UP school principal divides class on caste basis, removed

Hathras (UP), May 13, 2016, (PTI)

A principal in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district worked out his own "caste arithmetic", segregating students of Class IX on the basis of their caste and appointing class teachers on a similar basis, prompting authorities to remove him.

Acting on complaints that Radhey Shyam Varshney, Principal of Seth Phulchand Bagla Inter College, a government- aided institution, had segregated students on the basis of their caste -- Scheduled Caste, Backward and General -- District Magistrate Avinash Krishna Singh ordered a probe by the District Inspector of Schools (DIoS).

After the matter was found to be true, the principal was removed.

Varshney had also appointed same caste teachers in the class and three of them, working as class teachers, have also been removed from their respective posts.

As per Varshney's scheme of things, a general category teacher was appointed for a classroom having general students. Likewise, a a scheduled caste teacher was chosen for a classroom with SC students, and an OBC teacher for OBC students.

"We had received a complaint of discrimination against Principal of Seth Phulchand Baagla Inter College for separating classes on the basis of caste. We conducted an inquiry and found that three sections -- A, B, C -- of Class 9 had difference in ratio over the distribution of General, SC and OBC students," Singh said.

"Section A had more of General category students as compared with OBC and Schedule Caste, in the same way section B had more OBC students and similarly section C had more SC students," he said.

Some students had alleged that discrimination was being done in the class on basis of caste in seating arrangements and admissions in the college.

They had complained that the absurd practice was going on since April 1, the day new session started.

"We are planning to take strict action...We have advised the college administration to distribute the students evenly in the class and this should be done urgently," the DM added. 

M'gaon case: NIA gives clean chit to Sadhvi; dilutes charges against others

Mumbai, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

In a complete U-turn, the NIA today dropped all charges against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and five others in the 2008 Malegaon blast case while charges under the stringent MCOCA law have been given up against all the other 10 accused including Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit.

During investigation, "sufficient evidences have not been found against" Pragya Singh Thakur and five others, the NIA said, adding it has submitted in the chargesheet "that the prosecution against them is not maintainable".

Today's development in the case, in which seven people were killed in twin blasts when people were coming out of prayers during Ramzan in September 29, 2008.

There have been a lot of twists and turns in the probe into the Malegaon blast which was described as a handiwork of people associated with Hindu right wing groups.

The case was investigated initially by Joint Commissioner of Mumbai's ATS Hemant Karkare who was killed during the 26/11 Mumbai attack. Before the NIA took over the case in 2011, ATS had booked 16 people but filed charge sheets on January 20, 2009 and April 21, 2011 against 14 accused in a Mumbai court.

Purohit and Pragya had moved several applications before Bombay High Court and Supreme Court challenging the charge sheet and applicability of stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the case.

Shiv Narayan Kalsangra, Shyam Bhavarlal Sahu, Praveen Takkalki, Lokesh Sharma and Dhan Singh Choudhury are the other five accused against whom charges have been dropped besides Sadhvi.

The agency also said during investigation that it has been established that no offence is attracted in this case under the Maharashtra Control of Crimes Act (MCOCA), in which any statement given before a SP level officer is admissible as an evidence.

"In furtherance of same, the confessional statements recorded under provisions of MCOC Act by ATS Mumbai have not been relied up on by the NIA in submitting the present Final report," the agency said in its chargesheet.

Lt Col Purohit and nine others will now be tried for charges including murder and conspiracy under the provisions of anti-terror law UAPA, IPC, Arms Act and Explosives Substance Act. 

Director General of NIA Sharad Kumar told reporters today there was no dilution in the case.

Asked about the stand taken by the agency in the past when it had opposed the bail plea of Sadhvi and others even in the Supreme Court, he said "till our investigation was not complete, we had to go by the probe done by the ATS. Now that we have completed the investigations, we have submitted our final report (chargesheet)".

The chargesheet was today submitted by public prosecutor Geeta Godambe before Special Judge S D Tekale here.

Special Public Prosecutor in the case Avinash Rasal said he was not informed about the filing of the chargesheet (by the NIA). "I am hurt and I may resign from the case", Rasal said.

The Congress attacked the NIA decision to drop charges against Sadhvi Praygya and five others besides diluting the case against Lt Col and nine other accused.

Senior leader Digvijay Singh said "as I had predicted BJP and RSS have started the process of saving the Sangh Activists involved in Terror Cases."

"Was the DG of NIA given extension for this?" he asked.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju dismissed the allegation saying government does not interfere in the investigation by the agencies. "We allow agencies to work independently," he said.

 

The NIA mentioned about the Court of Inquiry report of Army against Purohit which claims that ATS officials had barged into his house and apparently "planted" RDX.

However, the NIA has not come to its own conclusion about the claims made by the army in its inquiry report.

The incident took place opposite 'Shakeel Goods Transport Company' between Anjuman Chowk and Bhiku Chowk in Malegaon.

The blast took place by an improvised explosive device fitted in a LML Freedom motorcycle and the probe was handed over to the Maharashtra ATS which first invoked UAPA on October 18, 2008 and stringent MCOCA, a month later in the same year.

