reflected in the 2024 Asia Power Index.

"India has shown remarkable post-pandemic economic recovery, contributing to a 4.2-point rise in its Economic Capability. India's massive population and strong GDP growth reinforce its standing as the world's third-largest economy in PPP terms," the ministry stated.

Watch:&nbsp;Why Is India Not Taking A Tougher Stand On Crimes Against Bangladeshi Hindus?

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Meanwhile, commenting on the report, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said that this is the reflection of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"India's rise is no accident. This is the direct result of Prime Minister Modi's aggressive diplomatic strategy and his bold ambitions to reshape India's place in the world. Without his leadership, India would still be languishing behind, but today, we see a nation on the verge of superpower status," Puri said, as per a press release on NaMo app.

(With input from agencies)

India stomped ahead of Japan and emerged as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, stated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an official statement on Wednesday (September 25).

India stomped ahead of Japan and emerged as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, stated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an official statement on Wednesday (September 25). The ministry emphasised that this success was driven by the country's dynamic growth, its expanding economy, youthful population and solidification of its position as the region's leading force. The shift in ranking also reflects the increasing geopolitical stature of the country. "In a major shift, India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature," the ministry announced. India's rise gets marked on API Australia’s Lowy Institute think tank publishes the annual Asia Power Index, which measures resources and influence for assessing the countries' relative power in Asia. Also Read: Indian economy to grow at 7.1% in FY25: Moody’s Analytics The report takes into consideration 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific, from Pakistan to Russia to as far as the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and the United States. “India is rising, although a tad bit slowly. India has overtaken Japan to become the third-ranked power in Asia, but its clout remains below the potential promised by its resources,” stated the survey report. “The Asia Power Index shows that New Delhi still has limited ability to project power and influence east of the Malacca Strait. However, the fact that its influence remains well below the level promised by its resources suggests it still has ample potential for further growth as a major power,” it added. Ministry emphasises on India's growing influence The ministry stated that India's gradual rise and growing influence in the region has been clearly reflected in the 2024 Asia Power Index. "India has shown remarkable post-pandemic economic recovery, contributing to a 4.2-point rise in its Economic Capability. India's massive population and strong GDP growth reinforce its standing as the world's third-largest economy in PPP terms," the ministry stated. Watch: Why Is India Not Taking A Tougher Stand On Crimes Against Bangladeshi Hindus? Meanwhile, commenting on the report, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said that this is the reflection of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "India's rise is no accident. This is the direct result of Prime Minister Modi's aggressive diplomatic strategy and his bold ambitions to reshape India's place in the world. Without his leadership, India would still be languishing behind, but today, we see a nation on the verge of superpower status," Puri said, as per a press release on NaMo app. (With input from agencies)

India rises in Asia Power Index, clinches third spot after surpassing Japan

From the infamous terror hub of Soibug in Budgam district to the stone-pelting epicentre, Nowhatta area of Srinagar, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed a huge surge in voting. Areas like these earlier used to completely boycott elections, with hardly 2-3 per cent of votes being cast,&nbsp;but this assembly election, the ground realities seem to have changed completely in Jammu and Kashmir.

Soibug area in Budgam is where Syed Sallahuddin, the Pakistan-based chief of the United Jihad Council and Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit, is said to have been born. On Wednesday, hundreds of voters turned up at the polling booths, including the ones in Soibug area.

These areas, which were earlier dominated by terrorists and separatist ideologies, have witnessed a major shift from election boycott to casting of ballot.

National Conference leader and former chief minister, Omar Abdullah, is among the 22 candidates in fray from Budgam district.

''We are thankful for these elections, as a lot of them have proven that they were betraying us, by announcing in mosques and Jamia Masjids to stay away from polls. They ruined our children and now suddenly they have started believing in the elections, they are even fighting. Some said that their parents are in jails, and they are fighting for their release, but now they are fighting again in assembly elections betraying our trust," said&nbsp;Abdul Gani Malik, a local.

Srinagar City has witnessed low turnouts in all the polls in the last four decades. The downtown areas, like the Jama Masjid of Nowhatta were known as stone-pelting epicentres with a boycott call every Friday. But in sharp contrast, long queues of people were seen at major polling booths in the city&nbsp;on Wednesday, marking&nbsp;a significant surprising&nbsp;shift from the previous times.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj5iJjsgN6IAxWByjgGHY2PAIEQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-diplomats-visited-indias-jammu-and-kashmir-to-witness-the-second-phase-of-voting-761849" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-diplomats-visited-indias-jammu-and-kashmir-to-witness-the-second-phase-of-voting-761849&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5iJjsgN6IAxWByjgGHY2PAIEQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Foreign diplomats visited India’s Jammu and Kashmir to witness the second phase of voting</a>

''We are out to vote as we want our own minister and MLA. What happened in 2019, like 370 was revoked, that is why we have come out in huge numbers. There used to be boycotts here but people have realised that we want our representative. People now know how important it is. Jammu and Kashmir is being run by LG for so long, that's why we are out to vote. This is a place where everyone was scared to vote. If someone would have voted, he would live in fear afterwards, but now everyone has realised the importance,"&nbsp;said Tariq Ahmad, a local.

The Ministry of External Affairs also brought a high-level delegation of senior diplomats from multiple countries,&nbsp;including&nbsp;the USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and Philippines,&nbsp;to witness the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. The&nbsp;delegation&nbsp;witnessed polling in Budgam and Srinagar in the Valley.

''We are interested in India's process of ensuring that peace and stability are the norm here in Jammu and Kashmir. If all goes well, statehood is possible. We were invited by MEA and we are delighted to see the process," said a diplomat.

In the second phase of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, over 25.78 lakh voters sealed the fate of 239 candidates in fray for 26 assembly constituencies. The second phase of the Legislative Assembly covered 26 Assembly Constituencies across six districts of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, including Ganderbal, Srinagar and Budgam in Kashmir Division, and Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu Division.

The second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, saw some of the most prominent faces, including&nbsp;the former CM Omar Abdullah, APNI Party Chief Altaf Bukhari, Congress state president Tariq Hameed Karra, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi of the PDP, and BJP state president Ravindra Raina in fray.

From the infamous terror hub of Soibug in Budgam district to the stone-pelting epicentre, Nowhatta area of Srinagar, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed a huge surge in voting.

From the infamous terror hub of Soibug in Budgam district to the stone-pelting epicentre, Nowhatta area of Srinagar, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed a huge surge in voting. Areas like these earlier used to completely boycott elections, with hardly 2-3 per cent of votes being cast, but this assembly election, the ground realities seem to have changed completely in Jammu and Kashmir. Soibug area in Budgam is where Syed Sallahuddin, the Pakistan-based chief of the United Jihad Council and Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit, is said to have been born. On Wednesday, hundreds of voters turned up at the polling booths, including the ones in Soibug area. These areas, which were earlier dominated by terrorists and separatist ideologies, have witnessed a major shift from election boycott to casting of ballot. National Conference leader and former chief minister, Omar Abdullah, is among the 22 candidates in fray from Budgam district. ''We are thankful for these elections, as a lot of them have proven that they were betraying us, by announcing in mosques and Jamia Masjids to stay away from polls. They ruined our children and now suddenly they have started believing in the elections, they are even fighting. Some said that their parents are in jails, and they are fighting for their release, but now they are fighting again in assembly elections betraying our trust," said Abdul Gani Malik, a local. Srinagar City has witnessed low turnouts in all the polls in the last four decades. The downtown areas, like the Jama Masjid of Nowhatta were known as stone-pelting epicentres with a boycott call every Friday. But in sharp contrast, long queues of people were seen at major polling booths in the city on Wednesday, marking a significant surprising shift from the previous times. Also read: Foreign diplomats visited India’s Jammu and Kashmir to witness the second phase of voting ''We are out to vote as we want our own minister and MLA. What happened in 2019, like 370 was revoked, that is why we have come out in huge numbers. There used to be boycotts here but people have realised that we want our representative. People now know how important it is. Jammu and Kashmir is being run by LG for so long, that's why we are out to vote. This is a place where everyone was scared to vote. If someone would have voted, he would live in fear afterwards, but now everyone has realised the importance," said Tariq Ahmad, a local. The Ministry of External Affairs also brought a high-level delegation of senior diplomats from multiple countries, including the USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and Philippines, to witness the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation witnessed polling in Budgam and Srinagar in the Valley. ''We are interested in India's process of ensuring that peace and stability are the norm here in Jammu and Kashmir. If all goes well, statehood is possible. We were invited by MEA and we are delighted to see the process," said a diplomat. In the second phase of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, over 25.78 lakh voters sealed the fate of 239 candidates in fray for 26 assembly constituencies. The second phase of the Legislative Assembly covered 26 Assembly Constituencies across six districts of Jammu & Kashmir, including Ganderbal, Srinagar and Budgam in Kashmir Division, and Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu Division. The second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, saw some of the most prominent faces, including the former CM Omar Abdullah, APNI Party Chief Altaf Bukhari, Congress state president Tariq Hameed Karra, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi of the PDP, and BJP state president Ravindra Raina in fray.

JK assembly polls phase 2: Huge voter turnout recorded in erstwhile terror, stone-pelting hotspots

In the horrific murder case of Mahalakshmi, the Bengaluru city police have identified one of her former colleagues - Mukti - as the prime suspect.

The 29-year-old woman was brutally killed and her body was found chopped into more than 50 pieces inside a fridge in an apartment in the Vyalikaval locality&nbsp;of Bengaluru on September 21, in a case which had stark similarity to Shraddha Walker's killing.

As per the police, Mukti had opposed the relationship of the woman with another man, according to a report published by News18.

As per the police report, Mukti's mobile phone&nbsp;is switched off and efforts are being made to find him near the Odisha-West Bengal border.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-murder-mahalakshmis-husband-suspects-lovers-role-in-murder-after-her-body-found-in-fridge-761414">Bengaluru murder: Mahalakshmi's husband suspects lover's role in murder after her body found in fridge</a>

Earlier, Mahalakshmi's estranged husband Hemanth Das had accused a man named Ashraf of being in an extramarital relationship with Mahalakshmi.

<h2>Karnataka's home minister says police have located suspect</h2>

Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday (September 25) said that the police have been able to locate the suspect and teams are sent to nab him.

"We have taken the case very seriously, as the murder had shaken the entire Bengaluru. Already the police have identified that the person is in Odisha and have gathered information that he is behind the crime. Police have sent three to four teams there. He is said to be on the run changing places," Parameshwara said.

"After securing him, we will get more information....two-three persons were taken into custody, but based on the evidence and information available, there is a suspicion about the involvement of the person (in Odisha). So efforts are on to secure him," he added.

Meanwhile, the post-mortem report of Mahalakshmi had confirmed that the accused had chopped her body into 59 pieces.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-womans-body-chopped-into-30-pieces-found-in-fridge-while-tracing-foul-stench-760876">India: Woman's body, chopped into 30 pieces, found in fridge while tracing foul smell</a>

The officials had sent samples of her intestine for a toxicology study to understand if she was poisoned.

The fingerprints found on the refrigerator were also being examined by the forensics.

Mahalakshmi’s mother had previously&nbsp;said that she&nbsp;last saw&nbsp;her daughter on the day of the Raksha Bandhan festival.

“The owner of the building informed me that there was a foul smell coming from the house. When I came and opened the door I saw the body of Mahalakshmi cut into pieces. I saw her for the last time at the Rakshabandhan festival. Since then her phone has been switched off,” said Mahalakshmi’s mother Meena Rana, while speaking to the reporters.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the horrific murder case of Mahalakshmi, the Bengaluru city police have identified one of her former colleagues - Mukti - as the prime suspect. The 29-year-old woman was brutally killed and her body was found chopped into more than 50 pieces inside a fridge in an apartment in the Vyalikaval locality of Bengaluru on September 21, in a case which had stark similarity to Shraddha Walker's killing.

