Category: STATE

New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) In a major crackdown on illicit substances, the Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) of Delhi’s East District Police has busted an inter-state drug syndicate operating between Delhi-NCR and Bihar, arresting six traffickers and recovering 58.7 kg of ganja along with Rs 5.31 lakh in cash, officials said on Sunday.

According to police, two accused were apprehended earlier in the case, while four others were arrested during subsequent investigation, leading to the identification of key suppliers and distribution links across states.

The case pertains to FIR No. 90/2026 registered on April 2 at Pandav Nagar police station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Initially, two accused — Nadeem and Monu alias Abhishek, both residents of Delhi — were arrested with 45.760 kg of ganja, cash amounting to Rs 2.65 lakh, an electronic weighing machine and packaging material used for retail distribution.

During further investigation, the ANS team worked on both backward and forward linkages to identify the source and distribution network. Acting on technical surveillance and inputs, the police apprehended Sher Khan, a key supplier from Loni in Ghaziabad, on April 9. He had allegedly switched off his phone to evade arrest after the initial crackdown.

Subsequently, on April 11, another accused, Pinki Kaur alias Don, a local receiver and peddler from Kalyanpuri, was arrested. From her possession, 2.636 kg of ganja, and Rs 2.66 lakh in suspected drug proceeds were recovered, along with packaging material.

The investigation further revealed that the contraband was being sourced from Bihar. Acting on this lead, police laid a trap near Sanjay Jheel in Delhi and apprehended two Bihar-based suppliers — Deepak Patel and Vikas Rai — who were found carrying around 10.3 kg of ganja.

In total, the police have recovered 58.696 kg of ganja, estimated to be valued around Rs 30 lakh in the illicit market, along with Rs 5,31,580 in cash. An electronic weighing machine and bulk packaging materials were also seized.

Police said the accused were part of an organised supply chain that procured ganja in bulk from Bihar and stored it in rented or residential premises in Delhi-NCR to avoid suspicion. The contraband was repackaged into smaller pouches for distribution through local networks, primarily targeting densely populated areas.

“The operation highlights our sustained efforts to dismantle organised drug networks and curb inter-state trafficking through intelligence-based enforcement,” a senior police officer said.

No previous criminal involvement has been reported for any of the accused so far. Further investigation is underway to identify additional links in the network.

–IANS

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Siliguri, April 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video on Sunday from his rally in West Bengal’s Siliguri, showcasing the large and enthusiastic crowd chanting “Modi Modi,” cheering loudly, and waving BJP flags.

In the video, the Prime Minister can be seen capturing the lively atmosphere with his phone, smiling as he waves back to the massive gathering.

Sharing the video on Instagram, PM Modi wrote, “To see the mood in West Bengal, come to Siliguri. There’s only one party in the hearts and minds of the people — BJP!”

A large crowd gathered at the rally venue in Siliguri to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister and listen to his address.

The attendees expressed their happiness and enthusiasm about meeting him. Chants of “Modi, Modi” and “BJP Zindabad” echoed throughout the crowd, which was holding the Tricolour, BJP flags, and portraits of PM Modi.

During his address in Siliguri, the Prime Minister launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress, stating that the party’s emphasis on appeasement politics is clearly reflected in the annual budgetary allocations of the state government.

“The Trinamool Congress government had allotted Rs 6,000 crore for madrasa education development. However, the state government’s budgetary allocations for North Bengal, which is the gateway to Northeast India, are virtually zero. This proves that the entire focus of the Trinamool Congress-ruled government in West Bengal is just appeasement politics and to please a particular community,” the Prime Minister said while addressing a campaign rally at Siliguri of Darjeeling district in North Bengal.

He also reminded the people of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s engagement in a Durga Puja carnival in Kolkata in October last year, when the entire North Bengal was being ravaged by severe floods and landslides.

He also accused the Trinamool Congress leaders of backing the “Tukde-Tukde (Divisive) gang”, which was to cut off the Siliguri Corridor through insurgency actions. “There is a ‘Tukde-Tukde gang’ in India, which has recently threatened to cut off the Siliguri Corridor. Trinamool Congress leadership at all levels supports such gangs. This is their real character. Only a BJP-led government can protect the Siliguri Corridor and thus ensure the safety of the country,” the Prime Minister said.

He also accused Trinamool Congress and the state government of creating hindrances for the Union government to implement the Central welfare projects in the state.

Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister had addressed three mega campaign rallies across different districts of West Bengal on the same day. Following these engagements, he participated in a grand roadshow at Bagdogra near Siliguri in the Darjeeling district on Saturday evening.