The NIA said the investigations in the case were delayed till April 2015 as the accused persons had filed various petitions in higher courts, including the ones regarding applicability of MCOC Act.

However, after the Supreme Court adjudicated on them, the NIA filed charge sheet against 10 people including Ramesh Shivaji Upadhyay, Sameer Sharad Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Rakesh Dhawde, Jagdish Chintaman Mahatre, Purohit, Sudhakar Dhar Dwevedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ramchandra Kalsangra and Sandeep Dange.

All of them have been booked under criminal conspiracy, murder and various provisions of Arms Act, UAPA and Explosives Substance Act. 

Suspended JD(U) MLC files anticipatory bail

Gaya, May 13 (PTI)

Suspended JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi, whose son had allegedly shot dead a youth for overtaking his vehicle, today filed an anticipatory bail petition in the district court in connection with recovery of liquor bottles from her house during a search.

On behalf of Manorama Devi, advocate Qaiser Sarfuddin filed the bail petition in the court of (in-charge) District Judge S N Singh who posted the matter for hearing on Monday.

While talking to reporters here after filing the petition, Sarfuddin said that Manorama Devi, who has been absconding ever since the liquor bottles were found from her Gaya residence, will not surrender before the court.

Manorama Devi's counsel further claimed that she has been "implicated" in the case as the allegations levelled against her are false.

The counsel said that she was not named accused in the FIR in connection with liquor bottle recovery case.

A day after her suspension from JD(U), the Excise department on May 11 sealed residence of the MLC in connection with recovery of liquor bottles as police stepped up search for the legislator who could not be traced.

Officials of Excise department with the help of police sealed the residence of Manorama Devi in posh Anugrah Puri colony, Senior Superintendent of Police Garima Mallik had said.

The Gaya police acquired a warrant of arrest against her on Wednesday in the liquor case.

The house was sealed in the wake of a case registered against the MLC with Rampur Police Station in connection with recovery of 6 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from her house during Monday's search for her son Rocky Yadav who allegedly shot dead a youth in Gaya on Saturday night.

Wife of RJD strongman Bindi Yadav, Manorama Devi became MLC from JD(U) in 2015. Earlier, she was member of Legislative Council from RJD from 2003 to 2009.

Earlier, a case was registered against her husband Bindi Yadav and son Rocky Yadav in connection with seizure of liquor bottles. But, her name was included in the FIR on May 10 in this connection. 

Beni Prasad Verma quits Cong, rejoins SP

Lucknow, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

Former Union Minister Beni Prasad Verma today quit Congress and rejoined Samajwadi Party, a move which is likely to shore up the SP's prospects in the 2017 Assembly polls.

The return of 75-year-old Kurmi leader in Uttar Pradesh to the SP fold assumes significance ahead of the Assembly polls as another Kurmi leader -- Bihar Chief Minister and JD-U chief Nitish Kumar -- is trying to make a dent in the SP votebank.

Kurmi community is the second most dominant OBC caste and a major force to reckon with in the upcoming elections.

Beni, who met SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav at his residence here this morning, made the announcement at a hurriedly convened press conference where Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was present along with some other senior party leaders.

"I was feeling suffocated in the Congress for the past two years. I thank Sonia and Rahulji, but I could not adjust myself in the party in the present scenario. I rejoined the party as I could not oppose Akhilesh Yadav in the coming assembly polls. This party (SP) has been formed by me also and I had named it as Samajwadi Party," Beni said.

Asked about his comments on Mulayam Singh on the issue of Babri mosque demolition, he said, "The time which has gone never comes back. I am not denying anything. For a new start, old things have to be forgotten. Now my objective is to make Akhilesh Chief Minister again."

Earlier, while in Congress, Beni had blamed Mulayam Singh for the demolition.

Welcoming him to the party fold, Mulayam said he did not feel good when Beni left the party.

"His joining the party will strengthen it and boost morale of party workers. We have formed the party together," Mulayam noted.

The Chief Minister said old friends and old wine are always welcomed.

"We will again come to power in 2017 with his (Beni) returning to party fold," he said.

Speculation is rife within the party that Beni might be SP's candidate for Rajya Sabha elections in July when 11 members of the Upper House are retiring and on the basis of SP's strength in the state assembly Samajwadi party can return six members. 

Azam Khan, who was present on the occasion, said when Beni left SP, it caused a lot of pain among party leaders.

"His rejoining will give a good message to party workers and will help in strengthening the party before the Assembly elections," he said.

Once a bitter critic of Mulayam, the former Union Steel Minister, had been meeting the SP supremo quite often of late.

His association with Mulayam spans over four decades but he had parted ways with him before the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

His 'Ghar Wapsi' to Samajwadi Party is likely to have an impact on the electoral fortunes of the ruling party in at least 10 districts of east and central UP and also in Bundelkhand where the Kurmis are in sizeable numbers.

Samajwadi party is also desperate to shore up its electoral support base among Kurmi and other OBCs ahead of the 2017 state assembly elections.

In 2007 UP assembly elections, Verma had floated his own political party, but it failed to open account. In 2009, Verma formally joined Congress and contested the Lok Sabha election from Gonda Lok Sabha seat, but lost.