In the horrific murder case of Mahalakshmi, the Bengaluru city police have identified one of her former colleagues - Mukti - as the prime suspect. The 29-year-old woman was brutally killed and her body was found chopped into more than 50 pieces inside a fridge in an apartment in the Vyalikaval locality of Bengaluru on September 21, in a case which had stark similarity to Shraddha Walker's killing. As per the police, Mukti had opposed the relationship of the woman with another man, according to a report published by News18. As per the police report, Mukti's mobile phone is switched off and efforts are being made to find him near the Odisha-West Bengal border. Also Read: Bengaluru murder: Mahalakshmi's husband suspects lover's role in murder after her body found in fridge Earlier, Mahalakshmi's estranged husband Hemanth Das had accused a man named Ashraf of being in an extramarital relationship with Mahalakshmi. Karnataka's home minister says police have located suspect Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday (September 25) said that the police have been able to locate the suspect and teams are sent to nab him. "We have taken the case very seriously, as the murder had shaken the entire Bengaluru. Already the police have identified that the person is in Odisha and have gathered information that he is behind the crime. Police have sent three to four teams there. He is said to be on the run changing places," Parameshwara said. "After securing him, we will get more information....two-three persons were taken into custody, but based on the evidence and information available, there is a suspicion about the involvement of the person (in Odisha). So efforts are on to secure him," he added. Meanwhile, the post-mortem report of Mahalakshmi had confirmed that the accused had chopped her body into 59 pieces. Also Read: India: Woman's body, chopped into 30 pieces, found in fridge while tracing foul smell The officials had sent samples of her intestine for a toxicology study to understand if she was poisoned. The fingerprints found on the refrigerator were also being examined by the forensics. Mahalakshmi’s mother had previously said that she last saw her daughter on the day of the Raksha Bandhan festival. “The owner of the building informed me that there was a foul smell coming from the house. When I came and opened the door I saw the body of Mahalakshmi cut into pieces. I saw her for the last time at the Rakshabandhan festival. Since then her phone has been switched off,” said Mahalakshmi’s mother Meena Rana, while speaking to the reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

Bengaluru fridge horror: Police identifies woman's colleague as prime suspect in murder

For the first time in years, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has skipped the mention of Kashmir during his annual address at the United National General Assembly.&nbsp;Erdogan has been regularly, in some form or another, mentioning Kashmir since 2019, when India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two union territories.

In 2023, he called for the "establishment of a just and lasting peace in Kashmir through dialogue and cooperation between India and Pakistan".&nbsp;In 2022, he used the same phrase and regretted that "strong peace, and cooperation between India and Pakistan had still not yet been established, despite 75 years following their independence."

In 2021, he called for the "resolution" of Kashmir through UN resolutions, something he had said in 2020 as well.&nbsp;He was most vocal in 2019, and said that the "dispute must be resolved through dialogue on the basis of justice and fairness, rather than conflict."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Erdogan wants India-Pak dialogue on Kashmir

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The absence of comments is expected to further pave the way for positive ties between India and Türkiye.&nbsp;The development comes even as Türkiye is keen to become a member of the BRICS grouping. Joining BRICS could offer Türkiye new economic opportunities, including enhanced trade relations, investment from BRICS countries, and participation in alternative financial mechanisms like the New Development Bank.&nbsp;India is one of the founding members of the BRICS grouping.

During his UNGA address, Erdoğan pointed out,&nbsp;"We maintain our will to develop our relations with BRICS, which brings together emerging economies" and that his country is "deepening engagement with regional organizations, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Pacific Islands Forum and particularly ASEAN."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-erdogans-kashmir-remark-as-gross-interference-in-internal-affairs-329561">Also read |&nbsp;India slams Erdogan's Kashmir remark as 'gross interference' in internal affairs</a>

IORA is another grouping that has India as its key member.

Last week, India announced its new ambassador to the country, Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi who is currently an officer on special duty in the Ministry of External Affairs.

For the first time in years, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has skipped the mention of Kashmir during his annual address at the United National General Assembly.

For the first time in years, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has skipped the mention of Kashmir during his annual address at the United National General Assembly. Erdogan has been regularly, in some form or another, mentioning Kashmir since 2019, when India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two union territories. In 2023, he called for the "establishment of a just and lasting peace in Kashmir through dialogue and cooperation between India and Pakistan". In 2022, he used the same phrase and regretted that "strong peace, and cooperation between India and Pakistan had still not yet been established, despite 75 years following their independence." In 2021, he called for the "resolution" of Kashmir through UN resolutions, something he had said in 2020 as well. He was most vocal in 2019, and said that the "dispute must be resolved through dialogue on the basis of justice and fairness, rather than conflict." Watch | Gravitas: Erdogan wants India-Pak dialogue on Kashmir × The absence of comments is expected to further pave the way for positive ties between India and Türkiye. The development comes even as Türkiye is keen to become a member of the BRICS grouping. Joining BRICS could offer Türkiye new economic opportunities, including enhanced trade relations, investment from BRICS countries, and participation in alternative financial mechanisms like the New Development Bank. India is one of the founding members of the BRICS grouping. During his UNGA address, Erdoğan pointed out, "We maintain our will to develop our relations with BRICS, which brings together emerging economies" and that his country is "deepening engagement with regional organizations, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Pacific Islands Forum and particularly ASEAN." Also read | India slams Erdogan's Kashmir remark as 'gross interference' in internal affairs IORA is another grouping that has India as its key member. Last week, India announced its new ambassador to the country, Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi who is currently an officer on special duty in the Ministry of External Affairs.

For first time in years, Türkiye President Erdogan skips mention of Kashmir at UNGA address

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has cleared the air on where India and China relations stand at the moment in the backdrop of border issues. Jaishankar said when he talked about&nbsp;75 per cent progress had been made on the India-China border dispute talks, he only meant about the&nbsp;disengagement of troops in eastern&nbsp;Ladakh.&nbsp;

Jaishankar was addressing an event titled 'India, Asia and the World' at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York on Tuesday (Sep 25) when he issued the clarification.&nbsp;

"When I said 75 per cent of it (border dispute) has been sorted out, it's only of the disengagement. So, that's one part of the problem. So we've been able to sort out much of the disengagement in the friction points. But some of the patrolling issues need to be resolved. The next step will be de-escalation," Jaishankar said.

The Indian minister reflected on the 'difficult history' with China and how the border tensions had overshadowed the relations between the two countries.&nbsp;

"We have a difficult history with China. Despite the explicit agreements we had with China, we saw in the middle of COVID-19 that the Chinese moved a large number of forces in violation of these agreements to the LAC. It was likely a mishap would happen and it did. So, there was a clash and a number of troops died on either side. That, in a sense, overshadowed the relationship," he said at the Asia Society.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-seeks-resolution-on-border-impasse-with-china-744452" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;India seeks resolution on border impasse with China</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-seeks-resolution-on-border-impasse-with-china-744452/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>What did Jaishankar say?</h2>

The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points.

However, speaking&nbsp;at a think-tank interaction in Geneva earlier this month, Jaishankar said there had been progress between the two countries.&nbsp;

"We made some progress. I would say roughly you can say about 75 per cent of the disengagement problems are sorted out," Jaishankar said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-and-china-to-discuss-withdrawal-of-thousands-of-troops-stationed-along-lac-744377" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;India and China to discuss withdrawal of thousands of troops stationed along LAC</a>

Jaishankar previously ruled out any role for a third party in India's border dispute with China, saying the two neighbours have an issue and it is for them to find a way out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We are not looking to other countries to sort out what is an issue between India and China," Jaishankar said in July.&nbsp;

"We have a problem, or, I would say, an issue between India and China...I think it is for two of us to talk it over and to find a way," he added.&nbsp;

The two sides held the last round of high-level military talks in February.&nbsp;India has been pressing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas.

(With inputs from agencies)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has cleared the air on where India and China relations stand at the moment in the backdrop of border issues. Jaishankar said when he talked about 75 per cent progress had been made on the India-China border dispute talks, he only meant about the disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has cleared the air on where India and China relations stand at the moment in the backdrop of border issues. Jaishankar said when he talked about 75 per cent progress had been made on the India-China border dispute talks, he only meant about the disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh. Jaishankar was addressing an event titled 'India, Asia and the World' at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York on Tuesday (Sep 25) when he issued the clarification. "When I said 75 per cent of it (border dispute) has been sorted out, it's only of the disengagement. So, that's one part of the problem. So we've been able to sort out much of the disengagement in the friction points. But some of the patrolling issues need to be resolved. The next step will be de-escalation," Jaishankar said. The Indian minister reflected on the 'difficult history' with China and how the border tensions had overshadowed the relations between the two countries. "We have a difficult history with China. Despite the explicit agreements we had with China, we saw in the middle of COVID-19 that the Chinese moved a large number of forces in violation of these agreements to the LAC. It was likely a mishap would happen and it did. So, there was a clash and a number of troops died on either side. That, in a sense, overshadowed the relationship," he said at the Asia Society. Watch | India seeks resolution on border impasse with China What did Jaishankar say? The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points. However, speaking at a think-tank interaction in Geneva earlier this month, Jaishankar said there had been progress between the two countries. "We made some progress. I would say roughly you can say about 75 per cent of the disengagement problems are sorted out," Jaishankar said. Also read | India and China to discuss withdrawal of thousands of troops stationed along LAC Jaishankar previously ruled out any role for a third party in India's border dispute with China, saying the two neighbours have an issue and it is for them to find a way out. "We are not looking to other countries to sort out what is an issue between India and China," Jaishankar said in July. "We have a problem, or, I would say, an issue between India and China...I think it is for two of us to talk it over and to find a way," he added. The two sides held the last round of high-level military talks in February. India has been pressing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian EAM Jaishankar clarifies what he meant by '75% issues sorted with China' comment

The Bombay High Court questioned the Mumbai Police regarding the death of the Badlapur sexual assault accused, Askhay Shinde, and said that the incident could not be "termed an encounter", stressing that a probe should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner.&nbsp;

The high court also said that the shootout of the accused could have been avoided.&nbsp;

According to the police statement, Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van&nbsp;while he was being taken to Badlapur from Taloja jail, and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot.&nbsp;

“Why was the accused shot in the head directly and not in the legs or arms first,” the Bombay High Court questioned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extra-judicial-killing-cop-who-shot-akshay-shinde-linked-to-encounter-specialist-pradeep-sharma-761542">Also read:&nbsp;Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma</a>

Replying to the bench, the Chief Public Prosecutor said, "The officer did not think this, and he just reacted. It was an on-the-spot reaction."

Justice Prithviraj Chavan said, "The moment he pulled the first trigger, the others could have easily overpowered him. He wasn't a huge built up or strong man. This is very difficult to accept. This cannot be termed as an encounter."

Akshay Shinde's father, Anna Shinde, filed a petition in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday, alleging that his son was killed in a fake encounter and demanded a Special &nbsp;Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.

Watch |&nbsp;Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay High Court hears matter after Suo Moto Cognisance

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Stressing that it was hard to believe the police statement, the court said, "You said the accused fired three bullets towards the police. Only one hit the cop. What about the other two? Was there any ricochet?"

During the hearing, the high court told the public prosecutor that a revolver can't be unlocked quickly by a physically weak man. “It is not very easy,” it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bombay High Court questioned the Mumbai Police regarding the death of the Badlapur sexual assault accused, Askhay Shinde, and said that the incident could not be "termed an encounter", stressing that a probe should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

The Bombay High Court questioned the Mumbai Police regarding the death of the Badlapur sexual assault accused, Askhay Shinde, and said that the incident could not be "termed an encounter", stressing that a probe should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. The high court also said that the shootout of the accused could have been avoided. According to the police statement, Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van while he was being taken to Badlapur from Taloja jail, and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot. “Why was the accused shot in the head directly and not in the legs or arms first,” the Bombay High Court questioned. Also read: Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma Replying to the bench, the Chief Public Prosecutor said, "The officer did not think this, and he just reacted. It was an on-the-spot reaction." Justice Prithviraj Chavan said, "The moment he pulled the first trigger, the others could have easily overpowered him. He wasn't a huge built up or strong man. This is very difficult to accept. This cannot be termed as an encounter." Akshay Shinde's father, Anna Shinde, filed a petition in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday, alleging that his son was killed in a fake encounter and demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. Watch | Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay High Court hears matter after Suo Moto Cognisance × Stressing that it was hard to believe the police statement, the court said, "You said the accused fired three bullets towards the police. Only one hit the cop. What about the other two? Was there any ricochet?" During the hearing, the high court told the public prosecutor that a revolver can't be unlocked quickly by a physically weak man. “It is not very easy,” it said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cannot be termed an encounter': Bombay HC pulls up Mumbai Police over Badlapur accused’s death

A woman employee of HDFC Bank in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow allegedly died after she fell off her chair in the office on Tuesday (Sep 24). The colleagues of Sadaf Fatima, 24, believe that she died due to extreme work pressure at the office, days after a similar incident involving an Ernst &amp; Young employee who died in Pune.

