Dont just raise allegations, present facts: Bihar CM slams Opposition over SIR
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 27 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary took objection to the Oppositions allegations over the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and asked them not to trivialise the process by making baseless accusations, rather substantiate their claims with facts and documents. He said that the SIR is not a new process in Bihar but an intensive voter revision exercise, previously conducted in 2003, and the one in 2025 was carried out, building upon the foundation of the previous electoral roll. The Chief Minister further explained that during the SIR, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) conducted door-to-door outreach to voters; the EC released draft electoral rolls, providing a window for claims and objections, and only after that the final list was published. Addressing the questions raised by the Opposition specifically Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav regarding the SIR, the Chief Minister stated that objections concerning individuals whose names were removed from the list could have been formally lodged with the Election Commission, supported by concrete documentation. He added that any discrepancies that came to light were rectified in accordance with the established procedure. Further, addressing the Oppositions demands to cancel the election, Samrat Choudhary stated that if anyone has complaints regarding irregularities in the electoral process, mechanisms exist through the Election Commission and the courts. While questions regarding the electoral process can be raised in a democracy, they must be backed by facts. Targeting the Congress party, he stated that the Opposition should present its arguments based on facts rather than levelling allegations against the Election Commission. The Chief Minister further remarked that the public makes the final decision in elections, and political parties ought to respect people's verdict. Regarding the Opposition's announcement of agitation against SIR, he supported parties right to demonstrate and protest but asserted that the SIR was completed in Bihar and that questions concerning it have already been addressed at the appropriate levels. He also noted that BLOs contacted the voters door-to-door and stated that a large number of voters who were deceased, permanently relocated, or registered at multiple locations were identified and understandably removed from the list.
Heavy release from Gandak Barrage inundates several villages in West Champaran
Manjhi seeks more speaking time for SC, ST MPs
Gandak in spate, floodwaters enter VTR in West Champaran
Scientific study estimates Ramayanas Jatayu-Sampati flight at 1.3 million km
Liquor smugglers use code names and clever hiding tricks to evade prohibition
Womans body found in canal, suspects taken into custody
Police recovered the dismembered womans body in the VTPS cooling canal, under Ibrahimpatnam police station limits on September 18, 2026
Ganja Seized Through Courier in Fish Boxes in Odisha, UP Judge
The Excise Department seized a massive haul of 400 kg of ganja from a courier office in Bhawanipatna, located in Odishas Kalahandi district. The contraband was cleverly packed inside 32 fish boxes and was in the process of being transported to Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, the illicit consignment was booked for delivery to an [] The post Ganja Seized Through Courier in Fish Boxes in Odisha, UP Judges Address Used appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Garage Operator Shot Dead In Patna
A garage operator in Patna, Anjani Nandan, was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants on Saturday night as he was leaving work. He succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. Police are investigating the motive and expect arrests soon.
Man succumbs to injuries a day after being shot four times in Patna
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 27 (IANS) A garage operator succumbed to his injuries on Sunday after being shot four times by bike-borne assailants a day before, police said. According to the police, the garage operator was shot four times on late Saturday night at Bhupatinagar, in the Ramkrishna Nagar area of Patna. The injured man was admitted to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Ramkrishna Nagar Police Station confirmed the incident. Speaking to reporters late on Saturday, Shailja Das, City Superintendent of Police (East), said: Information has been received that a person was shot in the Ramkrishna Nagar police station area. He is currently admitted to Medanta Hospital. We are investigating every angle and will take strict action accordingly. We are monitoring the situation and proceeding with the investigation. The police official had mentioned that the motive for the crime was being investigated. We are trying to gather information regarding the motive of committing the crime, whether it was some personal dispute or something else, she said. She mentioned that according to preliminary information, there were two assailants. We are further investigating if more people are involved in the crime, Shailja Das said. The officer added that three empty cartridges were recovered from the spot. The incident took place days after a former Patna municipal councillor was critically injured after unidentified assailants allegedly opened fire on him in the Buddha Colony police station area of Patna. The victim, Anil Yadav, was sitting in the basement of his apartment complex with some supporters when two men arrived on a motorcycle and allegedly opened fire. Yadav was hit by multiple bullets, with reports indicating that he was shot around five times. He was rushed to Udyan Hospital in Patna, where he was undergoing treatment at the time of filing the report. The shooting took place in a residential locality, triggering panic among residents. According to residents, the assailants fled the spot after the shooting while allegedly carrying firearms.
'Judiciary Committed To Protecting Students' Right To Protest': Chief Justice
The CJI made the statement at the Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna, where he engaged in an unfiltered interaction with students, making it clear that he preferred to have a frank question-and-answer session.