He was said to be feeling "marginalized" in Congress after losing the May 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Jat stir: 90 officials found negligent by committee

Chandigarh, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

The Prakash Singh Committee report on Jat agitation has identified about 90 officials who indulged in "deliberate negligence" when violence hit Haryana, noting that in some areas "mayhem" was allowed for hours, with authorities turning a blind eye to the loot and damage.

Detailing the situation during the height of the violence that took place in February, the Committee said in one instance a police official was so scared that he ran away while judicial officers rattled by the rampage even took off their nameplates outside their houses to save themselves from attacks.

Prakash Singh, former DGP of UP and Assam, who submitted the report to the government today, however, said that he has not suggested suspension or dismissal of "negligent" officials.

After receiving the report, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the government would examine it and take appropriate action at the earliest.

"Around 90 officers, including IAS and IPS officers, were found indulging in deliberate negligence during Jat agitation. We have made adverse comments against them in the report which was submitted today," Singh said after submitting the report.

"Out of these officers, one third were in Rohtak, which saw maximum violence and damage during the Jat stir," Singh said.

The committee inquired into the role of officers from the rank of Sub Inspector till SP in police and Naib Tehsildar or Duty Magistrate till the rank of Deputy Commissioner in civil administration.

It also examined the role of officers in the affected districts of Rohtak, Jhajjar, Jind, Hisar, Kaithal, Bhiwani, Sonepat and Panipat.

Noting glaring negligence on the part of some officials in violence-hit areas, the former DGP said, "In some areas, it seems, they allowed (mayhem) for hours. I heard from victims who said officials did nothing. They virtually allowed loot and damage by arsonists. We have identified those officials."

Singh said he had found there was complete "lawlessness" in some areas.

"In one sub-division, violence took place for several hours. It seems full freedom was given by officers of that area, including SDM and DSP, for loot and violence to happen. Arsonist looted for six hours. We identified them (officials) and asked for strict action against them," Singh said, while refusing to share the area and names of officials.

"Some people while saving themselves said we did not get orders from seniors. I told them why do you need orders. Houses were being burnt and people were being beaten up and you needed orders. You have rights under Criminal Procedure Code to maintain law and order. It is your responsibility to control the situation," said Singh.

He further said there was confusion in the minds of officials on whether to take action or not.

"Some felt that if they take action and if somebody dies and then will the government defend them or not. It was in their minds. Some even said situation may turn worse. I asked a SHO why he did not save his police station. He said if he used force, they (arsonists) will bash them. One even said that he got scared and he ran away," he said. 

Haryana was rattled by widespread violence during Jat agitation in February which had left 30 people dead with large-scale damage to property in several areas.

State government had appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Singh on February 25 to inquire into the acts of omission and commission on part of police and civil administration officials from February 7 to February 22.

The Committee, which submitted its report within 71 days from the date of formation, hoped that the government would take strict action against those who did not perform their duty in maintaining law and order during the agitation.

"I think the state government will take action and I have got indication that the government wants to prepare action taken report as soon as possible," he said.

"It is important to take strict action against guilty officers to send right message across the officials. If they get away then such kind of violence can be repeated," he said.

However, he further said this report was not binding upon the state government.
Singh said the Commission had heard 2,217 people and recorded their statements.

"We visited places which saw large-scale violence and damage to public property. We met people and also received written statements, affidavits and even memorandum from people. We also got 142 video footage which we analysed during inquiry," he said.

The entire proceedings were video recorded and the hard disc of these recordings would be submitted to Home Department for their record, he said.

The Commission had also met eight judicial officers in Rohtak who strongly criticised the role of district administration during the stir.

"Judicial officers said there was no police and there was no administration and we have quoted it in our report. They were upset. They told us that they were so scared that they had even taken off their nameplates outside their houses to save themselves from any attack," he said.

On "security withdrawal" of judicial officers, he said there was no intention to withdraw their security cover.

"Wherever the need for more security personnel was required they were sent there. In this process, their security cover may have become less. It is not government's intention to withdraw their security," he said.

The Commission submitted its report in two volumes. The first volume of 414 pages contained report and annexures while second report of 37 pages was related to intelligence which will go to the Home Department and DGP.

On the issue of political involvement in the widespread violence during Jat agitation, the Commission said the inquiry was confined only into the acts of omission and commission of police and civil administration officials.

"We have not gone into it as far as role of political involvement is concerned. Justice Jha Commission has been formed by the government which is mandated to probe the conspiracy behind the violence," he said. 

To a query on reports of intelligence failure during the agitation, Singh said there was no negligence as far as intelligence was concerned.

On reports that officials of a particular caste did not act against arsonists, he said the committee did not make any caste-wise analysis of officers and officials.

"We have not done any caste-wise analysis. Those who have not performed duty they have not performed. I do not care to which caste they belong to," he said.

On the Murthal incident, he said the committee did not inquire into it though it went there, saying SIT was already working on the issue.

He said in Jhajjar, there was no coordination between civil and police administration.
To a query, he said he had learnt that Jha Commission had also demanded a copy of the report.

