Delhi Police begins probe into Twitter handle that prompted it to issue alert

New Delhi, Feb 14, 2016 (PTI)

Delhi Police today initiated a probe into the now-defunct Twitter handle in name of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, on which a message was posted in support of the JNU student stir that prompted it to issue an alert.

"We got to know that the Twitter handle has been deleted. We have initiated a probe into the matter, starting with tracking the handler, who can also be charged with sedition in view of the contents posted," a senior officer said.

Special Commissioner of Police (Operations) Sundari Nanda, who monitors Delhi Police's Twitter handles, said, "When the tweet was brought to our notice, we, as a law enforcement agency, issued the alert based on its content which was found to be anti-national."

"We checked the particular Twitter handle and most of its tweets and activities on the micro-blogging site were found to be anti-national. No matter who the handler was, the content was threatening, especially in the backdrop of the ongoing agitation at JNU," she said.

The alert was issued by one of Delhi Police's official twitter handles on Friday, on which it said, "This is to alert and sensitise the student community in JNU and across the country. Do not get carried away by such seditious anti-national rhetoric. Abetment of any kind of anti-national activity is a punishable offence."

In the alert, Delhi Police had also pinned a tweet posted on Wednesday by the handle -- #HafeezSaeedJUD, which says, "We request our Pakistani brothers to trend #SupportJNU for our pro-Pakistani JNUite brothers."

Twitterati criticised Delhi Police, alleging that it issued an alert without verifying the source of the pinned tweet. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the JNU stir received support from Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Saeed and this needs to be understood by the nation. 

Massive fire at 'Make in India' cultural event in Mumbai,stage gutted

Mumbai, Feb 14, 2016, (PTI)

A massive fire tonight engulfed the stage at a cultural event held at Girgaum Chowpatty seafront here where a string of film celebrities and political leaders were present as part of the high-profile 'Make in India' investment meet but there were no casualties.

The fire that broke out at around 8.22 pm was put under control, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters.

"No casualties reported, no one is injured," he said.

All the VVIPs including Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan were safely evacuated to safer areas. The programme was later called off.

Bachchan had left the stage a few minutes before the fire started.

The disaster management plan put in place ensured the safe passage of the people attending the event--"Maharashtra Rajni", Fadnavis, who personally monitored the evacuation operation from the venue, said.

The blaze was brought under control in quick time by 14 fire engines and 10 water tankers with swift evacuation of thousands of people.

The exact cause of the fire that broke out one hour after the entertainment segment had begun was not known but state BJP spokesman Atul Shah, who was seated in the front row, said the fire apparently broke out from beneath the stage.

Shiv Sena MLA Vijay Shivtare said a spark was noticed beneath the stage, which was a "wooden structure", before the fire broke out. Shivtare said there were 500 artistes behind the stage and an estimated 50,000 people, several of them VIPs, had assembled at the venue.

Actor Vivek Oberoi, who was at one of the flanks of the stage and was getting ready to perform another event, said the flames leapt 4O to 50 feet high and there was threat of it spreading to nearby tents beause of the strong sea breeze but things were brought under control because of timely coordination between various agencies.

The blaze broke out when a lavani (dance) performance was underway.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday had stayed a Bombay High Court order and allowed the Maharashtra government to hold an event at Girgaum Chowpatty beach to kickstart the 'Make in India Week' programme, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Fadnavis said a comprehensive inquiry was ordered into the fire and other 'Make in India' events will not be affected.

"I must compliment the authorities for quick action, they saved lives of many people," said Ashish Shelar, BJP leader.

"I was watching a dance performance when this happened, then suddenly the stage was engulfed by smoke. I was backstage when this happened. Authorities were quick to react and evacuated people from there," actor Isha Koppikar said.

Lyricist Prasoon Joshi said he was there at the event because Amitabh Bachchan was reciting His poem. "As soon as the recital got over, I left the venue and another event started and suddenly the fire broke out,"  

Fadnavis said the venue was evacuated immediately and traffic management allowed early disbursal without any trouble.

"A fire safety audit was conducted prior to the programme and all SOPs were followed. Number of fire fighting equipment were kept stationed at venue. A comprehensive inquiry into the incidence of fire will be conducted to ascertain the reason," he said.

Superstar Aamir Khan said, "It was a very bad fire and spread at an alarming speed due to wind. I am fortunate to be alright. Police and fire dept did a wonderful job in evacuating people. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Evacuation was smooth".

Event Manager Sabbas Joseph said, "Everyone is safe and fire is under control".

Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray hailed the role of Mumbai police and Fire officials in putting out the flames swiftly.

"Unfortunate fire at Make in India event at Chowpatty. As of now all safe, great efforts by @Mumbai Police and Fire dept. in evacuation," he tweeted.

NCP leader Sachin Ahir alleged that the "shoddy planning and organisation (of event) led to the tragedy".

"Action should be taken for those responsible for the fire," he said.

