Category: STATE

Delhi Police bust high-profile cyber fraud module with international links, 3 arrested

New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has busted a high-profile cyber fraud module with international linkages and arrested three accused involved in an organised cyber-financial racket.

The breakthrough was achieved by the Northern Range-1 (NR-1) team during its ongoing ‘Cy-Hawk’ operations, officials said on Sunday.

According to an official press release issued by the Crime Branch, an E-FIR No. 53/2025 (60001651/2025) dated December 17, 2025, was registered under Sections 308/318(4)/319/340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Crime Branch, Delhi. The case was filed on a complaint of Ranjan (56), a resident of Uttam Nagar, who alleged that he was cheated of approximately Rs 42.5 lakh in a stock market-related cyber fraud.

During the investigation, police found that the amount had been transferred into 36 different bank accounts. Of this, Rs 3,74,065 was credited on September 3, 2025, from the complainant’s Kotak Mahindra Bank account to a UCO Bank account at R.K. Puram, which was withdrawn the same day using a cheque. The beneficiary account was found to be in the name of Sabbir Ahmed, a resident of Munirka Village in south-west Delhi.

A special team was formed under the supervision of Inspector Ajay Kumar Sharma and the overall command of ACP Ashok Sharma. Sabbir Ahmed was arrested on January 21, 2026. During interrogation, he revealed that he had opened 9-10 bank accounts in different banks and handed over the bank kits to Md. Sarfaraz (31) and Md. Dilshad (21), residents of Batla House. He further disclosed that he used to receive a 2 per cent commission on the cheated amount.

In his instance, Sarfaraz and Dilshad were arrested on February 5. Police said their interrogation led to a major breakthrough, as both accused disclosed links with Chinese handlers. They admitted to being involved in selling USDT (cryptocurrency) to Chinese nationals, thereby establishing international cyber-financial linkages.

The accused also confessed to arranging dummy candidates and facilitating the opening of multiple bank accounts by coordinating with bank officials. The press release noted that after learning about Sabbir Ahmed’s arrest, they attempted to destroy evidence by breaking SIM cards and cheque books, though the mobile handset used in the crime was later recovered.

“All three accused were earlier arrested in FIR No. 45/25 dated September 25, 2025, under Sections 318(4)/319(2) BNS, PS Cyber West, confirming their habitual involvement in organised cyber fraud activities,” the release stated.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Pankaj Kumar said the arrests and recovery of crucial evidence highlight the dedication and technical expertise of the NR-1 team.

Further investigation is underway to identify additional accused, handlers and the larger money-laundering network involved in the racket.

–IANS

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Group II and II-A main exams postponed in TN after widespread irregularities claims at test centres

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Staff Selection Commission has postponed the Group II and Group II-A main examinations across the State following reports of serious irregularities at multiple examination centres.

The decision was announced on Sunday, affecting thousands of candidates who were scheduled to appear for the crucial recruitment tests.

The examinations were to be conducted for a range of government posts, including Assistant Inspector, Junior Employment Officer, Probation Officer, Sub-Registrar Level-2, Special Division Assistant, Forester, Senior Inspector, Audit Inspector, Supervisor, Assistant Level-3, Executive Officer Level-3, Lower Division Executive Clerk, and several other Group II cadre positions.

A total of 828 vacancies had been notified in July 2025.

Last year, more than 4.2 lakh candidates appeared for the preliminary examination held on September 28. Following the results released in December last year, 1,126 candidates qualified for Group II posts, and 9,457 candidates cleared the eligibility stage for Group II-A positions.

The subject examination for Group II-A was scheduled for the morning session, while the Tamil eligibility test for both categories was planned for the afternoon.

However, the Commission reported irregularities at seven examination centres, including private colleges in Nandanam and Arumbakkam in Chennai, prompting the immediate cancellation of the day’s tests.

Subsequently, authorities extended the postponement to all 38 centres across Tamil Nadu.