Prakash Singh was assisted by K P Singh, DG Crime (presently Director General of Police) and Vijai Vardhan, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Archives and Cultural Affairs Department in preparing the report.

Pragya Thakur was framed: BJP

New Delhi, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

BJP today welcomed the NIA decision to drop all charges against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and five others in the 2008 Malegaon blast case and suggested a probe against those involved in building the case against her in the UPA government, saying she was "framed".

In an apparent attack on the UPA dispensation, BJP said there was conspiracy over Malegaon and Samjhauta express blasts cases, in which Hindutva groups were prosecuted by investigation agencies, and some politicians worked against the country's interests.

"I was of the opinion from day one that Pragya Thakur and others have just been framed in these cases. All the atrocity a person like Pragya Thakur has undergone, I think had there been any other liberal, law-abiding country there would have been a counter investigation against people involved in it.

"There was nothing against her. There was conspiracy over Malegaon and Samjhauta Express blasts and anti-national forces were fighting. People associated with politics worked against the country's interest. I look with respect at the NIA's decision in favour of Pragya Thakur," party spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi told the media.

Asked about dilution of charges against other accused, including Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit, she said she would not give any clean chit to him or speak for or against him as she does no details of the case against him.

Lekhi said she knew Thakur and is limiting her argument to the Hindutva activist.

She brushed aside Congress leader Digvijay Singh's criticism of the government over the NIA decision, saying he had earlier alleged RSS involvement in the Mumbai attack.

RSS functionary Indresh Kumar alleged that the UPA government had a conspiracy to target Hindutva groups over the blasts.

"The UPA government had linked saffron and Hindutva with terrorism. There cannot be a bigger crime, sin and injustice. That is why the UPA government hatched a political conspiracy. First it had put Muslims behins bars," he told reporters.

HC puts on hold JNU action against Kanhaiya, others

New Delhi, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

In some relief to JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar and others who have the challenged the disciplinary action ordered against them by the varsity, Delhi High Court today put the decision on hold till the appeals of the students are decided by the appellate authority.

Justice Manmohan issued the direction after the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) undertook to immediately withdraw its hunger strike and not to indulge in any further agitation.

The court in its order also said if the appeals of the students were rejected, then the order of appellate authority would not be given effect to till a period of two weeks.

"... till appeals of the students are heard and disposed of, impugned orders (of April 25) will not be given effect to. In the event appeals of the petitioners are rejected, the appellate orders will not be given effect to a period of two weeks," the court said in its order.

The judge made it clear that the "protection is conditional upon JNUSU complying with its undertaking that it will immediately withdraw the continuing strike and will not indulge in any further dharna, agitation or strike".

The court also told the students to "bring the temperature down" as the issue was "too hot right now" after the lawyers for the students claimed that some form of protest should be allowed if something else happens in future.

The court, thereafter, gave them the liberty to move "peaceful representations" before the authorities concerned and also asked the varsity to be "reasonable" and to be "alive to the situation".

The order, however, would not be applicable to Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, who have challenged their rustication, till they file an application saying they would be appealing against JNU's decision which was taken on the basis of recommendations of a high level enquiry committee (HLEC).

Five-year plans on way out, 15-year vision from next fiscal

New Delhi, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

The government has decided to replace Nehruvian five-year plans being followed for over six decades with a 15-year vision document to be prepared by NITI Aayog that will cover internal security and defence.

Earlier, five-year plans did not cover subjects like internal security and defence as the policy documents focussed on sectors like infrastructure, commerce, education and health.

"The Prime Minister's Office has entrusted NITI Aayog (with the job) to come up with a 15-year vision document for a period up to 2030 which will be co-terminus with the Sustainable Development Goals. This will be a 15-year perspective plan," a source said.

NITI Aayog will also prepare a 7-year strategy from 2017-18 to 2023-24 to convert a long-vision document into implementable policy and action as part of the national developmental agenda.

There will also be a mid-term review of the 7-year strategy in the year ending March 2020.

"A 3-year action Plan for 2017-18 to 2019-20 as part of the National Development Agenda will be aligned with the 14th Finance Commission award period," the source said.

The source further said the draft appraisal document of the 12th Plan (2012-17) is currently being finalised and the exercise for the vision document and 7-year strategy paper will be initiated shortly.

Several committees have questioned the merit in having Plan and Non-Plan classification of government expenditure and the general view is that it has skewed allocations in the Budget and the classification should be done on the basis of revenue and capital expenditure.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced in his Budget speech this year that Plan and non-Plan classification will be done away with from 2017-18.

In order to draw up strategies, the sector-specific working groups and steering committees will be formed by involving Union ministries/departments and associating state governments, experts, academia, professionals and the like.

A former Planning Commission member Abhijit Sen said, "The five-year plans were backed by 15-20 years of vision. Now, they will talk in generality on all issues without taking a medium term plan."

Asked whether this kind of long-term planning will make any difference, Sen replied in the negative.

He said the institution is expected to form a view on the basis of its internal thinking and the government's vision and develop strategy with objectives and incentives and see whether different ministries work in tandem.