On the incident, actor Shreyas Talpade said, "I was going on stage after a dance performance and during that performance someone noticed a fire on the stage and informed the authorities.

"People who were performing on the stage could not see the blaze. But the authorities, including the disaster management team, acted immediately. If anyone had stayed on the stage even for a minute, it would have been disastrous," he told PTI.

Actor Vivek Oberoi said the incident occurred when a dance performance was underway.

"After hosting the show, I went to change and my performance was lined up next.

There was a dance performance going on and this unfortunate incident happened.

It was due to wind that the blaze engulfed the stage.

"The organisers immediately switched off the music and started evacuating people including the VIPs and common people very systematically. I stayed back to help the police, Fire officials who handled this crisis very well. We should not think it (the mishap) as a dampener and should not dwell on it". 

Afzal Guru row: FTII, 40 central varsities extend support to JNU students

New Delhi, Feb 14, 2016, (PTI)

Teachers of 40 Central Universities today came out in support of their counterparts and students in JNU protesting the arrest of the varsity's students union president in a sedition case.
Students of pune-based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), who were supported by JNU students in their protest against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the institute's chairman, also expressed solidarity with the agitators and accused the government of harassing and threatening those who dare to oppose its ideology.

Nandita Narain, President of Federation of Central University Teachers Association (FEDCUTA), said teachers' bodies of 40 central universities, including Hyderabad University, have extended support to the agitation by the students and the teaching community of JNU.

"The event could be in bad taste but was not seditious. Whatever opposition the students have is against the present government and not against the Constitution.

This kind of police action against the students on the pretext of national security is uncalled for," Narain said.

"JNU has stood for excellence over decades, its students have always raised their voice whenever there has been any issue in varsities across the country...be it Rohith Vemula's suicide in Hyderabad university or the FTII row. It's time we stand by them," she added.

A faculty of Ambedkar University said, "Today it is JNU, tomorrow it could be any other university. Any voice of dissent being branded as anti-national is dangerous for any educational institution or community at large. No university should allow such indiscriminate raids on student hostels."

Harishankar Nachimuthu, the president of Students Association, FTII, in a statement said, "We express our solidarity with the JNU students and condemn the random arrest of JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar on charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy and demand his immediate release."

"The current government had not learnt anything from the tragic death of Rohith Vemula and is continuing with the vilification, harassment and threat to those who dare to oppose its ideology," he added.

JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested earlier this week in connection with a case of sedition and criminal conspiracy registered over holding of the event at the varsity during which anti-India slogans were allegedly raised.  
 

Mukul Roy made TMC's all India vice-president

Kolkata, Feb 14, 2016, (PTI)

Trinomool Congress MP Mukul Roy, who had been stripped of all party posts last year, was today made the party's all-India vice president by its supremo Mamata Banerjee ahead of the assembly election in the state.

Mukul Roy has been made all-India vice president of the party, TMC Secretary General Partha Chatterjee told PTI.

Roy said he has received a letter informing him about the appointment. "I will perform all my duties and responsibilities whatever my party supremo Mamata Banerjee asks me to do," Roy told PTI.

"My aim will be to ensure that the party wins the upcoming assembly election with more than 250 seats and we defeat the enemies of Bengal -- Congress, CPI(M) and BJP," the Rajya Sabha member said.

Roy had lost all his party posts following his questioning by the CBI in February last year in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam.

However, he met Banerjee, also West Bengal Chief Minister, in December in Delhi and at her residence here on January 1. Thereafter, he was seen with Banerjee at various party programmes.  

A group of youths attack CPI(M) headquarters, three held

New Delhi, Feb 14, 2016, (PTI)

A group of youths today allegedly tried to vandalise CPI(M) headquarters here as the police detained one of them while two others surrendered in the evening.
While the CPI(M) alleged the attackers were RSS-BJP workers who also hurled stones, the police said the detainee claimed to be member of an outfit called the 'Aam Aadmi Sena'.

"Three youths came to the CPI(M) office where they sprayed black ink on the building wall. While one of them, Sushant Khosla, was held by CPI(M) workers and handed over to police, two others, identified as Ved Prakash and Rocky, surrendered before us in the evening," DCP (New Delhi) Jatin Narwal said.

"The youth told police that he is a member of the Aam Aadmi Sena," he said.

No case has been registered so far, the DCP said.

Confirming the attack, CPI(M) General Sitaram Yechury said "They tried to write slogans like 'Pakistan Zindabad' on our office board. They were pursued by our comrades and one of them was caught and handed over to the police."

"We condemn this attack. The RSS which venerates the assassins of Mahatma Gandhi, is now branding the most secular democratic force, the CPI (M), as anti-national.

"We do not need certificates of patriotism from the murderers of Gandhi. We will meet this challenge politically," he told PTI.

Yechury alleged that RSS was doing such things to divert attention from the complete mess they have brought to the country in terms of economic and social conditions. "They want to divert the attention of the people by whipping communal polarisation."

