Lion cub rescued after falling into Well in Gujarat's Junagadh - The Times of India
Lion cub rescued after falling into Well in Gujarat's Junagadh The Times of India
Gujarat groundwater crisis: Alarming contamination levels across districts revealed
AHMEDABAD: The Government of India, in a concerning update to the Rajya Sabha, has flagged an alarming situation regarding groundwater pollution in Gujarat. According to the data wise Number of Partly Affected Districts (cumulative) with major Contaminants in Ground Water of India in 2022-23, major contaminants have affected numerous districts across the state. Salinity levels exceeding 3000 micro mhos/cm (EC) were detected in 28 districts, while fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/l plagued 30 districts. Nitrate contamination, surpassing the safe limit of 45 mg/l, was found in 32 districts, and arsenic levels above 0.01 mg/l affected 12 districts. Additionally, 14 districts reported iron concentrations exceeding 1 mg/l. Fluoride levels exceeding 1.5 mg/L have been recorded in several districts across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Amreli, Anand, Arvalli, Banaskantha, Bhavnagar, Botad, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kachchh, Mahesana, Morbi, Narmada, Panchmahal, Patan, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sabarkantha, Surat, Surendranagar, and Vadodara. In a Reply by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in response to MP R Girirajan's question in the Rajya Sabha, the government highlighted the grave health hazards posed by contaminated groundwater. Long-term consumption of water containing arsenic, fluoride, or mercury above permissible limits can lead to severe health complications. Arsenic contamination has been linked to poisoning, skin disorders, and cancers of the skin, bladder, kidney, and lungs. Excessive fluoride levels can cause crippling skeletal or dental fluorosis, while high concentrations of heavy metals like mercury increase the risk of kidney diseases, poisoning, and cancer. The government informed the Rajya Sabha that water management, including improving groundwater quality and addressing contamination, is primarily the responsibility of state governments, as water is a state subject. The Central Government supports these efforts by offering technical assistance and financial aid through various centrally sponsored schemes. The Central Government informed the Rajya Sabha that in Gujarat, a total of 1,52,507 drinking water samples were tested during 2023-24. Of these, 14,922 samples were found contaminated. Remedial measures, including interim actions and water supply restoration, were taken for 13,834 affected samples. While Ground water pollution remains a pressing issue in many parts of Gujarat, the government is simultaneously taking measures to address the challenge, Under the Central Government's Jal Jeevan Mission for 2023-24, Gujarat reported significant financial activity. The state began with an opening balance of 1,088.66 crore, while the Centre allocated 2,982.85 crore. Of this, 2,237.14 crore was drawn, bringing the total available funds to 3,325.80 crore. Gujarat reported utilizing 2,377.83 crore, with an additional 2,676.40 crore spent under the state's share of the program.
4 College Students Among 7 Killed In Car Collision In Gujarat
Seven persons, including four college students, headed to a village to appear for an exam, were killed when two cars collided in Gujarat's Junagadh district on Monday, police said.
Gujarat: Four College Students Among Seven Killed As Two Cars Collide
The incident occurred on the Junagadh-Veraval Highway around 8 AM when a car jumped the road divider at high speed and crashed into another car coming from the opposite direction near Bhanduri village
7 Killed As Cars Collide In Gujarat, Catches Fire, Spreads To Nearby Huts
Seven people, including five students, were killed in a deadly collision between two cars on the Junagadh-Veraval highway near Maliya Hatina village in Gujarat on Monday morning.