As the Prime Minister’s convoy moved through the roads, thousands of people lined the streets, enthusiastically chanting slogans such as “Modi-Modi” and “Jai Shree Ram”. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as supporters gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the leader.

Initially, PM Modi was seen seated in the front of his vehicle beside the driver, waving to the crowd. Later, he leaned out of the vehicle window, greeting supporters while holding a replica of the BJP’s election symbol, the lotus. His direct interaction further energised the crowd, with chants growing louder and more spirited.

–IANS

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Kolkata, April 12 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday slammed the Mamata Banerjee government over its appeasement politics and added that a “UP-model treatment” is required in West Bengal to put an end to Trinamool Congress’ hooliganism and mafia raj.

Addressing an election rally in Sonamukhi of Bankura district, CM Yogi said once the BJP forms a government in West Bengal after the Assembly polls, the new government would provide a solution to stop violence.

“Anarchy and hooliganism are going on in Bengal. Trinamool’s goons and mafia raj are rampant here. At one time, there used to be riots on every festival and occasion in Uttar Pradesh and goons and mafia used to run the government. After the BJP government came, there is no longer appeasement politics or mafia raj. Now there is satisfaction. All the mafias in UP have gone on a journey to hell. Everything is fine in UP. There is no mafia, no goon. Now every citizen is safe there. The UP model treatment is required in Bengal as well to stop TMC’s atrocities and mafia raj. The BJP has the remedy for goons,” said Adityanath.

The UP Chief Minister questioned the silence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the killing of a Hindu in Bangladesh. Targeting Banerjee over her alleged appeasement politics, CM Yogi said, “Vote traders want to change the demography of Bengal. A few months ago, a Dalit Hindu was brutally murdered in Bangladesh. We protested against this, but Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Didi remained silent. She was afraid; she feared that if she spoke out, she might lose her Muslim votes. I have come to appeal to all of you not to allow the Congress, the Left, and the TMC to play havoc with the future of our future generations.”

He further said that these people create obstacles during Durga Puja and Navratri celebrations in Bengal. “We cannot tolerate this anymore; we will not tolerate it at all. This is the right time for all of us to work together and restore Bengal to its former glory,” he said.

The UP Chief Minister claimed that change will definitely come to Bengal. “West Bengal has now embarked on a new path of change. It is sad to see the plight of Bengal today. Bengal is the land of Swami Vivekananda. Today, Bengal has been pushed into poverty first by the Congress, then by the Leftists, and now, for the last 15 years, by the TMC,” he added.

–IANS

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Chennai, April 12 (IANS) Highlighting the successful evacuation of Indian fishermen from Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, BJP leader Amit Malviya has triggered a political debate in Tamil Nadu over the response of both the Centre and the state government.

In a post on social media, Malviya pointed to the safe return of 222 fishermen from Tamil Nadu as part of a second batch of 312 evacuees brought back from Iran. The group also included 73 individuals from Gujarat, nine from Kerala, and eight from Puducherry.

Earlier this month, 345 fishermen from Tamil Nadu had already been flown back to Chennai in a separate evacuation effort. Many of these fishermen were working near Kish Island in Iran when the conflict in West Asia intensified, leaving them stranded without jobs, income, or essential resources.

Their return has brought immense relief to families across coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, where concerns had been growing over their safety.

Malviya credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as swift and compassionate action to bring back Indian citizens from a conflict zone.

He noted that the evacuation reflects the Centre’s commitment to protecting Indian nationals abroad during crises. At the same time, his remarks raised questions about the role of the Tamil Nadu government during the six-week-long crisis.

He asked whether Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had formally sought urgent repatriation of the stranded fishermen or whether the issue had been forcefully raised in Parliament by DMK MPs.

The comments have added a political dimension to what was otherwise seen as a humanitarian operation.

Observers note that such debates are not uncommon in Tamil Nadu, where issues concerning fishermen often carry both emotional and political weight.

The discussion has also revived references to the long-standing Katchatheevu Agreement, frequently cited in political discourse around fishermen’s rights and maritime challenges.

While the safe return of the fishermen has been widely welcomed across party lines, the episode has once again highlighted how humanitarian issues can quickly evolve into political flashpoints in the state.

–IANS

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Ranchi, April 12 (IANS) Acting on inputs about a suspected paper leak ahead of the Excise constable recruitment examination in Jharkhand, police raided the premises in Tamar police station area and detained over 100 individuals for questioning, officials said on Sunday.

The police action was carried out in the Rangamati area following reports of suspicious activity in a building where candidates were allegedly preparing with what is believed to be a leaked question paper. During the raid, police recovered mobile phones, documents and other materials, which are currently under scrutiny.