At one private college in Arumbakkam, only 200 out of 600 candidates were allegedly allowed to take the examination.

Many others, though assigned the same venue on their admit cards, found that no arrangements had been made to conduct the test.

Candidates also complained about missing roll numbers and poor coordination, leading to confusion and protests at several locations.

Additional complaints included last-minute changes to examination centres and the non-arrival of question papers at the Government College centre in Nandanam.

Initially, the Commission suspended exams at seven Chennai centres, but later decided to postpone the entire State’s examination to ensure fairness and transparency.

Commission Chairman Prabhakar stated that a fresh date for the examinations would be announced after a detailed review. Authorities assured candidates that necessary steps would be taken to prevent such lapses in future and to conduct the recruitment process smoothly.

–IANS

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‘TN govt’s SOP discriminatory’: TVK says being targeted ahead of public outreach

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has accused the Tamil Nadu government of enforcing a discriminatory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for political meetings, alleging that the guidelines unfairly disadvantage emerging parties while favouring established ones.

In a statement, TVK propaganda General Secretary K.G. Arunraj said the party had repeatedly faced hurdles in securing permission to conduct public gatherings, including its proposed public meeting in Salem.

He claimed that the authorities were selectively applying the SOP to restrict the party’s political outreach activities.

According to the statement, the party had submitted an application seeking permission to hold a public meeting in Vellore on February 8. However, the request was rejected within days on the grounds that a programme involving the Chief Minister had already been scheduled at the same venue.

Arunraj described the decision as arbitrary and said it reflected a pattern of discrimination against the party.

He asserted that the SOP gives “priority to recognised political parties”, effectively sidelining newer political movements like TVK. Such provisions, he said, undermine the democratic principle of equal opportunity for all parties to engage with the public.

Despite the denial of permission, the party indicated that it was exploring alternative arrangements to ensure its leader could meet supporters.

The statement further criticised what it termed the shifting of administrative responsibilities onto organisers. Arunraj alleged that the government and police were requiring political parties to take sole responsibility not only for the event venue but also for maintaining order in surrounding areas, a duty traditionally managed by law enforcement agencies.

Calling the guidelines excessive and impractical, he also objected to the requirement that parties must seek permission 30 days in advance if a gathering is expected to attract more than 50,000 participants.

He argued that such conditions restrict spontaneous political mobilisation and place an unreasonable burden on parties.

TVK maintained that the SOP was framed specifically to curb its growth and prevent its leadership from directly interacting with the public. The party urged the state government to revise the regulations and ensure a level playing field for all political organisations, warning that continued restrictions would be viewed as an attempt to stifle democratic expression.

–IANS

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K’taka Minister meets Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeks approval for Vande Bharat Sleeper Express train

Bengaluru, Feb 8 (IANS) Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil has submitted representations to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking approval for a Vande Bharat Sleeper Express train from Bengaluru to Vijayapura, a high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Mumbai, and a daily special train service on the Bengaluru-Vijayapura route.

After launching an electronics manufacturing facility in the Hi-Tech Hardware Park at Bagalur on Saturday, the Minister met Vaishnaw at the venue and handed over the representations. The Railway Minister assured him that the proposals would be examined positively.

Describing Bengaluru as the country’s technology capital and Mumbai as its financial capital, Patil said it was essential to connect the two cities through an efficient and modern transport system. He urged that the high-speed rail corridor announced between Mumbai and Pune be extended up to Bengaluru. Vaishnaw responded positively to this request as well.

The State Minister pointed out that the distance between Bengaluru and Vijayapura is around 530 km and that the current train journey takes nearly 15 to 16 hours. He said this travel time should be reduced to about 10 hours. To achieve this, he suggested limiting halts between Bengaluru and Hubballi and operating trains via the Hubballi and Gadag bypasses. He also sought the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service on this route.