He felt that after formation of NITI Aayog, ministries are afraid of the Finance Ministry (because it allocates funds) and are taking NITI Aayog for granted.

Maha ATS used torture to extract confession: NIA

Mumbai, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has raised questions over the Maharashtra  Anti Terrorism Squad's (ATS) handling of the Malegaon blast case in which it has been accused of using torture to extract confessional statement from the accused and the invoking of MCOCA provisions against them.

In the supplementary chargesheet filed today in a special court in the case of the 2008 blast in which seven people were killed, the NIA listed many "shortcomings" in the ATS' investigations and claims how courts did not believe the confession statements of the accused.

The NIA said that accused Sudhakar Dwivedi when produced before the magistrate for confirmation of the confessional statement made by him, stated that his confession  was the outcome of torture meted out to him.

The agency also said that "dubious" methods adopted during investigation by ATS become crystal clear from the disappearance of one of the main witness.

"The CBI during its investigation in the disappearance of the witness has submitted findings against the officers of the ATS Mumbai," the agency said.

"ATS Mumbai invoked MCOCA on the basis of the involvement of accused Rakesh Dhawade in the previous two blast cases i.e. Parbhani and Jalna in which the concerned courts had taken the cognisance. The way and circumstances in which the ATS invoked the provisions of MCOCA in this case becomes questionable", the NIA chargesheet said.

According to the NIA chargesheet a case was registered in November 2003 in Parbhani bomb blasts. The chargesheet was filed against two accused persons Sanjay Choudhary and Himanshu Panse. While in September 2006 first supplementary chargesheet was filed against accused Maruthi Keshav Wagh and Yogesh Deshpande.

"The second supplementary chargesheet was filed against accused Dhawade on Novmber 13, 2008 after his arrest on November 11, 2008 i.e within two days of his arrest (in Parbhani case)," the NIA said.

"This raises considerable doubt on the integrity of invoking of MCOCA by ATS," the chargesheet said.

The federal anti-terror agency also said that a case was registered in August 2004 in Jalna bomb blasts case against unknown persons and the chargesheet was filed against accused Maruti Keshav Wagh on September 30, 2006. Then the first supplementary chargesheet was filed against Yogesh Deshpande, Gururaj Jairam, Rahul Manohar Pandey and Sanjay Choudhary in the case on January 7, 2008.

"Second supplementary chargesheet was filed against accused Dhawde on November 15, 2008 on the day he was arrested in that (Jalna) case. It may be mentioned that in this case, no accused was shown as wanted in the earlier chargesheets," the NIA document said.

The agency also said that Dhawde was arrested in the 2008 Malegoan blast case on November 2, 2008 and four days later Sukhwinder Singh, the then additional commissioner of ATS, sent a letter to Police inspector of Aurangabad ATS and instructed him that arrested accused Dhawde has disclosed that he had organized a training camp in July/August 2003 at Singhgad (Pune) in which the arrested accused in Parbhani blasts had participated.

"Further (Sukhvinder Singh) directed to formally arrest Dhawde and to investigate the crime," said the NIA chargesheet.

According to NIA, the investigation officer of Malegoan 2008 case, Mohan Kulkarni sent a letter to the police inspector local crime branch (LCB) Jalna and informed that Dhawde has disclosed that eight persons had come for taking training of preparation of explosives and carrying  out test blasts for terror activities.

Kulkarni, NIA said, also informed that Dhawde had received eight recruits from Pune railway station and taken them to Singhgad and looked after their logistic arrangements.

"Kulkarni directed the inspector of LCB to arrest accused Dhawde in the Jalna blast case", the NIA chargesheet said.

The agency said that on considering the dates of arrest and filing of chargesheet (against Dhawde) it is apparent that there was hardly any time available to ATS Mumbai to collect the evidence against the accused before filing of chargesheet.

"The said chargesheets were filed with the sole purpose of fulfilling the condition of the enabling provision of MCOCA Act", the NIA said.

The NIA also said that there is no evidence to show that the accused persons (in Malegoan 2008 case) had any knowledge of the involvement, if any, of accused Dhawde in Parbhani and Jalna bomb blast cases.

"Accused Rakesh Dhawde met another accused (Lt Colonel) Prasad Purohit for the first time in mid of the year 2005 at Pune. It is on record that he had not attended any meeting of Abhinav Bharat held at Faridabad, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Kolkata and Nashik," the agency said.

In the chargesheet NIA also said that there is no evidence on record to show that Dhawde had informed any of the accused in 2008 Malegoan blast case regarding the alleged Singhgad training or his involvement in Parbhani and Jalna case. Neither there is evidence of any of the accused persons of the Malegoan 2008 case knowing of the involvement of Dhawde in any continuing criminal activity.

The agency said confession of Dhawde before the Mumbai police has been retracted pointing out that certain key words and sentences were not stated by him.

"Dhawde has been acquitted in Jalna case where a finding has been given by the court after a full-fledged trial wherein the prosecution case against him is that he imparted training to others in bomb making and explosion. Similar is the contention of ATS in the Malegoan blast case and same set fo witnesses have been relied upon all of whom were not believed in the Jalna case trial by the court," the agency said in its chargesheet.