A report stated Sadaf was posted as Additional Deputy Vice President at HDFC Bank’s Vibhuti Khand branch in Gomtinagar.&nbsp;

After she fell off her chair while working in the office on September 24, Sadaf was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead. Her body was later sent for a post-mortem, it said. The incident soon caught the attention of netizens and political leaders of Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwieiuDSxd2IAxUzk68BHQmrA1wQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/software-engineer-battling-depression-due-to-work-pressure-commits-suicide-by-electrocution-760883" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/software-engineer-battling-depression-due-to-work-pressure-commits-suicide-by-electrocution-760883&amp;ved=2ahUKEwieiuDSxd2IAxUzk68BHQmrA1wQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Software engineer, battling depression due to work pressure, dies by suicide</a>

In a post on X, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav termed the incident “worrying” and said it was “a symbol of the current economic pressure in the country”.

“All companies and government departments will have to think seriously in this regard. This is an irreparable loss of the country’s human resources. Such sudden deaths bring the working conditions under question. The real measure of the progress of any country is not the increase in the figures of services or products but how mentally free, healthy and happy a person is,” a rough translation of Akhilesh Yadav’s post in Hindi suggested.&nbsp;

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लखनऊ में काम के दबाव और तनाव के कारण एचडीएफ़सी की एक महिलाकर्मी की ऑफिस में ही, कुर्सी से गिरकर, मृत्यु का समाचार बेहद चिंतनीय है। 
 
ऐसे समाचार देश में वर्तमान अर्थव्यवस्था के दबाव के प्रतीक हैं। इस संदर्भ में सभी कंपनियों और सरकारी विभागों तक को गंभीरता से सोचना होगा। ये देश के… <a href="https://t.co/Xj49E01MSs">pic.twitter.com/Xj49E01MSs</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1838632405898567763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Soon the incident became a tool of political blame games and the Samajwadi Party chief also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and alleged the country's economic policies had failed.

“Due to the failed economic policies of the BJP government, the business of companies has reduced so much that to save their business; they make fewer people do many times more work. The BJP government is as much responsible for such sudden deaths as the statements of BJP leaders that mentally demoralize the public,” he tweeted.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwieiuDSxd2IAxUzk68BHQmrA1wQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ey-under-fire-after-26-year-old-employee-dies-tragically-due-to-work-stress-759689" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ey-under-fire-after-26-year-old-employee-dies-tragically-due-to-work-stress-759689&amp;ved=2ahUKEwieiuDSxd2IAxUzk68BHQmrA1wQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">EY under fire after 26-year-old employee dies tragically due to `work stress`</a>

The incident took place at a time when there were already debates going on about the toxic work culture in India that promotes overworking, following the death of E&amp;Y employee Anna Sebastian Perayil.

Watch |&nbsp;EY Employee's Death: Are India’s Labour Laws Enabling Workers' Exploitation? | WION Decodes

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The 26-year-old died due to work stress, merely four months into her job in Pune. Following her death, Sebastian’s mother, September, wrote to EY India chairman, Rajiv Memani, alleging that the workload and extended working hours took a toll on her daughter. The firm, however, denied the allegations.

Union Minister for Labour Mansukh Mandaviya recently said that Perayil’s case is being probed.

(With inputs from agencies)

A woman employee of HDFC Bank in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow allegedly died after she fell off her chair in the office on Tuesday (Sep 24). The colleagues of Sadaf Fatima, 24, believe that she died due to extreme work pressure at the office, days after a similar incident involving an Ernst & Young employee who died in Pune.

A woman employee of HDFC Bank in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow allegedly died after she fell off her chair in the office on Tuesday (Sep 24). The colleagues of Sadaf Fatima, 24, believe that she died due to extreme work pressure at the office, days after a similar incident involving an Ernst & Young employee who died in Pune. A report stated Sadaf was posted as Additional Deputy Vice President at HDFC Bank’s Vibhuti Khand branch in Gomtinagar. After she fell off her chair while working in the office on September 24, Sadaf was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead. Her body was later sent for a post-mortem, it said. The incident soon caught the attention of netizens and political leaders of Uttar Pradesh. Also Read | Software engineer, battling depression due to work pressure, dies by suicide In a post on X, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav termed the incident “worrying” and said it was “a symbol of the current economic pressure in the country”. “All companies and government departments will have to think seriously in this regard. This is an irreparable loss of the country’s human resources. Such sudden deaths bring the working conditions under question. The real measure of the progress of any country is not the increase in the figures of services or products but how mentally free, healthy and happy a person is,” a rough translation of Akhilesh Yadav’s post in Hindi suggested. लखनऊ में काम के दबाव और तनाव के कारण एचडीएफ़सी की एक महिलाकर्मी की ऑफिस में ही, कुर्सी से गिरकर, मृत्यु का समाचार बेहद चिंतनीय है। ऐसे समाचार देश में वर्तमान अर्थव्यवस्था के दबाव के प्रतीक हैं। इस संदर्भ में सभी कंपनियों और सरकारी विभागों तक को गंभीरता से सोचना होगा। ये देश के… pic.twitter.com/Xj49E01MSs — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) September 24, 2024 × Soon the incident became a tool of political blame games and the Samajwadi Party chief also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and alleged the country's economic policies had failed. “Due to the failed economic policies of the BJP government, the business of companies has reduced so much that to save their business; they make fewer people do many times more work. The BJP government is as much responsible for such sudden deaths as the statements of BJP leaders that mentally demoralize the public,” he tweeted. Also Read | EY under fire after 26-year-old employee dies tragically due to `work stress` The incident took place at a time when there were already debates going on about the toxic work culture in India that promotes overworking, following the death of E&Y employee Anna Sebastian Perayil. Watch | EY Employee's Death: Are India’s Labour Laws Enabling Workers' Exploitation? | WION Decodes × The 26-year-old died due to work stress, merely four months into her job in Pune. Following her death, Sebastian’s mother, September, wrote to EY India chairman, Rajiv Memani, alleging that the workload and extended working hours took a toll on her daughter. The firm, however, denied the allegations. Union Minister for Labour Mansukh Mandaviya recently said that Perayil’s case is being probed. (With inputs from agencies)

Lucknow bank employee dies after falling off chair in office, peers allege 'work pressure'

A delegation of foreign diplomats from at least 15 countries, including the United States, Singapore, and South Korea, visited India's Jammu and Kashmir to witness the second phase of provincial polls on Wednesday (Sep&nbsp;25).

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The senior diplomats said they were happy to witness citizens exercising their democratic right to vote in the Indian federal territory and drew comparisons to their own countries' electoral systems.

Voting in the second phase is being held across 26 assembly constituencies, including Srinagar, and the voter turnout was 24.10 per cent as of 11:00 am (GMT 0530).

The Indian foreign ministry invited top diplomats from countries, including the United States, Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, Guyana, Somalia, Panama, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines.

Nearly 9 million people are registered to vote for the legislative assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision to hold regional elections for the first time in a decade comes after India's Supreme Court upheld a decision by the government to scrap the region's special status.

Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah expressed his views about foreign diplomats attending the voting. He slammed the Centre by saying, “We don’t need certificates from foreigners.” He was not in favour of this decision, and further said, "When foreign governments comment, the Government of India says this is an internal matter for India, now suddenly they want foreign observers to come and look at our elections."

He further added, "If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover elections...Diplomats are being brought here as guided tourists. This is not good.”&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew Jammu and Kashmir's special autonomy in 2019 and split the former state into two federal territories, aiming to tighten its grip on the Muslim-majority region.

The region has been marred by militant violence, having been at the centre of decades of animosity between India and Pakistan since independence from British colonial rule.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A delegation of foreign diplomats from at least 15 countries, including the United States, Singapore, and South Korea, visited India's Jammu and Kashmir to witness the second phase of provincial polls on Wednesday (Sep 25).

A delegation of foreign diplomats from at least 15 countries, including the United States, Singapore, and South Korea, visited India's Jammu and Kashmir to witness the second phase of provincial polls on Wednesday (Sep 25). The senior diplomats said they were happy to witness citizens exercising their democratic right to vote in the Indian federal territory and drew comparisons to their own countries' electoral systems. Voting in the second phase is being held across 26 assembly constituencies, including Srinagar, and the voter turnout was 24.10 per cent as of 11:00 am (GMT 0530). The Indian foreign ministry invited top diplomats from countries, including the United States, Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, Guyana, Somalia, Panama, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines. Nearly 9 million people are registered to vote for the legislative assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision to hold regional elections for the first time in a decade comes after India's Supreme Court upheld a decision by the government to scrap the region's special status. Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah expressed his views about foreign diplomats attending the voting. He slammed the Centre by saying, “We don’t need certificates from foreigners.” He was not in favour of this decision, and further said, "When foreign governments comment, the Government of India says this is an internal matter for India, now suddenly they want foreign observers to come and look at our elections." He further added, "If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover elections...Diplomats are being brought here as guided tourists. This is not good.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew Jammu and Kashmir's special autonomy in 2019 and split the former state into two federal territories, aiming to tighten its grip on the Muslim-majority region. The region has been marred by militant violence, having been at the centre of decades of animosity between India and Pakistan since independence from British colonial rule. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Foreign diplomats witness polling in India’s Jammu and Kashmir during second phase election

The Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (Sep 25) closed the proceedings against&nbsp;a lower court judge after he made remarks, referring to a Muslim-dominated area as ‘mini-Pakistan'. A five-judge bench, Justices S Khanna, B R Gavai, S Kant, and H Roy, led by&nbsp;Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said the decision was taken after the judge apologised and&nbsp;in the wider interest of justice and dignity of the judiciary.&nbsp;

The apex court had taken suo moto cognisance of the issue last week and called out&nbsp;Karnataka High Court judge&nbsp;Vedavyasachar Srishananda for his insensitive comment.&nbsp;

"No one can call any part of territory of India as Pakistan," CJI Chandrachud declared.&nbsp;

"It is fundamentally against the territorial integrity of the nation. The answer to sunlight is more sunlight and not to suppress what happens in court. The answer is not to close it down."

The CJI said such observations may indicate personal biases which may be directed at a certain gender or community. Thus, judges should be wary of making&nbsp;patriarchal or misogynistic comments.&nbsp;

"We express our serious concern about observations on a certain gender or a community and such observations are liable to be construed in a negative light. We hope and trust that the responsibilities entrusted to all stakeholders are discharged without bias and caution," CJI added.&nbsp;

<h2>What did&nbsp;Srishananda comment?</h2>

During a recent hearing, Justice V Srishananda expressed his views on traffic conditions near the Mysore Road flyover in Bengaluru, where he made te contentious remark.&nbsp;

“Go towards the Mysore Road Flyover, every autorickshaw has got 10 people. The Mysore Road Flyover from the market to Goripalya is in Pakistan, not in India. This is the reality.&nbsp;However strict an officer you send, he will be beaten. This is not on any channel.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-supreme-court-halts-orders-requiring-eateries-to-display-owner-names-along-kanwar-yatra-route-743038">Also read |&nbsp;India: Supreme Court halts orders requiring eateries to display owner names along Kanwar Yatra route</a>

A video clip of the judge making the remarks went viral on social media which instantly brought him flak and the legal trouble.&nbsp;

Another video showed Justice&nbsp;Srishananda telling a female lawyer that she seemed to know a lot about the "opposition party", so much so that she might be able to reveal the colour of their undergarments.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (Sep 25) closed the proceedings against a lower court judge after he made remarks, referring to a Muslim-dominated area as ‘mini-Pakistan'.

The Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (Sep 25) closed the proceedings against a lower court judge after he made remarks, referring to a Muslim-dominated area as ‘mini-Pakistan'. A five-judge bench, Justices S Khanna, B R Gavai, S Kant, and H Roy, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said the decision was taken after the judge apologised and in the wider interest of justice and dignity of the judiciary. The apex court had taken suo moto cognisance of the issue last week and called out Karnataka High Court judge Vedavyasachar Srishananda for his insensitive comment. "No one can call any part of territory of India as Pakistan," CJI Chandrachud declared. "It is fundamentally against the territorial integrity of the nation. The answer to sunlight is more sunlight and not to suppress what happens in court. The answer is not to close it down." The CJI said such observations may indicate personal biases which may be directed at a certain gender or community. Thus, judges should be wary of making patriarchal or misogynistic comments. "We express our serious concern about observations on a certain gender or a community and such observations are liable to be construed in a negative light. We hope and trust that the responsibilities entrusted to all stakeholders are discharged without bias and caution," CJI added. What did Srishananda comment? During a recent hearing, Justice V Srishananda expressed his views on traffic conditions near the Mysore Road flyover in Bengaluru, where he made te contentious remark. “Go towards the Mysore Road Flyover, every autorickshaw has got 10 people. The Mysore Road Flyover from the market to Goripalya is in Pakistan, not in India. This is the reality. However strict an officer you send, he will be beaten. This is not on any channel.” Also read | India: Supreme Court halts orders requiring eateries to display owner names along Kanwar Yatra route A video clip of the judge making the remarks went viral on social media which instantly brought him flak and the legal trouble. Another video showed Justice Srishananda telling a female lawyer that she seemed to know a lot about the "opposition party", so much so that she might be able to reveal the colour of their undergarments. (With inputs from agencies)

India: SC closes case against judge who called Muslim-majority area 'mini-Pakistan'

Kangana Ranaut, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP for the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh withdrew her statement on the repealed farm laws after facing criticism and said that she stands with the party on it.&nbsp;

Hours after Kangana asserted that her statement on the issue was her personal views, she withdrew the statement.&nbsp;

In her statement, she urged farmers to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reinstate the three repealed farm laws of 2020.&nbsp;

However, her statement prompted criticism.&nbsp;

"Many people are upset and disappointed by my remarks. When the three farmers' laws were proposed, a lot of us supported it. But with a lot of sensitivity and sympathy, our PM repealed these laws. It’s the responsibility of all the party workers to treat his words with dignity. I also have to keep in mind that I am no longer just an actor but also a BJP member. My opinions can’t be personal, they have to reflect the party’s stand," she said in a video on X.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kangana-ranaut-confesses-she-was-reprimanded-by-party-for-controversial-farmer-protest-comment-754136">Also read:&nbsp;Kangana Ranaut confesses she was 'reprimanded' by party for controversial farmer protest comment</a>

“I regret if I have disappointed anyone with my words or opinions. I take my words back,” she added.&nbsp;

She posted the video with the caption, “I stand with my party regarding Farmers Law.”

Kangana, on Tuesday, asserted that her views are "personal and they don't represent (the) party's stand on those bills."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Newly elected BJP MP Kangana Ranaut slams Bollywood's silence on slap controversy

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This comes after BJP's national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia distanced the party from Kangana's statement.&nbsp;

“Kangana Ranaut’s remarks on the repealed farm laws are doing the rounds on social media. I want to make it clear that this is Kangana Ranaut’s personal view. Neither has BJP authorised her to give such statements nor does her statement reflect the BJP’s views on the repealed farm laws. Which is why we rebut her statement,” Bhatia said.

<h2>Kangana Ranaut's statement&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier on Monday, Mandi MP Kangana urged farmers to demand that the central government reinstate the three farm laws repealed in 2021 after widespread protests.&nbsp;

She was speaking at a religious fair in Nachan Assembly, part of her constituency.&nbsp;

“I believe the repealed farm laws should be brought back. I understand it may become controversial, but I think these farmer-welfare-oriented laws should return. Farmers should demand these laws themselves. Just as farmers in other regions are benefiting, there should be no obstacles to their development,” she said in her statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Congress criticised her statement&nbsp;</h2>

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge slammed BJP after Kangana's remarks, which came just ahead of the October 5 Haryana Assembly elections.&nbsp;

Kharge said that Congress "strongly opposes any talk of re-implementing the three black anti-farmer laws”.&nbsp;

“Even after the martyrdom of 750 farmers, the anti-farmer BJP and Modi government did not realize their grave crime! Due to the statements made by Modiji, his ministers, MPs and propaganda machinery have become accustomed to insulting farmers,” he added.&nbsp;

“This time, farmers from all the electoral states, including Haryana, will get a befitting reply to the derogatory remarks of the Prime Minister himself in Parliament, calling them ‘agitators’ and ‘parasites’,” Kharge said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, farmer union leaders called Kangana's statement a 'tactic' to be in the spotlight.&nbsp;

Dr Darshan Pal, national coordination committee member of Samyukta Kisan Morcha, said that the MP was trying to “provoke” farmers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kangana Ranaut, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP for the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh withdrew her statement on the repealed farm laws after facing criticism and said that she stands with the party on it.

Kangana Ranaut, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP for the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh withdrew her statement on the repealed farm laws after facing criticism and said that she stands with the party on it. Hours after Kangana asserted that her statement on the issue was her personal views, she withdrew the statement. In her statement, she urged farmers to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reinstate the three repealed farm laws of 2020. However, her statement prompted criticism. "Many people are upset and disappointed by my remarks. When the three farmers' laws were proposed, a lot of us supported it. But with a lot of sensitivity and sympathy, our PM repealed these laws. It’s the responsibility of all the party workers to treat his words with dignity. I also have to keep in mind that I am no longer just an actor but also a BJP member. My opinions can’t be personal, they have to reflect the party’s stand," she said in a video on X. Also read: Kangana Ranaut confesses she was 'reprimanded' by party for controversial farmer protest comment “I regret if I have disappointed anyone with my words or opinions. I take my words back,” she added. She posted the video with the caption, “I stand with my party regarding Farmers Law.” Kangana, on Tuesday, asserted that her views are "personal and they don't represent (the) party's stand on those bills." Watch | Newly elected BJP MP Kangana Ranaut slams Bollywood's silence on slap controversy × This comes after BJP's national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia distanced the party from Kangana's statement. “Kangana Ranaut’s remarks on the repealed farm laws are doing the rounds on social media. I want to make it clear that this is Kangana Ranaut’s personal view. Neither has BJP authorised her to give such statements nor does her statement reflect the BJP’s views on the repealed farm laws. Which is why we rebut her statement,” Bhatia said. Kangana Ranaut's statement Earlier on Monday, Mandi MP Kangana urged farmers to demand that the central government reinstate the three farm laws repealed in 2021 after widespread protests. She was speaking at a religious fair in Nachan Assembly, part of her constituency. “I believe the repealed farm laws should be brought back. I understand it may become controversial, but I think these farmer-welfare-oriented laws should return. Farmers should demand these laws themselves. Just as farmers in other regions are benefiting, there should be no obstacles to their development,” she said in her statement. Congress criticised her statement Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge slammed BJP after Kangana's remarks, which came just ahead of the October 5 Haryana Assembly elections. Kharge said that Congress "strongly opposes any talk of re-implementing the three black anti-farmer laws”. “Even after the martyrdom of 750 farmers, the anti-farmer BJP and Modi government did not realize their grave crime! Due to the statements made by Modiji, his ministers, MPs and propaganda machinery have become accustomed to insulting farmers,” he added. “This time, farmers from all the electoral states, including Haryana, will get a befitting reply to the derogatory remarks of the Prime Minister himself in Parliament, calling them ‘agitators’ and ‘parasites’,” Kharge said. Meanwhile, farmer union leaders called Kangana's statement a 'tactic' to be in the spotlight. Dr Darshan Pal, national coordination committee member of Samyukta Kisan Morcha, said that the MP was trying to “provoke” farmers. (With inputs from agencies)

'I stand with my party': BJP MP Kangana Ranaut withdraws statement on farm laws

The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election begins with several high-profile candidates in the race. There is tight security across all poll booths. Watch to know more!

Jammu & Kashmir Elections: voting begins for the second phase of assembly election

Cars slow down, feet falter and eyes swivel to the many murals on the walls of schools, hospitals, and homes in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony, the quiet neighborhood that has come to be known as Lodhi Art District over the last 10 years.

On Sunday (September 22, 2024), Hanif Kureshi, the creative lead behind India’s first public art district and the visionary artist and designer remembered for "making art democratic", died from cancer in Goa. He was 41.

The gigantic murals, some freshly painted and others at different stages of their fully-lived vibrant lives, stand as quiet witnesses to the passing of the man who started the street art movement across the country, beginning with the government staff residential colony in 2015.

Mr. Kureshi co-founded the St+art Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, with four others - Arjun Bahl, Akshat Nauriyal, Giulia Ambrogi and Thanish Thomas - in 2013. The aim was to paint the streets of India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmirs-women-artisans-get-long-overdue-recognition-through-mural-621682">Also read:&nbsp;Kashmir's women artisans get long-overdue recognition through murals</a>

Talking about Mr. Kureshi’s inspiration behind the St+art Foundation and Lodhi Art District, Mr. Bahl said he always wanted to “make art truly democratic for all”.

“That was one of the reasons he started the project across the country. He was very passionate about Indian streets, he found them very colourful,” Mr. Bahl told PTI.

He remembered Mr. Kureshi as a “very generous” person always ready to teach others about his art and technique.

The group started seven art districts across the country in the last 10 years, four of which are active - Lodhi Art District, Ukkadam Art District in Coimbatore, Mahim Art District in Mumbai and Nochi Art District in Chennai.

The pilot project in Delhi that started with two murals today has over 60 by national and international artists.

Mr. Kureshi, who was known for his style of creating a curious mix of typography and street culture in his art, had written in one of his Instagram posts that he wanted to take “art out of conventional galleries and museums and make it accessible for the public”.

Watch |&nbsp;French-Lebanese artist blends architecture and heritage

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Despite being diagnosed with cancer about 15 months ago, Mr. Kureshi remained “upbeat and positive”, Mr. Bahl said.

“He was hoping to beat this unfortunate disease he got. He never showed anyone that he was suffering or not, he always had a smile and he was very positive,” he added.

Condolence messages poured in as art lovers and artists remembered the “pioneer of graffiti” in India who left a legacy that will “continue to inspire generations”.

One X user, Angad B. Sodhi posted that Mr. Kureshi was “a student of the dying tradition of Indian street sign typography”.

“…a practice he brought from the streets into the world of high art through his ‘HandpaintedType’ collections. I have long admired his work on bringing art out of the daunting walls of galleries to the people in the streets,” Mr. Sodhi wrote on X.

Another person, Edward Anderson, remembered Mr. Kureshi for making an “enormous impact on the visual landscape of urban India”.

“Really sad to hear about Hanif Kureshi, who has died far too soon. Hanif was an amazing guy... and did wonderful work to celebrate and preserve the art of hand-painted signs in India,” Mr. Anderson wrote.

“When I look up and see the beautiful wall art in Delhi, I always smile. It gladdens my heart and makes my day a lot brighter. It's terrible to hear that the man responsible for most of them, Hanif Kureshi has passed away at only 41,” Ms. Kaveri posted on X.

St+art Foundation took to Instagram to share the news of Mr. Kureshi’s demise. The post remembered Mr. Kureshi as “a gifted mentor, collaborator, friend, father, and husband”.

“His vision and charisma helped shape the landscape of public art in India with the countless projects he has contributed to. He was dedicated to nurturing a community of artists, designers, and creatives who trusted him with loyal guidance. He was a pioneering figure for graffiti and street art with his tags spread across cities he travelled to,” the organisation said.

Be it the tall Mahatma Gandhi portrait on the side of Delhi Police Headquarters at ITO, the colourful caricatures of people on the walls of different metro stations in Bengaluru, or the black-and-white portraits of Nochikuppam residents in Chennai, the art inspired by Kureshi’s movement belongs to one and all.

Just as he had wanted.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Cars slow down, feet falter and eyes swivel to the many murals on the walls of schools, hospitals, and homes in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony, the quiet neighborhood that has come to be known as Lodhi Art District over the last 10 years.

