Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday remarked that police casualties are not less than the casualties of conventional war and acknowledged their contribution as nation builders.

The CJI was delivering the 33rd Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial Lecture on "Rule of Law in Modern Democracy" in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy here.

"The Chief Justice acknowledged the contributions of the Indian Police Service to the motherland as the nation builders and remarked that police casualties are not less than the casualties of conventional war," said an official statement.

The Memorial lecture was attended by 156 IPS Probationers of 2018 batch undergoing Phase-I training, including 15 Foreign Officer Trainees from Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives and also 103 Probationers of 2017 batch undergoing Phase-II training.

"Justice Gogoi addressed the Probationers as "Young Achievers", and "Nation Builders" to whom the baton needed to be passed. At the outset, he congratulated them for choosing to dedicate their lives to serve the motherland," the statement said.

"He recalled the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in making the Indian Civil Services as the strong constitutional steel framework in binding independent India," it said.

All the judges of Telangana High Court, including Chief Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, senior police officials and National Police Academy Director Abhay Patel was also present at the event.

"He raised the issue of fairness in discharging duties and drew a distinction between institutional fairness and fairness in the individual functioning. He expected all the Probationers to take all necessary steps to exercise their legitimate powers in a fair and reasonable manner," the statement added.

The lecture has been delivered by eminent personalities in memory of the Iron man of India (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel) ever since it was instituted with the approval of Government of India in 1983.&nbsp;

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday remarked that police casualties are not less than the casualties of conventional war and acknowledged their contribution as nation builders.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday remarked that police casualties are not less than the casualties of conventional war and acknowledged their contribution as nation builders. The CJI was delivering the 33rd Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial Lecture on "Rule of Law in Modern Democracy" in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy here. "The Chief Justice acknowledged the contributions of the Indian Police Service to the motherland as the nation builders and remarked that police casualties are not less than the casualties of conventional war," said an official statement. The Memorial lecture was attended by 156 IPS Probationers of 2018 batch undergoing Phase-I training, including 15 Foreign Officer Trainees from Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives and also 103 Probationers of 2017 batch undergoing Phase-II training. "Justice Gogoi addressed the Probationers as "Young Achievers", and "Nation Builders" to whom the baton needed to be passed. At the outset, he congratulated them for choosing to dedicate their lives to serve the motherland," the statement said. "He recalled the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in making the Indian Civil Services as the strong constitutional steel framework in binding independent India," it said. All the judges of Telangana High Court, including Chief Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, senior police officials and National Police Academy Director Abhay Patel was also present at the event. "He raised the issue of fairness in discharging duties and drew a distinction between institutional fairness and fairness in the individual functioning. He expected all the Probationers to take all necessary steps to exercise their legitimate powers in a fair and reasonable manner," the statement added. The lecture has been delivered by eminent personalities in memory of the Iron man of India (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel) ever since it was instituted with the approval of Government of India in 1983.

Police casualties not less than that of conventional war: CJI Ranjan Gogoi

Thai police said they found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of a regional security meeting in Bangkok of world powers and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping.

The packages prompted a brief security scare but were quickly deemed harmless.

"There were two boxes that contain no material that could cause an explosion. There are ball bearings and wire circuits, which is likely to cause alarm," police deputy spokesman Krisana Pattanacharoen told Reuters.

He said security around the ASEAN forum had been tightened but it was unclear whether the meeting was the apparent hoax's target. China's top diplomat Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are attending the forum along with other regional and global officials.

Police Major General Tawatchai Mekprasertkul told Reuters the packages were placed across the street from the forum venue, near a police station where Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was due to visit on Friday.

Krisana said security cameras had shown a man wearing a yellow shirt placing the packages and police were trying to identify the suspect.

Thai police said they found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of a regional security meeting in Bangkok of world powers and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping.

Thai police said they found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of a regional security meeting in Bangkok of world powers and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping. The packages prompted a brief security scare but were quickly deemed harmless. "There were two boxes that contain no material that could cause an explosion. There are ball bearings and wire circuits, which is likely to cause alarm," police deputy spokesman Krisana Pattanacharoen told Reuters. He said security around the ASEAN forum had been tightened but it was unclear whether the meeting was the apparent hoax's target. China's top diplomat Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are attending the forum along with other regional and global officials. Police Major General Tawatchai Mekprasertkul told Reuters the packages were placed across the street from the forum venue, near a police station where Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was due to visit on Friday. Krisana said security cameras had shown a man wearing a yellow shirt placing the packages and police were trying to identify the suspect.

Two fake bombs found near Bangkok forum of world powers: Police

An Eritrean man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy by pushing him under a train in Germany had been on the run from Swiss police after a violent incident last week, authorities said Tuesday.

The married father-of-three, identified by German media only as 40-year-old Habte A., had also undergone psychiatric treatment this year, said police in the Swiss canton of Zurich where he lived.

Last Thursday, he had flown into a rage and threatened a neighbour with a knife and locked her up, and also trapped his wife and their children, aged one, three and four, in their flat before running away.

Spiegel Online reported that the asylum seeker who had lived in Switzerland for 13 years had worked in tram maintenance for the Zurich Transport Authority since early last year.

German federal police chief Dieter Romann said it appeared the suspect had not been listed as wanted in European police databases and had been able to cross borders freely.&nbsp;

German prosecutors laid murder and attempted murder charges against the man over the attack Monday that left eye-witnesses in need of trauma counselling and shocked the nation.

He allegedly also pushed the boy's mother onto the tracks at Frankfurt's main station, and tried but failed to do the same to a 78-year-old woman.

"While the mother could roll off after the fall and move herself onto a narrow footpath between two tracks, her child was caught by the arriving train and died, on the spot, of his injuries," said a statement by Frankfurt prosecutors.

Psychiatric examination&nbsp;

The man ran down a platform and across tracks but was followed by passers-by including an off-duty officer, and overpowered by police two blocks from the station.

The suspect did not previously know the victims and showed no signs of alcohol or drug use, prosecutors spokeswoman Nadja Niesen said.

"The crime suggests a psychiatric disorder," she told a press conference, adding that an examination would ascertain the level of his criminal culpability.

The horrific crime has dominated newspaper front-pages and TV news bulletins, and led politicians to call for heightened security, more camera surveillance and tighter border controls.&nbsp;

Citizens have laid flower wreaths, candles and stuffed toys at the site of the killing and a memorial service was scheduled at the station in the evening.

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer cut short his summer holiday to meet the heads of major security agencies in Berlin.

Niesen said the man in custody had not yet spoken about a motive.

If formally charged, tried and then found guilty, he would face a likely term of life in prison, she said.

In a similar case earlier this month, a 34-year-old mother died after being pushed in front of a train, allegedly by a Serbian man.&nbsp;

Germany's far-right has seized on both killings to once more criticise would it regards as the flawed immigration policies of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government

An Eritrean man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy by pushing him under a train in Germany had been on the run from Swiss police after a violent incident last week, authorities said Tuesday.

An Eritrean man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy by pushing him under a train in Germany had been on the run from Swiss police after a violent incident last week, authorities said Tuesday. The married father-of-three, identified by German media only as 40-year-old Habte A., had also undergone psychiatric treatment this year, said police in the Swiss canton of Zurich where he lived. Last Thursday, he had flown into a rage and threatened a neighbour with a knife and locked her up, and also trapped his wife and their children, aged one, three and four, in their flat before running away. Spiegel Online reported that the asylum seeker who had lived in Switzerland for 13 years had worked in tram maintenance for the Zurich Transport Authority since early last year. German federal police chief Dieter Romann said it appeared the suspect had not been listed as wanted in European police databases and had been able to cross borders freely. German prosecutors laid murder and attempted murder charges against the man over the attack Monday that left eye-witnesses in need of trauma counselling and shocked the nation. He allegedly also pushed the boy's mother onto the tracks at Frankfurt's main station, and tried but failed to do the same to a 78-year-old woman. "While the mother could roll off after the fall and move herself onto a narrow footpath between two tracks, her child was caught by the arriving train and died, on the spot, of his injuries," said a statement by Frankfurt prosecutors. Psychiatric examination The man ran down a platform and across tracks but was followed by passers-by including an off-duty officer, and overpowered by police two blocks from the station. The suspect did not previously know the victims and showed no signs of alcohol or drug use, prosecutors spokeswoman Nadja Niesen said. "The crime suggests a psychiatric disorder," she told a press conference, adding that an examination would ascertain the level of his criminal culpability. The horrific crime has dominated newspaper front-pages and TV news bulletins, and led politicians to call for heightened security, more camera surveillance and tighter border controls. Citizens have laid flower wreaths, candles and stuffed toys at the site of the killing and a memorial service was scheduled at the station in the evening. German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer cut short his summer holiday to meet the heads of major security agencies in Berlin. Niesen said the man in custody had not yet spoken about a motive. If formally charged, tried and then found guilty, he would face a likely term of life in prison, she said. In a similar case earlier this month, a 34-year-old mother died after being pushed in front of a train, allegedly by a Serbian man. Germany's far-right has seized on both killings to once more criticise would it regards as the flawed immigration policies of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government

Man who pushed German boy under train was on run from Swiss police

A special MCOCA court on Monday extended police custody of noted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's nephew Rizwan Kaskar, and two others - Ahamed Raza and Ashfaq Towelwala - till August 5.

The case pertains to a dispute between Towelwala and his partner - the complainant in the case - over the payment of Rs 15.5 lakh to the latter.

Earlier today, Rizwan's lawyer had contended that the police had already received all the information it needed and, therefore, there was no reason to extend his custody.

"The mobile phone has been recovered. The investigation has already been completed, whatever data the police wanted it is being already with the police. Police already kept accused Rizwan in 14 days of custody, therefore, him being sent to custody again is not required," he said.

On July 18, the Esplanade Court had sent him to police custody till July 22, which was later extended to July 29.