Seven dead, including five college students, in Gujarat road accident
At least seven people, including five college students, were killed in a tragic road accident in Junagadh, Gujarat, on Sunday night. The incident occurred when the car they were traveling in struck a divider and collided head-on with another vehicle, leaving no survivors. Gujarat: A collision between two cars near Bhanduri village on the Junagadh-Veraval highway killed seven people, including five students heading for an exam. The police arrived at the scene, and the injured were taken to the hospital pic.twitter.com/B4C80qnFL9 IANS (@ians_india) December 9, 2024 According to local police, the group was traveling in a car from a nearby town when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The car veered off course, hit the road divider, and then collided with an oncoming vehicle. The impact of the crash was so severe that all passengers in the car, including the five students, were killed instantly. The victims, aged between 18 and 22, were identified as students from a local college who were returning from a weekend trip. The two occupants of the other vehicle, a middle-aged couple, sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the nearby hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition. The police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest that the driver may have been speeding or lost control due to slippery road conditions, but further investigations are underway. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with the families of the deceased expressing their grief. College authorities have also issued a statement offering condolences to the families of the victims. Local residents and students have gathered to mourn the tragic loss of young lives.
Temple theft cases surge in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD: In Gujarat, a surge in burglaries is hitting not only homes left vacant during Diwali vacations but also temples, according to government data. Over the past three years, thieves have stolen a total of Rs 4.93 crore in cash and valuables from temples across the state. Gujarat reported 501 temple theft incidents: 151 temples were targeted in 2020-21, 178 in 2021-22, and 172 in 2022-23. In addition, there were five armed robberies in temples, intensifying concerns over temple security statewide. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Hiren Banker criticized the government, saying the incidents of looting and theft in temples, which hold deep significance for Gujaratis, are being met with little more than promises of CCTV installations by the home department. Is the BJP, which campaigns in Gods name, only concerned with securing votes? he asked. Even during Navratri, incidents of assault on women occur and illegal activities like bootlegging and drug trade operate openly. The reality is the state police is facing a severe shortage of personnel, with the number of police personnel falling below the national average, Banker said. Private residential homes too are the target. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Gujarat has witnessed a troubling surge in home burglaries and robberies over recent years, underscoring persistent challenges in crime prevention. Nighttime burglaries have consistently overshadowed daytime incidents. In 2017, there were 3,957 burglaries reported at night, but by 2022, that number fell to 2,936. Daytime burglaries also saw a decrease, from 440 cases in 2017 to 359 in 2022. However, the overall burglary rate per lakh population fluctuated, peaking at 6.9 in 2017, dropping to 3.9 in 2020, and rising again to 4.6 in 2022. Robberies showed a mixed pattern, with 1,277 cases in 2017, which dropped significantly to 498 in 2020, before stabilizing at around 575 cases in 2022. Over the six-year period from 2017 to 2022, Gujarat recorded a total of 18,453 night burglaries, 2,489 day burglaries, and 5,428 robberies, reflecting ongoing security concerns for residents across the state. The state government at present controls 13 temples in Gandhinagar district,13 in Valsad district, eight in Rajkot district, 16 in Porbandar district, four of Surat district and one temple each in Junagadh, Surendranagar, Jamnagar, Mehsana and Banaskantha districts. These include the ancient temples at Somnath, Dwarkadhish and Akshardham. The security of the temples is a tricky task given the strength of the police force as well as encroachments around such places. The Somnath temple in Veraval, Gujarat is one of the richest temples in India, with a net worth of around Rs 100 crore: The Somnath temple in Gujarat is heavily protected by police and has a Z+ security grade. Non-Hindus need prior permission to enter the temple due to security concerns and to protect the sanctity of the religious place.