Cars slow down, feet falter and eyes swivel to the many murals on the walls of schools, hospitals, and homes in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony, the quiet neighborhood that has come to be known as Lodhi Art District over the last 10 years. On Sunday (September 22, 2024), Hanif Kureshi, the creative lead behind India’s first public art district and the visionary artist and designer remembered for "making art democratic", died from cancer in Goa. He was 41. The gigantic murals, some freshly painted and others at different stages of their fully-lived vibrant lives, stand as quiet witnesses to the passing of the man who started the street art movement across the country, beginning with the government staff residential colony in 2015. Mr. Kureshi co-founded the St+art Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, with four others - Arjun Bahl, Akshat Nauriyal, Giulia Ambrogi and Thanish Thomas - in 2013. The aim was to paint the streets of India. Also read: Kashmir's women artisans get long-overdue recognition through murals Talking about Mr. Kureshi’s inspiration behind the St+art Foundation and Lodhi Art District, Mr. Bahl said he always wanted to “make art truly democratic for all”. “That was one of the reasons he started the project across the country. He was very passionate about Indian streets, he found them very colourful,” Mr. Bahl told PTI. He remembered Mr. Kureshi as a “very generous” person always ready to teach others about his art and technique. The group started seven art districts across the country in the last 10 years, four of which are active - Lodhi Art District, Ukkadam Art District in Coimbatore, Mahim Art District in Mumbai and Nochi Art District in Chennai. The pilot project in Delhi that started with two murals today has over 60 by national and international artists. Mr. Kureshi, who was known for his style of creating a curious mix of typography and street culture in his art, had written in one of his Instagram posts that he wanted to take “art out of conventional galleries and museums and make it accessible for the public”. Watch | French-Lebanese artist blends architecture and heritage × Despite being diagnosed with cancer about 15 months ago, Mr. Kureshi remained “upbeat and positive”, Mr. Bahl said. “He was hoping to beat this unfortunate disease he got. He never showed anyone that he was suffering or not, he always had a smile and he was very positive,” he added. Condolence messages poured in as art lovers and artists remembered the “pioneer of graffiti” in India who left a legacy that will “continue to inspire generations”. One X user, Angad B. Sodhi posted that Mr. Kureshi was “a student of the dying tradition of Indian street sign typography”. “…a practice he brought from the streets into the world of high art through his ‘HandpaintedType’ collections. I have long admired his work on bringing art out of the daunting walls of galleries to the people in the streets,” Mr. Sodhi wrote on X. Another person, Edward Anderson, remembered Mr. Kureshi for making an “enormous impact on the visual landscape of urban India”. “Really sad to hear about Hanif Kureshi, who has died far too soon. Hanif was an amazing guy... and did wonderful work to celebrate and preserve the art of hand-painted signs in India,” Mr. Anderson wrote. “When I look up and see the beautiful wall art in Delhi, I always smile. It gladdens my heart and makes my day a lot brighter. It's terrible to hear that the man responsible for most of them, Hanif Kureshi has passed away at only 41,” Ms. Kaveri posted on X. St+art Foundation took to Instagram to share the news of Mr. Kureshi’s demise. The post remembered Mr. Kureshi as “a gifted mentor, collaborator, friend, father, and husband”. “His vision and charisma helped shape the landscape of public art in India with the countless projects he has contributed to. He was dedicated to nurturing a community of artists, designers, and creatives who trusted him with loyal guidance. He was a pioneering figure for graffiti and street art with his tags spread across cities he travelled to,” the organisation said. Be it the tall Mahatma Gandhi portrait on the side of Delhi Police Headquarters at ITO, the colourful caricatures of people on the walls of different metro stations in Bengaluru, or the black-and-white portraits of Nochikuppam residents in Chennai, the art inspired by Kureshi’s movement belongs to one and all. Just as he had wanted. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Street artist Hanif Kureshi remembered for 'making art democratic' passes away

Indian Police Service&nbsp;(IPS) officer Sarvashresth Tripathi has been appointed as the head of the&nbsp;Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the adulteration of the prasadam (offering) at the Tirupati temple, the Andhra Pradesh government confirmed on Tuesday (Sep 24).&nbsp;

The laddus given to the devotees as an offering at the temple have been alleged to contain animal fats, including beef tallow, which has caused uproar amongst the Hindu community across the country.&nbsp;

Tripathi will be joined by two more senior IPS officers,&nbsp;Gopinath Jetty,&nbsp;range deputy inspector general of police in Visakhapatnam and&nbsp;Harshavardhan Raju,&nbsp;district superintendent of police, Kadapa.&nbsp;

Tripathi, a 2006-batch IPS officer of the Andhra cadre is currently posted in Guntur as the inspector general of police. He had also worked in the recent assembly elections where the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) emerged victorious in an alliance with the Jana Sena Party.&nbsp;

The SIT will reportedly not only look into circumstances that led to adulteration in the prasadam but also investigate&nbsp;into other irregularities that have allegedly taken place during the previous regime in the last five years.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tirupati-laddu-row-new-vendor-appointed-promises-of-purity-760801" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity</a>

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<h2>What is the&nbsp;controversy?</h2>

The controversy erupted after CM Chandrababu Naidu last week alleged that the&nbsp;Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddus, which included animal fat and fish oil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/andhra-deputy-cm-pawan-kalyan-to-undergo-11-day-penance-after-tirupati-laddoo-row-760820" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo 11-day penance after Tirupati 'laddoo' row</a>

On Thursday (Sep 19), a lab report from&nbsp;Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples. The report, dated July 16, 2024, was presented by TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference.

Some new reports have also claimed that devotees found&nbsp;tobacco in the prasadam offered to them. One such devotee named&nbsp;Donthu Padmavati, a resident of Khammam district said she discovered tobacco in the laddu when she went back home to share it with family and neighbours.&nbsp;

On Monday (Sep 23), a&nbsp;purification ritual was carried out in the temple to rid of the negative energies.&nbsp;The ritual called the Mahashanti Yagam was performed in strict accordance with the shastras (manual with rules) with an executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Shamala Rao, along with other officials and priests present.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sarvashresth Tripathi has been appointed as the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the adulteration of the prasadam (offering) at the Tirupati temple, the Andhra Pradesh government confirmed on Tuesday (Sep 24).

Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sarvashresth Tripathi has been appointed as the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the adulteration of the prasadam (offering) at the Tirupati temple, the Andhra Pradesh government confirmed on Tuesday (Sep 24). The laddus given to the devotees as an offering at the temple have been alleged to contain animal fats, including beef tallow, which has caused uproar amongst the Hindu community across the country. Tripathi will be joined by two more senior IPS officers, Gopinath Jetty, range deputy inspector general of police in Visakhapatnam and Harshavardhan Raju, district superintendent of police, Kadapa. Tripathi, a 2006-batch IPS officer of the Andhra cadre is currently posted in Guntur as the inspector general of police. He had also worked in the recent assembly elections where the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) emerged victorious in an alliance with the Jana Sena Party. The SIT will reportedly not only look into circumstances that led to adulteration in the prasadam but also investigate into other irregularities that have allegedly taken place during the previous regime in the last five years. Watch | Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity What is the controversy? The controversy erupted after CM Chandrababu Naidu last week alleged that the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddus, which included animal fat and fish oil. Also read | Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo 11-day penance after Tirupati 'laddoo' row On Thursday (Sep 19), a lab report from Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples. The report, dated July 16, 2024, was presented by TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference. Some new reports have also claimed that devotees found tobacco in the prasadam offered to them. One such devotee named Donthu Padmavati, a resident of Khammam district said she discovered tobacco in the laddu when she went back home to share it with family and neighbours. On Monday (Sep 23), a purification ritual was carried out in the temple to rid of the negative energies. The ritual called the Mahashanti Yagam was performed in strict accordance with the shastras (manual with rules) with an executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Shamala Rao, along with other officials and priests present. (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati prasadam row: IPS officer to head SIT probe appointed by Andhra government

As Jammu and Kashmir will undergo the second phase of assembly polls on September 25, security has been tightened in the Rajouri district of the territory.

As safety measures, security personnel have been deployed in several areas and vehicles are being checked.

Elections in the second phase of assembly polls will be conducted on 26 assembly seats in six districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The seats on which elections will be conducted are Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora and Gulabgarh (ST).

It will also be conducted on Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote - Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli and Mendhar (ST).

Notably, the second phase of elections will decide the fate of former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and NC leader Omar Abdullah, from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats.

Other prominent candidates in the fray include Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera assembly seat and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng seat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-kashmir-elections-2024-59-voter-turnout-in-phase-one-of-jk-assembly-election-759920">Watch | Jammu &amp; Kashmir Elections 2024: Historic Voter Turnout In Phase One of J&amp;K Assembly Election</a>

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&nbsp;

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Monday held an election rally in Ganderbal district amid ongoing assembly elections in the territory.

Earlier on Monday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the BJP-led government has already promised to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, and Congress Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is only repeating what the BJP had promised long back.

Attacking Rahul Gandhi, Singh said that the former is repeating the same thing in order to take credit by saying that it happened because he had put pressure on the government.

"You don't have a say in running your government. The orders are followed from Delhi. We wanted the statehood to return here before the elections, but we will definitely try that it does happen after the polls," said&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi while addressing a rally in Poonch on Monday (Sep 23).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-joins-farooq-abdullah-for-the-final-day-of-campaigning-in-2nd-phase-of-jk-assembly-elections-761233">Also read |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&amp;K assembly elections</a>

The first phase of voting was completed in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, with a voter turnout of 61.13 per cent registered across 24 constituencies in seven districts, as per the Election Commission.

Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1 respectively. Vote counting will be conducted on October 8 along with the counting of votes in Haryana.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

As Jammu and Kashmir will undergo the second phase of assembly polls on September 25, security has been tightened in the Rajouri district of the territory. As safety measures, security personnel have been deployed in several areas and vehicles are being checked.

As Jammu and Kashmir will undergo the second phase of assembly polls on September 25, security has been tightened in the Rajouri district of the territory. As safety measures, security personnel have been deployed in several areas and vehicles are being checked. Elections in the second phase of assembly polls will be conducted on 26 assembly seats in six districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The seats on which elections will be conducted are Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora and Gulabgarh (ST). It will also be conducted on Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote - Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli and Mendhar (ST). Notably, the second phase of elections will decide the fate of former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and NC leader Omar Abdullah, from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats. Other prominent candidates in the fray include Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera assembly seat and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng seat. Watch | Jammu & Kashmir Elections 2024: Historic Voter Turnout In Phase One of J&K Assembly Election × National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Monday held an election rally in Ganderbal district amid ongoing assembly elections in the territory. Earlier on Monday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the BJP-led government has already promised to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, and Congress Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is only repeating what the BJP had promised long back. Attacking Rahul Gandhi, Singh said that the former is repeating the same thing in order to take credit by saying that it happened because he had put pressure on the government. "You don't have a say in running your government. The orders are followed from Delhi. We wanted the statehood to return here before the elections, but we will definitely try that it does happen after the polls," said Rahul Gandhi while addressing a rally in Poonch on Monday (Sep 23). Also read | Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&K assembly elections The first phase of voting was completed in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, with a voter turnout of 61.13 per cent registered across 24 constituencies in seven districts, as per the Election Commission. Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1 respectively. Vote counting will be conducted on October 8 along with the counting of votes in Haryana. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Jammu and Kashmir: Security heightened ahead of second phase of polling

Amid the controversy surrounding Tirupati laddus, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has collected 13 samples of items being sold as 'prasadam' outside the temples here and sent them for testing, an official said on Sunday.

The samples were collected over the past two days from the famous Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple of Mathura, Thakur Banke Bihari temple of Vrindavan and the Daan Ghati temple of Govardhan.

FSDA Assistant Commissioner Dhirendra Pratap Singh said the action has been taken in light of the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddus.

After the laboratory report comes in, it will be known if there is any kind of adulteration in the items being sold here as 'prasadam', he said.

Singh said a campaign will be run in the entire district from Monday and teams will go to every area to collect samples.

He said that in the last two days, the team had collected samples from about 13 places and sent them to the laboratory.