According to police, a Dubai-based gangster Fahim Machmach had threatened the complainant saying he should not expect any money from Towelwala.

During its investigation, the police had found that Towelwala contacted Machmach through one Ahmed Raza Vadharia, who was arrested from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Tuesday.

The police investigated as to how the dispute reached Dubai and found the involvement of one Ahmed Raza Vadharia.

The police arrested and questioned him.

"The name of Mohammed Rizwan Hassan Sheikh Ibrahim (Rizwan Kaskar) cropped up during Vadharia's questioning," Crime Branch DCP Datta Nalawade had said.

The police, however, did not clarify how much money the accused businessman was to pay Machmach or Rizwan.

Rizwan was arrested from Mumbai airport while he was trying to flee the county to Dubai with his wife on July 17.

Vishal Ingole, Rizwan's lawyer, however, had said that his client was being framed since his name is linked with Dawood Ibrahim.

"He has nothing to do with the case or the D-company. He has a business in Dubai. He is being framed because of his name," he said here.&nbsp;

A special MCOCA court on Monday extended police custody of noted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's nephew Rizwan Kaskar, and two others - Ahamed Raza and Ashfaq Towelwala - till August 5.

A special MCOCA court on Monday extended police custody of noted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's nephew Rizwan Kaskar, and two others - Ahamed Raza and Ashfaq Towelwala - till August 5. The case pertains to a dispute between Towelwala and his partner - the complainant in the case - over the payment of Rs 15.5 lakh to the latter. Earlier today, Rizwan's lawyer had contended that the police had already received all the information it needed and, therefore, there was no reason to extend his custody. "The mobile phone has been recovered. The investigation has already been completed, whatever data the police wanted it is being already with the police. Police already kept accused Rizwan in 14 days of custody, therefore, him being sent to custody again is not required," he said. On July 18, the Esplanade Court had sent him to police custody till July 22, which was later extended to July 29. According to police, a Dubai-based gangster Fahim Machmach had threatened the complainant saying he should not expect any money from Towelwala. During its investigation, the police had found that Towelwala contacted Machmach through one Ahmed Raza Vadharia, who was arrested from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Tuesday. The police investigated as to how the dispute reached Dubai and found the involvement of one Ahmed Raza Vadharia. The police arrested and questioned him. "The name of Mohammed Rizwan Hassan Sheikh Ibrahim (Rizwan Kaskar) cropped up during Vadharia's questioning," Crime Branch DCP Datta Nalawade had said. The police, however, did not clarify how much money the accused businessman was to pay Machmach or Rizwan. Rizwan was arrested from Mumbai airport while he was trying to flee the county to Dubai with his wife on July 17. Vishal Ingole, Rizwan's lawyer, however, had said that his client was being framed since his name is linked with Dawood Ibrahim. "He has nothing to do with the case or the D-company. He has a business in Dubai. He is being framed because of his name," he said here.

Police custody of Dawood Ibrahim's nephew extended till August 5

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-defy-police-again-begin-banned-march-238981">Riot police in Hong Kong</a> launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators.

As the unauthorized protest occurred, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office -&nbsp;China's top policy unit for the two cities -&nbsp;said in an unusual move that it would hold a press conference Monday afternoon in Beijing.

Hong Kong, a global financial hub, is reeling from weeks of anti-government protests that show no sign of abating.

Sunday's melees took place in a well-heeled residential district close to the Liaison Office, which represents Beijing in the semi-autonomous territory.

Police and protesters had been engaged in a standoff for hours after tens of thousands of demonstrators held a series of unsanctioned marches through the city.

A group of about 200 protesters had made their way towards the Liaison Office where they met a phalanx of riot police who used loudhailers calling for the crowds to end their "illegal assembly".

Eventually, tear gas and rubber bullets were fired at demonstrators who responded with volleys of bricks and stones as baton-wielding riot police pushed the crowds back in some of the most sustained and violent clashes seen during seven weeks of protest.

Specially-trained riot squad members, known as "Raptor" squads, made dozens of arrests, almost all of them young men and women. Several protesters were injured, as well as two journalists.

The clashes ended around 11:30 pm when protesters made a hasty and coordinated retreat into nearby subway stations.&nbsp;

Last week, they had pelted the Liaison Office with eggs and paint.

"Some radical protesters acted violently," threatening the safety of police and the public, the Hong Kong government said in a statement early Monday.

Sunday's violence came a day after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected pro-government triad gangs in a town near the border with mainland China. The gangs had beaten up democracy demonstrators there the previous weekend.

Unprecedented anger

Despite facing unprecedented levels of public anger and frustration that has seen millions take to the streets, the city's pro-Beijing leadership are seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos.

Beijing's authority in the city of seven million is facing its most serious test since Britain handed it back to China in 1997 under a deal that allowed Hong Kongers to keep liberties including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

The demonstrations were triggered by a bill -- now suspended -- that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms.

Watch: Hong Kong protestors march through the city

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-protesters-to-march-through-the-city-239032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last two weeks but has left the city's government to deal with the situation.&nbsp;

Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said the city was now trapped in a "vicious cycle" where huge peaceful marches that have been ignored by the government end with violence between police and small groups of hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

"You see force being escalated on both sides. But then this is a huge imbalance because the police are in possession of deadly weapons. This sums up Hong Kong today," she told AFP.&nbsp;

Battle for Yuen Long

Public anger reached new levels a week ago when a pro-government mob of men wearing white shirts and armed with sticks attacked protesters in Yuen Long, in Hong Kong's rural New Territories where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad gang connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.

That brazen assault left at least 45 people taken to hospital, and police were heavily criticised for being too slow to respond.

In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters.

They also banned a proposed march on Sunday. But on both days protesters simply ignored the orders.&nbsp;

On Saturday, small groups of more hardcore protesters, many in helmets and carrying shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads.

Tensions quickly rose, leading to running battles between officers and protesters.&nbsp;

Police said they responded with "appropriate force" including rubber bullets, while at least four officers were injured.

Police made 13 arrests Saturday and hospital authorities said a total of 24 people were hurt, two seriously.

Riot police in Hong Kong launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators.

Riot police in Hong Kong launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators. As the unauthorized protest occurred, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office - China's top policy unit for the two cities - said in an unusual move that it would hold a press conference Monday afternoon in Beijing. Hong Kong, a global financial hub, is reeling from weeks of anti-government protests that show no sign of abating. Sunday's melees took place in a well-heeled residential district close to the Liaison Office, which represents Beijing in the semi-autonomous territory. Police and protesters had been engaged in a standoff for hours after tens of thousands of demonstrators held a series of unsanctioned marches through the city. A group of about 200 protesters had made their way towards the Liaison Office where they met a phalanx of riot police who used loudhailers calling for the crowds to end their "illegal assembly". Eventually, tear gas and rubber bullets were fired at demonstrators who responded with volleys of bricks and stones as baton-wielding riot police pushed the crowds back in some of the most sustained and violent clashes seen during seven weeks of protest. Specially-trained riot squad members, known as "Raptor" squads, made dozens of arrests, almost all of them young men and women. Several protesters were injured, as well as two journalists. The clashes ended around 11:30 pm when protesters made a hasty and coordinated retreat into nearby subway stations. Last week, they had pelted the Liaison Office with eggs and paint. "Some radical protesters acted violently," threatening the safety of police and the public, the Hong Kong government said in a statement early Monday. Sunday's violence came a day after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected pro-government triad gangs in a town near the border with mainland China. The gangs had beaten up democracy demonstrators there the previous weekend. Unprecedented anger Despite facing unprecedented levels of public anger and frustration that has seen millions take to the streets, the city's pro-Beijing leadership are seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos. Beijing's authority in the city of seven million is facing its most serious test since Britain handed it back to China in 1997 under a deal that allowed Hong Kongers to keep liberties including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. The demonstrations were triggered by a bill -- now suspended -- that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms. Watch: Hong Kong protestors march through the city Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last two weeks but has left the city's government to deal with the situation. Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said the city was now trapped in a "vicious cycle" where huge peaceful marches that have been ignored by the government end with violence between police and small groups of hardcore protesters. "You see force being escalated on both sides. But then this is a huge imbalance because the police are in possession of deadly weapons. This sums up Hong Kong today," she told AFP. Battle for Yuen Long Public anger reached new levels a week ago when a pro-government mob of men wearing white shirts and armed with sticks attacked protesters in Yuen Long, in Hong Kong's rural New Territories where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad gang connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment. That brazen assault left at least 45 people taken to hospital, and police were heavily criticised for being too slow to respond. In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters. They also banned a proposed march on Sunday. But on both days protesters simply ignored the orders. On Saturday, small groups of more hardcore protesters, many in helmets and carrying shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads. Tensions quickly rose, leading to running battles between officers and protesters. Police said they responded with "appropriate force" including rubber bullets, while at least four officers were injured. Police made 13 arrests Saturday and hospital authorities said a total of 24 people were hurt, two seriously.

Some radical protesters acted violently: Hong Kong police

His father was assassinated by a notorious Karachi hitman, while his police partner was murdered by the Taliban.

Personal tragedy haunts the hard-boiled novels that are turning top cop Omar Shahid Hamid into one of Pakistan's most popular English-language authors.

For nearly two decades Hamid has worn a badge in Karachi, the mega port city on the Arabian Sea that for years was rife with vicious political and extremist violence.

Now a deputy inspector general, he is also fast becoming one of Pakistan's most recognisable writers, publishing four books in quick succession since 2013.

His work has even nabbed the attention of major streaming outlets on the hunt for new original material from South Asia, including Netflix, which has already seen major success with similar material in TV series such as Sacred Games, about Mumbai's corrupt underworld.

Hamid said the secret to his success is his unflinching accounts of political corruption, contract killers, and crooked cops alongside nuanced portraits of Karachi's divided neighbourhoods.