New FTII director hints at crackdown on ragging, alcoholism

Pune, May 13, 2016 (PTI)

After witnessing a prolonged unrest, Film And Television Institute of India may be revamped as its new director Bhupendra Kainthola today hinted towards a crackdown on ragging and alcoholism on the campus.

Spelling out his pro-student measures to improve atmosphere on the campus after the scene of 139-day-long strike on the issue of chairmanship of TV actor Gajendra Chauhan drew nought, Kainthola said he would have a "zero tolerance" policy for rampant ragging and alcoholism in the premiere institute.

"Although I have not received official complaints of ragging, during my interaction with students, particularly females, I have perceived it is happening and they are scared to go on record to say it. Actually, it has resulted in a decline in the number of female students seeking admission to FTII," he told PTI here.

Kainthola, who succeeded Prashant Pathrabe recently, said alcoholism too was taking toll on the health of the students and that he had also "heard" of instances of drug abuse on the campus.

"We are going to have a zero tolerance policy for all this. If necessary we will rope in institutions such as Alcoholic Anonymous and de-addiction therapists," he said.

Outlining his priorities, the FTII director said a revision of the three-year syllabus was underway and he would ensure that the students completed their three year course without spilling over the prescribed timeline.

"We are recruiting new faculty members and we shall also approach famous film industry personalities to interact with the students as visiting faculty in order to impart practical experience for the would-be industry professionals being trained at the FTII," he added.

Asked whether the FTII management had any plans to withdraw the cases filed against a group of students booked in connection with the gherao of former director Pathrabe during the heated atmosphere of the strike against Chauhan's appointment, Kainthola said any decision in the matter would be taken after due deliberations.

During the strike, some students had barged into his office of Pathrabe in August last year, objecting to his decision on assessment of 2008 batch projects.

"The matter at present is sub-judice," he added.

He said the FTII management was committed to making the institute a centre of academic excellence and there would be no budgetary constraints in procuring necessary equipment and providing necessary facilities to the students to pursue their goals.

One coaching student killed, other injured in clash in Kota

Kota, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

A 19-year-old coaching student was killed and another sustained injuries when the duo was attacked by a group of students armed with iron roads and knives in a student mess here, police said today.

The two were reportedly attacked last night by a group of students who have formed a local gang, said Ashok Sharma, ASI at Mahaveernagar police station.

A case has been registered under various sections against 10 identified and 15 unidentified students in this connection, he said, adding the key accused Abhishek Tiwari and his close aides managed to flee after the clash.

Satyarth alias Satya Prakesh, a resident of Nabada district in Bihar was attacked by nearly 20-25 students while he was having dinner in a mess.

Satyarth died on the spot, he said, adding another coaching student from Bihar Sandeep Kumar (18), also sustained knife wounds and is undergoing medical treatment.

The deceased had been taking coaching for AIPMT in Kota for around three years and had been staying in the hostel room, the ASI said.

However, the other injured student had sought admission in a coaching institute here just five days ago, he added.

The gang has been operative in Mahaveernagar and Jawharnagar areas which accommodate prime coaching institutes of the city, the ASI said.

Railways withdraw Rs 4 crore water bill

New Delhi, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

Railways today withdrew the Rs 4 crore water bill sent to the Latur district administration and promised to continue to run water trains to cater to the need of the people in the parched areas of Marthahwada region till the crisis is over.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the entire operation and has directed that the concerned officials to continue to run the trains till the time there is a need of water and the settlement of the operational expenses will never be a constraint in this regard, according to the statement by railways.

Till now more than 6 crore litres of water has been transported by the Railways from Miraj to Latur. Railway named these trains as "Jaldoot" to emphasize importance of this crucial endeavour.

According to railways, recently the Latur district administration requested Central Railway Administration to indicate the cost of water transportation by railways. In response to this request, Central Railway shared the information on cost of operation in transporting the water.

The settlement of expenditure is not relevant at this point of time as the most important matter is to continue uninterruptedly with the transportation of water to the people in their hour of need, the statement added.

Prabhu has further ordered that the estimate of expenditure which was sent to the Latur district administration, on their request, will be withdrawn immediately.

"The issue of settlement of dues is being considered separately by the Railway Ministry," it said.

Taking note of severe drought condition in Maharashtra, Prabhu took initiative and ordered the Railways to immediately make necessary arrangements for transportation of water in the drought affected areas of state.

Towards this end, Railway Board immediately arranged 100 tank wagons through its Kota Workshop and dispatched them to Maharashtra. Mumbai based Central Railway Zone geared up its machinery and directed its two Divisions namely Solapur and Pune to make arrangements for water transportation.

For the first ten days when the local state administration at Miraj and Latur were to lay pipelines and to create suitable infrastructure, Pune Division of Central Railways on its own, started transporting water through a 10 tank wagon goods train using its limited resources and man power. 

Later, after the laying down of pipelines by the local administration, efforts were strengthened and goods train consisting of 50 wagons was pressed into service.

