Four MLAs from opposition <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-mumbai-chief-ahir-joshi-cross-over-to-bjp-238357&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-qpCS0NzjAhUGknAKHbvYCbsQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GLkkWmVQ5mNE42m0ehnIP">Nationalist Congress Party</a> and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP.

NCP MLAs&nbsp;Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade.

They said they will be joining BJP tomorrow.

On Monday, Kolambkar had quit Congress and announced his decision to resign from the House.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October this year.

On Sunday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had alleged that the central government is pressuring MLAs from opposition parties to join BJP.&nbsp;

Four MLAs from opposition Nationalist Congress Party and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP.

Four MLAs from opposition Nationalist Congress Party and Congress in Maharashtra on Tuesday resigned from the state Assembly and said they will be joining the ruling BJP. NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade. They said they will be joining BJP tomorrow. On Monday, Kolambkar had quit Congress and announced his decision to resign from the House. Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October this year. On Sunday, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had alleged that the central government is pressuring MLAs from opposition parties to join BJP.

Four opposition MLAs resign from Maharashtra Assembly

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">Karnataka Assembly</a> Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said that he is still looking into the resignations submitted by rebel MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S).

"I cannot discuss the judicial proceedings with the media but I am still going through the resignations. I respect<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-allows-karnataka-rebel-mlas-to-withdraw-petition-on-trust-vote-238369"> Supreme Court</a> very much. They have given me the discretion and I will live up to their expectations," he said.

Answering a question on the criteria under which the resignations will be accepted, the Speaker said that it is all laid down in the law and accordingly the decision will be taken.

"I don`t know. The trust vote has been put (to vote) and with the rest, I have nothing to do with it," he said on senior<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bjp-leaders-meet-amit-shah-and-jp-nadda-discuss-government-formation-238344"> Karnataka BJP leaders </a>meeting Home Minister Amit Shah today in Delhi.

A Karnataka BJP delegation met with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the future course of action in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Among those present at the meeting were Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, Arvind Limbavali and J C Madhuswamy.

Speaking to ANI before going for the meeting, senior BJP leader Aravind Limbavali said, "We are here to take guidance from the central leadership for the formation of the new government. We will discuss the strategies and an action plan."

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly.&nbsp;

Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.

The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.&nbsp;

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said that he is still looking into the resignations submitted by rebel MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S).

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said that he is still looking into the resignations submitted by rebel MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S). "I cannot discuss the judicial proceedings with the media but I am still going through the resignations. I respect Supreme Court very much. They have given me the discretion and I will live up to their expectations," he said. Answering a question on the criteria under which the resignations will be accepted, the Speaker said that it is all laid down in the law and accordingly the decision will be taken. "I don`t know. The trust vote has been put (to vote) and with the rest, I have nothing to do with it," he said on senior Karnataka BJP leaders meeting Home Minister Amit Shah today in Delhi. A Karnataka BJP delegation met with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the future course of action in Karnataka. Among those present at the meeting were Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, Arvind Limbavali and J C Madhuswamy. Speaking to ANI before going for the meeting, senior BJP leader Aravind Limbavali said, "We are here to take guidance from the central leadership for the formation of the new government. We will discuss the strategies and an action plan." The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.

Still going through resignations: Karnataka Speaker on rebel MLAs

Two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm.Two lawmakers - H Nagesh and R Shankar - have made Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and the Central government as the respondents in their petition.

The petition moved through advocate Diksha Rai has sought the enforcement of their fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which the petitioners allege are being "violated with impunity".

The petitioners have submitted that a minority government, which does not have the confidence of the majority, is being allowed to continue in office.

"It is submitted that the actions of the respondents are leading to a Constitutional crisis in the state of Karnataka," the plea stated.

"The intention of the government is to delay the trust vote and indulge in horse-trading and defections from the BJP in the meanwhile," the plea submitted.

"It is submitted that this court may be pleased to intervene to uphold the rule of law and constitutional democracy," said the petition.

The independent MLAs have stated that "irreparable harm and injury" will be caused to them if the interim relief prayed for is not granted by the court.

On July 19, the Karnataka Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote, after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy challenged the directive.

The trust vote is now scheduled for Monday.The 13-month-old Congress-JDS government slumped into a minority earlier this month following the resignations of 16 dissident MLAs from the cabinet.

The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113. 
&nbsp;

Two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm.Two lawmakers - H Nagesh and R Shankar - have made Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and the Central government as the respondents in their petition.

Two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm.Two lawmakers - H Nagesh and R Shankar - have made Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and the Central government as the respondents in their petition. The petition moved through advocate Diksha Rai has sought the enforcement of their fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which the petitioners allege are being "violated with impunity". The petitioners have submitted that a minority government, which does not have the confidence of the majority, is being allowed to continue in office. "It is submitted that the actions of the respondents are leading to a Constitutional crisis in the state of Karnataka," the plea stated. "The intention of the government is to delay the trust vote and indulge in horse-trading and defections from the BJP in the meanwhile," the plea submitted. "It is submitted that this court may be pleased to intervene to uphold the rule of law and constitutional democracy," said the petition. The independent MLAs have stated that "irreparable harm and injury" will be caused to them if the interim relief prayed for is not granted by the court. On July 19, the Karnataka Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote, after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy challenged the directive. The trust vote is now scheduled for Monday.The 13-month-old Congress-JDS government slumped into a minority earlier this month following the resignations of 16 dissident MLAs from the cabinet. The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.

Karnataka crisis: Two independent MLAs move Supreme Court seeking floor test to be concluded on Monday before 5 pm

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-holds-meeting-with-rebel-mla-ramalinga-reddy-236030&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw9tesmbbjAhVl63MBHQx7C9AQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-yfHO6BMqXvFpImxZHVmm">Rebel Karnataka MLAs</a> are likely to move the Supreme Court again on Monday, sources said.&nbsp;

The legislators are likely to move the court for contempt proceedings against Congress leaders as the top court has ordered a status quo, however, Congress is trying to influence and threaten the MLAs in many ways, sources added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the 14 MLAs residing at Renaissance Hotel here wrote to Senior Police Inspector, Powai Police Station, over an alleged "threat" from senior Karnataka and Maharashtra Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad.&nbsp;

Seeking protection, the leaders urged the police officer to make necessary arrangements to ensure that the leaders are not allowed to meet them.

"We the respected Members of Karnataka Assembly are currently staying at Renaissance Hotel Powai, would like to inform you that we have absolutely no intentions in meeting Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji or Ghulam Nabi Azad Ji or any Congress dignitaries or functionaries from Maharashtra and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-more-karnataka-congress-mlas-move-supreme-court-235563&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw9tesmbbjAhVl63MBHQx7C9AQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zzcTb51jNYdb4cknXCfWM">Karnataka Congress team leaders</a> or any other political leaders.

We anticipate a serious threat from them.&nbsp;

We hereby request you to kindly make necessary arrangements to stop these people from meeting us in case the situation arises," the letter read.&nbsp;

Among the legislators who signed the aforesaid letter are Shivram Hebbar, B.C. Patil, Mahesh K, Vishwanath, Muniratnam, Narayan Gowda, R Shankar, H Nagesh, Pratap Patil, Gopalaiah, Ramesh J, MTB Nagraj, Somshekar, and Basavaraja.