"Books like mine wouldn't work if I pulled punches," he tells AFP.&nbsp;

"It's that grittiness, that uncompromising reality that I think a lot of readers enjoy."

At times the reality has hit dangerously and heartbreakingly close to home.

Hamid did the bulk of his writing while he was on sabbatical after being advised to leave Karachi and take a break from policing in 2011 when he was threatened by jihadist groups.

- Close to reality -

Weeks after the release of his first novel "The Prisoner", his mentor and police partner Chaudhry Aslam -- the inspiration for one of the book's protagonists -- was killed in a Taliban-claimed suicide blast.

In his third novel "The Party Worker", Hamid portrays the rise of a brutal hitman who killed at the behest of a fictional political party ruling the city with an iron fist.

For Karachi insiders, the character mirrors the life of feared hitman Saulat Mirza, who served as the feared enforcer for the once-powerful Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party -- and whose list of victims include Hamid's own father, Shahid.

"It's less a thing of making a sketch of Saulat Mirza," explains Hamid, calling the character a "sketch of a particular type of young man... who kind of in the last 30 years or so essentially gave their lives away to these ideologies thinking they were doing the right thing."

The goal is not to excuse such actions, he insists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Understanding the motivations of someone is a positive tool if you're someone who has worked as an investigator in counterterrorism for a very long time," says Hamid.

"What he has written is fiction but it's very close to reality," says Faheem Siddiqui, Karachi bureau chief for Geo News.&nbsp;

"As a crime reporter, I know what had happened in the city. It took a great deal of courage to write about these events."

Hamid's plots go beyond his own losses to appear at times like thinly disguised retellings of the seismic moments that have rattled Karachi in the last 30 years -- from the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002 to the killing of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's brother Murtaza.

- Dangerous city -

Once a quiet port nestled on the Arabian Sea coastline, Karachi was transformed by the flood of refugees from neighbouring India after partition in 1947, setting the stage for disputes that needle the metropolis to this day.

Years later the port became a conduit for weapons, narcotics, and a new flood of refugees from war-torn Afghanistan, transforming politics and ratcheting up violence to make Karachi one of Asia's most dangerous cities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The last 30 years have been a rollercoaster ride," explains Hamid.

"If wasn't politico-ethnic violence it was sectarian violence in Karachi that lead to jihadist terrorism."

Writing, he explains, was a release.

"I had a lot of frustrations about things that had happened in my career until that point," says Hamid.

"I felt a need to vent about them."

The themes Hamid explores may surprise those looking for screeds to lionize the police and demonise its enemies, with stories of extrajudicial killings and corrupt officials frequently appearing.

Though he often takes aim at Karachi's dangerous and powerful, he has received little blowback, he admits.

But he says his latest novel "The Fix" released in June may ruffle more feathers, as he explores corruption in cricket.

"For a nation of cricket fanatics and conspiracy theorists, it's strangely been an area that has never really been explored," he explains.

For all his explorations of Karachi's darkest corners, Hamid remains hopeful for his beloved home, while admitting the sweltering, overflowing city may seem like "an absolute hellhole" to outsiders.

"It may not be everyone's cup of tea," he shrugs. "But as a city, it will keep going."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

His father was assassinated by a notorious Karachi hitman, while his police partner was murdered by the Taliban. Personal tragedy haunts the hard-boiled novels that are turning top cop Omar Shahid Hamid into one of Pakistan's most popular English-language authors.

His father was assassinated by a notorious Karachi hitman, while his police partner was murdered by the Taliban. Personal tragedy haunts the hard-boiled novels that are turning top cop Omar Shahid Hamid into one of Pakistan's most popular English-language authors. For nearly two decades Hamid has worn a badge in Karachi, the mega port city on the Arabian Sea that for years was rife with vicious political and extremist violence. Now a deputy inspector general, he is also fast becoming one of Pakistan's most recognisable writers, publishing four books in quick succession since 2013. His work has even nabbed the attention of major streaming outlets on the hunt for new original material from South Asia, including Netflix, which has already seen major success with similar material in TV series such as Sacred Games, about Mumbai's corrupt underworld. Hamid said the secret to his success is his unflinching accounts of political corruption, contract killers, and crooked cops alongside nuanced portraits of Karachi's divided neighbourhoods. "Books like mine wouldn't work if I pulled punches," he tells AFP. "It's that grittiness, that uncompromising reality that I think a lot of readers enjoy." At times the reality has hit dangerously and heartbreakingly close to home. Hamid did the bulk of his writing while he was on sabbatical after being advised to leave Karachi and take a break from policing in 2011 when he was threatened by jihadist groups. - Close to reality - Weeks after the release of his first novel "The Prisoner", his mentor and police partner Chaudhry Aslam -- the inspiration for one of the book's protagonists -- was killed in a Taliban-claimed suicide blast. In his third novel "The Party Worker", Hamid portrays the rise of a brutal hitman who killed at the behest of a fictional political party ruling the city with an iron fist. For Karachi insiders, the character mirrors the life of feared hitman Saulat Mirza, who served as the feared enforcer for the once-powerful Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party -- and whose list of victims include Hamid's own father, Shahid. "It's less a thing of making a sketch of Saulat Mirza," explains Hamid, calling the character a "sketch of a particular type of young man... who kind of in the last 30 years or so essentially gave their lives away to these ideologies thinking they were doing the right thing." The goal is not to excuse such actions, he insists. "Understanding the motivations of someone is a positive tool if you're someone who has worked as an investigator in counterterrorism for a very long time," says Hamid. "What he has written is fiction but it's very close to reality," says Faheem Siddiqui, Karachi bureau chief for Geo News. "As a crime reporter, I know what had happened in the city. It took a great deal of courage to write about these events." Hamid's plots go beyond his own losses to appear at times like thinly disguised retellings of the seismic moments that have rattled Karachi in the last 30 years -- from the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002 to the killing of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's brother Murtaza. - Dangerous city - Once a quiet port nestled on the Arabian Sea coastline, Karachi was transformed by the flood of refugees from neighbouring India after partition in 1947, setting the stage for disputes that needle the metropolis to this day. Years later the port became a conduit for weapons, narcotics, and a new flood of refugees from war-torn Afghanistan, transforming politics and ratcheting up violence to make Karachi one of Asia's most dangerous cities. "The last 30 years have been a rollercoaster ride," explains Hamid. "If wasn't politico-ethnic violence it was sectarian violence in Karachi that lead to jihadist terrorism." Writing, he explains, was a release. "I had a lot of frustrations about things that had happened in my career until that point," says Hamid. "I felt a need to vent about them." The themes Hamid explores may surprise those looking for screeds to lionize the police and demonise its enemies, with stories of extrajudicial killings and corrupt officials frequently appearing. Though he often takes aim at Karachi's dangerous and powerful, he has received little blowback, he admits. But he says his latest novel "The Fix" released in June may ruffle more feathers, as he explores corruption in cricket. "For a nation of cricket fanatics and conspiracy theorists, it's strangely been an area that has never really been explored," he explains. For all his explorations of Karachi's darkest corners, Hamid remains hopeful for his beloved home, while admitting the sweltering, overflowing city may seem like "an absolute hellhole" to outsiders. "It may not be everyone's cup of tea," he shrugs. "But as a city, it will keep going."

Pakistani cop channels police stories into gritty novels

At least 50 people were killed and 25&nbsp;others sustained injuries due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-death-toll-rises-to-32-due-to-landslides-floods-235617">havoc created by floods</a> and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall, the police said here on Sunday.

Incessant rain since Thursday left many settlements at high risk of floods and landslides in several places in Nepal. Transportation has also been disrupted in all major highways.

According to the Nepal police, more than 33 people have gone missing in the Himalayan nation.

A total of 27,380 police personnel have been deployed across the country for search and rescue operations. Around 8,856 personnel were deployed in Kathmandu valley, the police told The Himalayan Times on Sunday.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology in Nepal have also issued an alert regarding risks of flash floods in rivers flowing from the Chure region and hills of Sudur Paschim Province, Province 5 and small rivers flowing from Karnali Province.

It has also said that there are high chances of flash floods in rivers flowing in the mid-hilly regions in Province 1, 2, 3 and Gandaki Province.

Meteorological Forecasting Division has said rainfall will continue for two to three days in most places across the country.

It has also said that obstructions are likely to occur because of low visibility in both airways and road transportation.

At least 50 people were killed and 25 others sustained injuries due to the havoc created by floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall, the police said here on Sunday.

At least 50 people were killed and 25 others sustained injuries due to the havoc created by floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall, the police said here on Sunday. Incessant rain since Thursday left many settlements at high risk of floods and landslides in several places in Nepal. Transportation has also been disrupted in all major highways. According to the Nepal police, more than 33 people have gone missing in the Himalayan nation. A total of 27,380 police personnel have been deployed across the country for search and rescue operations. Around 8,856 personnel were deployed in Kathmandu valley, the police told The Himalayan Times on Sunday. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology in Nepal have also issued an alert regarding risks of flash floods in rivers flowing from the Chure region and hills of Sudur Paschim Province, Province 5 and small rivers flowing from Karnali Province. It has also said that there are high chances of flash floods in rivers flowing in the mid-hilly regions in Province 1, 2, 3 and Gandaki Province. Meteorological Forecasting Division has said rainfall will continue for two to three days in most places across the country. It has also said that obstructions are likely to occur because of low visibility in both airways and road transportation.

Nepal floods: 50 dead, over 33 missing, says police

The Hong Kong protest intensifies as Police use tear gas shells on Protesters.

Hong Kong Protest: Police use tear gas shells on Protesters

The Italian police and Europol announced on Tuesday that they have arrested 24 people for selling massive amounts of fake olive oil to restaurants across Europe.