Patil further requested the introduction of a daily special train service between Bengaluru and Vijayapura. In his representation, he stated that all three proposed services would bring significant social, industrial and economic benefits to several districts of central and north Karnataka. According to Patil, the Railway Minister responded positively to all three demands.

Senior railway officials, including South Western Railway General Manager Ajay Sharma, were present during the meeting.

Earlier, speaking after the inauguration of the manufacturing facility, Minister Patil said the new unit marked a significant strengthening of India’s capability to design, build and deliver high-reliability electronics for mission-critical applications.

He said the facility had been purpose-built to cater to critical sectors such as defence, aerospace and automotive electronics, where quality, precision and reliability are non-negotiable. With advanced manufacturing lines, clean rooms and a world-class environmental stress-testing laboratory, the unit positions itself at the high-value end of electronics manufacturing, he added.

Patil also pointed out that the state is investing over Rs 4,000 crore to extend assured Cauvery water supply to industrial areas in and around Bengaluru. This, he said, is in addition to sustained investments in roads, power and logistics to ensure long-term reliability for manufacturing units.

–IANS

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TN braces for warmer days as temperatures rises; morning fog likely in 9 districts

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) Tamil Nadu is set to experience a gradual rise in daytime temperatures over the coming days, with the Regional Meteorological Department forecasting an increase of up to 2 degrees Celsius above normal levels until February 11.

The weather is expected to remain largely dry across the state and neighbouring Puducherry, with no significant rainfall predicted for at least a week.

According to officials, the prevailing weather pattern indicates stable and dry atmospheric conditions, which will contribute to a steady climb in maximum temperatures.

While the days are likely to feel warmer than usual, early mornings in several districts will continue to witness foggy conditions. The department has issued an advisory stating that moderate mist and fog are expected during the early hours in at least nine districts.

These include the hill district of Nilgiris and interior regions such as Dindigul, Salem, Erode and Krishnagiri. Fog is also likely to persist in Dharmapuri, Tirupattur, Vellore and Ranipet districts.

Reduced visibility during the morning hours may affect motorists and commuters, particularly on highways and rural roads.

In Chennai, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy over the next few days. Light mist is likely during the early mornings, followed by warm and humid conditions as the day progresses.

The city, like much of the state, will not see any rainfall activity during this period. Meteorologists explained that the absence of active weather systems, such as low-pressure areas or cyclonic circulations, has resulted in dry continental winds dominating the region.

This has limited cloud formation and rainfall, while allowing daytime temperatures to rise gradually.

Residents, especially children, the elderly and those working outdoors, have been advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.

Drivers have also been urged to exercise caution during foggy mornings to prevent accidents.

With dry weather set to persist and temperatures inching upward, Tamil Nadu is likely to experience typical late-winter warmth, marking the transition towards hotter pre-summer conditions in the days ahead.

–IANS

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K’taka Cong attempting to separate Mahatma Gandhi from Ram, says ex-CM Bommai

Gadag (Karnataka), Feb 8 (IANS) Former Chief Minister and BJP Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai has accused the Congress-led state government of attempting to separate Mahatma Gandhi from Lord Ram and called for a mass awareness campaign highlighting the benefits of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB- G RAM G) scheme and alleged corruption in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Addressing the VB-G RAM G implementation and public awareness meeting on Saturday, organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s district unit at the BJP office in Gadag, Bommai said Mahatma Gandhi is the soul of the nation. At the same time, Ram was the soul of Gandhi. “It is impossible to separate the two, but the state government is making efforts to do so,” he alleged.

Bommai said the country learnt two core principles from Mahatma Gandhi — “Satyameva Jayate” and fasting in pursuit of truth. He accused the Congress of misusing the Gandhi name while ignoring his ideals. Claiming that Indira Gandhi had no lineage connection with Mahatma Gandhi, Bommai alleged that the Congress has historically practised politics in Gandhi’s name without following his values.