On July 11, the dissident MLAs had returned to the hotel here after meeting Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The development came after the Supreme Court had directed them to meet the Speaker and resubmit their resignations afresh.&nbsp;

In a twist to the political stalemate in Karnataka, the apex court had on July 12 ordered a status quo until July 16 on a plea filed by 10 dissident MLAs of Congress and JD(S) seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs are likely to move the Supreme Court again on Monday, sources said. The legislators are likely to move the court for contempt proceedings against Congress leaders as the top court has ordered a status quo, however, Congress is trying to influence and threaten the MLAs in many ways, sources added.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs are likely to move the Supreme Court again on Monday, sources said. The legislators are likely to move the court for contempt proceedings against Congress leaders as the top court has ordered a status quo, however, Congress is trying to influence and threaten the MLAs in many ways, sources added. Meanwhile, the 14 MLAs residing at Renaissance Hotel here wrote to Senior Police Inspector, Powai Police Station, over an alleged "threat" from senior Karnataka and Maharashtra Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad. Seeking protection, the leaders urged the police officer to make necessary arrangements to ensure that the leaders are not allowed to meet them. "We the respected Members of Karnataka Assembly are currently staying at Renaissance Hotel Powai, would like to inform you that we have absolutely no intentions in meeting Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji or Ghulam Nabi Azad Ji or any Congress dignitaries or functionaries from Maharashtra and Karnataka Congress team leaders or any other political leaders. We anticipate a serious threat from them. We hereby request you to kindly make necessary arrangements to stop these people from meeting us in case the situation arises," the letter read. Among the legislators who signed the aforesaid letter are Shivram Hebbar, B.C. Patil, Mahesh K, Vishwanath, Muniratnam, Narayan Gowda, R Shankar, H Nagesh, Pratap Patil, Gopalaiah, Ramesh J, MTB Nagraj, Somshekar, and Basavaraja. On July 11, the dissident MLAs had returned to the hotel here after meeting Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in Bengaluru. The development came after the Supreme Court had directed them to meet the Speaker and resubmit their resignations afresh. In a twist to the political stalemate in Karnataka, the apex court had on July 12 ordered a status quo until July 16 on a plea filed by 10 dissident MLAs of Congress and JD(S) seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs likely to move Supreme Court today

Amid ongoing political turmoil in Karnataka, Congress leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-congress-minister-shivakumar-arrives-in-mumbai-to-meet-rebel-mlas-234501&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjxh8fgmbHjAhWMFYgKHZOGBXYQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hrXppdMDWkpIabkqj_GVs">DK Shivakumar</a> visited the residence of Congress MLA and state minister MTB Nagaraj early on Saturday morning to convince him to take back his resignation.&nbsp;

Hoskote MLA Nagaraj and Chikballapur Congress MLA Dr. K Sudhakar resigned from the Assembly on July 10.

Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar had ruled out accepting their resignations "overnight".&nbsp;

"Two MLAs Dr. K Sudhakar and MTB Nagaraj have resigned from the Assembly.&nbsp;

I have not accepted any resignation, I cannot do it overnight like that.&nbsp;

I have given them time on the 17th.&nbsp;

I will go through the procedure and take a decision," Kumar had said on July 10 while speaking to media persons in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-kumaraswamy-reaches-bengaluru-will-hold-meet-with-jds-congress-leaders-233825&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZy7WimrHjAhUGfd4KHROnDbg4ChAWMAR6BAgDEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1JsU9U9APZbRbYdrXYY_-i">Bengaluru</a>.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Supreme Court took up the pleas of 10 dissident MLAs and directed the Speaker to maintain the status quo on their resignation and disqualification till July 16.

The 13-month-old <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-alliance-going-strong-despite-efforts-to-destabilise-kumaraswamy-235169&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjxh8fgmbHjAhWMFYgKHZOGBXYQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1vg0QtHQcrOK6Uzk45f6uJ">Congress-JD(S) government</a> slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week.

Amid ongoing political turmoil in Karnataka, Congress leader DK Shivakumar visited the residence of Congress MLA and state minister MTB Nagaraj early on Saturday morning to convince him to take back his resignation.

Amid ongoing political turmoil in Karnataka, Congress leader DK Shivakumar visited the residence of Congress MLA and state minister MTB Nagaraj early on Saturday morning to convince him to take back his resignation. Hoskote MLA Nagaraj and Chikballapur Congress MLA Dr. K Sudhakar resigned from the Assembly on July 10. Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar had ruled out accepting their resignations "overnight". "Two MLAs Dr. K Sudhakar and MTB Nagaraj have resigned from the Assembly. I have not accepted any resignation, I cannot do it overnight like that. I have given them time on the 17th. I will go through the procedure and take a decision," Kumar had said on July 10 while speaking to media persons in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Supreme Court took up the pleas of 10 dissident MLAs and directed the Speaker to maintain the status quo on their resignation and disqualification till July 16. The 13-month-old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week.

Shivakumar meets rebel Congress MLA MTB Nagaraj in Bengaluru, asks to reconsider resignation

Ten Goa Congress MLAs, who merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, have left for Delhi along with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to meet Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah.

"We are taking the 10 Goa Congress MLAs that joined BJP, to Delhi to meet party president Amit Shah. There will be a meeting tomorrow (on Thursday), everything else will be decided there," Sawant told ANI.

The Congress MLAs who severed ties with the grand old party are - Chandrakant Kavlekar, Isidore Fernandes, Francis Silveira, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Jennifer, Atanasio Monserrate, Antonio Fernandes, Nilakanth Halarnkar, Clafacio Dias and Wilfred D'Sa.

"BJP has got a clear mandate today. The number of MLAs is up to 27 and with this, we can do people's work," said Goa Assembly Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo.

Filipe Neri Rodrigues said, "We have already joined the BJP. We are part of it now. It's a collective opinion of all the Congress legislators that BJP has got the mandate of people... What we could not deliver to the people of Goa being in Opposition, we will also try to take benefit of this government to the people."

Ten Goa Congress MLAs, who merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, have left for Delhi along with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to meet Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah.

Ten Goa Congress MLAs, who merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, have left for Delhi along with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to meet Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah. "We are taking the 10 Goa Congress MLAs that joined BJP, to Delhi to meet party president Amit Shah. There will be a meeting tomorrow (on Thursday), everything else will be decided there," Sawant told ANI. The Congress MLAs who severed ties with the grand old party are - Chandrakant Kavlekar, Isidore Fernandes, Francis Silveira, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Jennifer, Atanasio Monserrate, Antonio Fernandes, Nilakanth Halarnkar, Clafacio Dias and Wilfred D'Sa. "BJP has got a clear mandate today. The number of MLAs is up to 27 and with this, we can do people's work," said Goa Assembly Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo. Filipe Neri Rodrigues said, "We have already joined the BJP. We are part of it now. It's a collective opinion of all the Congress legislators that BJP has got the mandate of people... What we could not deliver to the people of Goa being in Opposition, we will also try to take benefit of this government to the people."

10 ex-Goa Congress MLAs to meet Amit Shah today

Crisis in Congress-JDS coalition government after MLAs resign

Karnataka Government facing Crisis

Political uncertainty in Karnataka as 12 rebels resigns. Congress flies out MLAs a special plane. Resort politics returns to Karnataka. Watch this video to know more.

Karnataka: 12 more MLAs resign in 225 member house

Arunachal Pradesh MLA Tirong Aboh was killed in a terrorist ambush in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district on Tuesday.

Besides the National People’s Party leader, 10 others who were in his convoy were also killed. Aboh, his son who was driving the car, his brother, two personal security guards (PSO) and six other National People Party’s workers were also killed in the ambush.

“The incident occurred around 11:30 am in Bogapani of Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh. Suddenly terrorists attacked the convoy and eleven persons were killed including the MLA,” said a senior police official of Arunachal Pradesh Police.

Tirong was a sitting MLA who was also contesting the assembly elections in the state from the same seat – Khonsa West.

Soon after the ambush, the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles cordoned off the area and began combing operations. “Indian Army and Assam Rifles are engaged together in search and combing operations to nab the militants who killed the MLA and ten others. CRPF troops from Khonsa have also been rushed to the ambush site,” added the senior official.

An NPP supporter was killed in March in the same district.

National People’s Party president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condemned the incident and tweeted, "The NPP strongly condemns the brutal attack on Shri Tirong Aboh and his family and his security personnel.”

On the other hand, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to express grief over the incident, “Shocked and anguished by the killing of MLA Tirong Aboh ji, his family and others in Arunachal Pradesh. It is an outrageous attempt to disturb peace and normalcy in the North East. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared. My condolences to the bereaved families.”