24 held over fake olive oil scam in Italy

Police impose curfew on Sri Lanka town after mosques attacked

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-slaps-controls-on-mosques-after-jihad-attacks-217531">Sri Lankan authorities</a> on Saturday announced a three-day deadline for the public to inform and handover all illegal explosives to the nearest police station as part of a crackdown on suspects following the Easter Sunday bombings in which over 250 people were killed.

The move came a week after authorities directed people to deposit swords and other sharp-edged weapons to the nearest police station, after police recovered sword s and other weapons from mosques during search operations following the April 21 blasts in which over 250 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of whom were Indians, were killed and 500 others injured.

"A three-day period has been announced from 6.00 am today to inform and handover all illegal explosives material to the nearest police," Police spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara said.&nbsp;

"Individuals in possession of such explosives should inform the nearest police station before 6.00 am&nbsp;on Tuesday," he added.

On Saturday last, the Sri Lankan police asked the public to hand over swords and large knives to the nearest police station after a large haul of weapons, including swords, and camouflaged materials were recovered during searches of mosques and houses.

On Monday, authorities extended by 48 hours the deadline for the public to surrender swords, daggers, sharp weapons and clothing similar to that of military uniforms.

The move came after several people including politicians were arrested for possessing sharp-edged weapons like swords since the crackdown began to arrest the suspects and their network, following the Easter Sunday&nbsp;blasts.

The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ).

Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts.

Sri Lanka has imposed a state of emergency since the attacks and given sweeping powers to soldiers and police to arrest and detain suspects for long periods.

House-to-house searches are being carried out across the country looking for explosives and propaganda material of Islamic extremists.

Sri Lankan authorities on Saturday announced a three-day deadline for the public to inform and handover all illegal explosives to the nearest police station as part of a crackdown on suspects following the Easter Sunday bombings in which over 250 people were killed.

Sri Lankan authorities on Saturday announced a three-day deadline for the public to inform and handover all illegal explosives to the nearest police station as part of a crackdown on suspects following the Easter Sunday bombings in which over 250 people were killed. The move came a week after authorities directed people to deposit swords and other sharp-edged weapons to the nearest police station, after police recovered sword s and other weapons from mosques during search operations following the April 21 blasts in which over 250 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of whom were Indians, were killed and 500 others injured. "A three-day period has been announced from 6.00 am today to inform and handover all illegal explosives material to the nearest police," Police spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara said. "Individuals in possession of such explosives should inform the nearest police station before 6.00 am on Tuesday," he added. On Saturday last, the Sri Lankan police asked the public to hand over swords and large knives to the nearest police station after a large haul of weapons, including swords, and camouflaged materials were recovered during searches of mosques and houses. On Monday, authorities extended by 48 hours the deadline for the public to surrender swords, daggers, sharp weapons and clothing similar to that of military uniforms. The move came after several people including politicians were arrested for possessing sharp-edged weapons like swords since the crackdown began to arrest the suspects and their network, following the Easter Sunday blasts. The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ). Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts. Sri Lanka has imposed a state of emergency since the attacks and given sweeping powers to soldiers and police to arrest and detain suspects for long periods. House-to-house searches are being carried out across the country looking for explosives and propaganda material of Islamic extremists.

Sri Lankan authorities direct public to deposit illegal explosives to police by Tuesday

The Naxals on Wednesday torched around 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, police said.

The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli told PTI.

"A group of Maoists gathered around 3.30 am at Dadapur where the construction of a national highway has been going on since the last few months," he said.

They torched the vehicles, which were parked along the road, using kerosene and diesel, the officer added.

"After setting the vehicles on fire, the Naxals escaped into the forest. A search operation has been launched," he said.

A formal complaint about the incident is yet to be lodged, Balkawade said.

The Naxals on Wednesday torched around 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, police said. The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli told PTI.

The Naxals on Wednesday torched around 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, police said. The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli told PTI. "A group of Maoists gathered around 3.30 am at Dadapur where the construction of a national highway has been going on since the last few months," he said. They torched the vehicles, which were parked along the road, using kerosene and diesel, the officer added. "After setting the vehicles on fire, the Naxals escaped into the forest. A search operation has been launched," he said. A formal complaint about the incident is yet to be lodged, Balkawade said.

Naxals torch 25 vehicles of road construction company in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district: Police

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Haseen+Jahan">Hasin Jahan</a>, the wife of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, was arrested by the Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on after she created a ruckus at her husband's house.&nbsp;

She was later released on bail.&nbsp;

Jahan was involved in an argument with Shami's mother and other in-laws.&nbsp;

On Sunday night, Jahan reached her husband's house in Sahaspur Ali Nagar village with her daughter Bebo. When her in-laws asked her to leave, she locked herself and her child in a room.&nbsp;

The police were called and they took Jahan into custody when they failed to bring a truce between both the parties.&nbsp;

As per the media reports, she was arrested under section 151 which says that the police can arrest a person without a warrant for 24 hours.&nbsp;

Talking to reporters, Haseen Jahan said: "I have come to my husband`s house and I have every right to stay here. My in-laws are misbehaving with me and the police is supporting them. They should have arrested them but they are taking me to the police station."

Hasin Jahan, the wife of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, was arrested by the Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on after she created a ruckus at her husband's house. She was later released on bail.

Hasin Jahan, the wife of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, was arrested by the Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on after she created a ruckus at her husband's house. She was later released on bail. Jahan was involved in an argument with Shami's mother and other in-laws. On Sunday night, Jahan reached her husband's house in Sahaspur Ali Nagar village with her daughter Bebo. When her in-laws asked her to leave, she locked herself and her child in a room. The police were called and they took Jahan into custody when they failed to bring a truce between both the parties. As per the media reports, she was arrested under section 151 which says that the police can arrest a person without a warrant for 24 hours. Talking to reporters, Haseen Jahan said: "I have come to my husband`s house and I have every right to stay here. My in-laws are misbehaving with me and the police is supporting them. They should have arrested them but they are taking me to the police station."

Mohammed Shami's wife Hasin Jahan arrested by Amroha police after midnight drama

Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators on Saturday (April 6) in the western French city of Nantes in another weekend of anti government protests.

22nd Weekend of Yellow Vest Protests

Twelve people were killed and 16 others badly injured when a fuel tanker exploded in the northern Nigerian city of Gombe, police told AFP on Sunday.

The driver lost control of the fuel tanker as he tried to avoid colliding with another truck at a bridge on the outskirts of the city on Saturday.

The tanker fell on its side, "spilled its contents and exploded, causing an inferno that engulfed other road users," Gombe state police spokeswoman Mary Mallum said.

"Twelve people burned to death while 16 others were seriously injured and evacuated to hospital for treatment," she said, accusing the driver -- who was among those killed -- of reckless driving and speeding.

Accidents are common on Nigeria's poorly maintained roads, many caused by reckless driving, speeding and disregard for traffic rules.

Nineteen people were killed on April 5 when a truck crashed in northern Katsina state due to "fatigue and overloading", according to road safety officials.

Twelve people were killed and 16 others badly injured when a fuel tanker exploded in the northern Nigerian city of Gombe, police told AFP on Sunday. The driver lost control of the fuel tanker as he tried to avoid colliding with another truck at a bridge on the outskirts of the city on Saturday.

Twelve people were killed and 16 others badly injured when a fuel tanker exploded in the northern Nigerian city of Gombe, police told AFP on Sunday. The driver lost control of the fuel tanker as he tried to avoid colliding with another truck at a bridge on the outskirts of the city on Saturday. The tanker fell on its side, "spilled its contents and exploded, causing an inferno that engulfed other road users," Gombe state police spokeswoman Mary Mallum said. "Twelve people burned to death while 16 others were seriously injured and evacuated to hospital for treatment," she said, accusing the driver -- who was among those killed -- of reckless driving and speeding. Accidents are common on Nigeria's poorly maintained roads, many caused by reckless driving, speeding and disregard for traffic rules. Nineteen people were killed on April 5 when a truck crashed in northern Katsina state due to "fatigue and overloading", according to road safety officials.

At least 12 killed in fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria: Police

An elite police commando committed suicide on Thursday by shooting himself at Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ranil-wickremesinghe-sri-lankas-reformist-premiere-184790&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiw8p7WgrbhAhUp63MBHZFUDIMQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3gmLGTPK-sBLo7ICY4plGA">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>'s official residence in Colombo, officials said.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/execution-style-killing-of-two-policemen-shocks-sri-lanka-180575&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwirxbnqgrbhAhXTTX0KHZ73CoUQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2fsuxSDgklIH23KUoF7HM2">Special Task Force</a> (STF) member used his officially issued automatic assault rifle to shoot himself at the gate of the Temple Trees residence while the premier was inside the sprawling complex.

It was not immediately clear why the commando took his life, but police officials said an investigation was underway.

An opposition legislator raised Thursday's suicide in parliament during a debate on the budgets of the military and the police, but there was no immediate comment from the government.

Sri Lanka's leaders and visiting dignitaries are given protection by the Special Task Force which is specially trained for security as well as urban guerrilla warfare.&nbsp;

An elite police commando committed suicide on Thursday by shooting himself at Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's official residence in Colombo, officials said.

An elite police commando committed suicide on Thursday by shooting himself at Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's official residence in Colombo, officials said. The Special Task Force (STF) member used his officially issued automatic assault rifle to shoot himself at the gate of the Temple Trees residence while the premier was inside the sprawling complex. It was not immediately clear why the commando took his life, but police officials said an investigation was underway. An opposition legislator raised Thursday's suicide in parliament during a debate on the budgets of the military and the police, but there was no immediate comment from the government. Sri Lanka's leaders and visiting dignitaries are given protection by the Special Task Force which is specially trained for security as well as urban guerrilla warfare.

At PM Wickremesinghe residence in Sri Lanka commando commits suicide

A grenade was thrown early Friday into the courtyard of the Russian consulate in Athens, police said, an attack typical of domestic far-left groups.

The area in the Athens suburb of Halandri was rapidly cordoned off and bomb specialists were dispatched, a police source said.

