Stampede case: IPS officer challenges suspension order in Central Administrative Tribunal

Surguja (Chhattisgarh), May 21 (IANS) A wave of excitement has swept through Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the newly modernised Ambikapur Railway Station on May 22.

The project, completed under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), comes as a major boost to the region’s connectivity and infrastructure.

With an investment of Rs 6.29 crore, Ambikapur Railway Station has undergone a remarkable transformation. Modern amenities, aesthetic enhancements, and upgraded passenger facilities have turned the station into a symbol of progress.

Locals see it as more than just a renovation—it’s a gift that reflects the central government’s commitment to regional development.

IANS spoke to a few locals of Surguja district, who expressed their excitement and happiness.

Madhusudan Shukla, a local resident, expressed his delight: “Ever since PM Modi’s government came to power, railway stations across the country have seen continuous development. Ambikapur is no exception. With significant funding approved by the Prime Minister, the station has been completely modernised. The people of Surguja are truly happy to see such visible development.”

Deepak Yadav, another local, added: “All of us in Surguja are excited and proud. Our region had long been deprived of adequate rail facilities. But ever since PM Modi became the Prime Minister, there has been noticeable progress in the railway sector. This station is now a reflection of the new era of connectivity and growth.”

Sanju, a long-time resident of Ambikapur, echoed similar sentiments: “It’s a moment of pride. Our station has been beautified and given a modern identity. Five stations in Chhattisgarh were selected under this scheme, and Ambikapur is one of them. With Tricolour, greenery, modern facilities, and a fresh look, the station is now recognisable. We thank Modi ji and the Central Government for giving our city such emotional and infrastructural importance.”

Bharat Singh Sisodia, BJP District President of Surguja, highlighted the broader significance: “Ambikapur is not just any town—it’s a key tourist destination in Chhattisgarh. The station has been developed with a thematic design to reflect that identity. The set-up includes enhanced beautification, modern amenities, digital systems, and gardens. We’ve long fought for railway expansion in Ambikapur, and now seeing the station’s transformation under the leadership of our beloved Prime Minister makes us immensely happy. We also hope that Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will join the virtual event or visit soon.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the revamped station on May 22 via video conferencing, alongside 102 other redeveloped railway stations spread across 18 states and Union Territories.

The Amrit Bharat Station Yojana, launched in 2021 by the Centre, is on a mission to redevelop over 1,300 railway stations across the country. The scheme’s vision extends far beyond cosmetic changes. It focuses on building safe, inclusive, and tech-enabled stations that cater to the diverse needs of India’s growing railway users.

From better entry and exit points to modernised waiting halls and toilets, the stations under this scheme are being redesigned with user convenience in mind. Amenities such as escalators, lifts, and free Wi-Fi are being installed wherever necessary. Improved signage and digital information systems will help passengers navigate stations more easily. Additionally, select stations will include executive lounges and meeting zones for business travellers.

In an effort to promote local culture and commerce, the initiative also supports the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, where stalls are allocated to showcase and sell region-specific handicrafts and produce. Landscaping, green patches, and art installations further contribute to a more eco-friendly and culturally resonant station environment.

–IANS

jk/dan

New Delhi, Feb 7 (IANS) A Delhi court on Friday deferred, till February 12, the pronouncement of its judgement in a murder case against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The case is related to the killing of a father-son duo in the Saraswati Vihar area on November 1, 1984.

Special judge Kaveri Baweja, who was slated to pronounce the decision on Friday, deferred the pronouncement till February 12.

Earlier on January 31, the Rouse Avenue Court reserved its verdict after hearing additional submissions advanced by Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat.

This case is related to the killings of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in the Saraswati Vihar area during the riots.

On the other hand, advocate Anil Sharma had submitted that Sajjan Kumar’s name was not there from the very beginning and there was a delay of 16 years in naming him as an accused by the witness. It was also submitted that a case in which Sajjan Kumar was convicted by the Delhi High Court is pending appeal before the Supreme Court.