Interestingly, a ceasefire agreement between the Indian government of India and NSCN/NK and NSCN/R for a further period of one year with effect from 28th April 2019 i.e. till 27th April 2020 was extended.&nbsp;

However, sources in the Arunachal Pradesh Police reveal that the ambush was carried out by the IM faction of the NSCN. Sources also reveal that the district which was a stronghold of NSCN (K) is now fast turning into a stronghold of the NSCN (IM).

&nbsp;

Arunachal Pradesh MLA Tirong Aboh was killed in a terrorist ambush in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district on Tuesday. Besides the National People’s Party leader, 10 others who were in his convoy were also killed.

Arunachal Pradesh MLA Tirong Aboh was killed in a terrorist ambush in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district on Tuesday. Besides the National People’s Party leader, 10 others who were in his convoy were also killed. Aboh, his son who was driving the car, his brother, two personal security guards (PSO) and six other National People Party’s workers were also killed in the ambush. “The incident occurred around 11:30 am in Bogapani of Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh. Suddenly terrorists attacked the convoy and eleven persons were killed including the MLA,” said a senior police official of Arunachal Pradesh Police. Tirong was a sitting MLA who was also contesting the assembly elections in the state from the same seat – Khonsa West. Soon after the ambush, the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles cordoned off the area and began combing operations. “Indian Army and Assam Rifles are engaged together in search and combing operations to nab the militants who killed the MLA and ten others. CRPF troops from Khonsa have also been rushed to the ambush site,” added the senior official. An NPP supporter was killed in March in the same district. National People’s Party president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condemned the incident and tweeted, "The NPP strongly condemns the brutal attack on Shri Tirong Aboh and his family and his security personnel.” On the other hand, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to express grief over the incident, “Shocked and anguished by the killing of MLA Tirong Aboh ji, his family and others in Arunachal Pradesh. It is an outrageous attempt to disturb peace and normalcy in the North East. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared. My condolences to the bereaved families.” Interestingly, a ceasefire agreement between the Indian government of India and NSCN/NK and NSCN/R for a further period of one year with effect from 28th April 2019 i.e. till 27th April 2020 was extended. However, sources in the Arunachal Pradesh Police reveal that the ambush was carried out by the IM faction of the NSCN. Sources also reveal that the district which was a stronghold of NSCN (K) is now fast turning into a stronghold of the NSCN (IM).

Arunachal Pradesh MLA Tirong Aboh among 11 killed in terrorist ambush

A BJP leader and four&nbsp;policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada.

The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.

The Naxalites blew up a vehicle in the convoy with an IED and opened indiscriminate fire at the occupants. The police confirmed that the BJP leader and policemen were killed in the attack.

It comes just two days before voting for Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh. The state will go to polls in the first three phases - April 11, 18 and 23 for its 11 parliamentary constituencies. The Maoists have given a call for a boycott of the elections.

"All the killed security personnel are from District Reserve Group," said an official. The District Reserve Group is a locally raised force vested with battling Maoists.
<img alt="Naxal" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e55e8eeb-4dff-4420-be4a-7e6aab861c2f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20190409-WA0012%281%29.jpg" />
Bheema Mandavi was the lone Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Bastar region which accounts for 12 Assembly seats.&nbsp;
<img alt="naxal" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0810d6b0-9dcc-4dc3-937a-92032738598c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20190409-WA0017.jpg" />
State police and paramilitary forces have intensified anti-Naxal operations ahead of the polls.

Security forces have been rushed to the area.

A BJP leader and four policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada. The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.

A BJP leader and four policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada. The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area. The Naxalites blew up a vehicle in the convoy with an IED and opened indiscriminate fire at the occupants. The police confirmed that the BJP leader and policemen were killed in the attack. It comes just two days before voting for Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh. The state will go to polls in the first three phases - April 11, 18 and 23 for its 11 parliamentary constituencies. The Maoists have given a call for a boycott of the elections. "All the killed security personnel are from District Reserve Group," said an official. The District Reserve Group is a locally raised force vested with battling Maoists. Bheema Mandavi was the lone Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Bastar region which accounts for 12 Assembly seats. State police and paramilitary forces have intensified anti-Naxal operations ahead of the polls. Security forces have been rushed to the area.

Dantewada: BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, four security personnel killed in Naxal attack

Trinamool Congress MLA from Krishnaganj constituency, Satyajit Biswas, was shot dead by miscreants on Saturday in Bengal’s Nadia district.

Biswas was attending a Saraswati Puja celebration at Majdia-Fulbari area around 8 pm when some miscreants opened fire at him.

He was immediately rushed to the Krishnagar district hospital where he was declared dead. Doctors said that he succumbed to bullet injuries.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, his body has been sent for post mortem examination.

The incident took place after Biswas got down the stage after inaugurating the Saraswati puja event and was walking towards his car. Suddenly, several miscreants appeared and fired at him.

Trinamool Congress general secretary and state education minister Partha Chatterjee said, “We are not going to spare those who killed him. Those responsible for his death will be brought to book. BJP is responsible for this death. There are some ‘gaddars’ who have killed him.”

Chatterjee added that he has asked senior leaders of the party to reach the hospital immediately, adding that he may also leave for Nadia on Sunday.

TMC Nadia district president Gaurishankar Dutta directly blamed BJP leader Mukul Roy for the murder.&nbsp;

“Mukul Roy had been trying very hard to break TMC’s organisation in the district. This is a political murder and we are sure that this is the handiwork of the BJP,” said Dutta.

Mukul Roy couldn’t be reached over the phone for a comment.

On the other hand, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh termed the murder as a result of TMC factional feud and ruled out the allegations of BJP’s involvement.&nbsp;

“This is a politics of murder that has engulfed the state. In the last couple of months, each time a TMC leader or a supporter is killed, they blame our party. I want the truth to be revealed through the investigation and the guilty be punished,” said Ghosh. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, a huge contingent of police force has been rushed to the spot and a pistol has been recovered from the site.

Trinamool Congress MLA from Krishnaganj constituency, Satyajit Biswas, was shot dead by miscreants on Saturday in Bengal’s Nadia district. Biswas was attending a Saraswati Puja celebration at Majdia-Fulbari area around 8 pm when some miscreants opened fire at him.

Trinamool Congress MLA from Krishnaganj constituency, Satyajit Biswas, was shot dead by miscreants on Saturday in Bengal’s Nadia district. Biswas was attending a Saraswati Puja celebration at Majdia-Fulbari area around 8 pm when some miscreants opened fire at him. He was immediately rushed to the Krishnagar district hospital where he was declared dead. Doctors said that he succumbed to bullet injuries. Meanwhile, his body has been sent for post mortem examination. The incident took place after Biswas got down the stage after inaugurating the Saraswati puja event and was walking towards his car. Suddenly, several miscreants appeared and fired at him. Trinamool Congress general secretary and state education minister Partha Chatterjee said, “We are not going to spare those who killed him. Those responsible for his death will be brought to book. BJP is responsible for this death. There are some ‘gaddars’ who have killed him.” Chatterjee added that he has asked senior leaders of the party to reach the hospital immediately, adding that he may also leave for Nadia on Sunday. TMC Nadia district president Gaurishankar Dutta directly blamed BJP leader Mukul Roy for the murder. “Mukul Roy had been trying very hard to break TMC’s organisation in the district. This is a political murder and we are sure that this is the handiwork of the BJP,” said Dutta. Mukul Roy couldn’t be reached over the phone for a comment. On the other hand, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh termed the murder as a result of TMC factional feud and ruled out the allegations of BJP’s involvement. “This is a politics of murder that has engulfed the state. In the last couple of months, each time a TMC leader or a supporter is killed, they blame our party. I want the truth to be revealed through the investigation and the guilty be punished,” said Ghosh. Meanwhile, a huge contingent of police force has been rushed to the spot and a pistol has been recovered from the site.

West Bengal: Trinamool Congress MLA from Krishnaganj shot dead

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government.

Shortly after Kumaraswamy released the clips, Yeddyurappa said he had not met anyone to woo JD(S) lawmaker Nagana Gouda as alleged and that the charge against him was "far from the truth."