The grenade did not explode and no injuries were caused.

The attack occurred at around 0200 GMT. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

It is believed that the grenade was lobbed by one or two persons on a motorbike.

Police were inspecting for possible links to a burnt motorbike found later in central Athens.

The consulate was closed at the time.

The move is typical of domestic far-left outfits.

In December, a grenade exploded outside Skai, one of Greece's main media groups, causing damage to the building.

A grenade was thrown early Friday into the courtyard of the Russian consulate in Athens, police said, an attack typical of domestic far-left groups. The area in the Athens suburb of Halandri was rapidly cordoned off and bomb specialists were dispatched, a police source said.

A grenade was thrown early Friday into the courtyard of the Russian consulate in Athens, police said, an attack typical of domestic far-left groups. The area in the Athens suburb of Halandri was rapidly cordoned off and bomb specialists were dispatched, a police source said. The grenade did not explode and no injuries were caused. The attack occurred at around 0200 GMT. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. It is believed that the grenade was lobbed by one or two persons on a motorbike. Police were inspecting for possible links to a burnt motorbike found later in central Athens. The consulate was closed at the time. The move is typical of domestic far-left outfits. In December, a grenade exploded outside Skai, one of Greece's main media groups, causing damage to the building.

Grenade thrown at Russian consulate in Greece: Police

A car rammed into a crowd in central China Friday, killing six people and injuring seven others, and the driver was fatally shot by police, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

The injured were taken to hospital following the early morning incident in Zaoyang City in Hubei Province, CCTV said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-china-chemical-plant-blast-rises-to-12-204752">Also read: Death toll from east China factory blast jumps to 44, says report</a>

A video, published by Shanghai-based news outlet The Paper, shows a body covered in a blanket left on the roadside and a group trying to lift someone onto a stretcher.&nbsp;

China has suffered a spate of similar incidents in recent months.

Last September, 11 people died and dozens were injured when a car struck a crowd in a public square in the central Hunan province city of Hengdong.&nbsp;

Police detained the driver, a man in his 40s, and described him as a "vengeful repeat offender" who had daggers in his car and intended to "cause serious damage".

In late November, a car ploughed into a group of children crossing a street in front of an elementary school in the northeastern Liaoning province, killing five people and injuring at least 19.

The driver said he "chose his victims at random" and had reportedly been contemplating suicide due to domestic troubles before the tragedy occurred.

A car rammed into a crowd in central China Friday, killing six people and injuring seven others, and the driver was fatally shot by police, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

A car rammed into a crowd in central China Friday, killing six people and injuring seven others, and the driver was fatally shot by police, state broadcaster CCTV reported. The injured were taken to hospital following the early morning incident in Zaoyang City in Hubei Province, CCTV said. Also read: Death toll from east China factory blast jumps to 44, says report A video, published by Shanghai-based news outlet The Paper, shows a body covered in a blanket left on the roadside and a group trying to lift someone onto a stretcher. China has suffered a spate of similar incidents in recent months. Last September, 11 people died and dozens were injured when a car struck a crowd in a public square in the central Hunan province city of Hengdong. Police detained the driver, a man in his 40s, and described him as a "vengeful repeat offender" who had daggers in his car and intended to "cause serious damage". In late November, a car ploughed into a group of children crossing a street in front of an elementary school in the northeastern Liaoning province, killing five people and injuring at least 19. The driver said he "chose his victims at random" and had reportedly been contemplating suicide due to domestic troubles before the tragedy occurred.

Six dead as car hits crowd in China, driver shot by police

Police said three youths were arrested Saturday for allegedly firing gunshots in the air outside Hari Niwas Palace here creating panic among people.

The search for their another accomplice is underway, a police spokesman said.

He said four youths, who were on their way out from the bar at Hari Niwas, fired gunshots in the air outside the hotel late Friday night. Later they fled from the spot in an SUV and a motorcycle.

A case was registered under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code, including 366 (endangering life or personal safety of others), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 34 ( acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and under the Arms Act and, the spokesman said.

He said a police party worked on different leads, tracked and arrested three of the accused, who have been identified as Ishant Raina, Vivek Singh and Manik Nayat.

Police said three youths were arrested Saturday for allegedly firing gunshots in the air outside Hari Niwas Palace here creating panic among people. The search for their another accomplice is underway, a police spokesman said.

Police said three youths were arrested Saturday for allegedly firing gunshots in the air outside Hari Niwas Palace here creating panic among people. The search for their another accomplice is underway, a police spokesman said. He said four youths, who were on their way out from the bar at Hari Niwas, fired gunshots in the air outside the hotel late Friday night. Later they fled from the spot in an SUV and a motorcycle. A case was registered under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code, including 366 (endangering life or personal safety of others), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 34 ( acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and under the Arms Act and, the spokesman said. He said a police party worked on different leads, tracked and arrested three of the accused, who have been identified as Ishant Raina, Vivek Singh and Manik Nayat.

Three arrested for firing gunshots in air in Jammu

Police in Scotland evacuated a building on Princes Street in central Edinburgh on Thursday after receiving a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-evacuate-two-universities-due-to-suspicious-packages-201625">report of a suspicious package</a>, a day after they blew up a device sent to a Glasgow University.

White postal bags containing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-link-small-bombs-sent-to-london-airports-and-rail-hub-201409">small parcel bombs were sent to London's Heathrow</a> and City Airport, and Waterloo - the capital's busiest train station - on Tuesday. On Wednesday police blew up a parcel sent to the University of Glasglow and said it was linked to those received in London.

"We received a report of a suspicious package having been received at business premises on Princes Street at around 12.30pm today," Edinburgh Police said on Twitter.

"The building has been evacuated as a precaution &amp; officers are in attendance to progress inquiries. We will provide further updates in due course."

Police in Scotland evacuated a building on Princes Street in central Edinburgh on Thursday after receiving a report of a suspicious package, a day after they blew up a device sent to a Glasgow University.

Police in Scotland evacuated a building on Princes Street in central Edinburgh on Thursday after receiving a report of a suspicious package, a day after they blew up a device sent to a Glasgow University. White postal bags containing small parcel bombs were sent to London's Heathrow and City Airport, and Waterloo - the capital's busiest train station - on Tuesday. On Wednesday police blew up a parcel sent to the University of Glasglow and said it was linked to those received in London. "We received a report of a suspicious package having been received at business premises on Princes Street at around 12.30pm today," Edinburgh Police said on Twitter. "The building has been evacuated as a precaution & officers are in attendance to progress inquiries. We will provide further updates in due course."

Police evacuate building in central Edinburgh over suspicious package

Samajwadi Party Wednesday raised in the Lok Sabha the issue of Uttar Pradesh authorities preventing their chief Akhilesh Yadav from flying to Allahabad even as the Centre asserted that neither the government nor the BJP had any role. After Yadav was stopped at Lucknow airport, SP workers clashed with police in several parts of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. During the Zero Hour, Dharmendra Yadav and other SP members displayed placards to register their protest on the issue.

Yadav, whose forehead was bandaged, alleged that workers were lathicharged by UP Police on Tuesday. He claimed that members of the legislative council, workers and women, among others, were beaten up. While noting that some MPs were also beaten up, he urged Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to direct authorities to take action against police officers involved. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the SP chief was prevented from flying to Allahabad on the grounds of law and order.

The BJP and the government do not have anything to do with it, he stressed. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav said he was stopped by authorities at the Lucknow airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad, triggering outrage by party lawmakers in the state legislature and workers. During the Zero Hour, TMC members were in the Well displaying placards and shouting slogans against the government. Later, some Congress members also trooped into the Well and sought to raise the issue of Rafale deal. A member was also seen throwing paper planes.

Samajwadi Party Wednesday raised in the Lok Sabha the issue of Uttar Pradesh authorities preventing their chief Akhilesh Yadav from flying to Allahabad even as the Centre asserted that neither the government nor the BJP had any role.

Samajwadi Party Wednesday raised in the Lok Sabha the issue of Uttar Pradesh authorities preventing their chief Akhilesh Yadav from flying to Allahabad even as the Centre asserted that neither the government nor the BJP had any role. After Yadav was stopped at Lucknow airport, SP workers clashed with police in several parts of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. During the Zero Hour, Dharmendra Yadav and other SP members displayed placards to register their protest on the issue. Yadav, whose forehead was bandaged, alleged that workers were lathicharged by UP Police on Tuesday. He claimed that members of the legislative council, workers and women, among others, were beaten up. While noting that some MPs were also beaten up, he urged Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to direct authorities to take action against police officers involved. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the SP chief was prevented from flying to Allahabad on the grounds of law and order. The BJP and the government do not have anything to do with it, he stressed. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav said he was stopped by authorities at the Lucknow airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad, triggering outrage by party lawmakers in the state legislature and workers. During the Zero Hour, TMC members were in the Well displaying placards and shouting slogans against the government. Later, some Congress members also trooped into the Well and sought to raise the issue of Rafale deal. A member was also seen throwing paper planes.

Akhilesh Yadav detained at airport: SP MLAs raise issue in Lok Sabha, party workers clash with police

Seven <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-police-fire-rubber-bullets-tear-gas-to-scatter-ethnic-minority-protest-196896">Myanmar</a> students were sentenced to three months in jail with hard labour for burning portraits of officials in protest over campus safety, a student activist said Wednesday, the latest draconian response to rippling discontent with authorities.&nbsp;

Those jailed were among dozens enacting a mock funeral on December 28 calling for more security at a Mandalay university in central<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-activists-charged-after-protesting-independence-hero-statue-196112"> Myanmar </a>after a student's murder near its campus.&nbsp;

They burned paper coffins and portraits of the city's chief minister, Myanmar's security and home affairs ministers, and the head of the university, calling for increased security around the students' compound.

