Category: STATE

Patna, Nov 22 (IANS) In a major administrative shift in Bihar, the Home Department has moved out of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s control for the first time in 20 years, with Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary now taking charge of the crucial ministry.

The decision has triggered intense political reactions, with the JD(U) welcoming the move, while the Opposition alleges that the BJP now effectively “controls” the state government.

Samrat Choudhary will now oversee Bihar’s law and order machinery with full authority, meaning senior police officials — from the DGP to ADG, IG, SP and DSP — will report directly to him. The change has drawn attention due to Choudhary’s repeated statements advocating a UP-style crackdown on crime.

Speaking to IANS, JD(U) Minister Ashok Choudhary said, “It’s good that Samrat Chaudhary has been given the Home Ministry. He is young, and he will work hard to fulfil the needs of the ministry. Nitish Kumar has taken the decision after great consideration.”

The Mahagathbandhan, however, has sharply criticised the development, arguing that the BJP aims to weaken the JD(U) and marginalise the Chief Minister.

RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari, talking to IANS, said, “We have been saying from the beginning that the BJP would only keep Nitish Kumar in the Chief Minister’s chair, while the BJP would actually rule. This is now evident. Nitish Kumar’s position is in danger, and his party is also on the verge of collapse.”

Raising similar concerns, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput claimed that Nitish Kumar is being pushed aside within his own government.

“Samrat Choudhury has recently taken control of the Home Ministry from Nitish Kumar. Nitish Kumar is now being sidelined. The BJP is gradually bringing Nitish Kumar’s party, his government, and his supporters under its influence. They are doing this by force. Just as the BJP has taken over the ministerial system, it has now taken control of all the ministries. The BJP wants to consume Nitish Kumar’s party and take control of the JD(U)’s ideology,” Rajput told IANS.

With Choudhary assuming charge, speculation has intensified regarding potential changes in policing, including possibilities of encounters, bulldozer action, and strengthened enforcement measures.

The new Home Minister will hold final authority in matters involving major crimes, riots, communal tensions, public disorder, and key arrests across Bihar.

He will also approve postings and transfers of IPS officers and senior ranks such as SPs, DIGs, and IGs, besides ordering suspensions when necessary. Control over these administrative powers is widely regarded as one of the strongest levers in state governance.

With the Home Department under BJP leadership for the first time in many years, both political circles and administrative observers expect a significant shift in the direction of law enforcement and governance in Bihar.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) Two accused involved in human trafficking in the form of cyber-slavery were arrested by the Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) on Saturday, according to the Delhi Police.

In a statement issued by the Cyber Cell Dwarka, the IFSO, Cyber Cell Dwarka, has successfully busted a transnational human trafficking syndicate that trapped Indian youths in cyber-fraud operations in Myanmar.

The arrested accused have been identified as Danish Raja, resident of Bawana, Delhi, aged 24, and Harsh, resident of Faridabad, Haryana, aged 30.

On October 22, Myanmar Military raided the scam centre in their country and rescued the victims. After temporary refuge at a humanitarian camp, they were assisted by the Indian Embassy in Myanmar and repatriated safely to India on November 19.

In close co-ordination with I4C, MHA, the deportees were closely examined to find out if they were trafficked to Myanmar for cyber slavery.

Till now, almost 300 Indians belonging to different States have been repatriated. These individuals have been working in the scam compounds of Myanmar. Out of these, the deportees who belonged to Delhi were examined and accordingly legal action was initiated, according to the Delhi Police.

One of the repatriated victims, Imtiyaz Babu, resident of JJ Colony, Bawana, filed a complaint alleging that he had been lured by the accused with the promise of a lucrative overseas data-entry operator job.

The victims revealed that they were trafficked via Kolkata to Bangkok to Myawaddy (Myanmar). They were confined and assaulted inside a scam facility at KK Park, Myawaddy and forced to commit cyber-fraud targeting US nationals.

They were also threatened with armed guards and violence.

A case, registered as FIR No. 289/25 dated 20.11.2025 at Special Cell police station, was filed under Sections 143(3)/316(2)/318(4)/351(2)/61(2) of the BNS and Sections 10/24 of the Immigration Act, and an investigation was initiated.