CPI(M) sources said the youths threw stones and shouted slogans like 'CPI(M) Desh Chhodo' (CPI-M quit the country).

They added that the attack on party office was the BJP's signal to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the party was "anti-CPI(M)".

The Left party has already been accusing TMC and BJP of entering into an "underhand deal" ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls.

CPI National Secretary D Raja strongly condemned the incident, saying "The Sangh Parivar cannot subvert our democratic political system and the constitutional arrangement of our polity."

"If they have anything to argue, they can argue but they should not resort to such cowardly and uncivilised attacks," Raja said.  

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) politburo also condemned the "cowardly" attack on its Central Committee office in New Delhi and demanded the police investigate the matter "thoroughly" and take action against the "culprits" and their "mentors".

"Those who hero worship the murderer of Mahatma Gandhi as a 'national hero' have the temerity to accuse the CPI(M) of being anti-national.

"We do not require certificates of patriotism from such elements. This is a politically motivated attack on the CPI(M) party headquarters.

"The CPI-M will meet this challenge politically and defend ourselves against such attacks," the politburo said in a statement. 

Shatrughan invites Nitish to release book on him

Patna, Feb 11, 2016(PTI)

 In yet another action which could embarrass BJP, actor-turned-party MP Shatrughan Sinha has requested "dear friend" Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to release a book written on him.
Sinha, who is at odds with BJP after being sidelined in recent the Bihar Assembly elections, told PTI that he would also invite RJD president Lalu Prasad for the book launch.

Asked if leaders of his own party would be called for the book launch function in Patna, he quipped, "It concerns Art and Culture and not Agriculture. Only those who deserve would be invited for the function."

The book, "Anything but Khamosh", written by a Mumbai based journalist, was first released in Delhi by Sinha's "friend, philosopher and guide" and senior BJP leader L K Advani last month.

Sinha said he called on Kumar at his residence for nearly an hour yesterday during which he made the request to him for launching the book in Patna in third week of March, the date of which is yet to be finalised.

Sources close to the actor-turned-BJP leader who were present with him at the time of the meeting said Kumar showed a lot of warmth and acted as a perfect host by coming out and seeing off the BJP MP in his car.

When asked what other issues cropped up during the meeting, Sinha said, "propriety demands secret must be kept secret."

Sinha, popularly known as "Bihari Babu", had left BJP leaders fuming over his meeting with Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad separately two days back.

Prasad, accompanied by wife Rabri Devi, exchanged pleasantries with Shatrughan and his elder brother Lakhan Sinha and went for photo-op of the interaction on Tuesday at Patna Airport.

Prasad had lauded Sinha for single-handedly taking on the leadership of BJP for trying to sideline him (Sinha). 

Herald case: SC to consider early hearing of Sonia, Rahul plea

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2016, (PTI):

The Supreme Court today said it will consider the pleas of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi that their appeals against the Delhi High Court verdict, refusing to quash summons issued to them in the National Herald case, be heard tomorrow.

A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice R Banumathi assured senior advocate Kapial Sibal, representing the Gandhis, by saying "we will look into it".

Sibal said Subramanian Swamy, the BJP leader who has filed the criminal complaint against the UPA Chairperson and five others, had earlier agreed to February 12, the scheduled date of hearing, and now he is saying he is not available till February 19. The Gandhis and other co-accused may now have to appear again before the magisterial court here on February 20 if they fail to get any interim relief, on the issue of their personal presence, from the apex court.

Earlier, the Congress President, her son Rahul, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda had filed appeals in the apex court against the High Court verdict in the case. The High Court had on December 7, 2015 not only refused to quash the summons issued to the Congress leaders, but had also made scathing observations on their "questionable conduct" regarding how they took control of the publication.

Subsequently, the Gandhis and others had appeared before a Patiala House court on December 19 last year when they were granted bail. The High Court, while refusing the plea of Gandhis and others, had said, "Questionable conduct of petitioners needs to be properly examined at the charge stage to find out the truth and so, these criminal proceedings cannot be thwarted at this initial stage."

Along with the Gandhis, five other accused--Suman Dubey, Moti Lal Vora, Oscar Fernandes, Sam Pitroda and Young India Ltd--had challenged the summons issued to them by a trial court on a complaint by Swamy against them for alleged cheating and misappropriation of funds in taking control of the now-defunct daily.

Swamy had accused Sonia, Rahul and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds by just paying Rs 50 lakh by which YI obtained the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore which the AJL had owed to the Congress party. 

Sonia, Rahul, Vora (AICC Treasurer), Fernandes (AICC General Secretary), Dubey and Pitroda were summoned under sections 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) read with section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC.
The trial court had on June 26, 2014 asked them to appear before it on August 7, 2014 but the order was stayed on August 6 by the Delhi High Court which on December 7, 2015 vacated the stay by rejecting plea to quash the complaint and summons.

According to Swamy's complaint, all of them were directors of Young Indian Ltd (YI), a company that was incorporated in 2010 and which took over the "debt" of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of National Herald.