Two farmers suicide in past week as unseasonal rains devastate crops in Saurashtra
AHMEDABAD: In Gujarat's Saurashtra region, unseasonal rains during and after Navratri have devastated crops, putting immense strain on farmers. In the past week, two farmers have tragically taken their lives due to crop failure. Five days after a farmer's suicide in Sardhar, Rajkot, another case has emerged in Junagadhs Keshod taluka, where a farmer ended his life, leaving behind four grieving daughters in Shergarh village. Danubhai Babria, a farmer from Shergarh village in Keshod taluka, Junagadh, tragically took his own life on October 31 amid severe financial distress. According to family members, Danubhai had planted groundnuts during the Kharif season, but relentless rains during and after Navratri wiped out his crop, leaving him in deep economic hardship. My elder brother took his own life last night by hanging himself, Jan Kishan Babria, a resident of Shergarh village and the deceaseds family member, told local media. He made this tragic choice after his groundnut crop failed. For the past week, Babria explained, his brother had grown increasingly silent, burdened by the loss of his crop and mounting financial struggles. He leaves behind four daughters who have now lost their father's support, he added. We received information on Friday at 9:30 a.m. about a man who had hanged himself in Shergarh village, Junagadh District Keshod P.I. P.A. Jadav told local media. Keshod police immediately reached the location and began an investigation. According to Jadav, the deceaseds brother informed officers that farmer Danabhai Babria had taken his life due to financial difficulties and the failure of his groundnut crop. The police are now conducting a further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the farmers suicide, Jadav added. In another incident, eight days ago, 42-year-old Jasingbhai Arjanbhai Makwana, a farmer from Sardhar village in Rajkot, ended his life after the complete failure of his two-acre crop. His death has left a wife without her husband and two sons without a father. The grieving families of these farmers are now urging the government to step in and support those struggling in agriculture. Meanwhile, On October 23, the Gujarat government announced Rs 1,419 crore relief package to aid farmers hit by Augusts devastating floods. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. According to the Government, farmers are affected across 6,812 villages in 136 talukas spanning 20 districts, including Panchmahal, Navsari, Surendranagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, and Rajkot.
PM Modi, Spanish Prez to launch C295 aircraft plant in Vadodara
Vadodara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, will be inaugurating the Tata-Airbus C295 aircraft plant facility in Vadodara, Gujarat on Monday. The Spanish President, who is on a three-day visit to India, arrived in Vadodara in the early hours of Monday. The plant has been set up by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with Airbus Spain. The facility is built at the TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus. A total of 56 aircraft are there under the C-295 programme, of which 16 are being delivered directly by Airbus from Spain and the remaining 40 are to be made in India. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. is responsible for making these 40 aircraft in India. This facility will be the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India. It will involve the full development of a complete ecosystem from the manufacture to assembly, testing, and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft. Apart from Tatas, leading defence public sector units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Ltd, as well as private micro, small, and medium enterprises, will contribute to this programme. The C295 aircraft is a military aircraft, and its production will strengthen India's aerospace industry and drive the country towards self-reliance. In 2021, India signed a contract with Airbus to buy 56 C-295 transport aircraft, of which 16 were to be directly sent from Spain while 40 had to be manufactured in India at the Tata facility in Vadodara. The city of Vadodara is all decked up with beautiful lights to welcome the two leaders. The residents of Vadodara expressed their happiness over the visit of PM Modi and Spain's PM and hoped for good international relations with Spain. Later in the day, PM Modi will visit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara. From Vadodara, the Prime Minister will travel to Amreli, where he will inaugurate Bharat Mata Sarovar. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crores. These projects will benefit the citizens of Amreli, Jamnagar, Morbi, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, Kachchh, and Botad districts of the state. Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various road projects worth more than Rs 2,800 crores. Projects to be inaugurated include four-laning of various sections of NH 151, NH 151A, and NH 51 and the Junagadh bypass. The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects worth over Rs 700 crore of the water supply department from Amreli district. The foundation stone of Pasavi Group Augmentation Water Supply Scheme Phase 2 in Bhavnagar district will also be laid which will benefit 95 villages in the Mahuva, Talaja, and Palitana talukas, in Bhavnagar district. Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for tourism-related development initiatives which includes transforming the Karli Recharge Reservoir at Mokarsagar in Porbandar district into a world-class sustainable eco-tourism destination, among others. Meanwhile, President Sanchez will also visit Mumbai, where, apart from official engagements, he will interact with trade and industry leaders, think tanks, and the film industry.He will address the 4th Spain India Forum organised by the Spain-India Council Foundation and the Observer Research Foundation. He will also visit prominent film studios where he will interact with leading celebrities in Indian movie industries, to foster greater collaboration between the Indian and Spanish media and entertainment industry.