On November 20, acting on Intelligence gathered from the detailed examination of the deportees, a dedicated IFSO team — comprising Inspector Neeraj Chaudhary, SI Mahesh Kumar, SI Sanjeev Baliyan, SI Akash, SI Vishw, HC Bir Singh, and Ct. Lohit — was formed under the supervision of ACP Vivekanand Jha and overall direction of DCP Vinit Kumar. The team apprehended Danish Raja from Bawana, Delhi.

He confessed to having connections with scam operations in Myanmar and admitted that he continued recruiting Indian youths even after his own deportation in March 2025.

This case highlights the evolving tactics of organised cyber-crime networks that exploit Indian youths with fraudulent overseas job offers.

The investigation has revealed use of illegal cross-border routes, multiple vehicle transfers under armed escorts, systematic intimidation and exploitation to run large-scale cyber-fraud operations.

Two mobile phones containing incriminating chats and communication with foreign handlers have been seized, and digital forensic analysis is underway.

Further investigation is ongoing to trace the money trail and identify additional conspirators.

Delhi Police in close and effective co-ordination with Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), MHA remain committed to combating such transnational crimes and ensuring victim protection and swift action against traffickers.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) A major political controversy has broken out after Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir declared that he would lay the foundation stone of a ‘Babri Masjid’ on December 6 in Beldanga, Murshidabad district, a date that marks 33 years since the demolition of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya.

BJP spokesperson Yaser Jilani strongly criticised the MLA, alleging deliberate communal provocation for electoral benefit.

He said, “TMC leaders, especially MLA Humayun Kabir, are known for the politics of hatred. He does politics purely for appeasement. He is intentionally creating communal tension in Bengal. He knows that in the upcoming elections, the people will reject TMC, and a wave of political change is rising there. Because of this restlessness, Humayun Kabir and senior TMC leaders are trying to mislead people in every possible way to protect their vote bank.”

Earlier, Kabir had announced, “We will lay the foundation stone of Babri Masjid on December 6 in Beldanga, Murshidabad district. It will take three years to complete. Various Muslim leaders will participate in that event.” His remarks immediately ignited strong reactions across political and religious circles.

Reactions from the Congress were mixed and more nuanced.

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit said, “Anyone can build a mosque, what does that have to do with Babri? If they want to build a mosque, they can go ahead and build it.”

Congress MP Surendra Rajput added, “If someone is building a mosque, temples, gurudwaras, and churches then, what is controversial about this? Why is it being turned into a topic of controversy? Every religion has the right to build its own places of worship.”

The All India Imam Association also issued a theological rebuttal. Its president, Maulana Sajid Rashidi stated, “Perhaps they do not realise that once a mosque is built at a place, it remains a mosque until the end of time. Even if hundreds of mosques are built in India in the name of Babri Masjid, the significance of the original Babri Masjid in Ayodhya can never be erased.”

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS) Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar on Friday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after she wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking an immediate halt to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.

Reacting strongly, Majumdar said the attempt to stop SIR “indicates that people are fleeing to Bangladesh,” adding, “Mamata Banerjee has completely exposed herself as she has accommodated Bangladeshis here.”

Majumdar’s criticism was among several political reactions triggered by the Chief Minister’s letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in which she flagged alleged coercive measures and deaths linked to the ongoing SIR process. CM Banerjee urged the Commission to stop the revision exercise immediately, calling the current methodology flawed and dangerous.

“I would request you to kindly intervene decisively to halt the ongoing exercise, stop coercive measures, provide proper training and support, and thoroughly reassess the present methodology and timelines. If this path is not corrected without delay, the consequences — for the system, the officials, and the citizens — will be irreversible,” Mamata Banerjee wrote in her letter dated November 20.

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar questioned the timing of the Chief Minister’s objections, arguing that SIR had been implemented earlier without protest from her side. “We want to know why you did not raise objections earlier when the SIR was implemented. Should the names of deceased persons remain on the voter list?” he asked, defending the need for revision to ensure accuracy in electoral rolls.