Additional Public Prosecutor Rawat, in rebuttal, had submitted that the accused was not known to the victim. When she became aware of who Sajjan Kumar was, she named him in her statement.

Earlier, senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, appearing for the riot victims, had argued that the police investigations were manipulated in the Sikh riots cases. Police investigation was tardy and to save the accused, he said. It was also argued that during riots, the situation was extraordinary and therefore, these cases have to be dealt with in this context.

During the arguments, Phoolka referred to the judgement of the Delhi High Court and submitted that it was not an isolated case, it was a part of a bigger massacre. It was further argued that as per official figures, 2,700 Sikhs were killed in Delhi in 1984.

Senior advocate Phoolka had referred to the Delhi High Court judgement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot case of Delhi Cantt wherein the court called the riots a “crime against humanity”.

Initially, an FIR was registered at Punjabi Bagh police station. Later on, this case was investigated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted on the recommendation of Justice G.P. Mathur Committee and a charge sheet was filed.

The Justice Mathur committee had recommended the reopening of 114 cases. This case was one of them. On December 16, 2021, the court framed charges against the accused Sajjan Kumar for the commission of the offences punishable under sections 147, 148, and 149 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as the offences punishable under sections 302, 308, 323, 395, 397, 427, 436, and 440 read with section 149 IPC.

It has been alleged by the SIT that the accused was leading the said mob and upon his instigation and abetment, the mob had burnt alive the above two persons and had also damaged, destroyed, and looted their household articles and other property, burnt their house, and also inflicted severe injuries on the person of their family members and relatives residing in their house. It is claimed that during the investigation, material witnesses of the case were traced out, and examined, and their statements were recorded under section 161 CrPC.

The statements of the complainant under the above provision were recorded on November 23, 2016, during the course of this further investigation, in which she again narrated the above incident of looting, arson and murders of her husband and son by the mob armed with deadly weapons and she is also claimed to have deposed therein about the injuries suffered by her and the other victims of the case, including her sister in law who is stated to have subsequently expired.

She had also clarified in that statement that the photograph of the accused was seen by her in a magazine after around one and a half months.

–IANS

pds/vd

Patna, May 5 (IANS) In a major crackdown during the NEET UG 2025 examination, Samastipur Police arrested two individuals on charges of impersonation and examination fraud, officials confirmed on Monday.

The arrested accused have been identified as Dr. Ranjit Kumar, posted in Begusarai jail, and Lal Babu Malik, a resident of Lahariasarai block in Darbhanga district.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sanjay Pandey said that the duo was involved in a scholars-for-hire racket, where original NEET candidates were replaced by impersonators to take the examination on their behalf.

“We observed suspicious activities at an examination centre at Mohanpur on Sunday. Based on the surveillance, we apprehended the suspects and seized their mobile phones,” Pandey said.

He added that upon investigation, police found Multiple NEET admit cards stored on their phones, apart from a car used in the operation and Rs 50 thousand in cash, believed to be part of the deal with the candidates.

“They confessed to charging between Rs 2 to Rs 5 lakh per candidate in exchange for providing a scholar to give the exam,” he added.

ASP Pandey said that the police are now in the process of verifying the admit cards recovered from the mobile phones and identifying the original candidates linked to this racket.

The district police are establishing the extent of the impersonation network and potential beneficiaries.

ASP Pandey clarified that there was no evidence of the question paper leak in Samastipur, and the case is currently limited to impersonation.

The NEET UG 2025 exam, held on Sunday, saw participation from over 1.25 lakh candidates in Bihar alone. A three-layered security system was implemented across all centres.

The administration also installed mobile jammers to block unauthorised communications. The candidates were only allowed to carry admit cards, pens, and transparent water bottles and no mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, or other electronics. The same rules applied to invigilators.

–IANS

ajk/dan