Yeddyurappa said he went to Devadurga, where the MLA's son Sharan Gouda claimed to have met him and recorded the conversation, to visit a temple and flew back to the city.

Kumaraswamy had "concocted" the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S) and Congress flock together, Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru.

"It is a fake audio... I have not met anyone. Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures. This is a drama," Yeddyurappa said.

He said the Kumaraswamy government had lost the trust of the people and had "no moral right" to continue in office.

"Kumaraswamy himself is a film producer. He is an expert in voice recording.... Whatever the charge he has made is baseless," Yeddyurappa said.

He also dismissed a claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker.

"I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved...If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved... I will resign as an MLA and quit politics."

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government.

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government. Shortly after Kumaraswamy released the clips, Yeddyurappa said he had not met anyone to woo JD(S) lawmaker Nagana Gouda as alleged and that the charge against him was "far from the truth." Yeddyurappa said he went to Devadurga, where the MLA's son Sharan Gouda claimed to have met him and recorded the conversation, to visit a temple and flew back to the city. Kumaraswamy had "concocted" the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S) and Congress flock together, Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru. "It is a fake audio... I have not met anyone. Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures. This is a drama," Yeddyurappa said. He said the Kumaraswamy government had lost the trust of the people and had "no moral right" to continue in office. "Kumaraswamy himself is a film producer. He is an expert in voice recording.... Whatever the charge he has made is baseless," Yeddyurappa said. He also dismissed a claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker. "I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved...If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved... I will resign as an MLA and quit politics."

'Concocted story': Yeddyurappa on CM Kumaraswamy's audio clips alleging he lured Karnataka MLA

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back.

Speaking to media in Bangaluru, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed that the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition is going on smoothly in Karnataka.

"MLAs (Congress MLAs in Mumbai hotel) are unreachable to the media, not to me. I am in touch with everybody and I am speaking to everybody, they will come back. Our coalition is going on smoothly. I was relaxed and I am relaxed. Don`t worry, be happy," the Chief Minister said.

The Congress had alleged that its three MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in an attempt to lure them into their fold.

The BJP, while dismissing these claims, alleged poaching attempts by the Congress.&nbsp;

The BJP, in fact, has housed all its 104 MLAs in a hotel in Gurugram, fearing poaching by the Congress.

The situation in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-2-mlas-withdraw-support-to-congress-jds-govt-190470">two independent MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, pulled out</a> of the JD(S)-Congress government.

Nagesh and Shankar wrote separate letters to the Governor conveying their decision to withdraw support to the government.

In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and its coalition partner has 80.&nbsp;

It has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113.

The withdrawal of support by the two Independent MLAs will not affect the stability of the government but it comes against the backdrop of a political drama wherein the Congress and Opposition BJP are levelling charges of horse-trading. Meanwhile, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Dinesh Gundu Rao are having a closed-door meeting at Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back. Speaking to media in Bangaluru, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed that the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition is going on smoothly in Karnataka. "MLAs (Congress MLAs in Mumbai hotel) are unreachable to the media, not to me. I am in touch with everybody and I am speaking to everybody, they will come back. Our coalition is going on smoothly. I was relaxed and I am relaxed. Don`t worry, be happy," the Chief Minister said. The Congress had alleged that its three MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in an attempt to lure them into their fold. The BJP, while dismissing these claims, alleged poaching attempts by the Congress. The BJP, in fact, has housed all its 104 MLAs in a hotel in Gurugram, fearing poaching by the Congress. The situation in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after two independent MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, pulled out of the JD(S)-Congress government. Nagesh and Shankar wrote separate letters to the Governor conveying their decision to withdraw support to the government. In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and its coalition partner has 80. It has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113. The withdrawal of support by the two Independent MLAs will not affect the stability of the government but it comes against the backdrop of a political drama wherein the Congress and Opposition BJP are levelling charges of horse-trading. Meanwhile, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Dinesh Gundu Rao are having a closed-door meeting at Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bengaluru.

Congress MLAs in Mumbai unreachable to media, not to me: Kumaraswamy

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-obstructing-justice-in-ayodhya-case-pm-modi-189898&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiKuqTr1-_fAhVMro8KHY5CBvcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3pTRffKL1LYNhw0EIJG6Lj"> prime minister</a> and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy.

"It is not in anybody's hands, including the media. However much you cry hoarse, nothing will happen because it is in the hands of God. When a party (JDS) of 38 MLAs gets the blessings of a national party (Congress), it is all the wish of God," Gowda said.

His comments came just before two MLAs - H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar of the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party - withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) coalition.

Both the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jds-congress-trying-to-lure-bjp-mlas-will-camp-in-delhi-yeddyurappa-190284&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiHisCv1-_fAhVYWX0KHY65B-MQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw20VwXgZAaJzv-j99QZZecv">Congress</a> and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure away each other's legislators.

The BJP has shifted its MLAs to a resort in Haryana's Nuh district near the national capital, a source said on Tuesday.

On Sunday, state Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar had alleged that three Congress MLAs were camping in a hotel in Mumbai.

Gowda said it was an "illusion" to think that the Congress-JD(S) government was in trouble.

He said the media, as well as state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, were in "confusion".

"You are under some confusion (about the stability of the government) as also is Yeddyurappa, but I have no such confusion. Nobody can destabilise the government because it is the wish of God," the JD(S) supremo said.

Gowda also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that Rs 60 crore and ministerial positions were offered to the MLAs of the ruling coalition by the BJP.

"Does it look good that a national party (BJP) is hoarding its 104 MLAs? I am not talking about Amit Shah but Modi, who talks a lot throughout the day," he said.

"All our MLAs are together at home. We are not worried about them," he added.

Gowda said the Congress was unnecessarily worried.

"(KC) Venugopal (AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs) has arrived here because he must have been shaken after listening to some news, but there is no need for any confusion," he said.&nbsp;

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy.

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy. "It is not in anybody's hands, including the media. However much you cry hoarse, nothing will happen because it is in the hands of God. When a party (JDS) of 38 MLAs gets the blessings of a national party (Congress), it is all the wish of God," Gowda said. His comments came just before two MLAs - H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar of the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party - withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) coalition. Both the Congress and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure away each other's legislators. The BJP has shifted its MLAs to a resort in Haryana's Nuh district near the national capital, a source said on Tuesday. On Sunday, state Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar had alleged that three Congress MLAs were camping in a hotel in Mumbai. Gowda said it was an "illusion" to think that the Congress-JD(S) government was in trouble. He said the media, as well as state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, were in "confusion". "You are under some confusion (about the stability of the government) as also is Yeddyurappa, but I have no such confusion. Nobody can destabilise the government because it is the wish of God," the JD(S) supremo said. Gowda also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that Rs 60 crore and ministerial positions were offered to the MLAs of the ruling coalition by the BJP. "Does it look good that a national party (BJP) is hoarding its 104 MLAs? I am not talking about Amit Shah but Modi, who talks a lot throughout the day," he said. "All our MLAs are together at home. We are not worried about them," he added. Gowda said the Congress was unnecessarily worried. "(KC) Venugopal (AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs) has arrived here because he must have been shaken after listening to some news, but there is no need for any confusion," he said.

No threat to Congress-JD(S) government: Deve Gowda

BJP MLA Devendra Singh Lodhi on Friday stirred a controversy stating that Inspector Subodh Kumar, the cop who was allegedly killed in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr violence, shot himself in haste after he became hopeless.

Speaking to ANI, Devendra Singh said,&nbsp;"While trying to save himself, the cop became hopeless and fired at himself in haste. He was not targeted by anyone; it was a mob that got aggressive as the police were not filing an FIR."

On December 3, inspector Subodh Singh Kumar and a local were killed in the violence, which erupted after the carcasses of 25 cattle were found in the forests close to a police post.

The locals had alleged that the carcasses found were of the cows, which were slaughtered illegally.

According to sources, the post-mortem examination conducted on Singh had confirmed gunshot injury on his head. The post-mortem report also revealed that Subodh had six marks of injuries inflicted by stones and also a bullet was stuck inside his skull.

On Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bulandshahr-cop-killing-up-police-arrests-man-who-allegedly-fired-at-inspector-kumar-186934">police arrested Prashant Natt</a>, a man who allegedly shot inspector Singh. As per police, Natt has confessed to having shot at Singh.&nbsp;

"He has accepted during interrogation that he was the one who fired at Subodh Kumar. Further investigation is underway," the SP noted.&nbsp;

Another accused Yogesh Raj, the convener of the district unit of Bajrang Dal, claims innocence and is absconding. So far, the police have been able to arrest four people.

Another key accused, an army man called Jitu Fauji, was detained by Uttar Pradesh Police earlier this month and was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a local court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

BJP MLA Devendra Singh Lodhi on Friday stirred a controversy stating that Inspector Subodh Kumar, the cop who was allegedly killed in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr violence, shot himself in haste after he became hopeless.

BJP MLA Devendra Singh Lodhi on Friday stirred a controversy stating that Inspector Subodh Kumar, the cop who was allegedly killed in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr violence, shot himself in haste after he became hopeless. Speaking to ANI, Devendra Singh said, "While trying to save himself, the cop became hopeless and fired at himself in haste. He was not targeted by anyone; it was a mob that got aggressive as the police were not filing an FIR." On December 3, inspector Subodh Singh Kumar and a local were killed in the violence, which erupted after the carcasses of 25 cattle were found in the forests close to a police post. The locals had alleged that the carcasses found were of the cows, which were slaughtered illegally. According to sources, the post-mortem examination conducted on Singh had confirmed gunshot injury on his head. The post-mortem report also revealed that Subodh had six marks of injuries inflicted by stones and also a bullet was stuck inside his skull. On Thursday police arrested Prashant Natt, a man who allegedly shot inspector Singh. As per police, Natt has confessed to having shot at Singh. "He has accepted during interrogation that he was the one who fired at Subodh Kumar. Further investigation is underway," the SP noted. Another accused Yogesh Raj, the convener of the district unit of Bajrang Dal, claims innocence and is absconding. So far, the police have been able to arrest four people. Another key accused, an army man called Jitu Fauji, was detained by Uttar Pradesh Police earlier this month and was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a local court. (With inputs from agencies)

Bulandshahr violence: BJP MLA claims cop Subodh Kumar shot himself

An FIR has been registered against unknown persons after Assam BJP MLA Aminul Haque Laskar received a letter, along with two bullets, directing him to leave the party within 15 days as he is a "Muslim".

The letter to Laskar, representing the Sonai constituency in Cachar district, came from an unknown group 'Save Secure and Development Protection Force of Muslim, Barak Valley Zone', police said.

"We have registered an FIR against unknown persons for a threatening letter to Laskar on Sunday. Two live cartridges of .32 pistol also came with the letter," Silchar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Indrajit Chakraborty said.

The case was registered under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

"I received the letter by post. It said the BJP and the RSS are communal organisations and they are working against the Muslims. So, being a Muslim, I should not be in that party," he added.

He said the letter told him to quit the party within 15 days.

Laskar, however, doubted the authenticity of the demand, saying it might be a handiwork of syndicate mafias involved in urea, drugs and land "against which I have been fighting".

The MLA said he will continue his fight against anti-social elements and demanded a thorough probe by the police.&nbsp

Police said the letter to Aminul Haque Laskar was sent by the so-far unknown group 'Save Secure and Development Protection Force of Muslim, Barak Valley Zone'

An FIR has been registered against unknown persons after Assam BJP MLA Aminul Haque Laskar received a letter, along with two bullets, directing him to leave the party within 15 days as he is a "Muslim". The letter to Laskar, representing the Sonai constituency in Cachar district, came from an unknown group 'Save Secure and Development Protection Force of Muslim, Barak Valley Zone', police said. "We have registered an FIR against unknown persons for a threatening letter to Laskar on Sunday. Two live cartridges of .32 pistol also came with the letter," Silchar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Indrajit Chakraborty said. The case was registered under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. "I received the letter by post. It said the BJP and the RSS are communal organisations and they are working against the Muslims. So, being a Muslim, I should not be in that party," he added. He said the letter told him to quit the party within 15 days. Laskar, however, doubted the authenticity of the demand, saying it might be a handiwork of syndicate mafias involved in urea, drugs and land "against which I have been fighting". The MLA said he will continue his fight against anti-social elements and demanded a thorough probe by the police.

Leave BJP in 15 days: Assam Muslim MLA gets threat letter along with 2 bullets

Wading into the debate on violence against women and minor girls once again, Uttar Pradesh’s ruling BJP legislator Surendra Singh has said parents are responsible for the increasing incidents of rape and should not let their children roam around freely.&nbsp

The legislator from Bairia in Ballia district, who had earlier made news when he said no one can rape a mother of three children, also advised parents not to give their children mobile phones.&nbsp

“The parents of youths are responsible for growing incidents of rape as they do not take care of their wards,” local BJP MLA Surendra Singh told reporters in Balia on Monday night.

“Children up to 15 years of age should be kept under strict vigil. It is the duty of parents to take care of their wards. But they allow their wards to roam around freely. This is the main reason for the social evil,” he said. Children should not be given undue freedom, he said and asked parents not to give mobile phones to them.

The remarks come in the backdrop of outrage over the brutal gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, and the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, allegedly by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

Defending Sengar, Surendra Singh had said, “I am speaking from a psychological point of view no one can rape a mother of three children. It is not possible, this is a conspiracy against him (Sengar).” Known for making contentious comments, he had also recently called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee “Surpanakha”, the sister of demon king Ravana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month directed his party’s lawmakers not to make “irresponsible” statements.”We commit mistakes and give masala to media. The moment we see a cameraperson, we jump to make a statement as if we are great social scientists or intellectuals. So this half-baked stuff is picked up. Then these ill-informed statements are used by media and the party’s image takes a beating,” the prime minister had said.

His admonishment came a day after Union minister Santosh Gangwar was reported as saying in Bareilly that a “brouhaha” should not be created over one or two rape cases in a big country like India.

"The parents of youths are responsible for growing incidents of rape as they do not take care of their wards," local BJP MLA Surendra Singh told reporters.

Wading into the debate on violence against women and minor girls once again, Uttar Pradesh’s ruling BJP legislator Surendra Singh has said parents are responsible for the increasing incidents of rape and should not let their children roam around freely. The legislator from Bairia in Ballia district, who had earlier made news when he said no one can rape a mother of three children, also advised parents not to give their children mobile phones. “The parents of youths are responsible for growing incidents of rape as they do not take care of their wards,” local BJP MLA Surendra Singh told reporters in Balia on Monday night. “Children up to 15 years of age should be kept under strict vigil. It is the duty of parents to take care of their wards. But they allow their wards to roam around freely. This is the main reason for the social evil,” he said. Children should not be given undue freedom, he said and asked parents not to give mobile phones to them. The remarks come in the backdrop of outrage over the brutal gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, and the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, allegedly by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Defending Sengar, Surendra Singh had said, “I am speaking from a psychological point of view no one can rape a mother of three children. It is not possible, this is a conspiracy against him (Sengar).” Known for making contentious comments, he had also recently called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee “Surpanakha”, the sister of demon king Ravana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month directed his party’s lawmakers not to make “irresponsible” statements.”We commit mistakes and give masala to media. The moment we see a cameraperson, we jump to make a statement as if we are great social scientists or intellectuals. So this half-baked stuff is picked up. Then these ill-informed statements are used by media and the party’s image takes a beating,” the prime minister had said. His admonishment came a day after Union minister Santosh Gangwar was reported as saying in Bareilly that a “brouhaha” should not be created over one or two rape cases in a big country like India.

Parents responsible for incidents of rape, says UP BJP MLA

An MLA who reportedly attended the rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists of an eight-year-old girl has been sworn in as a Jammu and Kashmir cabinet minister.&nbsp;

The MLA in question is Rajiv Jasrotia, who represents Kathua in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly speaker Kavinder Gupta and seven others were on Monday sworn in as ministers in the state's PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti .

The reshuffle is a result of BJP ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga resigning from the cabinet earlier this month after they were criticised for taking part in the same rally Jasrotia is reported to have attended.&nbsp;

The move was attacked on Twitter by former chief minister Omar Abdullah.&nbsp;

"2 BJP ministers removed in J&K for attending a pro-rapist rally & a MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister. Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti &nbsp;confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?" he tweeted.&nbsp;

Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also took to Twitter to slam the BJP.&nbsp;

"As per news reports BJP MLA who attended the pro-rapist rally in Kathua, Rajeev Jasrotia, is now a minister in the cabinet reshuffle. BJP protects rapists and promotes rape apologists. Shame," Chaturvedi tweeted.&nbsp;

Kavinder Gupta will take over as the state's deputy chief minister from Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night.&nbsp;

Gupta himself <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kathua-rape-a-small-issue-says-jks-new-deputy-cm-kavinder-gupta-133801">ran into trouble</a> on Monday when, after his swearing in, he referred to the Kathua gang rape — which sent shockwaves through the nation — as a "minor incident".&nbsp;

'2 BJP ministers removed in J&K for attending a pro-rapist rally & a MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister. Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?' Omar Abdullah tweeted

An MLA who reportedly attended the rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists of an eight-year-old girl has been sworn in as a Jammu and Kashmir cabinet minister. The MLA in question is Rajiv Jasrotia, who represents Kathua in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly speaker Kavinder Gupta and seven others were on Monday sworn in as ministers in the state's PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti . The reshuffle is a result of BJP ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga resigning from the cabinet earlier this month after they were criticised for taking part in the same rally Jasrotia is reported to have attended. The move was attacked on Twitter by former chief minister Omar Abdullah. "2 BJP ministers removed in J&K for attending a pro-rapist rally & a MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister. Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?" he tweeted. Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also took to Twitter to slam the BJP. "As per news reports BJP MLA who attended the pro-rapist rally in Kathua, Rajeev Jasrotia, is now a minister in the cabinet reshuffle. BJP protects rapists and promotes rape apologists. Shame," Chaturvedi tweeted. Kavinder Gupta will take over as the state's deputy chief minister from Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night. Gupta himself ran into trouble on Monday when, after his swearing in, he referred to the Kathua gang rape — which sent shockwaves through the nation — as a "minor incident".

J&K: MLA who reportedly attended pro-rapists rally in Kathua made cabinet minister

Congress leader Ahmed Patel told the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday that there was no merit in a plea challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha as MLAs are supposed to vote for their party candidates according to a Supreme Court judgement.&nbsp;

After the EC invalidated the votes of Congress rebels Raghavjee Patel and Bholabhai Gohel for showing their ballot papers to the BJP’s polling agent in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah, Patel was declared the winner along with Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani in the Rajya Sabha polls held in August last year.

BJP leader Balwantsinh Rajput, who lost to Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections, had filed an election petition, challenging the decision of the Election Commission to invalidate two votes as demanded by the Congress.

According to him, if these two votes had been counted, he would have defeated Patel. He had argued that a whip issued by the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly asking all Congress MLAs to vote for Patel was “threatening” and amounted to exercise of “undue influence” on voters. “As per the SC’s 2006 judgement… All party members are obliged to vote for the party (in Rajya Sabha election)… So, there is no question of undue influence on MLAs,” Kapil Sibal argued before Justice Bela Trivedi, appearing for Patel.

Rajput’s lawyer Advocate Nirupam Nanavati told the court that there was no need to dismiss the petition — as demanded by Patel — only because the copy served on the respondent was not attested. This can be corrected easily, Rajput’s lawyer said, accusing Patel of adopting a “dilatory tactic”. Sibal had said the petition served on the respondent (Ahmed Patel) was not the way it should be under the law, as it was not attested as a “true copy”. Rajput’s petition also alleges that Patel offered “bribe” to MLAs after taking them to resorts in Bengaluru.

BJP leader Balwantsinh Rajput, who lost to Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections, had filed an election petition, challenging the decision of the Election Commission to invalidate two votes as demanded by the Congress.

Congress leader Ahmed Patel told the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday that there was no merit in a plea challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha as MLAs are supposed to vote for their party candidates according to a Supreme Court judgement. After the EC invalidated the votes of Congress rebels Raghavjee Patel and Bholabhai Gohel for showing their ballot papers to the BJP’s polling agent in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah, Patel was declared the winner along with Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani in the Rajya Sabha polls held in August last year. BJP leader Balwantsinh Rajput, who lost to Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections, had filed an election petition, challenging the decision of the Election Commission to invalidate two votes as demanded by the Congress. According to him, if these two votes had been counted, he would have defeated Patel. He had argued that a whip issued by the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly asking all Congress MLAs to vote for Patel was “threatening” and amounted to exercise of “undue influence” on voters. “As per the SC’s 2006 judgement… All party members are obliged to vote for the party (in Rajya Sabha election)… So, there is no question of undue influence on MLAs,” Kapil Sibal argued before Justice Bela Trivedi, appearing for Patel. Rajput’s lawyer Advocate Nirupam Nanavati told the court that there was no need to dismiss the petition — as demanded by Patel — only because the copy served on the respondent was not attested. This can be corrected easily, Rajput’s lawyer said, accusing Patel of adopting a “dilatory tactic”. Sibal had said the petition served on the respondent (Ahmed Patel) was not the way it should be under the law, as it was not attested as a “true copy”. Rajput’s petition also alleges that Patel offered “bribe” to MLAs after taking them to resorts in Bengaluru.

Rajya Sabha polls: MLAs obliged to vote for party, Ahmed Patel tells Gujarat HC

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the Unnao rape case of a woman allegedly raped by Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his brothers.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/father-of-woman-alleging-rape-by-bjp-mla-dies-in-police-custody-129306">Father of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/father-of-woman-alleging-rape-by-bjp-mla-dies-in-police-custody-129306">woman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/father-of-woman-alleging-rape-by-bjp-mla-dies-in-police-custody-129306"> alleging rape by MLA dies in police custody, relatives say politician did it</a>

It will also investigate the custodial death of the 18-year-old victim's father.

Anand Kumar, ADG while assuring a strict action to be taken said, "Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe all allegations related to Unnao matter. The investigation is being done & action will definitely be taken".

Earlier today, Atul Singh, the brother of the rape-accused Kuldeep Singh Sengar, was arrested in Unnao.

The victim's father&nbsp;died on Monday in police custody in Unnao, prompting her to charge that he was killed inside the jail at the behest of the lawmaker.&nbsp;

The relatives of the family have alleged that he was murdered by Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

To which ADG informed that the postmortem report states cause of death to be shock and septicemia due to peritonitis and ascending colon perforation.

Following the incident, two police officers and four constables were&nbsp;suspended.

The ADG also said that so far clean chit has not been given to anyone in the matter.

The woman's father was arrested on Sunday after the family attempted suicide outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Lucknow residence.

The woman has alleged of being raped on June 4 last year but no action so far action has been taken so far.&nbsp;

She further said that she and her family were also threatened after they filed an FIR which police filed after stalling it for a year.