PM Modi and Spanish PM to Launch C-295 Aircraft Manufacturing Facility in Gujarat
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez are set to inaugurate the Tata aircraft manufacturing complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Monday. This facility will produce C-295 aircraft through Tata Advanced Systems. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), this facility marks the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India. During his visit to Gujarat, Modi will also launch development projects worth over 4,900 crore in the Amreli district. The agreement includes the construction of 40 aircraft at the Vadodara facility, while Airbus will supply 16 aircraft directly. Tata Advanced Systems is tasked with manufacturing these 40 aircraft, establishing a complete ecosystem for their production. This will cover everything from assembly and testing to delivery and maintenance throughout the aircraft's life cycle. In addition to Tata, several prominent defense public sector units, including Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics, along with various private micro, small, and medium enterprises, will play a role in this initiative. Modi had earlierlaid the foundation stone for the Vadodara assembly line in October 2022. During his visit to Amreli, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Bharat Mata Sarovar in Dudhala, a project developed in partnership with the state government and the Dholakia Foundation through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Various rail, road, water, and tourism projects will also be inaugurated, benefiting residents of Amreli, Jamnagar, Morbi, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, Kachchh, and Botad districts. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Pushes for Deeper Defense and Economic Relations with India PM Modi and Scholz Strengthen Ties During Three-Day Visit to India
PM Modi, Spanish PM Sanchez to inaugurate TATA aircraft complex in Gujarat's Vadodara
AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, will jointly inaugurate the TATA Aircraft Complex at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Vadodara on October 28. The complex, dedicated to manufacturing C-295 military aircraft, marks Indias first private sector final assembly line for military aviation. Additionally, PM Modi will launch and lay the foundation for multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,900 crore in Amreli. Under the C-295 program, Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft directly from Spain, while TASL will manufacture the remaining 40 in India, creating a complete ecosystem from assembly and testing to delivery and lifecycle maintenance. Key defence players such as Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., along with private MSMEs, are set to contribute to this initiative. In October 2022, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Vadodara Final Assembly Line (FAL). In Gujarats Amreli district, PM Modi will inaugurate projects worth Rs 4,900 crore, including the Bharat Mata Sarovar a check dam upgrade that raises capacity to 24.5 crore litres, benefiting irrigation in surrounding villages. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects worth over Rs 700 crore from the water supply department in Amreli district. Among these projects is the Navda to Chavand bulk pipeline, which will provide an additional 28 crore litres of water to approximately 67 lakh beneficiaries across 36 cities and 1,298 villages in Botad, Amreli, Junagadh, Rajkot, and Porbandar districts. The foundation stone for the Pasavi Group Augmentation Water Supply Scheme Phase 2 in Bhavnagar district will also be laid, benefiting 95 villages in the Mahuva, Talaja, and Palitana talukas. The agenda for the day includes road infrastructure improvements across NH 151, NH 151A, and NH 51, as well as the Bhuj-Naliya Rail Gauge Conversion Project, all aimed at enhancing socio-economic development in Kutch. Water projects worth over Rs 700 crore, including the Navda to Chavand bulk pipeline and the Pasavi Water Supply Scheme, will improve water access for over 67 lakh people across multiple districts. Additionally, PM Modi will lay the foundation for a new eco-tourism site at the Karli Recharge Reservoir in Porbandar.