Three people were arrested during the protest and four others were detained a few days later when they rallied for their peers' release.&nbsp;

The seven students were each sentenced to a total of three months in prison with hard labour for protesting without permission and arson, student leader Ei Mon Khin told AFP by phone from the court.&nbsp;

"They will be taken to Obo prison in Mandalay later," she said.&nbsp;

Time served will be deducted from their sentences, meaning they face a further one and a half months in jail.

This is one of several recent examples of a heavy-handed response to protests by authorities.

On Tuesday police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a crowd of several thousand in eastern Kayah state, the latest in a string of rallies against a statue of Aung San, father of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

He is widely revered by the majority ethnic Bamar (Burmese) population as an independence hero but is viewed critically among many ethnic minority groups, who see him as a symbol of Bamar domination.

Police agreed Tuesday evening to release dozens of arrested protesters in return for a suspension of the rallies while talks take place, state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported, a development welcomed by rights groups.

"The Myanmar authorities have a long history of using excessive and lethal force against peaceful protesters," said Fortify Rights CEO Matthew Smith.&nbsp;

"The government needs to break the trend now."

Seven Myanmar students were sentenced to three months in jail with hard labour for burning portraits of officials in protest over campus safety, a student activist said Wednesday, the latest draconian response to rippling discontent with authorities.

Seven Myanmar students were sentenced to three months in jail with hard labour for burning portraits of officials in protest over campus safety, a student activist said Wednesday, the latest draconian response to rippling discontent with authorities. Those jailed were among dozens enacting a mock funeral on December 28 calling for more security at a Mandalay university in central Myanmar after a student's murder near its campus. They burned paper coffins and portraits of the city's chief minister, Myanmar's security and home affairs ministers, and the head of the university, calling for increased security around the students' compound. Three people were arrested during the protest and four others were detained a few days later when they rallied for their peers' release. The seven students were each sentenced to a total of three months in prison with hard labour for protesting without permission and arson, student leader Ei Mon Khin told AFP by phone from the court. "They will be taken to Obo prison in Mandalay later," she said. Time served will be deducted from their sentences, meaning they face a further one and a half months in jail. This is one of several recent examples of a heavy-handed response to protests by authorities. On Tuesday police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a crowd of several thousand in eastern Kayah state, the latest in a string of rallies against a statue of Aung San, father of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He is widely revered by the majority ethnic Bamar (Burmese) population as an independence hero but is viewed critically among many ethnic minority groups, who see him as a symbol of Bamar domination. Police agreed Tuesday evening to release dozens of arrested protesters in return for a suspension of the rallies while talks take place, state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported, a development welcomed by rights groups. "The Myanmar authorities have a long history of using excessive and lethal force against peaceful protesters," said Fortify Rights CEO Matthew Smith. "The government needs to break the trend now."

Myanmar students sentenced to hard labour over protest demanding campus safety

Indonesian police found 193 Bangladeshis locked up in a shophouse after human traffickers had lured them with the promise of getting them to Malaysia, an immigration official said on Thursday.

The men entered Indonesia as tourists via Bali and the city of Yogyakarta with the intention of going to Malaysia for work, North Sumatra's immigration chief said.

"They are victims of human trafficking and were lured here," Fery Monang Sihite said by telephone, adding that the men had been locked up in Medan on the island of Sumatra.

The men, who were described as in a healthy condition when they were found on Tuesday night, had been taken to an immigration detention centre and would be sent back to Bangladesh, Sihite said.

One of the men, named as 39-year old Mahbub, was quoted by online news portal Tribun Medan as saying that some of the group had been held by the traffickers for three months.

"All of us were conned. The destination was meant to be Malaysia. We left from Bangladesh to Bali and arrived here after taking a four-day bus trip," Mahbub was quoted as saying.

Reuters could not immediately reach the men or police for comment.

Authorities were first alerted to the case after neighbours had reported hearing suspicious noises coming from the building, according to media.

Sihite said the men were not Rohingya Muslims.

Hundreds of Rohingya have landed by boat in Sumatra in recent years after fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh, often intending to reach Malaysia.

Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine state since violence swept the area in 2012.

More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh after fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine, according to U.N. agencies.

Indonesian police found 193 Bangladeshis locked up in a shophouse after human traffickers had lured them with the promise of getting them to Malaysia, an immigration official said on Thursday.

Indonesian police found 193 Bangladeshis locked up in a shophouse after human traffickers had lured them with the promise of getting them to Malaysia, an immigration official said on Thursday. The men entered Indonesia as tourists via Bali and the city of Yogyakarta with the intention of going to Malaysia for work, North Sumatra's immigration chief said. "They are victims of human trafficking and were lured here," Fery Monang Sihite said by telephone, adding that the men had been locked up in Medan on the island of Sumatra. The men, who were described as in a healthy condition when they were found on Tuesday night, had been taken to an immigration detention centre and would be sent back to Bangladesh, Sihite said. One of the men, named as 39-year old Mahbub, was quoted by online news portal Tribun Medan as saying that some of the group had been held by the traffickers for three months. "All of us were conned. The destination was meant to be Malaysia. We left from Bangladesh to Bali and arrived here after taking a four-day bus trip," Mahbub was quoted as saying. Reuters could not immediately reach the men or police for comment. Authorities were first alerted to the case after neighbours had reported hearing suspicious noises coming from the building, according to media. Sihite said the men were not Rohingya Muslims. Hundreds of Rohingya have landed by boat in Sumatra in recent years after fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh, often intending to reach Malaysia. Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine state since violence swept the area in 2012. More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh after fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine, according to U.N. agencies.

Indonesia finds 193 Bangladeshis locked up in shophouse

A Delhi court on Wednesday gave Delhi Police time till February 28 to procure the sanctions needed to prosecute former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-case-why-did-you-file-charge-sheet-without-legal-approval-delhi-court-raps-police-191352">Kanhaiya Kumar and others in a 2016 sedition case.&nbsp;</a>

The court told the police to ask the authorities concerned to expedite the sanctions.

The police told the court that the sanctions are pending with the Delhi government and are expected in a matter of days.&nbsp;

"Authorities can't sit on file for an indefinite period," the court said.

The court had earlier questioned Delhi Police for filing a charge sheet against Kumar and others without procuring the requisite sanctions and granted time till February 6.

On January 14, police filed the charge sheet against Kumar and former JNU students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya in a city court.

It said Kumar was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans during an event in the varsity on February 9, 2016, to mark the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru.

A Delhi court on Wednesday gave Delhi Police time till February 28 to procure the sanctions needed to prosecute former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in a 2016 sedition case.

A Delhi court on Wednesday gave Delhi Police time till February 28 to procure the sanctions needed to prosecute former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in a 2016 sedition case. The court told the police to ask the authorities concerned to expedite the sanctions. The police told the court that the sanctions are pending with the Delhi government and are expected in a matter of days. "Authorities can't sit on file for an indefinite period," the court said. The court had earlier questioned Delhi Police for filing a charge sheet against Kumar and others without procuring the requisite sanctions and granted time till February 6. On January 14, police filed the charge sheet against Kumar and former JNU students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya in a city court. It said Kumar was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans during an event in the varsity on February 9, 2016, to mark the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru.

JNU case: Delhi court gives police time till Feb 28 for sanctions to prosecute Kanhaiya and others

Nagpur Rural police on Friday booked five persons including three Chinese nationals for allegedly carrying beef.

On January 18, the police had intercepted an SUV heading for Gumgaon mines at Khapa in the district, and on search found 10 kg or meat inside.

Police detained its driver Afroz Sheikh (29), Devendra Nagrale (31) and Chinese nationals Li Chu Chung (55), Lu Weng Chung (51) and Lu Wong Kong (53) who were travelling by the SUV as they could not explain what the meat was.

The meat samples were sent for chemical analysis which revealed that it was cow meat, the police said.

Following which, the police Friday booked all five including the Chinese nationals under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act.

They were produced before a court at Saoner which remanded them in judicial custody till February 14.

While others were sent to Nagpur Central Jail, Li Chu Chung was admitted to a government hospital as he complained of ill-health.

The three Chinese nationals are employees of China Coal India and were working as technicians at a Manganese Ore India Limited (Moil) mine at Gumgaon.

Nagpur Rural police on Friday booked five persons including three Chinese nationals for allegedly carrying beef. On January 18, the police had intercepted an SUV heading for Gumgaon mines at Khapa in the district, and on search found 10 kg or meat inside.

Nagpur Rural police on Friday booked five persons including three Chinese nationals for allegedly carrying beef. On January 18, the police had intercepted an SUV heading for Gumgaon mines at Khapa in the district, and on search found 10 kg or meat inside. Police detained its driver Afroz Sheikh (29), Devendra Nagrale (31) and Chinese nationals Li Chu Chung (55), Lu Weng Chung (51) and Lu Wong Kong (53) who were travelling by the SUV as they could not explain what the meat was. The meat samples were sent for chemical analysis which revealed that it was cow meat, the police said. Following which, the police Friday booked all five including the Chinese nationals under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act. They were produced before a court at Saoner which remanded them in judicial custody till February 14. While others were sent to Nagpur Central Jail, Li Chu Chung was admitted to a government hospital as he complained of ill-health. The three Chinese nationals are employees of China Coal India and were working as technicians at a Manganese Ore India Limited (Moil) mine at Gumgaon.

Five including 3 Chinese nationals arrested for carrying beef

Twenty three Delhi Police officers, including six women, have been conferred Police Medals for their exemplary service.

Nuzhat Hassan, special commissioner of police and RA Sanjeev, additional commissioner of police, have been awarded two President's Police Medals for distinguished service.