The accused Kuldeep&nbsp;has rejected the charges and called it a conspiracy by his opponents.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-father-has-died-and-now-they-say-action-will-be-taken-sister-of-up-rape-victim-129416">My father has died and now they say action will be taken: Sister of UP rape victim</a>

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Earlier today, Atul Singh, the brother of the rape-accused Kuldeep Singh Sengar, was arrested in Unnao. Kuldeep has rejected the charge as a conspiracy by his opponents

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the Unnao rape case of a woman allegedly raped by Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his brothers. Also read: Father of woman alleging rape by MLA dies in police custody, relatives say politician did it It will also investigate the custodial death of the 18-year-old victim's father. Anand Kumar, ADG while assuring a strict action to be taken said, "Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe all allegations related to Unnao matter. The investigation is being done & action will definitely be taken". Earlier today, Atul Singh, the brother of the rape-accused Kuldeep Singh Sengar, was arrested in Unnao. The victim's father died on Monday in police custody in Unnao, prompting her to charge that he was killed inside the jail at the behest of the lawmaker. The relatives of the family have alleged that he was murdered by Kuldeep Singh Sengar. To which ADG informed that the postmortem report states cause of death to be shock and septicemia due to peritonitis and ascending colon perforation. Following the incident, two police officers and four constables were suspended. The ADG also said that so far clean chit has not been given to anyone in the matter. The woman's father was arrested on Sunday after the family attempted suicide outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Lucknow residence. The woman has alleged of being raped on June 4 last year but no action so far action has been taken so far. She further said that she and her family were also threatened after they filed an FIR which police filed after stalling it for a year. The accused Kuldeep has rejected the charges and called it a conspiracy by his opponents. Also read: My father has died and now they say action will be taken: Sister of UP rape victim

Unnao gangrape: Accused MLA's brother arrested, SIT formed

While addressing a crowd in a college in Madhya Pradesh, a BJP MLA Pannalal Shakya&nbsp;suggested a way to curb violence against women - to not have boyfriends. He further said that boys should not make girlfriends either.

&quot;In our country, women are worshipped four times, therefore I am not ready to accept that they are tortured. The data can reveal anything. Western culture should be kept at bay. Neither girlfriend nor boyfriend should be allowed,&quot; said PL Shakya, who represents Guna assembly constituency.

He said, that it would considerably reduce chances of assaults. According to Shakya, women face violence as they have boyfriends. He also took a dig at the&nbsp;celebrations during International Women&#39;s Day. Deriding it as a western concept, Shakya told students that they shouldn&#39;t ape the West and try to follow Indian culture.&nbsp;

Shakya further advised the girls in the gathering to not misuse the phones provided to them.

Shakya also attracted controversy last year when he termed Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma unpatriotic for marrying in Italy.

BJP MLA Pannalal Shakya, while addressing a programme in a PG college urged ladies not to have boyfriends

While addressing a crowd in a college in Madhya Pradesh, a BJP MLA Pannalal Shakya suggested a way to curb violence against women - to not have boyfriends. He further said that boys should not make girlfriends either. "In our country, women are worshipped four times, therefore I am not ready to accept that they are tortured. The data can reveal anything. Western culture should be kept at bay. Neither girlfriend nor boyfriend should be allowed," said PL Shakya, who represents Guna assembly constituency. He said, that it would considerably reduce chances of assaults. According to Shakya, women face violence as they have boyfriends. He also took a dig at the celebrations during International Women's Day. Deriding it as a western concept, Shakya told students that they shouldn't ape the West and try to follow Indian culture. Shakya further advised the girls in the gathering to not misuse the phones provided to them. Shakya also attracted controversy last year when he termed Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma unpatriotic for marrying in Italy.

Not making boyfriends, girlfriends will reduce molestation cases: BJP MLA

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Uttam Nagar&#39;s MLA Naresh Balyan has been booked for saying that officers obstructing public work &quot;should be beaten up&quot;, police said on Sunday.

Balyan had said that officers like him (Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash) should be beaten up for obstructing the public work.

&quot;Whatever happened to the Chief Secretary (Anshu Prakash)... I say they should be beaten up, they should be thrashed... whoever obstructs the work being done for the common man, should be meted out the same treatment,&quot; Balyan, a legislator from Uttam Nagar, had said at a public rally on Friday.

Balyan, however, said that his words were misconstrued and that he only meant that the public had the right to beat up erring public servants.

An FIR under relevant IPC sections was filed against Balyan at the Dabri police station in Dwarka yesterday, based on a complaint of a policeman, who was on duty when the MLA made the remarks at JJ Colony, Bindapur, on February 23, a police officer said.

The comment came days after Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash alleged that he was beaten up by AAP MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal in the presence of Kejriwal at the Chief Minister`s residence on Monday night, where he had been called for an emergency meeting.

Balyan had said that officers like him (Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash) should be beaten up for obstructing the public work

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Uttam Nagar's MLA Naresh Balyan has been booked for saying that officers obstructing public work "should be beaten up", police said on Sunday. Balyan had said that officers like him (Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash) should be beaten up for obstructing the public work. "Whatever happened to the Chief Secretary (Anshu Prakash)... I say they should be beaten up, they should be thrashed... whoever obstructs the work being done for the common man, should be meted out the same treatment," Balyan, a legislator from Uttam Nagar, had said at a public rally on Friday. Balyan, however, said that his words were misconstrued and that he only meant that the public had the right to beat up erring public servants. An FIR under relevant IPC sections was filed against Balyan at the Dabri police station in Dwarka yesterday, based on a complaint of a policeman, who was on duty when the MLA made the remarks at JJ Colony, Bindapur, on February 23, a police officer said. The comment came days after Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash alleged that he was beaten up by AAP MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal in the presence of Kejriwal at the Chief Minister`s residence on Monday night, where he had been called for an emergency meeting.

Delhi: FIR filed against AAP MLA Naresh Balyan for saying officers 'should be beaten up'

AAP legislator Prakash Jarwal, who was detained last night in connection with the alleged assault on the Delhi chief secretary at the chief minister&#39;s residence, has now been arrested by the&nbsp;police.

He was picked up from his house at Deoli.&nbsp;

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MLA Prakash Jarwal has been arrested. In initial stage of investigation we don&#39;t plan to question CM Arvind Kejriwal. We spoke to CM&#39;s advisor VK Jain, since he was present when incident took place: Additional DCP, North, Harendra Singh on alleged assault of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> Chief Secy <a href="https://t.co/TvfUDwp4AB">pic.twitter.com/TvfUDwp4AB</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966189577798082561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash has alleged that he was assaulted by AAP MLAs Amantullah Khan and others during a meeting at the Chief Minister&#39;s residence on Monday night.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal evades question on alleged assault of Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/KGqSaa8gEb">pic.twitter.com/KGqSaa8gEb</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966178216867192832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Khan and others on the basis of Prakash&#39;s complaint.

Earlier, Jarwal and Ajay Dutt, AAP MLAs from Deoli and Ambedkar Nagar respectively, had claimed the bureaucrat made casteist remarks. They have lodged a complaint against him with the Delhi Police and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

AAP Delhi unit&#39;s chief spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that Jarwal was &quot;arrested&quot; based on a &quot;frivolous&quot; complaint.

&quot;Delhi Police arrested elected MLA without any evidence. What about arrest of IAS Officers who can be seen beating Minister in Secretariate? There is FIR by Minister as well as video evidence, but no arrests,&quot; Bharadwaj tweeted.

Utter chaos unfolded inside the Delhi Secretariat this morning as Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain was mobbed by officials and staff, hours after Prakash was allegedly manhandled at the chief minister&#39;s residence.&nbsp;

He was picked up from his house at Deoli and was earlier detained

AAP legislator Prakash Jarwal, who was detained last night in connection with the alleged assault on the Delhi chief secretary at the chief minister's residence, has now been arrested by the police. He was picked up from his house at Deoli. MLA Prakash Jarwal has been arrested. In initial stage of investigation we don't plan to question CM Arvind Kejriwal. We spoke to CM's advisor VK Jain, since he was present when incident took place: Additional DCP, North, Harendra Singh on alleged assault of #Delhi Chief Secy pic.twitter.com/TvfUDwp4AB — ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018 × Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash has alleged that he was assaulted by AAP MLAs Amantullah Khan and others during a meeting at the Chief Minister's residence on Monday night. #WATCH: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal evades question on alleged assault of Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/KGqSaa8gEb — ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018 × The Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Khan and others on the basis of Prakash's complaint. Earlier, Jarwal and Ajay Dutt, AAP MLAs from Deoli and Ambedkar Nagar respectively, had claimed the bureaucrat made casteist remarks. They have lodged a complaint against him with the Delhi Police and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. AAP Delhi unit's chief spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that Jarwal was "arrested" based on a "frivolous" complaint. "Delhi Police arrested elected MLA without any evidence. What about arrest of IAS Officers who can be seen beating Minister in Secretariate? There is FIR by Minister as well as video evidence, but no arrests," Bharadwaj tweeted. Utter chaos unfolded inside the Delhi Secretariat this morning as Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain was mobbed by officials and staff, hours after Prakash was allegedly manhandled at the chief minister's residence.