Gujarat: PM Modi to inaugurate Rs 4,800 cr development projects
Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore in Gujarats Amreli district on October 28. These initiatives encompass nearly 1,600 projects across the districts of Amreli, Jamnagar, Morbi, Devbhumi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, Kutch, and Botad, underscoring a push for infrastructure and water supply improvements. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Gujarat hospital accused of enrolling 350 patients into BJP without consent
A hospital in Gujarats Rajkot city is facing significant backlash following allegations that it enrolled 350 patients undergoing eye surgery as members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) without their consent. The controversy erupted when one of the patients, Kamlesh Thummar a resident of Junagadh shared a video on social media detailing his experience at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Cataract patients woken up, made BJP members in Rajkot; Party denies, calls it defamation plot
AHMEDABAD: A new controversy has sparked in Gujarat over the BJP membership drive, as a viral video shows patients at Rajkot's Ranchoddas Bapu Charitable Trust eye hospital being woken up in the middle of the night and enrolled as BJP members after cataract surgeries. Reports reveal that patients registered at Junagadh's Trimurti Hospital were brought to Rajkot for cataract surgeries on September 16. During the night, a person allegedly woke them up, collected OTPs, and enrolled them as BJP members. Kamlesh Thummar, a patient from Junagadh, captured the incident on video and shared it with the media. Many patients only realized they had been made BJP members when they received confirmation messages. I went to Rajkot for cataract surgery last Sunday and fell asleep around 8 PM, alleged Kamlesh Thummar, who traveled from Junagadh for eye surgery. Around 10:30-11 PM, someone woke me up, asked for my mobile number, I think it was for the hospital. Before I knew it, he took my phone, mentioned an OTP, and when I got my phone back, I was a BJP member, said Thummar. When I asked him, 'Did you make me a BJP member?' he replied, 'Theres no other way.' This shouldnt happen. Out of 400 people, around 200-250 became members those with mobiles. This is a scam; people were forced into membership, Thummar claimed. Left: Screengrab from a viral video; Right: Thummar showing the membership message he had received. Shanti Wadoliya of Ranchoddas Charitable Trust stated, Our trust brings patients from across Gujarat for free cataract surgeries. On October 16, we held a camp in Junagadh, organized by Dr. Chikhalia at Trimurti Hospital. The patients were later brought to Rajkot for their procedures. This issue has just come to our attention, and an investigation is underway. If any trust member is found involved, strict action will be taken according to the rules, Wadoliya assured. Rajkot city BJP president Mukesh Doshi stated, I have ordered my zone secretary to investigate the entire matter, including identifying the person seen in the video. No one has been given instructions to wake up sleeping patients and make them members. Such overzealous actions will not be tolerated. All city BJP workers have exceeded their membership targets while staying within limits over the last 50 days. I strongly condemn this incident and assure a thorough investigation, considering it might be a conspiracy to defame the BJP, Doshi added.
ED conducts raids in Gujarat in GST fraud case
About 23 premises in the cities of Rajkot, Junagadh, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Veraval were being raided by the federal agency after a case was filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
Ahmedabad police probe GST fraud case; five arrested
The Crime Branch, along with Gujarats Economic Offences Wing, searched 14 locations across the State, including in Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda, and Bhavnagar
Massive GST fraud unearthed; over 200 bogus firms across India involved
AHMEDABAD: The Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) has launched a sweeping investigation into a major GST evasion racket, uncovering over 200 fake companies involved in fraudulent transactions across the country. Based on intelligence provided by the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI), the Ahmedabad Crime Branch conducted simultaneous raids across 14 locations, including Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda, and Bhavnagar. The operation targeted individuals involved in a massive GST fraud, resulting in the detention of over 33 key operators who are believed to have established 12 bogus firms. Among those questioned is Mahesh Langa a journalist, and a son of a prominent Saurashtra MLA as authorities continue to unravel the intricate web of financial deception. After the investigation, Journalist Mahesh Langa has been arrested among others. ACP Bharat Patel of