Echoing similar criticism, Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin accused the West Bengal CM of repeatedly disregarding constitutional processes. “Mamata Banerjee has never respected constitutional matters. Due to her anarchic mindset, West Bengal is so backward today. This time her influence on the state will certainly diminish,” he said.

The SIR exercise has sparked an intense political debate in West Bengal, with the State government citing distress among officials and citizens, while Opposition leaders argue that the process is essential for electoral transparency.

–IANS

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Agartala/Guwahati, Nov 21 (IANS) The tremors from a moderate earthquake, measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale in adjoining Bangladesh, shook several Northeastern states on Friday, officials said.

Disaster Management officials of several Northeastern states confirmed that there were no immediate reports of loss of life or damage to property due to the tremor.

The tremors were also felt in several parts of West Bengal, and panic spread among the people. However, no casualty or damage to property was reported from anywhere in the state at the time the report was filed.

A Disaster Management official in Agartala said the earthquake struck at a depth of around 10 km, with its epicentre located in Madhabdi in Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district. The tremor was felt in Tripura, Assam, Mizoram and Meghalaya, the states sharing a 1,880-km border with Bangladesh.

Bangladesh media, quoting the United States Geological Survey (USGS), reported that the quake was felt in Dhaka and several other parts of the country. Reports of tremors also came from Bangladesh’s Chandpur, Nilphamari, Sitakunda, Sirajganj, Narayanganj, Patuakhali, Bogura, Barishal, and Moulvibazar, a leading daily reported.

As per the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Friday’s tremor was the fifth earthquake in the Northeastern region this week and the 18th during November so far. Of the 18 quakes, seven were recorded in Assam, followed by five in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Manipur, and one each in Tripura, Meghalaya and Sikkim.

Several of the tremors were felt simultaneously across multiple Northeastern states. On November 2, 6, 11, 12 and 18, quakes shook several states, particularly Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

An analysis of NCS data found that more than one earthquake has struck the Northeastern region every week this month, with most measuring between 3 and 4 on the Richter scale.

Earthquakes are relatively common in the mountainous Northeastern region, comprising eight states, as it falls within one of the world’s six most earthquake-prone zones. Frequent tremors, mostly mild to moderate, in Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have kept authorities worried and continue to push public and private builders to adopt quake-resistant construction practices.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS) Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput on Friday reacted to the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on the Kerala government’s plea seeking postponement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGI) elections, saying that “we respect the judiciary and we will wait for its decision.”

Speaking to IANS, he said, “The hearing will take place, and we will wait for it. We are people who respect the judiciary and the Constitution of the country. Whatever decision comes after the hearing, we will issue our statement accordingly.”

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the plea on Friday, which seeks a deferment of the SIR exercise in view of the approaching local body polls in Kerala.

On Wednesday, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai agreed to list the petition after the counsel informed the court that the SIR process is currently underway, despite elections being scheduled for the second week of December.

The Kerala government itself filed the plea under Article 32, after the Kerala High Court last week declined to entertain its writ petition seeking deferment of the SIR process. The state has argued that carrying out the SIR simultaneously with the elections would create an “administrative impasse”, citing severe manpower constraints.

According to the petition, over 1,76,000 government and quasi-government personnel and 68,000 security staff are needed for the local body elections. The SIR, however, requires an additional 25,668 officials, many drawn from the same limited pool of trained election staff, raising concerns about overextension and possible disruption in election management.

The plea also highlighted statutory deadlines under the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 and the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994, emphasising that the elections must be completed before December 21, 2025.

The government stressed that conducting SIR alongside the polls could strain the administration and adversely affect the smooth conduct of elections.

Rajput’s statement reflects the Congress party’s position to respect the judicial process, while the state government seeks clarity on the feasibility of running both exercises concurrently.

The Supreme Court’s decision on Friday will determine whether the SIR schedule can proceed or if the electoral revision will be postponed to ensure a seamless conduct of LSGI elections.