He further accused the Congress of disrespecting Dr B.R. Ambedkar, stating that Ambedkar was defeated in elections, forced to resign from the Cabinet and denied land in Delhi for his memorial after his death. In contrast, memorials exist for Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Terming the present government a “zero-achievement government”, Bommai said allocations for MGNREGA had significantly increased under the NDA. He said the UPA government had allocated Rs 33,000 crore in 2013, while the present Union government has increased funding to over Rs 1.4 lakh crore.

He alleged that while the Centre provides wages for 100 days, the state government demands additional funds but fails to ensure effective implementation.

Bommai alleged rampant corruption in MGNREGA, citing cases from Belagavi and Kalaburagi during his tenure as district in-charge minister, where officials were jailed, and CBI probes were ordered. He claimed misuse through bogus bills and agents, adding that technological reforms introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had helped curb such practices.

Accusing the Congress of misleading people with false data, Bommai said the state government has failed to release funds for housing beneficiaries, the Jal Jeevan Mission and rural infrastructure. He also criticised the selective interest waiver on minority loans, stating that backward classes, Dalits, women’s self-help groups and farmers were ignored.

Bommai alleged continued injustice to North Karnataka, stalled irrigation projects and inadequate funding for the Upper Krishna Project. Calling for a “people’s power versus ruling power” struggle, he urged BJP workers to display banners in every gram panchayat highlighting the benefits of the VB-G Ram G scheme and corruption in MGNREGA.

Several BJP leaders, party office-bearers and workers were present at the meeting.

–IANS

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Congress-Raijor Dal tie-up: Assam CM to address PC today, claim wider political nexus of Gaurav Gogoi

New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will address a major press conference on Sunday to reveal what he described as a wider political nexus involving Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.

Biswa Sarma mounted a sharp political offensive against the reported understanding between the Congress and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal ahead of the Assembly elections, asserting that the Opposition alliance has no prospects in the state.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of newly constructed school buildings, earlier on Monday, Sarma said the proposed February 8 briefing would go beyond earlier allegations related to Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged “Pakistan link” and would place before the public what he termed as the “entire network” associated with it. He claimed that the press conference would contain “important disclosures” with political ramifications.

Reacting to reports of a Congress–Raijor Dal tie-up, the Chief Minister said Opposition leaders were free to form governments “anywhere else,” but categorically ruled out their chances in Assam.

Taking a swipe at Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, Sarma remarked that the latter would not be able to form a government in Assam “even in 500 years.” He further alleged that Gaurav Gogoi was attempting to coordinate with Akhil Gogoi and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi in anticipation of a joint political counterattack following the Sunday’s press conference.

According to the Chief Minister, these moves were aimed solely at shielding themselves from the impact of the BJP’s forthcoming revelations. In a pointed message to the Opposition leadership, Sarma said this was the “appropriate time” for Akhil Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi to negotiate seat-sharing arrangements, claiming that their political relevance would diminish after February 8.

“They should take whatever political advantage they can now, because after February 8, the situation will change,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s remarks have further heightened political tensions in Assam, with the political discourse intensifying as the state moves closer to the Assembly elections.

–IANS

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Karnataka blames Andhra CM for delay in talks on Tungabhadra water

Raichur (Karnataka), Feb 7 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources portfolio, on Saturday said that leaders from the region are pressuring him to prevent 30 TMC of water from the Tungabhadra reservoir from flowing into the sea, and asserted that he is committed to the cause. However, he said the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister is not giving him time to discuss the issue.

“If the Andhra CM gives us an opportunity, we will stop the wastage of 30 TMC of Tungabhadra water and ensure justice to the farmers and people of this region,” Shivakumar said.

He was speaking at the Raichur Utsava programme.

Shivakumar said that MLAs from the district had pressed him to bring in a law to ensure that water reaches tail-end areas of canals.