Railway Administration in Solapur and Pune Divisions is working day and night to accomplish this mega task of transporting water from Miraj to Latur. The entire exercise has been done involving huge logistic arrangements and mobilization of resources.

Railways maintained that in the hour of crisis, Railway Administration rose to the occasion to meet the water needs in the drought affected areas of Maharashtra and together with the local State administration carried out this ongoing exercise in the most effective manner.

Malegaon case: NIA decision vindication of Salian's claim, says Cong

Mumbai, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

Congress today termed the NIA decision to drop all charges against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and five others in the 2008 Malegaon blast case as vindication of the disclosure made by former special public prosecutor Rohini Salian that "NIA was asking her to go soft on Hindu terror suspects" while BJP and Shiv Sena welcomed the NIA move.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president and former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said today's events "prove" what Salian had said about the NIA.

"The NIA's decision of removing Sadhvi's name from the chargesheet indicates how people related to Sangh Parivar are being saved despite being involved in heinous crimes.

"It is shocking that NIA now says there is no evidence against her (Sadhvi) when an officer like Hemant Karkare, who laid down his life for the nation, had investigated the episode," Chavan said.

The Congress also claimed the Central investigation agencies are under "tremendous pressure" of the BJP regime.

The BJP and Shiv Sena welcomed the NIA decision to drop all charges against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and five others and alleged that Sadhvi and another accused Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit were "framed" in the case at the behest of Congress.

Terming Pragya Thakur and Purohit as two "respectable people", Shiv Sena demanded a monetary compensation for Sadhvi for her "false implication" by the previous government.

"We have always been saying that these two (Sadhvi and Lt Col Purohit) have been framed wrongly. The word saffron terror was first coined by (former Finance minister) P Chidambaram and stressed upon by (NCP chief) Sharad Pawar. Who is to be held responsible for almost 10 years that she (sadhvi) spent behind bars? Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande said.

"These two are respectable people. The Congress has been exposed today on how they used investigation agencies to defame Hindu religion. The government needs to provide monetary compensation to Sadhvi for the troubles she has gone through," she said.

BJP spokesperson Shaina N C said her party has nothing to do with the decision of NIA.

"When Sadhvi first went to jail, there was no concrete evidence against her. She was arrested despite not having substantial proof. If the NIA has something to suggest, we have to have faith in the judiciary. Judiciary works on evidence and not on hearsay or what political parties have to say. Allegations that the BJP has to do something with the NIA's decision are absolutely false and untrue," she said.

WB records 85% turnout in final phase

Cooch Behar, May 6, 2016, DHNS

The combined cover of central and state police personnel ensured that the final phase of polling in Bengal remained uneventful on Thursday at Cooch Behar and East Midnapore. 

At Cooch Behar, home to erstwhile enclaves, thousands came out to exercise their right as Indian citizens for the first time. The voter turnout touched nearly 85% by the end of day’s polling at 6 pm.

One hundred-and-three-year-old Asgar Ali, arguably the oldest voter this polling season, cast his vote for the first time in 68 years, since India and Bangladesh broke the limbo of the enclaves and formally exchanged the ‘land-islands’ in July-August 2015. “It was Allah’s wish that I see this day. Now that I’ve been able to vote as a free Indian, I have no more regrets and I can die in peace,” the centenarian from Mashaldanga in Cooch Behar said. Asgar, who came along with his grandson Jainul Abedin, youngest son Billal Hossain and other family members, cast his vote after a central policeman on duty at the polling booth helped to carry him inside so that he could cast his vote.

While family members of Akkel Ali, yet another first-time voter from Mashaldanga, claimed, he too had crossed 100, the matter could not be settled as his voter card stated his age to be 84. Young and old alike, voters from all over the former enclaves, spanning 5 Assembly seats, queued outside their respective polling booths since early in the morning, turning the day into one of festivities. 

Saddam Ali, a 24-year-old voter, lamented the passing of his 86-year-old grandfather a few days ago. “My grandfather was very excited after receiving his voter card. I wish he was here to witness this,” he said.

Thursday’s polling, which decided the fate of 170 candidates at 25 seats across the 2 districts, saw heavy polling from the beginning, with the poll percentage standing at slightly over 23 by 9 am, within the first 2 hours. The percentage steadily increased through the day, reaching 74 by 3 pm. 

The poll percentage recorded at 5 pm stood at 84.24, with Cooch Behar showing nearly 83 and East Midnapore at around 85. More than 58 lakh voters sealed the fate of candidates across nearly 7,000 booths in the 2 districts, where ruling Trinamool Congress had been ahead in the last few elections.

The ruling party, however, ran into trouble at Cooch Behar after the election commission registered FIRs against Udayan Guha, Trinamool candidate from Dinhata and Rabindranath Ghosh, party district president and candidate from Natabari. 

The EC had received complaints that both leaders were organising false votes, besides moving around in a vehicle bearing the party logo and misbehaving with polling officers. At Tamluk in East Midnapore, heavy-weight Trinamool candidate Nirbed Roy ran into controversy after allegedly distributing food packets bearing his photograph. 

EC officials reported that the day remained without any incidents of violence, making the final round most peaceful of all the phases. 