Four police personnel have been awarded Police Medals for gallantry.&nbsp;

Among the four who have been conferred Police Medals for gallantry are Inspectors Rahul Kumar and Ravinder Kumar Tyagi and Assistant Sub-inspectors Rajendra Kumar and Gurmeet Singh.&nbsp;

Rahul Kumar was part of the 2008 encounter at Batla House in Delhi in which two suspected terrorists, Atif alias Bashir and Mohd Sajid alias Pankaj and police officer MC Sharma were killed.&nbsp;

The Batla House encounter, as it came to be known as, had taken place on September 19, 2008, and two suspects were arrested.&nbsp;

The deceased and other arrested militants were found responsible for over 65 terror incidents in different parts of India.&nbsp;

Seventeen personnel have been awarded Police Medals for Meritorious service. Among those awarded are AK Singla, additional commissioner of police (crime), who had served as DCP (election cell) and Joy Tirkey, Deputy Commissioner of Police (crime), who has been involved in the investigation of sensitive cases like the CBSE paper leak and the mysterious Burari deaths.

The others who have been awarded the Police Medals for Meritorious service are additional CP Raj Kumar Singh, Geeta Rani Verma, DCP, Mohammad Iqbal, Assistant Commissioner of Police, inspectors Atul Kumar Verma, Ravinder Kumar Tyagi and Jai Shree Gosain, sub-inspectors Kaushal Kumari and Mahesh Singh, assistant sub-inspectors Satender Singh and Rajbir Singh, head constables Virender Singh, Prem Chand, Jagannivasan R, Poonam Verma and Promila.

Inspector Jai Shree Gosain, who has been awarded the Police Medal, joined Delhi Police as an ASI in 1988. From 2000 to 2013 she was posted with the Special Cell and was involved in many operations of encounter resulting in the elimination of over 60 militants and underworld/Maoist/interstate gangsters including Pakistani terrorists. This includes Parliament House Shoot Out case of 2001 in which four militants were arrested and a large quantity of explosives along with Rs 10 lakh were recovered and the Red Fort shootout.

Inspector Atul Kumar Verma, who has also been awarded the Police Medal, has cracked several important cases including Dhaula Kuan Rape Case of 2010, murder of TV Journalist Soumya Vishwanath, murder of IT Executive Jigisha Ghosh and the recent sensational murder of an RTI activist in Taimur Nagar.

Twenty three Delhi Police officers, including six women, have been conferred Police Medals for their exemplary service. Nuzhat Hassan, special commissioner of police and RA Sanjeev, additional commissioner of police, have been awarded two President's Police Medals for distinguished service.

Twenty three Delhi Police officers, including six women, have been conferred Police Medals for their exemplary service. Nuzhat Hassan, special commissioner of police and RA Sanjeev, additional commissioner of police, have been awarded two President's Police Medals for distinguished service. Four police personnel have been awarded Police Medals for gallantry. Among the four who have been conferred Police Medals for gallantry are Inspectors Rahul Kumar and Ravinder Kumar Tyagi and Assistant Sub-inspectors Rajendra Kumar and Gurmeet Singh. Rahul Kumar was part of the 2008 encounter at Batla House in Delhi in which two suspected terrorists, Atif alias Bashir and Mohd Sajid alias Pankaj and police officer MC Sharma were killed. The Batla House encounter, as it came to be known as, had taken place on September 19, 2008, and two suspects were arrested. The deceased and other arrested militants were found responsible for over 65 terror incidents in different parts of India. Seventeen personnel have been awarded Police Medals for Meritorious service. Among those awarded are AK Singla, additional commissioner of police (crime), who had served as DCP (election cell) and Joy Tirkey, Deputy Commissioner of Police (crime), who has been involved in the investigation of sensitive cases like the CBSE paper leak and the mysterious Burari deaths. The others who have been awarded the Police Medals for Meritorious service are additional CP Raj Kumar Singh, Geeta Rani Verma, DCP, Mohammad Iqbal, Assistant Commissioner of Police, inspectors Atul Kumar Verma, Ravinder Kumar Tyagi and Jai Shree Gosain, sub-inspectors Kaushal Kumari and Mahesh Singh, assistant sub-inspectors Satender Singh and Rajbir Singh, head constables Virender Singh, Prem Chand, Jagannivasan R, Poonam Verma and Promila. Inspector Jai Shree Gosain, who has been awarded the Police Medal, joined Delhi Police as an ASI in 1988. From 2000 to 2013 she was posted with the Special Cell and was involved in many operations of encounter resulting in the elimination of over 60 militants and underworld/Maoist/interstate gangsters including Pakistani terrorists. This includes Parliament House Shoot Out case of 2001 in which four militants were arrested and a large quantity of explosives along with Rs 10 lakh were recovered and the Red Fort shootout. Inspector Atul Kumar Verma, who has also been awarded the Police Medal, has cracked several important cases including Dhaula Kuan Rape Case of 2010, murder of TV Journalist Soumya Vishwanath, murder of IT Executive Jigisha Ghosh and the recent sensational murder of an RTI activist in Taimur Nagar.

Republic Day 2019: 23 Delhi police officers to get medals for exemplary service

A gunman killed at least five people Thursday at a bank in Sebring, Florida in the southern United States, police said.

"We have at least five victims, people who were senselessly murdered," Police Chief Karl Hoglund told a news conference.

The alleged shooter, identified as a 21-year-old resident of Sebring, has been taken into custody, Hoglund said.

Their motive was not immediately clear, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

The US is plagued by frequent mass shootings and other gun violence that killed nearly 40,000 people in the US in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But despite the scale of the problem, legislative efforts to address it have largely deadlocked for years at the federal level due to opposition to stricter firearm laws from National Rifle Association lobby and its supporters.

A gunman killed at least five people Thursday at a bank in Sebring, Florida in the southern United States, police said. "We have at least five victims, people who were senselessly murdered," Police Chief Karl Hoglund told a news conference.

A gunman killed at least five people Thursday at a bank in Sebring, Florida in the southern United States, police said. "We have at least five victims, people who were senselessly murdered," Police Chief Karl Hoglund told a news conference. The alleged shooter, identified as a 21-year-old resident of Sebring, has been taken into custody, Hoglund said. Their motive was not immediately clear, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. The US is plagued by frequent mass shootings and other gun violence that killed nearly 40,000 people in the US in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But despite the scale of the problem, legislative efforts to address it have largely deadlocked for years at the federal level due to opposition to stricter firearm laws from National Rifle Association lobby and its supporters.

Gunman kills five at US bank: Police

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the pleas of five states seeking modification of its order issued last year on the selection and appointment of director generals of police (DGPs).

The apex court was hearing applications of various state governments, including Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Haryana and Bihar, seeking implementation of their local laws regarding the selection and appointment of DGPs.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the earlier directions of the court on selection and appointment of DGPs were issued in larger public interest and to protect the police officials from political interference.

On December 12 last year, the apex court extended till January 31 the tenures of the present DGPs of Punjab and Haryana and agreed to hear the states' pleas seeking to implement their local laws regarding the selection and appointment of the police chief.

DGPs Suresh Arora (Punjab) and BS Sandhu (Haryana) were due to retire on December 31 last year and will now remain in office till January 31 according to the earlier order of the apex court.

Several states were seeking modification of the apex court's earlier order directing all the states to mandatorily take the assistance of the UPSC in short-listing the names for appointing DGPs.

The top court, on July 3 last year, passed a slew of directions on police reforms in the country and chronicled the steps for appointment of regular DGPs.

It said the states will have to send a list of senior police officers to the UPSC at least three months prior to the retirement of the incumbent.

The commission will then prepare a panel and intimate the states, which in turn will immediately appoint one of the persons from that list.

Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Kerala and West Bengal told the court that they have already framed a comprehensive law, dealing with the procedures to appoint the DGP, in pursuance of the 2006 apex court verdict on police reforms.

The apex court, while deciding the PIL filed by former DGPs Prakash Singh and N K Singh in 2006, issued several directions, including the setting up of a state security commission to ensure the government does not exercise unwarranted influence on the police.

It said the appointment of DGPs and police officers should be merit-based and transparent and officers like DGPs and superintendents of police (SPs) should have a minimum fixed tenure of two years.

However, when states enacted laws providing a mechanism for DGP selection, the apex court on July 3 last year kept the state laws in abeyance.

It earlier passed directions on police reforms and restrained all states and Union Territories from appointing any police officer as acting DGP.

The directions had come on an application filed by the Centre in which it claimed that certain states have been appointing acting DGPs and then making them permanent just before the date of their superannuation to enable them to get the benefit of an additional two-year tenure till the age of 62 years.

The apex court, on September 8, 2017, agreed to hear a clutch of pleas observing that its historic 2006 verdict on police reforms, recommending steps like fixed tenures for DGPs and SPs, has not yet been implemented by states and Union territories.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the pleas of five states seeking modification of its order issued last year on the selection and appointment of director generals of police (DGPs).

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the pleas of five states seeking modification of its order issued last year on the selection and appointment of director generals of police (DGPs). The apex court was hearing applications of various state governments, including Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Haryana and Bihar, seeking implementation of their local laws regarding the selection and appointment of DGPs. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the earlier directions of the court on selection and appointment of DGPs were issued in larger public interest and to protect the police officials from political interference. On December 12 last year, the apex court extended till January 31 the tenures of the present DGPs of Punjab and Haryana and agreed to hear the states' pleas seeking to implement their local laws regarding the selection and appointment of the police chief. DGPs Suresh Arora (Punjab) and BS Sandhu (Haryana) were due to retire on December 31 last year and will now remain in office till January 31 according to the earlier order of the apex court. Several states were seeking modification of the apex court's earlier order directing all the states to mandatorily take the assistance of the UPSC in short-listing the names for appointing DGPs. The top court, on July 3 last year, passed a slew of directions on police reforms in the country and chronicled the steps for appointment of regular DGPs. It said the states will have to send a list of senior police officers to the UPSC at least three months prior to the retirement of the incumbent. The commission will then prepare a panel and intimate the states, which in turn will immediately appoint one of the persons from that list. Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Kerala and West Bengal told the court that they have already framed a comprehensive law, dealing with the procedures to appoint the DGP, in pursuance of the 2006 apex court verdict on police reforms. The apex court, while deciding the PIL filed by former DGPs Prakash Singh and N K Singh in 2006, issued several directions, including the setting up of a state security commission to ensure the government does not exercise unwarranted influence on the police. It said the appointment of DGPs and police officers should be merit-based and transparent and officers like DGPs and superintendents of police (SPs) should have a minimum fixed tenure of two years. However, when states enacted laws providing a mechanism for DGP selection, the apex court on July 3 last year kept the state laws in abeyance. It earlier passed directions on police reforms and restrained all states and Union Territories from appointing any police officer as acting DGP. The directions had come on an application filed by the Centre in which it claimed that certain states have been appointing acting DGPs and then making them permanent just before the date of their superannuation to enable them to get the benefit of an additional two-year tenure till the age of 62 years. The apex court, on September 8, 2017, agreed to hear a clutch of pleas observing that its historic 2006 verdict on police reforms, recommending steps like fixed tenures for DGPs and SPs, has not yet been implemented by states and Union territories.