“Earlier, water was being lifted at the upper reaches and was not reaching the tail-end areas. Therefore, we have enacted a new law. When I was the Irrigation Minister earlier, I had visited this place.

“We sanctioned Rs 300 crore for Bangarappa’s lake, and that project is now being implemented. Our government is committed to replacing all the gates of the Tungabhadra dam, and we will certainly do it,” he said.

He said that several landmark welfare schemes, such as the mid-day meal programme, MGNREGA and Stree Shakti, were launched by Congress-led governments from this region.

“Our party president Mallikarjun Kharge fought hard and brought in Article 371J, bringing major changes to your lives and development. Just as Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B. R. Ambedkar are remembered, the people of this region must remember Kharge. I request you to preserve his name permanently,” he said.

He listed the five guarantee schemes of the Congress government, including free electricity up to 200 units, 10 kg of free rice, free bus travel for women, Rs 2,000 monthly assistance for women heads of households, and unemployment allowance for jobless youth.

“Through these five guarantee schemes, we are bringing change to your lives,” he said.

Emphasising unity, he said, “We are people of different communities gathered here. Though art forms may differ, all artists are the same. There is no caste or religion among artists. This is a land of farmers. You are giving a new form to the Congress government that feeds the hungry and provides education.”

Calling Raichur a land ruled by the Chalukyas, Cholas and Vijayanagara kings, and one that welcomed leaders of all religions, Shivakumar said the government stands with the people and is committed to bringing change to their lives.

He said the government has taken a historic decision regarding healthcare in the district and has resolved to build a super-speciality hospital.

“We are determined to bring an AIIMS-level institution to this region, and a letter has been written to the Union government in this regard,” he said.

He added that in addition to the five guarantees, the government has introduced a sixth guarantee in the form of a land guarantee.

Noting that the government has completed 1,000 days in office, Shivakumar said a programme has been organised in Haveri on February 14.

“You must continue to give strength to this hand by bringing it back to power in the future,” he appealed.

–IANS

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Ahmedabad Crime Branch foils e-commerce scam, five arrested

Ahmedabad, Feb 8 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Saturday arrested five members of a sophisticated interstate gang involved in defrauding major e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart and Amazon, and seized goods and equipment worth Rs 20.5 lakh.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Ramlal alias Romil Gehlot (27), Manoj Kumar Mali (30), Bharat Kumar Sundesha (25), Vishal Panchal (29), all residents of Jalore, Rajasthan, and Vishal Bavri, a resident of Surat.

Two other members, Rishipal Bhati and Vinod, remain at large.

The gang operated across cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Jalore. They infiltrated the logistics chain to replace genuine electronic items with dummy products.

Using multiple fake user IDs and passwords, the gang placed orders for high-value gadgets, which were intercepted by their delivery personnel before reaching customers.

Specialised tools were used to remove genuine products carefully and replace them with identical-looking dummy items.

Orders were then officially marked as ‘cancelled’ or ‘returned’, after which the gang sold the real products in the market for illegal profit.

An official told IANS, “We are currently investigating more directions. These five were arrested as part of the primary investigation. We’ll analyse and reach the root of the case.”

Police have seized eight genuine mobile phones, 25 dummy phones, three dummy earbuds, 12 dummy gaming processors, a camera lens, an electric hair dryer, three glue remover bottles, 14 plastic syringes, two steel tools used to tamper with parcels, packaging material, and a Mahindra Scorpio vehicle used to transport the goods.

During questioning, the accused admitted to previous frauds, including the theft of an iPhone 17 Pro Max and three iPhone 16 Pro devices in Vadodara in January this year, seven mobile phones and 10 Apple Watches in Surat in October 2025, and two Apple Watches in Jalore in December 2025.

The case has been registered at the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) Police Station in the city and is being investigated under Sections 61(2)(a) and 316(5) of the Indian Penal Code.

Authorities have urged customers to remain vigilant while shopping online and warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in such fraudulent activities.

–IANS

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