Further action will be taken based on the report, he said.

The assistant commissioner also said all the shopkeepers have been warned not to mix any unwanted substance in any food item, let alone 'prasadam'.

Playing with the health of people will not be tolerated at any cost, he said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's claim that animal fat was used in Tirupati laddus during the previous government has triggered a massive political row, with the YSRCP accusing Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains and the TDP circulating a lab report to back its claim.

During an NDA legislature party meeting on Wednesday, Naidu claimed that the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government did not even spare the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati and used substandard ingredients and animal fat to make laddus. 
&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Amid the controversy surrounding Tirupati laddus, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has collected 13 samples of items being sold as 'prasadam' outside the temples here and sent them for testing, an official said on Sunday.

Amid the controversy surrounding Tirupati laddus, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has collected 13 samples of items being sold as 'prasadam' outside the temples here and sent them for testing, an official said on Sunday. The samples were collected over the past two days from the famous Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple of Mathura, Thakur Banke Bihari temple of Vrindavan and the Daan Ghati temple of Govardhan. FSDA Assistant Commissioner Dhirendra Pratap Singh said the action has been taken in light of the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddus. After the laboratory report comes in, it will be known if there is any kind of adulteration in the items being sold here as 'prasadam', he said. Singh said a campaign will be run in the entire district from Monday and teams will go to every area to collect samples. He said that in the last two days, the team had collected samples from about 13 places and sent them to the laboratory. Further action will be taken based on the report, he said. The assistant commissioner also said all the shopkeepers have been warned not to mix any unwanted substance in any food item, let alone 'prasadam'. Playing with the health of people will not be tolerated at any cost, he said. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's claim that animal fat was used in Tirupati laddus during the previous government has triggered a massive political row, with the YSRCP accusing Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains and the TDP circulating a lab report to back its claim. During an NDA legislature party meeting on Wednesday, Naidu claimed that the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government did not even spare the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati and used substandard ingredients and animal fat to make laddus. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tirupati laddu row: 'Prasadam' samples collected from famous temples of Mathura

The Indian Railways, as per reports, is intensifying efforts to ensure passenger safety by collaborating with state governments, police chiefs, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They are collaborating to identify miscreants attempting to disrupt train operations by placing objects on tracks, said Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday (Sep 24).

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:103,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1790}">Indian Railways on high alert</h2>

"The entire railway administration is on alert and is taking this matter seriously," said Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

"We are constantly in touch with all state governments. State DGPs, Home Secretaries, and the NIA are also involved," he added while talking to the press in Jaipur.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:691,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1934}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extra-judicial-killing-cop-who-shot-akshay-shinde-linked-to-encounter-specialist-pradeep-sharma-761542">Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma</a>

The minister said that his ministry was coordinating with various railway zones and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to investigate these incidents thoroughly.&nbsp;

"We will take strict action against anyone and everyone behind such illegal activities," he assured, adding that the administration was "working hard to ensure that no such incidents are repeated and that we can track down the offenders."

While the NIA has not formally registered a case related to recent sabotage incidents on railway tracks, an official, as per Indian media reports, indicated that they are informally investigating the matter.&nbsp;

"We look into all railways’ accidents informally and assist local police/other agencies in investigation to probe it from conspiracy angle," the official stated, adding that they are waiting for an official directive from the government to launch a comprehensive investigation.

This comes as earlier on Tuesday (Sep 24), three railway employees were arrested for allegedly&nbsp;carrying&nbsp;out sabotage themselves&nbsp;to get social media fame, promotion, and reward by raising alarm and alerting about&nbsp;it in time while putting several lives at risk.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anna-sebastian-perayil-case-ey-pune-operating-since-2007-without-required-permits-761615">Anna Sebastian Perayil case: EY Pune operating since 2007 without required permits, reveal authorities</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:633,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2320}">Railway tracks and harmful objects</h2>

This heightened vigilance follows multiple alarming incidents where railway drivers encountered dangerous objects on the tracks. For instance, on September 22, a goods train driver spotted a gas cylinder on the track and activated the emergency brakes just in time to avert a disaster.

Similar occurrences included the discovery of a damaged cylinder and other hazardous materials on September 15, just before the Kalindi Express arrived in Kanpur.

Additionally, on September 21, unidentified individuals removed a fishplate and key from a track in Uttar Pradesh, prompting&nbsp;alarm.&nbsp;In a separate incident, on Sunday, nine metal rods were found on the Bhatinda-Delhi route at around 3 am.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Railways, as per reports, is intensifying efforts to ensure passenger safety by collaborating with state governments, police chiefs, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The Indian Railways, as per reports, is intensifying efforts to ensure passenger safety by collaborating with state governments, police chiefs, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They are collaborating to identify miscreants attempting to disrupt train operations by placing objects on tracks, said Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday (Sep 24). Indian Railways on high alert "The entire railway administration is on alert and is taking this matter seriously," said Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. "We are constantly in touch with all state governments. State DGPs, Home Secretaries, and the NIA are also involved," he added while talking to the press in Jaipur. Also read | Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma The minister said that his ministry was coordinating with various railway zones and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to investigate these incidents thoroughly. "We will take strict action against anyone and everyone behind such illegal activities," he assured, adding that the administration was "working hard to ensure that no such incidents are repeated and that we can track down the offenders." While the NIA has not formally registered a case related to recent sabotage incidents on railway tracks, an official, as per Indian media reports, indicated that they are informally investigating the matter. "We look into all railways’ accidents informally and assist local police/other agencies in investigation to probe it from conspiracy angle," the official stated, adding that they are waiting for an official directive from the government to launch a comprehensive investigation. This comes as earlier on Tuesday (Sep 24), three railway employees were arrested for allegedly carrying out sabotage themselves to get social media fame, promotion, and reward by raising alarm and alerting about it in time while putting several lives at risk. Also read | Anna Sebastian Perayil case: EY Pune operating since 2007 without required permits, reveal authorities Railway tracks and harmful objects This heightened vigilance follows multiple alarming incidents where railway drivers encountered dangerous objects on the tracks. For instance, on September 22, a goods train driver spotted a gas cylinder on the track and activated the emergency brakes just in time to avert a disaster. Similar occurrences included the discovery of a damaged cylinder and other hazardous materials on September 15, just before the Kalindi Express arrived in Kanpur. Additionally, on September 21, unidentified individuals removed a fishplate and key from a track in Uttar Pradesh, prompting alarm. In a separate incident, on Sunday, nine metal rods were found on the Bhatinda-Delhi route at around 3 am. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Railways ‘on high alert’, collaborates with NIA, police to stop rail track sabotage attempts

In India's Pune, an Ernst &amp; Young (EY) office has come under scrutiny following the tragic death of 26-year-old audit executive Anna Sebastian Perayil, who reportedly struggled with a heavy workload. Now, reports citing a senior government official suggest that the EY office has been operating since 2007 without the necessary state permit that regulates working hours.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:101,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2001}">EY's missing permits</h2>

Shailendra Pol, Maharashtra's additional labour commissioner, as per news agency Reuters, has revealed that EY applied for registration under the state's Shops and Establishments Act only in February 2024, which was denied due to the company's long-standing non-compliance.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:212,&quot;w&quot;:615,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2112}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extra-judicial-killing-cop-who-shot-akshay-shinde-linked-to-encounter-specialist-pradeep-sharma-761542">Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma</a>

"The company applied for a registration with the labour department only in February 2024 and we rejected it because it had not applied since 2007 when it started this office," Pol told Reuters.

This law stipulates a maximum of nine working hours per day and 48 hours per week for adults. Pol stated that EY has been given a week to respond to the lapse in its operational status.

If found guilty of non-compliance that results in serious injury or death, the company could face penalties including imprisonment of up to six months or fines reaching Rs 500,000&nbsp;(approximately $5,980) or both.

Pol's team is investigating further and has requested information from EY, including employee hours, welfare policies, and whether Perayil was pressured to work excessively during her tenure as an associate.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:494,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2394}">EY employee's mother blames 'backbreaking'&nbsp;demands for death</h2>

Perayil's mother has attributed her daughter’s death to the "backbreaking" demands of her job, prompting a federal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:614,&quot;w&quot;:645,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2514}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anna-sebastian-perayil-ey-employees-death-sheds-light-on-how-big-firms-turn-into-human-consuming-factories-761276">Anna Sebastian Perayil: EY employee's death sheds light on how big firms turn into 'human-consuming' factories</a>

In a letter to the EY India chairperson, Perayil's mother, Anita Augustine, detailed her daughter's "overwhelming workload", stating that Anna "worked late into the night, even on weekends, with no opportunity to catch her breath". The family has reported that Perayil died of cardiac arrest.

EY India previously emphasised that it placed "the highest importance on the well-being of all employees" and was "taking the family's correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility".

The firm employs around 100,000 individuals across its member firms in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

In India's Pune, an Ernst & Young (EY) office has come under scrutiny following the tragic death of 26-year-old audit executive Anna Sebastian Perayil, who reportedly struggled with a heavy workload.

In India's Pune, an Ernst & Young (EY) office has come under scrutiny following the tragic death of 26-year-old audit executive Anna Sebastian Perayil, who reportedly struggled with a heavy workload. Now, reports citing a senior government official suggest that the EY office has been operating since 2007 without the necessary state permit that regulates working hours. EY's missing permits Shailendra Pol, Maharashtra's additional labour commissioner, as per news agency Reuters, has revealed that EY applied for registration under the state's Shops and Establishments Act only in February 2024, which was denied due to the company's long-standing non-compliance. Also read | Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma "The company applied for a registration with the labour department only in February 2024 and we rejected it because it had not applied since 2007 when it started this office," Pol told Reuters. This law stipulates a maximum of nine working hours per day and 48 hours per week for adults. Pol stated that EY has been given a week to respond to the lapse in its operational status. If found guilty of non-compliance that results in serious injury or death, the company could face penalties including imprisonment of up to six months or fines reaching Rs 500,000 (approximately $5,980) or both. Pol's team is investigating further and has requested information from EY, including employee hours, welfare policies, and whether Perayil was pressured to work excessively during her tenure as an associate. EY employee's mother blames 'backbreaking' demands for death Perayil's mother has attributed her daughter’s death to the "backbreaking" demands of her job, prompting a federal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Also read | Anna Sebastian Perayil: EY employee's death sheds light on how big firms turn into 'human-consuming' factories In a letter to the EY India chairperson, Perayil's mother, Anita Augustine, detailed her daughter's "overwhelming workload", stating that Anna "worked late into the night, even on weekends, with no opportunity to catch her breath". The family has reported that Perayil died of cardiac arrest. EY India previously emphasised that it placed "the highest importance on the well-being of all employees" and was "taking the family's correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility". The firm employs around 100,000 individuals across its member firms in India. (With inputs from agencies)

Anna Sebastian Perayil case: EY Pune operating since 2007 without required permits, reveal authorities

India reported its first case of MPOX clade 1 in Kerala's Malappuram. The patient, a 38-year-old man, recently traveled from the UAE and is stable. Watch in for more details!

India: Kerala to Issue Revised Mpox Guidelines After Reporting First Case of Clade 1 Strain

The principal of a government primary school in the Indian state of&nbsp;Gujarat’s Dahod district was arrested for allegedly killing his student, a six-year-old girl after she resisted his attempt to sexually molest her, police said on Sunday (Sep 22).

The girl’s body was found inside the school premises in a village of Singvad taluka on Thursday (Sep 19), the official said.

As per Superintendent of Police, Rajdeepsinh Zala, the school principal, Govind Nat, smothered the girl after she fended off his attempt to sexually molest her.&nbsp;

"Around 10:20 am on Thursday, the principal, who was passing by in his car, agreed to take the child to school in the vehicle at her mother's request. Students and teachers told police that the girl did not attend school that day," police told local media.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/monkey-attack-saves-6-year-old-girl-from-sexual-assault-in-ups-baghpat-accused-on-the-run-761057">'Monkey attack' saves 6-year-old girl from sexual assault in UP's Baghpat, accused on the run</a>

Initially, the principal insisted that he had dropped her at the school after picking her up in his car, the police official said. Upon further questioning, the principal confessed before the police that he had killed the girl.