Delhi Chief Secretary assault case: AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal arrested

The Delhi Police today got a jolt with a court here rejecting its plea for custodial interrogation of AAP MLAs Amantullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal, arrested in connection with the &quot;highly sensitive&quot; case of alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

The two MLAs were sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till tomorrow when the court would hear their bail pleas, as the police sought time to reply on them. 
The court said the ground for judicial custody are justified as there are numerous cases against the accused MLAs.

Metropolitan Magistrate Shefali Barnala Tandon directed the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police to personally monitor the case as it is &quot;highly sensitive&quot;.

The court refused the plea of the Delhi Police to quiz them in custody for two days, saying that the legislators were ready to cooperate and join the investigation.

In its order, the court recorded the submission of the defence counsel that medical examination (MLC) was conducted on Prakash after the lodging of the FIR and nothing was to be recovered from the MLAs. It also noted that the MLAs were ready to cooperate and join investigation whenever required.

&ldquo;It was submitted that MLC (of Prakash) was conducted after registration of FIR and nothing has to be recovered from the accused. They have submitted it is a political gimmick. The police custody application is dismissed,&rdquo; the court said.

The development came as a setback to the bureaucrats as, earlier in the day, top officers from IAS and DANICS cadres sought an appointment with President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking action against those involved in the alleged attack on the chief secretary.

Yesterday, a delegation of IAS and Delhi and Andaman Nicobar Island Civil Services (DANICS) officers met Home Rajnath Singh and apprised him of the situation in Delhi.

The two MLAs were produced before the court amid tight security as a large number of AAP workers and lawyers were also present there.

While Jarwal, an MLA from Deoli, was arrested last night, party legislator from Jamia Nagar, Khan, was taken into custody this afternoon.

The two have been arrested in connection with the alleged assault on the bureaucrat during a meeting at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal&#39;s residence on the night of February 19.

During the hearing, public prosecutor Atul Srivastava sought two days police custody of both the MLAs saying they had committed a serious crime of assaulting and humiliating the senior-most officer of the state.

Due to this, the officer has sustained serious injuries and the medical examination report has also been submitted in this regard, he said.

He said a total of 11 persons were involved in the incident and the two MLAs have to be confronted with other accused to unearth the larger conspiracy. The role of the other accused, who are yet to be arrested, also needed to be ascertained, the prosecutor said.

He also alleged that it was a serious case of assault and both the MLAs were not cooperating in the probe.

Srivastava claimed that Anshu Prakash was intimidated by the accused and none of the MLAs present there came forward to save him.

Advocate B S Joon, appearing for both the MLAs, opposed the application for police custody and said they were ready to cooperate in the probe. He said the charge of assaulting public servant was invoked in the FIR without conducting the MLC of the bureaucrat.

Both of them are public representatives and not hardened criminals, Joon said, adding &ldquo;this is a fallout of power struggle between the Centre and the NCT of Delhi.&rdquo;

He further submitted that as per the footage of the CCTV installed at the chief minister&rsquo;s house, the chief secretary&rsquo;s vehicle entered and exited within 7 minutes and 8 seconds.

In his complaint, Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash had alleged that he was sitting on a sofa flanked by Khan and another AAP MLA during the February 19 night meeting, and without provocation, the two legislators &quot;started hitting and assaulting&quot; him &quot;with blows on head and temple&quot;. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has denied the allegations.

A case has been registered at Civil Lines Police Station in north Delhi on the complaint filed by the chief secretary.

Khan alleged that the chief secretary was acting at the behest of the BJP and &quot;the incident is a pretext to dismiss the AAP government&quot; and the police was working under pressure of the Union Home Minister.

Prakash, on the other hand, claimed that he was questioned about the AAP government&#39;s media publicity during the meeting, while the AAP functionaries said he was called to discuss complaints on ration distribution.

The chief secretary in his complaint alleged that the assault was &quot;premeditated&quot; and a &quot;conspiracy&quot; of all those present. Police have filed the FIR including the charge of criminal conspiracy in it.

The two MLAs were produced before the court amid tight security as a large number of AAP workers and lawyers were also present there

The Delhi Police today got a jolt with a court here rejecting its plea for custodial interrogation of AAP MLAs Amantullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal, arrested in connection with the "highly sensitive" case of alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash. The two MLAs were sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till tomorrow when the court would hear their bail pleas, as the police sought time to reply on them. The court said the ground for judicial custody are justified as there are numerous cases against the accused MLAs. Metropolitan Magistrate Shefali Barnala Tandon directed the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police to personally monitor the case as it is "highly sensitive". The court refused the plea of the Delhi Police to quiz them in custody for two days, saying that the legislators were ready to cooperate and join the investigation. In its order, the court recorded the submission of the defence counsel that medical examination (MLC) was conducted on Prakash after the lodging of the FIR and nothing was to be recovered from the MLAs. It also noted that the MLAs were ready to cooperate and join investigation whenever required. “It was submitted that MLC (of Prakash) was conducted after registration of FIR and nothing has to be recovered from the accused. They have submitted it is a political gimmick. The police custody application is dismissed,” the court said. The development came as a setback to the bureaucrats as, earlier in the day, top officers from IAS and DANICS cadres sought an appointment with President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking action against those involved in the alleged attack on the chief secretary. Yesterday, a delegation of IAS and Delhi and Andaman Nicobar Island Civil Services (DANICS) officers met Home Rajnath Singh and apprised him of the situation in Delhi. The two MLAs were produced before the court amid tight security as a large number of AAP workers and lawyers were also present there. While Jarwal, an MLA from Deoli, was arrested last night, party legislator from Jamia Nagar, Khan, was taken into custody this afternoon. The two have been arrested in connection with the alleged assault on the bureaucrat during a meeting at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on the night of February 19. During the hearing, public prosecutor Atul Srivastava sought two days police custody of both the MLAs saying they had committed a serious crime of assaulting and humiliating the senior-most officer of the state. Due to this, the officer has sustained serious injuries and the medical examination report has also been submitted in this regard, he said. He said a total of 11 persons were involved in the incident and the two MLAs have to be confronted with other accused to unearth the larger conspiracy. The role of the other accused, who are yet to be arrested, also needed to be ascertained, the prosecutor said. He also alleged that it was a serious case of assault and both the MLAs were not cooperating in the probe. Srivastava claimed that Anshu Prakash was intimidated by the accused and none of the MLAs present there came forward to save him. Advocate B S Joon, appearing for both the MLAs, opposed the application for police custody and said they were ready to cooperate in the probe. He said the charge of assaulting public servant was invoked in the FIR without conducting the MLC of the bureaucrat. Both of them are public representatives and not hardened criminals, Joon said, adding “this is a fallout of power struggle between the Centre and the NCT of Delhi.” He further submitted that as per the footage of the CCTV installed at the chief minister’s house, the chief secretary’s vehicle entered and exited within 7 minutes and 8 seconds. In his complaint, Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash had alleged that he was sitting on a sofa flanked by Khan and another AAP MLA during the February 19 night meeting, and without provocation, the two legislators "started hitting and assaulting" him "with blows on head and temple". The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has denied the allegations. A case has been registered at Civil Lines Police Station in north Delhi on the complaint filed by the chief secretary. Khan alleged that the chief secretary was acting at the behest of the BJP and "the incident is a pretext to dismiss the AAP government" and the police was working under pressure of the Union Home Minister. Prakash, on the other hand, claimed that he was questioned about the AAP government's media publicity during the meeting, while the AAP functionaries said he was called to discuss complaints on ration distribution. The chief secretary in his complaint alleged that the assault was "premeditated" and a "conspiracy" of all those present. Police have filed the FIR including the charge of criminal conspiracy in it.

Court rejects police plea for custody of 2 AAP MLAs

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