the Crime Branch informed the local media, stating: Journalist Mahesh Langa has been arrested based on a complaint received from GST authorities, alleging the use of false documents. The Crime Branch will seize all relevant documents and conduct a thorough investigation. Further actions will be taken as more details emerge during the ongoing inquiry. Sources reveal that the investigation spans 33 locations nationwide, with a focus on fraudulent ITC (Input Tax Credit) claims, amounting to crores. In a sweeping crackdown on bogus firms involved in a massive GST fraud, authorities have identified several key builders and operators behind these fraudulent entities. The investigation revealed the following individuals and companies at the center of the scam: Arham Steel: Nimesh Vora, Hetalbehan Vora Om Construction Company: Rajendrasinh Saravaia, Vanrajsinh Saravaia, Brijrajsinh Saravaia, Hitvarajsinh Saravaia Shree Kankeswari Enterprise: Kalubhai Wagh, Prafulbhai Waja, Manan Waja, Jayeshbhai Waja, Vijay Wagh Raj Infra: Ratnadeepsinh Dodia, Jayeshkumar Sutaria, Arvinand Sutaria Haresh Construction Company: Nilesh Nasit, Jyotish Gondalia, Prabhaben Gondalia D.A. Enterprise: Langa Manojkumar Rambhai, Vinubhai Natubhai Patel Ethiraj Construction Pvt. Ltd.: Nilesh Nasit, Jyotish Gondalia, Prabhaben Gondalia B.J. Odedara: Bhagirath Odedara, Bhojabhai Odedara, Keshubhai Odedara, Bhojabhai Jessabhai Odedara, Abhabhai Jessabhai Odedara R.M. Dasa Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.: Nathabhai Dasa, Ramanbhai Dasa Aryan Associates: Ajay Barad, Vijaykumar Barad, Ramesh Kalabhai Barad Prithvi Builders: Paresh Pradipbhai Dodhia Paresh Pradipbhai Dodia Builders: Paresh Dodia These individuals are accused of creating shell companies to facilitate fraudulent tax claims and evade GST payments. Authorities are continuing their investigations, with more arrests expected as the probe deepens into this large-scale financial fraud. Ahmedabad Crime Branch's press release on Monday, stated It appears that prima facie, there is the involvement of over 200 fraudulently created firms/entities working across the country in an organized manner to defraud the Government Exchequer by availing and passing bogus Input Tax Credit. The use of forged identities and documents to create such firms, with the intent to evade duty through fraudulent means, has also been observed. There seems to be a large group engaged in a criminal conspiracy to cause financial loss to the nation, amounting to revenue losses potentially running into crores of rupees. This was carried out through fake billing, forged documents, and malafide misrepresentation of facts. The investigation is currently ongoing, and legal processes are being undertaken accordingly. it also reads.
Ahmedabad police arrest senior journalist in GST scam
Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Tuesday arrested a senior journalist with a leading newspaper in Gujarat in an alleged Goods and Service Tax (GST) scam, officials said. Following detailed questioning, journalist Mahesh Langa was arrested by the Crime Branch on Tuesday morning, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ajit Rajian said. The central GST had found some suspicious transactions in bogus firms floated in the name of Mahesh Langa's wife and father using forged documents. Langa has been arrested for further investigation, he said. On Monday, the city Crime Branch registered an FIR against several persons and entities after getting a complaint from central GST over an alleged scam of floating bogus firms with an intent to defraud the government by availing bogus input tax credit through fraudulent transactions, a release by the Crime Branch said. After registration of the FIR, the Crime Branch along with Gujarat's Economic Offences Wing raided 14 different locations across the state including in Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda and Bhavnagar. It appears that there is an involvement of over 200 fraudulently created firms working across the country in an organised manner to defraud the government exchequer by availing bogus input tax credit. Forged documents and identities were used for the creation of such firms for tax evasion, said the release. There is a large group working towards a conspiracy of causing financial loss to the tune of crores of rupees to the country by way of using forged bills and documents, it said. Some of the entities named as accused in the FIR include Dhruvi Enterprise, Om Construction, Raj Infra, Haresh Construction Company and DA Enterprise.
Centre issues draft notification for Eco-Sensitive Zone around Gir protected area
The Centre has declared 1.84 lakh hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) through a draft notification. This initiative aims to balance lion habitat conservation with sustainable development. The new ESZ covers forest and non-forest areas in 196 villages across Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath districts.