Seized pen drive reveals JeM terror plans

NEW DELHI, May 6, 2016, DHNS

An 8GB pen drive which was recovered from suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists contained their plans to attack shopping malls in south Delhi.

The terror strike plans were at an early stage as the suspects were learning to build improvised explosive devices, police said.

The suspects, arrested on Tuesday night, were at first attracted to the Islamic State and planned to carry out attacks to avenge the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. They then got in touch with JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar’s brother Talha, who gave them instructions on conducting terror attacks in the national capital.

The suspected terrorists were also part of a WhatsApp group allegedly handled by Talha. According to police, their movements were monitored for about a year.

Mohammad Sajid, the kingpin of the group, had called meetings in December 2015 in which he showed a blueprint on making IEDs.

“The group used to meet at Sajid’s house for at least two years and also watched jihadi videos and Azhar’s speeches on social media,” said a police officer.

Sajid and another arrested suspect Shakir Ansari were also invited to attend a training programme in Pakistan. But they were told to prove their worth by carrying out a strike in the capital first.

Sources said all the arrangements had been made for Shakir to visit Pakistan for training. Sajid, however, failed to obtain a passport.

In an intercepted conversation, police also learnt that Sajid contacted his accomplice and told him that he had prepared a ‘product’. He was looking for an opportunity to test its capacity and range.

Sources said a police informer managed to enter Sajid’s module and was present at their meetings.

Assam Rifles officer held in gold heist case

Ratnadip Choudhury, Guwahati, May 6, 2016, DHNS

Troopers stole 52 gold biscuits worth Rs 14.5 cr

A senior officer of the Assam Rifles was arrested on Thursday by the Mizoram Police on charges of robbery.

According to Mizoram Police sources,  Commandant of the Aizawl-based 39th battalion of the Assam Rifles Col Jasjit Singh was arrested in state capital Aizawl on charges of being the mastermind behind the highway robbery involving Rs 14.5 crore worth of gold bars, which were to be  smuggled from neighbouring Myanmar.

On April 21, the driver of the looted vehicle Lalnunfela filed an FIR at the Aizawl police station claiming he was intercepted by troopers from the 39 Assam Rifles who went away with 52 gold biscuits.

The driver also said although the incident took place on the night of December 14 last year, he was afraid that if he revealed the truth he might be bumped off. He gathered courage and reported the incident, Mizoram Police sources added.

The Mizoram government had constituted a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on April 22 to investigate the matter and registered cases including dacoity and criminal conspiracy.

In April, the SIT picked up eight Assam Rifles jawans, accused of participating in the dacoity. The men are now in custody and had revealed about the involvement of Col Singh.

Col Singh applied for an anticipatory bail, but  was rejected by the Aizawl District and Sessions Judge Lucy Lalrinthari and he was arrested in the court premises.

Meanwhile, the Aizawl-based 23 Sector of the Assam Rifles has suspended Col Singh with immediate effect after his arrest, Assam Rifles sources added. Apart from the eight Assam Rifles troopers and the Col Singh, the SIT had arrested four other people, including a few influential students’ leaders. The students’ leaders have been sent to judicial custody.

7 killed as thunderstorm hits Kumbh

Ujjain, (MP), May 6, 2016, PTI

Casualties due to collapse of tents and gates erected at mela site in Ujjain

Seven people were killed and around 90 others injured when heavy rains accompanied by lightning and squall flattened and uprooted makeshift tents of pilgrims in and around the site of ongoing Simhatha Kumbh Mela here on Thursday evening.

“Seven people have been killed and 90 other injured in and around the Mela area,” Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Ravindra Pastaur told PTI. The second “Shahi Snan” (royal bath) is slated for May 9.

Prima facie, the casualties resulted due to collapse of tents and some gates erected at the Kumbh area.

Among the deceased is a woman pilgrim who was killed in Undasa area when lightning struck her.

According to police official B S Chauhan, nearly a third of the tents put up by the pilgrims were blown away in the squall.

It will take at least a week to erect them again, he said.

Authorities fear that the death toll may rise as the rescuers are clearing the collapsed tents and pulling out the people trapped under them.

Terming the incident as painful, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased persons and Rs 50,000 to seriously injured and Rs 25,000 to the minor injured, an official spokesman said.

Chouhan would visit Ujjain on Friday to take stock of the situation.

He tweeted that rescue teams, officials and public representatives have reached the spot and that they will take care of the pilgrims.

The rain made large parts of the Mela ground slushy, making the rescue operation difficult. Authorities have cut off the electricity supply to the area as a precautionary measure.

The deceased have been identified as Rumal Kaur, Amba Bai, Prahlad, Bhagirath, Rishi Prasad and Bhuti Bai, District Hospital Police Post Head Constable Babulal said.
However, the identity of the woman pilgrim who was killed in Undasa area is not established yet.

According to eye witnesses, a big drainage suffered a breach on Ramghat on the banks of Kshipra River as a result of which filthy water is gushing into the river.

The state government has spent more than Rs 3,600 crore for developing infrastructure and facilities for the month-long congregation.