The molester narrated the incident and said that he tried to sexually molest the girl on their way to school. When she resisted, he covered her mouth and nose to stop her from screaming, which made the girl unconscious, Zala said.

"The principal reached the school and parked his car with the girl's body inside. At 5 pm, he took out the body and dumped it behind the school building. He then planted her school bag and slippers in her classroom," Zala added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-murder-mahalakshmis-husband-suspects-lovers-role-in-murder-after-her-body-found-in-fridge-761414">Bengaluru murder: Mahalakshmi's husband suspects lover's role in murder after her body found in fridge</a>

Meanwhile, the police said the technical analysis and the time when the principal left the school in the evening made him the prime suspect, and he confessed to the crime after interrogation.

A day after the girl's body was found, her post-mortem report revealed that she died from smothering, the SP&nbsp;said.

When the child did not return home after school hours, her parents and relatives launched a search and found her lying unconscious in the compound behind the school building. The child was taken to the Limkheda Civil Hospital, where doctors declared her dead, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The principal of a government primary school in the Indian state of Gujarat’s Dahod district was arrested for allegedly killing his student, a six-year-old girl after she resisted his attempt to sexually molest her, police said on Sunday (Sep 22).

The principal of a government primary school in the Indian state of Gujarat’s Dahod district was arrested for allegedly killing his student, a six-year-old girl after she resisted his attempt to sexually molest her, police said on Sunday (Sep 22). The girl’s body was found inside the school premises in a village of Singvad taluka on Thursday (Sep 19), the official said. As per Superintendent of Police, Rajdeepsinh Zala, the school principal, Govind Nat, smothered the girl after she fended off his attempt to sexually molest her. "Around 10:20 am on Thursday, the principal, who was passing by in his car, agreed to take the child to school in the vehicle at her mother's request. Students and teachers told police that the girl did not attend school that day," police told local media. Also Read | 'Monkey attack' saves 6-year-old girl from sexual assault in UP's Baghpat, accused on the run Initially, the principal insisted that he had dropped her at the school after picking her up in his car, the police official said. Upon further questioning, the principal confessed before the police that he had killed the girl. The molester narrated the incident and said that he tried to sexually molest the girl on their way to school. When she resisted, he covered her mouth and nose to stop her from screaming, which made the girl unconscious, Zala said. "The principal reached the school and parked his car with the girl's body inside. At 5 pm, he took out the body and dumped it behind the school building. He then planted her school bag and slippers in her classroom," Zala added. Also Read | Bengaluru murder: Mahalakshmi's husband suspects lover's role in murder after her body found in fridge Meanwhile, the police said the technical analysis and the time when the principal left the school in the evening made him the prime suspect, and he confessed to the crime after interrogation. A day after the girl's body was found, her post-mortem report revealed that she died from smothering, the SP said. When the child did not return home after school hours, her parents and relatives launched a search and found her lying unconscious in the compound behind the school building. The child was taken to the Limkheda Civil Hospital, where doctors declared her dead, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat principal kills 6-year-old girl for resisting rape, dumps body in school compound

Three railway employees have been arrested for allegedly conspiring to derail a train near Kim railway station by removing fishplates and keys from a railway track.

The attempted train derailment incident was thwarted on Saturday, the police said.

According to Western Railway, Vadodara Division unidentified people opened the fishplate and some keys from the UP line track and put them on the same track near the Kim railway station. However, service was soon restored.

In a separate incident, nine iron rods were recovered on the Bathinda-Delhi railway track, Government Railway Police (GRP) officials said on Monday.

Investigating Officer Shavinder Kumar, said that a train had to be stopped after multiple iron rods were seen on the Bathinda-Delhi railway tracks early Sunday morning. The rods were recovered at around 3:00 am.

According to railway police officials, as soon as the rods were found on the tracks, the railway officials removed them and an FIR was registered against unknown persons.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjbldTXytuIAxVDaPUHHQlwE1gQxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-railways-conducts-historic-trial-run-on-worlds-tallest-railway-bridge-in-jammu-kashmir-733651" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-railways-conducts-historic-trial-run-on-worlds-tallest-railway-bridge-in-jammu-kashmir-733651&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjbldTXytuIAxVDaPUHHQlwE1gQxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE">Watch: Indian Railways conducts historic trial run on world`s tallest railway bridge in Jammu &amp; Kashmir</a>

"In the morning, the RPF had investigated the matter and recovered the rods, after which the matter was handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP), and then an FIR was registered," said Investigating Officer Kumar.

He further said that a total of nine rods had been recovered from the site of the incident.

"Nine iron rods have been recovered from the spot. GRP (Government Railway Police) has registered a case against an unknown person and further investigation is being done," he added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Three railway employees have been arrested for allegedly conspiring to derail a train near Kim railway station by removing fishplates and keys from a railway track.

Three railway employees have been arrested for allegedly conspiring to derail a train near Kim railway station by removing fishplates and keys from a railway track. The attempted train derailment incident was thwarted on Saturday, the police said. According to Western Railway, Vadodara Division unidentified people opened the fishplate and some keys from the UP line track and put them on the same track near the Kim railway station. However, service was soon restored. In a separate incident, nine iron rods were recovered on the Bathinda-Delhi railway track, Government Railway Police (GRP) officials said on Monday. Investigating Officer Shavinder Kumar, said that a train had to be stopped after multiple iron rods were seen on the Bathinda-Delhi railway tracks early Sunday morning. The rods were recovered at around 3:00 am. According to railway police officials, as soon as the rods were found on the tracks, the railway officials removed them and an FIR was registered against unknown persons. Also read: Watch: Indian Railways conducts historic trial run on world`s tallest railway bridge in Jammu & Kashmir "In the morning, the RPF had investigated the matter and recovered the rods, after which the matter was handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP), and then an FIR was registered," said Investigating Officer Kumar. He further said that a total of nine rods had been recovered from the site of the incident. "Nine iron rods have been recovered from the spot. GRP (Government Railway Police) has registered a case against an unknown person and further investigation is being done," he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Three railway staffers detained for sabotage plot, wanted to get facilitation

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad on Tuesday said mishri (sugar crystals), cardamom seeds and dry fruits offered traditionally to the Hindu deities as 'bhog' should be distributed among devotees as prasad at temples instead of prepared delicacies such as laddu to prevent adulteration.

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The statement by the seers' body comes amid the outrage over alleged adulteration of the laddu prasad offered to devotees in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati Balaji Temple.

This system of prasad should be operational in all temples across the country until the government and the management of temples guarantee the purity of ghee used to prepare prasad, said Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an important body of seers.

"Items like rock sugar, cardamom and dry fruits are traditionally offered as Bhog to Hindu deities. Their distribution as prasad will leave no room for adulteration," he said.

Expressing his disgust at the adulteration of 'prasadam' at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Puri said it had hurt the sentiments of Hindus all over the world.

He suggested that Hindus feeling guilty about having eaten adulterated prasad unknowingly at Tirupati Balaji can purify their system by consuming Ganga jal or Gomutra (cow urine).

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad on Tuesday said mishri (sugar crystals), cardamom seeds and dry fruits offered traditionally to the Hindu deities as 'bhog' should be distributed among devotees as prasad at temples instead of prepared delicacies such as laddu to prevent adulteration.

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad on Tuesday said mishri (sugar crystals), cardamom seeds and dry fruits offered traditionally to the Hindu deities as 'bhog' should be distributed among devotees as prasad at temples instead of prepared delicacies such as laddu to prevent adulteration. The statement by the seers' body comes amid the outrage over alleged adulteration of the laddu prasad offered to devotees in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati Balaji Temple. This system of prasad should be operational in all temples across the country until the government and the management of temples guarantee the purity of ghee used to prepare prasad, said Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an important body of seers. "Items like rock sugar, cardamom and dry fruits are traditionally offered as Bhog to Hindu deities. Their distribution as prasad will leave no room for adulteration," he said. Expressing his disgust at the adulteration of 'prasadam' at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Puri said it had hurt the sentiments of Hindus all over the world. He suggested that Hindus feeling guilty about having eaten adulterated prasad unknowingly at Tirupati Balaji can purify their system by consuming Ganga jal or Gomutra (cow urine). Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tirupati Laddu Row: Cardamom, mishri be offered as prasad instead of prepared delicacies to avoid adulteration

In a shocking incident in India's national capital, the police arrested a 30-year-old man in the Shakarpur area of Delhi for allegedly installing spy cameras in the bulbs of the bathroom and bedroom of a woman tenant.&nbsp;

The woman was living alone in the rented apartment and preparing for the civil services exam. Karan, who is the son of the landlord and lives on the other floor of the building, was accused of carrying out the crime.&nbsp;

The woman had given the keys to the apartment to him when she had gone to her hometown in Uttar Pradesh.

As per senior police officer Apoorva Gupta, the woman in her complaint said that she noticed some unusual activity happening on her WhatsApp account.&nbsp;

When she checked the devices which were linked to her account, she found that there was an unknown laptop from which she promptly logged out.

After the incident, the woman said that she became cautious and soon suspected that there were surveillance devices in her apartment, said the police.&nbsp;

"She found one camera installed in the bulb holder of her bathroom and alerted the police by making a PCR call," said the senior officer.&nbsp;

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The police said that soon a sub-inspector reached the apartment of the woman and searched it again. In the second search, they discovered another camera in the bulb holder of the bedroom.

When the tenant was asked who else had access to her room, she informed them about leaving the keys with Karan.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's what the accused told police in interrogation</h2>

In the police interrogation, the accused Karan said that when the tenant left the key with him, he used the opportunity to install spy cameras.&nbsp;

"Seizing this opportunity, Karan purchased three spy cameras commonly available in electronics markets and installed one in her bedroom and one in her bathroom," said the police officer.

The footage of these cameras was getting stored in memory cards and they cannot be operated online.&nbsp;

Because of this, Karan used to ask the tenant for keys repeatedly on the pretext of electrical repairs for transferring the recorded videos to his laptop.

The police were able to seize one spy camera and two laptops&nbsp;from Karan.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old man, who is disabled, has now been booked in a case of voyeurism and faces at least one year of imprisonment.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking incident in India's national capital, the police arrested a 30-year-old man in the Shakarpur area of Delhi for allegedly installing spy cameras in the bulbs of the bathroom and bedroom of a woman tenant.

In a shocking incident in India's national capital, the police arrested a 30-year-old man in the Shakarpur area of Delhi for allegedly installing spy cameras in the bulbs of the bathroom and bedroom of a woman tenant. The woman was living alone in the rented apartment and preparing for the civil services exam. Karan, who is the son of the landlord and lives on the other floor of the building, was accused of carrying out the crime. The woman had given the keys to the apartment to him when she had gone to her hometown in Uttar Pradesh. As per senior police officer Apoorva Gupta, the woman in her complaint said that she noticed some unusual activity happening on her WhatsApp account. When she checked the devices which were linked to her account, she found that there was an unknown laptop from which she promptly logged out. After the incident, the woman said that she became cautious and soon suspected that there were surveillance devices in her apartment, said the police. "She found one camera installed in the bulb holder of her bathroom and alerted the police by making a PCR call," said the senior officer. Also Read: Landlord fears terminally ill cancer patient would make his home ‘ghost house’, gives eviction notice The police said that soon a sub-inspector reached the apartment of the woman and searched it again. In the second search, they discovered another camera in the bulb holder of the bedroom. When the tenant was asked who else had access to her room, she informed them about leaving the keys with Karan. Here's what the accused told police in interrogation In the police interrogation, the accused Karan said that when the tenant left the key with him, he used the opportunity to install spy cameras. "Seizing this opportunity, Karan purchased three spy cameras commonly available in electronics markets and installed one in her bedroom and one in her bathroom," said the police officer. The footage of these cameras was getting stored in memory cards and they cannot be operated online. Because of this, Karan used to ask the tenant for keys repeatedly on the pretext of electrical repairs for transferring the recorded videos to his laptop. The police were able to seize one spy camera and two laptops from Karan. The 30-year-old man, who is disabled, has now been booked in a case of voyeurism and faces at least one year of imprisonment. (With inputs from agencies)

Landlord installs spy cameras in bedroom, toilet of female tenant in Delhi, gets arrested

Amid the controversy over the alleged use of beef fat in the laddoos in Tirupati temple, the sale of the revered prasad continued unaffected at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple, where more than 60,000 pilgrims have still been flocking daily, reported NDTV.