AHMEDABAD: Former cabinet minister and BJP leader Jawahar Chavda has dropped another bombshell, this time alleging the unauthorized construction of a district BJP office at Khamdhrol Chowk in Junagadh, Gujarat. In a recent letter shared on social media, Chavda claimed that no action was taken despite providing evidence regarding the illegal construction of the BJP office to the then collector, back in 2017. Chavda had in an earlier letter addressed to the Prime Minister made serious allegations against Junagadh district BJP president Kirit Patel. The dust had barely settled when he came up with another letter accusing the party of violating laws and constructing its district office illegally. Chavda also shared a 2017 letter on social media, revealing his earlier complaints to the district Collector regarding the illegal construction. In the letter, he alleged that the BJP office, constructed under the name Deen Dayal Bhavan at Khamdhrol Chowk in Junagadh, was built in violation of land-use conditions. He urged the Collector to prevent the inauguration of the office by the then Chief Minister, Minister, or any other high-profile dignitary. @narendramodi . @PMOIndia @AmitShah @CRPaatil @BJP4India @BJPGujarat @BJPJunagadhcity #narendramodi #pmoindia #primeministerofindia #bjpgujarat #bjpindia #bhartiyajantaparty #amitshah #bhupendrapatel #cmogujarat #crpatil pic.twitter.com/LyIuww00NY Jawahar Chavda (@jawaharpchavda) September 19, 2024 In his letter, Jawahar Chavda detailed nine specific violations in the construction of the BJP office, claiming that no action has been taken to address the issues so far. Major Allegations In the letter, Chavda outlined nine specific points: 1. The BJP office was constructed without obtaining the necessary permission, despite the land being designated for residential use only. 2. The required layout plan mandates the opening of the rest of the plot before construction, but no margin was maintained. 3. According to non-agricultural permission, construction had to be completed within three years of obtaining permission, which was delayed beyond the stipulated time. 4. As per regulations, the Mamlatdar must be informed through the Talati one month before construction begins, which was not done. 5. The construction was carried out without obtaining permission from the Municipal Corporation, violating the rules. Chavda called for the cancellation of non-agricultural permission due to this infraction. 6. The requirement to plant 500 trees in open space has not been met, which violates a condition that could lead to the cancellation of non-agricultural permission. 7. Non-agricultural permission should be revoked as construction violated the stipulated conditions by not obtaining permission. 8. A provision to install a percolative borewell for rainwater drainage was ignored, breaching another condition tied to non-agricultural use. 9. The construction failed to meet the requirement of maintaining a 24-meter margin from the highways centerline, as per regulations for uncultivated residential land. Despite these clear violations, no corrective measures have been taken to date. In a third letter posted on social media on Thursday, Chavda also accused BJP leaders of working to undermine his 2019 electoral bid. Chavda, who resigned as a Congress MLA to join the BJP, contested the 2019 by-election for the Manavdar assembly seat as a BJP candidate. Following the election, Chavda addressed a letter to the then state BJP president, Jitu Vaghani, alleging anti-party activities within the ranks. He specifically named Junagadh district BJP president Kirit Patel, along with BJP leaders from Manavdar and Vanthali taluka, accusing them of undermining his campaign.
Factional fight deepens in Gujarat BJP as former minister writes letter to Modi
AHMEDABAD: Amid escalating factional tensions in Gujarat BJP, former cabinet minister Jawahar Chavda has accused the Junagarh party president of misconduct in a letter to the Prime Minister. Chavda, who previously raised serious concerns about Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in a post-election social media video, has intensified his criticism of the partys local leadership. In a letter on his official social media profile on Monday, the former minister made serious allegations against Junagadh party president Kirit Patel. Chavda lamented the violation of the partys one-person-one-post rule, stating, Truth always prevails. This is the story of nine years of agony in Junagadh city. Our disciplined party has rules (one person, one post, three-year tenure, etc.), which should apply equally to every worker or office-bearer. But Junagadh is an exception. The letter further accused Patel, who has been in office for nine years, of misusing his position to secure multiple roles, holding three posts simultaneously as district president, bank president, and market yard president. Chavda alleged that Patel has presided over the market yards of three talukasTalala, Visavadar, and Junagadhspanning two districts. Perhaps for the first time in India, there has been such a frenzy of mutual transfers of presidencies, he wrote, adding that this can only happen with a knack for abusing power and a habit of scheming? He claimed that levies and confiscations have overrun have various departments under Patels influence. Despite repeatedly raising concerns with leaders like Kanubhai Bhalala, Thakarshibhai Javia, and Madhabhai Boricha, this issue never reached you. Somewhere, someone buried it under their watchful eye, he wrote. Chavda said he felt compelled to make the letter public so it could reach the top leadership, accusing Patels criminal negligence and corruption.