–IANS

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Anandpur Sahib, Nov 21 (IANS) The religiously significant Anandpur Sahib, founded by the ninth Guru of the Sikh sect, Guru Tegh Bahadur, in 1665 and named it Chak Nanaki after his mother, Mata Nanaki, has been decked up to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of the founding Guru, a beacon of courage and strength, from November 23 to 25.

One of the most sacred sites in Sikhism, Anandpur Sahib, revered for its historical, cultural, and religious significance, has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Sikh identity and tradition.

The entire city, located on the foothills of the Shivalik range where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, spent significant time, has been painted white as a mark of reverence for the unique warrior, Hind di Chadar, for inspiring the struggle against unrighteousness and tyranny.

Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district is well connected by road and rail, and the state government is making elaborate arrangements to receive nearly 10 million people to attend the commemorative programmes.

The prominent events from November 23 to 25 comprise nagar kirtans (religious processions), heritage walks, a ‘sarv dharm sammelan’ (meeting of all faiths), an exhibition on the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur at Virasat-e-Khalsa memorial, a special one-day Vidhan Sabha session at Bhai Jaita-ji memorial, besides traditional martial art Gatka and events like tent pegging, ‘dhal-talwar’ duel, ‘shastra darshan’, and sword fusion.

For the first time, the Assembly session is being organised outside the Vidhan Sabha complex in Chandigarh.

Besides Anandpur Sahib, home to one of the five Takhts (thrones of authority) in Sikhism, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution and cremation sites in Delhi, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib later became Sikh sacred places.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, the local legislator and in charge of overseeing government arrangements, told IANS the entire city has been painted white to make it a radiant symbol of the Guru’s legacy for the pilgrims expected for the ninth Guru Sahib’s 350th martyrdom anniversary commemorations.

He said two Tent Cities are being set up at Chak Nanki Niwas and Bhai Mati Das Niwas to collectively accommodate 10,000 devotees, with a mix of four-bedded units and 16-bedded dormitory-style tents.

The booking for both Tent Cities will be online and remain operational till November 30. For the ‘Sarv Dharm Sammelan’ on November 23, eminent religious leaders like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Dr. Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar (Jew), Bhikkhu Sanghsena (Buddha), Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Acharaya Dr. Lokesh Muni (Jain), Rajyogi Dr. Binny Sareen (Brahma Kumari), Haji Syed Salman Chisty (Muslim), Mahant Gyandev Ji (Nirmal Akhada), Syed Afsar Ali Nizami (Muslim) and Parampujya Muktanand Bapuji and Mahant Sampurnanand (Panchagni Akhada) among others have been extended an invitation.

To ensure seamless movement of devotees from parking zones to key venues, a large-scale shuttle transport plan has been implemented.

The deployed fleet includes 500 e-rickshaws, 150 mini-buses, 25 Force Urbania vans, 15 cars, 20 Tata Ace vehicles for support, and 10 golf carts for elderly and specially-abled pilgrims.

Shuttle services will operate continuously between parking locations and Gurdwara Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Virasat-e-Khalsa, the main pandal, tent cities, and help desk points.

To manage traffic, Minister Bains said recovery vans and cranes have been positioned strategically to handle breakdowns and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow.

City’s prominent tourist landmark is the Virasat-e-Khalsa, which is located close to Takht Keshgarh Sahib, the second most important Sikh shrine after the Golden Temple Complex, where the Khalsa Panth was founded by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, on April 13, 1699.

Spread across 6,500 square metres, the Virasat-e-Khalsa museum narrates the story of Punjab and Sikhism using hand-crafted artefacts and the latest technology interactively.

The spectacular drone show featuring the life and philosophy of Guru Tegh Bahadur through ultra-modern technology will be organised at the Virasat-e-Khalsa memorial from November 23 to 29.

According to Bains, the initiative of drone shows in the evening is aimed at acquainting the younger generations with the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur by using the hi-end technology.

He said a large-scale force of over 8,000 police personnel, under the supervision of senior rank officers, has been deployed for the safety, orderly movement, and comfort of the devotees.

The events will commence on November 23 at 10 a.m. with the beginning of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, which is expected to be attended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The three-day grand commemorative events will conclude with a spectacular drone show at 5 p.m.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

–IANS

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