All the detained persons have been taken to the Tamar police station, where they are being questioned. Police officials said the matter is being probed thoroughly and did not rule out the possibility of an organised racket or a wider conspiracy behind the suspected leak. However, authorities clarified that there is no official confirmation yet that the examination paper was leaked.

The recruitment examination is being conducted across the state on April 12, with 370 centres set up in eight districts. Approximately 1.48 lakh candidates, who had earlier cleared the physical efficiency test, are appearing for the exam being held to fill 583 posts.

Authorities have stepped up vigilance in districts including Dhanbad to ensure a fair and transparent examination process. Acting on the instructions of SSP Prabhat Kumar, police teams carried out late-night inspection drives at hotels, lodges and dharamshalas on Saturday. Guests were verified and operators were warned against accommodating individuals without valid identification.

The administration has reiterated strict guidelines prohibiting mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices and other electronic gadgets inside examination centres.

Candidates have been urged to adhere to the rules and cooperate with authorities, with officials warning of stringent action against any malpractice.

–IANS

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Dindori, April 12 (IANS) In a tragic road accident early on Sunday, five people, including the driver of a pickup truck, were crushed to death, and one person was critically injured on the Jabalpur-Amarkantak National Highway near Kikratalab village under Gadasarai police station limits in Madhya Pradesh’s Dindori district.

The incident occurred around 1.00 a.m. when a group of villagers from the area was returning home in a pickup truck. Near Kikratalab village, the pickup suffered a sudden tyre puncture. The driver stopped the vehicle on the roadside, and all occupants got out to help change the tyre.

While they were standing beside the highway, a speeding truck coming from the opposite direction lost control and ploughed straight into the group, crushing them under its wheels.

Five men died on the spot, while one sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital.

The deceased included the pickup truck driver and four other villagers. The truck driver involved in the fatal crash abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene, triggering a massive manhunt by the police.

The deceased have been identified as Rajkaran (35), Bihari (50), Pawan Maravi (35), Bisahu Dhrive (58) and a son of Bihari whose name is yet to be known. All of them were returning from a “Chowk” ritual in Silyari to their villages, Paraswah and Ufri.

Another victim, Kanhaiya, received injuries, and he has been admitted to Gadasarai hospital.

All of the victims were family members who lived in different villages, police said.

Superintendent of Police and other senior administrative officials immediately reached the spot. Police have registered a case and launched an intensive search to nab the absconding driver.

Preliminary investigation suggests that excessive speed was the primary reason behind the accident. Local residents expressed shock and grief over the incident. Many pointed out the recurring danger on this stretch of the national highway due to heavy vehicle movement during night hours and poor lighting in certain sections.

Dindori police officials said they were thoroughly investigating the matter. The driver who fled had been identified, and teams have been formed to arrest him at the earliest.

The officials have also appealed to people to avoid standing on highways at night and ensure proper parking and warning signs in case of breakdowns.

The injured person is undergoing treatment, while the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem. The families of the victims are in deep mourning, and the entire village is plunged into sorrow.

–IANS

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Jammu, April 12 (IANS) The annual Amarnath Yatra will start this year on July 3 and will conclude after 57 days on August 28, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival, Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday.

Jammu, April 12 (IANS) The annual Amarnath Yatra will start this year on July 3 and will conclude after 57 days on August 28, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival, Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday.

The office of the Lt. Governor posted on X, “The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence this year on 3 July 2026 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan, 28 August 2026, spanning a total of 57 days. The Pratham Puja, to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, will be held on Jyeshtha Purnima, 29 June 2026.”

The L-G also said that the advance registration for the Yatra will begin on April 15 via both offline and online modes. This facility will be available at 554 branches of J&K Bank, PNB, SBI, and Yes Bank across the country.

The annual Amarnath Yatra to the Himalayan cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres in the South Kashmir Anantnag district of Kashmir Division is held each year, with thousands of Yatris coming to the cave shrine from different parts of the country and from abroad.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure, which devotees believe symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The ice stalagmite structure wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Devotees approach the cave shrine either through the traditional Pahalgam route or through the Baltal route in the North Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

The Pahalgam route to the cave shrine is a traditional, scenic, and involves a trek of 3-5 days covering 34 kms. It passes through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni.

The route features steep climbs, such as Pissu Top and Mahagunas Pass, requiring good physical fitness, with amenities like ‘langars’ (Free Community Kitchens) and tents available on the route.

The Baltal route is shorter, involving a trek of 14 km. Those using the Baltal route return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra.

Helicopter services are also available for devotees from both routes through Pahalgam and Baltal.

–IANS

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