Rains claim nine more lives in Gujarat, flood-like situation in many areas; PM holds talks with CM
AHMEDABAD: Rain-related incidents claimed nine more lives in Gujarat, taking the death toll to 16 in two days, while another 8,500 people were relocated and rescued from flood-affected areas with rains continuing to lash some parts of the state for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, officials said. Authorities are carrying out relief and rescue operations involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), its state counterpart SDRF, the Army, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to take stock of the situation and to ensure Centre's support in the crisis. A total of nine persons died in rain-related incidents, such as collapse of walls and drowning, in different parts of the state on Tuesday, an official release said. On Monday, seven persons died in similar incidents in the state. Three persons died after a wall collapsed in Anand district on Tuesday. Two others died in Mahisagar district, and one each in Kheda and Ahmedabad districts due to wall collapse incidents. One person each drowned in Junagadh and Bharuch district, it said. A total of 169 persons, a majority from Kheda and Morbi district, were rescued on Tuesday, officials said. Another 8,460 were evacuated and shifted to safer places, it said. These included around 3,000 from Navsari and around 1,000 each from Vadodara and Kheda. Heavy rains continue to lash Gujarat for second day, monsoon death toll rises to 100 With this, over 15,000 people have been evacuated in two days - Monday and Tuesday. The death toll in rain-related incidents has risen to 16 in these two days, the officials said. CM Patel said in a post on X, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modiji had a telephonic conversation with me about the heavy rain situation in Gujarat and got details of the relief and rescue operations. PM Modi provided guidance on protection of lives and livestock, and assured all necessary support and assistance from the central government, he said. Hon'ble Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation by showing concern about Gujarat. He has a deep affection in his heart for the people of Gujarat. During natural calamities and whenever needed, he always stands by Gujarat and the people of the state, providing warmth and invaluable guidance, Patel added. Several districts of Saurashtra region, especially Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar and Rajkot received very heavy rainfall in 24 hours ending 6 am on Wednesday, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) data showed. Khambhalia taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district alone received 454 mm rainfall, followed by Jamnagar city with 387 mm rainfall, and Jamjodhpur taluka in Jamnagar with 329 mm rainfall. As many as 13 out of the state's 251 talukas received over 200 mm rainfall, and another 39 over 100 mm rainfall during this period, throwing life out of gear and inundating low-lying areas. While rains took a pause in Vadodara, flooding in Vishwamitri rivers caused several low-lying areas of the city inundated with the NDRF, SDRF and other agencies carrying out rescue and relief operations. As many as five columns of the army were deployed in Morbi, Anand, Devbhumi Dwarka, Rajkot and Vadodara each to carry out relief and rescue operations, officials said. As per an official release, 137 reservoirs and lakes, and 24 rivers in the state were flowing above the danger marks, causing flooding in low-lying areas. Rains also disrupted the movement of traffic and trains as roads and railway lines were flooded. As many as eight trains, including Mumbai-bound Vande Bharat Express, were cancelled and 10 other trains partially cancelled, the Western Railway said in an update. With the latest spell, Gujarat has so far received 105 per cent of its average annual rainfall, with Banaskantha being the most rain-deficient among all 33 districts. Banaskantha has recieved 73 per cent of average annual rainfall, the SEOC said.