As per the report, the temple authorities managed to sell more than 1.4&nbsp;million laddoos&nbsp;in just four days.&nbsp;

Speaking to NDTV, a devotee Venkateshwar Rao said, "Our faith is too strong to be shaken." The devotees also said that the controversy over Tirupati laddoos is a "thing of the past now".

It was reported that on September 19, 0.35 million laddoos were sold; on September 20 0.317 million laddoos; on September 21 0.367 million laddoos and on September 22 0.36 million laddoos.&nbsp;

According to the report, the data reflected that the purchase of laddoos did not witness any decline because of the controversy, as usually 0.35 million laddoos were sold on a daily basis.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tirupati-prasadam-row-devotee-claims-tobacco-found-in-laddoo-after-animal-fat-761383">Tirupati prasadam row: Devotee claims tobacco found in laddoo after animal fat&nbsp;</a>

The temple makes more than 0.3 million laddoos every day, which are subsequently bought by the devotees&nbsp;as prasad and gifts for friends and family.

The temple uses Bengal gram, cow ghee, sugar, cashews, raisins, and almonds to make the revered laddoo. On a daily basis, they use around 15,000 kg of cow ghee in their preparation.&nbsp;

<h2>Tirupati laddoo controversy&nbsp;</h2>

The controversy over the Tirupati laddoo erupted after it was alleged by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that animal fat was mixed with the ghee during the tenure of the YSRCP government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. After this, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up by the state government to investigate the matter.

Reacting to allegations, former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the ruling TDP has been "politicising religious matters".

Watch:&nbsp;Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tirupati-laddu-row-new-vendor-appointed-promises-of-purity-760801/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The tender process occurs every six months, and the qualification criteria have not changed for decades. Suppliers must provide an NABL certificate and a product quality certificate. The TTD collects samples of the ghee, and only products that pass certification are used. The TDP is politicising religious matters," Reddy said, further saying that Naidu is a "pathological and habitual liar".

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the controversy over the alleged use of beef fat in the laddoos in Tirupati temple, the sale of the revered prasad continued unaffected at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple, where more than 60,000 pilgrims have still been flocking daily, reported NDTV.

Amid the controversy over the alleged use of beef fat in the laddoos in Tirupati temple, the sale of the revered prasad continued unaffected at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple, where more than 60,000 pilgrims have still been flocking daily, reported NDTV. As per the report, the temple authorities managed to sell more than 1.4 million laddoos in just four days. Speaking to NDTV, a devotee Venkateshwar Rao said, "Our faith is too strong to be shaken." The devotees also said that the controversy over Tirupati laddoos is a "thing of the past now". It was reported that on September 19, 0.35 million laddoos were sold; on September 20 0.317 million laddoos; on September 21 0.367 million laddoos and on September 22 0.36 million laddoos. According to the report, the data reflected that the purchase of laddoos did not witness any decline because of the controversy, as usually 0.35 million laddoos were sold on a daily basis. Also Read: Tirupati prasadam row: Devotee claims tobacco found in laddoo after animal fat The temple makes more than 0.3 million laddoos every day, which are subsequently bought by the devotees as prasad and gifts for friends and family. The temple uses Bengal gram, cow ghee, sugar, cashews, raisins, and almonds to make the revered laddoo. On a daily basis, they use around 15,000 kg of cow ghee in their preparation. Tirupati laddoo controversy The controversy over the Tirupati laddoo erupted after it was alleged by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that animal fat was mixed with the ghee during the tenure of the YSRCP government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. After this, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up by the state government to investigate the matter. Reacting to allegations, former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the ruling TDP has been "politicising religious matters". Watch: Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity "The tender process occurs every six months, and the qualification criteria have not changed for decades. Suppliers must provide an NABL certificate and a product quality certificate. The TTD collects samples of the ghee, and only products that pass certification are used. The TDP is politicising religious matters," Reddy said, further saying that Naidu is a "pathological and habitual liar". (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati temple sells 1.4 million laddoos in four days as animal fat row fails to deter devotees

The Karnataka High Court quashed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's petition on Tuesday and said the beneficiaries in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case were not outsiders but the petitioner's (CM's) wife.

The Karnataka High Court quashed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's petition on Tuesday and said the beneficiaries in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case were not outsiders but the petitioner's (CM's) wife. The bench headed by Justice M Nagaprasanna passed the order upholding Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision. The order of the High Court stated, "The facts narrated in the petition would undoubtedly require an investigation. In the teeth of the fact that the beneficiary of all these acts is not anybody outside, but the wife of the petitioner (CM Siddaramaiah)." The order stated, "The complaints were justified in registering the complaint or seeking approval at the hands of the Governor." "The approval under Section 17 A of the PC Act is mandatory in the fact situation. Section 17 A nowhere requires a police officer to seek approval in a private complaint registered under Section 200 of the Cr PC/223 of BNSS against a public servant for offences punishable under the provisions of the act. It is the duty of the complainant to seek such approval. The Governor in normal circumstances has to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers as obtaining under Article 163 of the Constitution of India, but can take independent decision in exceptional circumstances and the present cases on such exception. No fault can be found in the action of the Governor exercising independent discretion to pass the impugned order," it said. "It would suffice if the reasons are recorded in the file of the decision-making authority, particularly of high office, and those reasons succinctly form part of the impugned order. A caveat, reasons must be in the file. Reasons for the first time cannot be brought before the constitutional Court, by way of objections. The Gubernatorial order nowhere suffers from want of application of mind. It is not a case of not even a semblance of application of mind, by the Governor, but abundance of application of mind. Grant of an opportunity of hearing prior to approval under Section 17A is not mandatory. If the authority chooses to do so, it is open to it," the court said. The court's order further mentioned, "The decision of the Governor of alleged hottest haste has not vitiated the order. The order is read to be restrictive to an approval under Section 17A of the Act and not an order granting Sanction 218 of BNSS. Before I say omega, I deem it appropriate to quote what BENJAMIN DISRAELI had to say: 'I repeat… that all power is a trust – that we are accountable for its exercise – that, from the people, and for the people, all springs, and all must exist'. For the praefatus reasons, the petition lacking in merit, would necessarily meet its dismissal, and is accordingly dismissed. Interim order of any kind subsisting today, shall stand dissolved. The applications, if any, stand disposed as unnecessary," the order underlined. Snehamayi Krishna, one of the petitioners in the case has submitted a caveat in the High Court Division Bench regarding the case and pleaded that no order should be passed in the MUDA case without hearing his arguments. The move has come ahead of CM Siddaramaiah's counsels preparing to file an appeal against the High Court single bench order. Now, that the verdict has gone against CM Siddaramaiah, the lower court will initiate legal proceedings such as filing of FIR against him in the MUDA case. This will lead to further pressure on the Chief Minister to resign. Sources confirmed that CM Siddaramaiah will now approach the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court order. The High Court on September 12 completed the hearing of arguments and counterarguments on the writ petition filed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. While Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for the CM, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the Governor's office. Social activists Pradeep Kumar SP, T J Abraham and Snehamayi Krishna had filed petitions against CM Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged MUDA land scam. They had claimed that Siddaramaiah had misused his office to create fraudulent documents over 3.17 acres of land near Mysuru city and got 14 sites allotted from the MUDA in the name of his wife. CM Siddaramaiah had refuted the allegations and maintained that the Congress government would fight politically and legally over the permission for prosecution against him in the case granted by the Governor. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Karnataka High Court clears way for CM Siddaramaiah’s prosecution in land scam case

Badlapur horror: Akshay Shinde, the 24-year-old accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur&nbsp;town of&nbsp;India's Maharashtra state, was shot dead on Monday (Sep 23). The man was reportedly killed by Sanjay Shinde, who as per reports worked with suspended cop Pradeep Sharma, popularly known as 'encounter specialist'. The accused was trying to escape and had snatched the weapon of a cop and injured him by firing.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:101,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2111}">How did Akshay Shinde die?</h2>

According to reports, the accused Akshay Shinde was being transported to Badlapur in Thane district from Tajola Jail in Navi Mumbai, when he allegedly snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire. He was grievously injured in retaliatory fire and succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Kalwa. A police officer, identified as API Nilesh More, was injured in the incident and is undergoing treatment.

The shooting incident happened around 6:15 pm IST, when the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:278,&quot;w&quot;:606,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-horror-opposition-allege-accused-akshay-shinde-was-killed-in-encounter-761286">Badlapur horror: Opposition alleges accused Akshay Shinde was killed in ‘encounter’</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2340}">Sanjay Shinde and Pradeep Sharma connection</h2>

According to an India Today report, Sanjay Shinde, the cop whose bullets killed the accused, had previously worked with the anti-extortion cell of the Thane Police Crime Branch, then headed by Pradeep Sharma. He was also part of the team which arrested Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

Pradeep Sharma, India's 'encounter specialist', is notorious for neutralising over 100 criminals during his career. Sharma joined the police force in 1983 and gained infamy in the 1990s for his role in high-profile encounters of members of the Mumbai underworld, mostly linked to Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan.

Later in his career, he was convicted and sentenced to prison for his role in the 2006 fake encounter of Lakhan Bhaiya, an alleged aide of Chhota Rajan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:590,&quot;w&quot;:589,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2600}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-horror-accused-akshay-shinde-shot-dead-in-defence-after-he-opens-fire-at-police-761263">Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:642,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2652}">Investigation into Akshay Shinde's death</h2>

On Tuesday (Sep 24), a team of forensic experts examined the police vehicle in which the Badlapur sexual assault accused was allegedly shot. The death in police custody will be investigated by the Maharashtra CID, who will visit the spot where it happened and also record statements from personnel at the scene.

The CID team will also record statements of Akshay Shinde's parents. His father, Anna Shinde has demanded an inquiry into the killing. The accused's family has challenged claims that he snatched a gun and fired at policemen.

Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet.

(With inputs from agencies)

Badlapur horror: Akshay Shinde, the 24-year-old accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur town of India's Maharashtra state, was shot dead on Monday (Sep 23).

Badlapur horror: Akshay Shinde, the 24-year-old accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur town of India's Maharashtra state, was shot dead on Monday (Sep 23). The man was reportedly killed by Sanjay Shinde, who as per reports worked with suspended cop Pradeep Sharma, popularly known as 'encounter specialist'. The accused was trying to escape and had snatched the weapon of a cop and injured him by firing. How did Akshay Shinde die? According to reports, the accused Akshay Shinde was being transported to Badlapur in Thane district from Tajola Jail in Navi Mumbai, when he allegedly snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire. He was grievously injured in retaliatory fire and succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Kalwa. A police officer, identified as API Nilesh More, was injured in the incident and is undergoing treatment. The shooting incident happened around 6:15 pm IST, when the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass. Also read | Badlapur horror: Opposition alleges accused Akshay Shinde was killed in ‘encounter’ Sanjay Shinde and Pradeep Sharma connection According to an India Today report, Sanjay Shinde, the cop whose bullets killed the accused, had previously worked with the anti-extortion cell of the Thane Police Crime Branch, then headed by Pradeep Sharma. He was also part of the team which arrested Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Pradeep Sharma, India's 'encounter specialist', is notorious for neutralising over 100 criminals during his career. Sharma joined the police force in 1983 and gained infamy in the 1990s for his role in high-profile encounters of members of the Mumbai underworld, mostly linked to Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan. Later in his career, he was convicted and sentenced to prison for his role in the 2006 fake encounter of Lakhan Bhaiya, an alleged aide of Chhota Rajan. Also read | Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops Investigation into Akshay Shinde's death On Tuesday (Sep 24), a team of forensic experts examined the police vehicle in which the Badlapur sexual assault accused was allegedly shot. The death in police custody will be investigated by the Maharashtra CID, who will visit the spot where it happened and also record statements from personnel at the scene. The CID team will also record statements of Akshay Shinde's parents. His father, Anna Shinde has demanded an inquiry into the killing. The accused's family has challenged claims that he snatched a gun and fired at policemen. Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet. (With inputs from agencies)

Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma

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