Supreme Court dismisses pleas of 5 states seeking modification of its order on DGPs

A California man has been arrested in connection to rapes committed in the 1990s after his DNA was linked to the crime scenes through commercial genealogy websites, which initially turned up both the suspect and his twin, police said on Friday.

Kevin Konther, 53, was taken into custody on Thursday at his home in Southern California and booked on suspicion of rape, kidnapping and child sexual abuse, Orange County Sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. One of the victims was nine years old at the time of the attack.

Konther was identified as a suspect by sheriff's detectives using techniques similar to those used in recent years to help solve a number of older crimes. Last year, a 73-year-old former police officer was arrested over the 'Golden State Killer' string of murders and rapes across California in the 1970s and 1980s.

In investigating the 1990s rapes, which were committed in Orange County, investigators working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation compared DNA samples collected at two crime scenes to that found on the websites used by consumers to trace their ancestry, Braun said.

Detectives use the sites to follow the family trees of matches, seeking blood relatives who roughly fit the profile of the suspected criminal.

Both Konther and his twin brother were taken into custody on Thursday before investigators identified Konther as the suspect and released his brother, who has not been publicly identified, Braun said. She declined to name the website used or the family member whose DNA led to the suspect.

Konther was being held in lieu of $1 million bail pending an initial court appearance scheduled for Monday, where he will be arraigned on two counts of felony rape, oral copulation on a child under the age of 14, lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14 and aggravated sexual assault.

The sheriff's department asked the public to come forward with any information about the case. It was not immediately clear if Konther had retained an attorney.

The nine-year-old victim was walking home from a Lake Forest, California convenience store on the evening of October 21, 1995, when a man pulled her into a wooded area and raped her, according to the sheriff's department.

Three years later, a 31-year-old woman jogging on a trail in Mission Viejo, California, was pulled into the bushes by a man who raped her before fleeing.

Both victims reported the attacks to police but for more than two decades the DNA collected did not match any suspects in an FBI database, Braun said.

A California man has been arrested in connection to rapes committed in the 1990s after his DNA was linked to the crime scenes through commercial genealogy websites, which initially turned up both the suspect and his twin, police said on Friday.

A California man has been arrested in connection to rapes committed in the 1990s after his DNA was linked to the crime scenes through commercial genealogy websites, which initially turned up both the suspect and his twin, police said on Friday. Kevin Konther, 53, was taken into custody on Thursday at his home in Southern California and booked on suspicion of rape, kidnapping and child sexual abuse, Orange County Sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. One of the victims was nine years old at the time of the attack. Konther was identified as a suspect by sheriff's detectives using techniques similar to those used in recent years to help solve a number of older crimes. Last year, a 73-year-old former police officer was arrested over the 'Golden State Killer' string of murders and rapes across California in the 1970s and 1980s. In investigating the 1990s rapes, which were committed in Orange County, investigators working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation compared DNA samples collected at two crime scenes to that found on the websites used by consumers to trace their ancestry, Braun said. Detectives use the sites to follow the family trees of matches, seeking blood relatives who roughly fit the profile of the suspected criminal. Both Konther and his twin brother were taken into custody on Thursday before investigators identified Konther as the suspect and released his brother, who has not been publicly identified, Braun said. She declined to name the website used or the family member whose DNA led to the suspect. Konther was being held in lieu of $1 million bail pending an initial court appearance scheduled for Monday, where he will be arraigned on two counts of felony rape, oral copulation on a child under the age of 14, lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14 and aggravated sexual assault. The sheriff's department asked the public to come forward with any information about the case. It was not immediately clear if Konther had retained an attorney. The nine-year-old victim was walking home from a Lake Forest, California convenience store on the evening of October 21, 1995, when a man pulled her into a wooded area and raped her, according to the sheriff's department. Three years later, a 31-year-old woman jogging on a trail in Mission Viejo, California, was pulled into the bushes by a man who raped her before fleeing. Both victims reported the attacks to police but for more than two decades the DNA collected did not match any suspects in an FBI database, Braun said.

California police use genealogy websites to arrest suspect in 1990s rapes

A massive explosion probably caused by a gas leak gutted a ground floor of a building in central Paris's shopping district on Saturday, seriously injuring at least nine people, French police said.

Authorities were on high alert in the French capital for a ninth consecutive Saturday of "yellow vest" protests, with large parts of the city centre blocked off by riot police.

A police source said the explosion tore apart a bakery on the rue Trevise in the Grands Boulevards district. The force of the blast shattered nearby storefronts and rocked buildings hundreds of metres away, witnesses said.

"The situation is now under control," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told reporters on the scene. He said more than 200 firemen were involved in the rescue operation.

An eyewitness who was staying at a hotel nearby said he saw a huge fire erupt in the building blown out by the blast.

"There was broken glass everywhere, storefronts were blown out and windows were shattered up to the third and fourth floors," said 38-year-old David Bangura.

He said that as he approached the scene, a woman was crying for help from the first floor of a building: "Help us, help us, we have a child".

Two helicopters landed on the nearby Place de l'Opera to evacuate victims.

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Distressing images coming out of central <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris</a> - huge explosion at a bakery cafe on a Saturday morning. Early reports it may have been caused by gas leak. More info to come. <a href="https://t.co/D68oh8I4bB">pic.twitter.com/D68oh8I4bB</a>
— Trent Murray (@trent_murray) <a href="https://twitter.com/trent_murray/status/1084008244970967040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/Lukewearechange?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lukewearechange</a> on the ground major explosion police not arrived people have died <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paris</a> <a href="https://t.co/vZ7SpNHxDf">pic.twitter.com/vZ7SpNHxDf</a>
— garrood (@garrood) <a href="https://twitter.com/garrood/status/1084000101067046914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris</a> explosion... <a href="https://t.co/9Qeh8gg2D1">pic.twitter.com/9Qeh8gg2D1</a>
— 🌺 Amber Lynn 🌺 (@Alynn7513) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alynn7513/status/1084007392684195840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sotiri Dimpinoudis ... 
 
Unconfirmed - Reports of at least 2 to 4 people dead from the explosion in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a> police is reporting possible terror attack!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BankRun?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BankRun</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bourges?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bourges</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowVests?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowVests</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GiletsJaunes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GiletsJaunes</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> <a href="https://t.co/IWrAPryb9Q">pic.twitter.com/IWrAPryb9Q</a>
— 🌎 Sarwar 🌐 (@ferozwala) <a href="https://twitter.com/ferozwala/status/1084003895775391744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Paris police are on high alert on a ninth consecutive Saturday of yellow vest protests, with large parts of the city centre blocked off by riot police.

A massive explosion probably caused by a gas leak gutted a ground floor of a building in central Paris's shopping district on Saturday, seriously injuring at least nine people, French police said.

A massive explosion probably caused by a gas leak gutted a ground floor of a building in central Paris's shopping district on Saturday, seriously injuring at least nine people, French police said. Authorities were on high alert in the French capital for a ninth consecutive Saturday of "yellow vest" protests, with large parts of the city centre blocked off by riot police. A police source said the explosion tore apart a bakery on the rue Trevise in the Grands Boulevards district. The force of the blast shattered nearby storefronts and rocked buildings hundreds of metres away, witnesses said. "The situation is now under control," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told reporters on the scene. He said more than 200 firemen were involved in the rescue operation. An eyewitness who was staying at a hotel nearby said he saw a huge fire erupt in the building blown out by the blast. "There was broken glass everywhere, storefronts were blown out and windows were shattered up to the third and fourth floors," said 38-year-old David Bangura. He said that as he approached the scene, a woman was crying for help from the first floor of a building: "Help us, help us, we have a child". Two helicopters landed on the nearby Place de l'Opera to evacuate victims. Distressing images coming out of central #Paris - huge explosion at a bakery cafe on a Saturday morning. Early reports it may have been caused by gas leak. More info to come. pic.twitter.com/D68oh8I4bB — Trent Murray (@trent_murray) January 12, 2019 × @Lukewearechange on the ground major explosion police not arrived people have died #paris pic.twitter.com/vZ7SpNHxDf — garrood (@garrood) January 12, 2019 × #Paris explosion... pic.twitter.com/9Qeh8gg2D1 — 🌺 Amber Lynn 🌺 (@Alynn7513) January 12, 2019 × Sotiri Dimpinoudis ... Unconfirmed - Reports of at least 2 to 4 people dead from the explosion in #Paris in #France police is reporting possible terror attack!#BankRun #Bourges #YellowVests #GiletsJaunes#BREAKING pic.twitter.com/IWrAPryb9Q — 🌎 Sarwar 🌐 (@ferozwala) January 12, 2019 × Paris police are on high alert on a ninth consecutive Saturday of yellow vest protests, with large parts of the city centre blocked off by riot police.

Nine injured after massive explosion in central Paris

5 girls killed in Poland "Escape Room" fire

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