Madhubani on alert as Kosi rises after Nepal rain
Infinity Vizag-2026 maps out strategy to transform Visakhapatnam into tech hub
Around 400 delegates, including startup founders, CEOs, industry leaders, and students, deliberate upon bridging the gap between industry requirements, academic frameworks, and early-stage entrepreneurs
Samrat asks govt schools to strengthen academic environment
Madhubani Police identify 4 after old video of minors assault surfaces
CJI says drug abuse among children a protection crisis, seeks rehabilitation
Congress demands fair inquiry into Jamui case, privacy violations
Over 57k fined for violating traffic rules in Aug
961 Jeevika women clear Class X exams
CJI opens countrys 1st victim rights centre
IMD: Rain to ease as depression weakens
Judiciary will protect students' right to protests: CJI
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant affirmed the judiciary's commitment to protecting students' right to peaceful protest during an interaction at CNLU Patna. He also addressed concerns about collegium transparency, stating that disclosure of dissenting opinions could compromise individual dignity. The CJI also praised a proposal to shorten the law degree duration.
Srirangapatna Dasara to be opened by actor Ravichandran: Minister
BJP defends SIR; RLM welcomes EC clarification
BJP core panel chalks strategy for council polls
Kosi, Gandak trigger flood alert; govt puts 17 north Bihar districts on alert
Samrat: Bihar, Centre to coordinate on cross-border crimes along Nepal border
BJP MP questions policing in Bihar
CM launches Rs 10,590-crore road maintenance programme
CM assures safety, education support to Jamui survivor
Student jumps from auto to escape harassment
PKs Jan Suraaj explores Delhi expansion; JD(U) scoffs at move
Four flights diverted, 26 delayed amid rain & gusty winds in Patna
Chief Justice Calls for Accessible Justice for All in Patna
Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasizes the need for an accessible justice system for all, launching victim rights initiatives in Patna. Chief Justice Calls for Accessible Justice for All in Patna
Bihar: Auto driver arrested for molesting student in Bhojpur
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 26 (IANS) Bihar Police on Saturday arrested an auto-rickshaw driver accused of molesting a college student in Bhojpur district. The incident occurred between Mahuli and Balua villages under the jurisdiction of Mufassil police station. Police identified the accused as Vijay Kumar, alias Chaurasia or Masto, a resident of Bakharia village. According to the complaint, the undergraduate student was returning home by auto-rickshaw after attending classes at Dhobaha Market when the driver allegedly molested her. Police said the student managed to jump off the moving vehicle to save herself, sustaining head injuries in the process. She reached home and informed her family, after which police registered a named FIR under relevant sections of the BNS Act. Investigators arrested Vijay Kumar and seized his vehicle. Police are examining the circumstances and taking further legal action based on the complaint and available evidence. The Bhojpur case comes amid a spate of incidents involving harassment and molestation of girls and women reported from different parts of Bihar. Earlier, on September 19, a Class 10 student was allegedly harassed and molested in Jamui, while a male student accompanying her was assaulted. The accused circulated a video of the incident on social media. Three videos purportedly showing similar incidents later surfaced from Samastipur, while separate cases were reported from Kishanganj and Banka districts. Police have arrested several accused in these cases, with investigations continuing in others. The incidents have triggered renewed public debate about the safety of women and girls and the law-and-order situation in the state.
Free entry to parks and museums on World Tourism Day in Visakhapatnam
CJI Surya Kant holds first open interaction with CNLU Patna students
The News Mill
Institutional differences should not be politicised: Jitan Ram Manjhi
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 26 (IANS) Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday targeted opposition leaders over the ongoing political debate surrounding reported differences of opinion within the Election Commission of India, including those concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He said those attempting to politicise differences of opinion within an institution were inexperienced, arguing that differing views can arise during deliberations in various constitutional and governmental bodies. Manjhi cited Cabinet meetings, Election Commission proceedings, and deliberations involving judges as examples where different views may emerge. His remarks come amid controversy over reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on several matters over 10 months. The Election Commission has said that individual observations and differing views are part of its normal internal deliberative process and maintained that its final decisions were taken unanimously. Manjhi said a difference of opinion does not necessarily mean that every individuals view will prevail, adding that the institutions prescribed decisionmaking process ultimately determines the outcome. Separately, Manjhi wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking adequate speaking time for Members of Parliament belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) during parliamentary discussions on important Bills. BJP MP Gajendra Singh Patel, who represents the Khargone Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh, raised the issue during an NDA MPs Group Dialogue Meeting held at Manjhis residence on August 5. Manjhi subsequently raised the matter with the Lok Sabha Speaker in a letter dated September 16. Speaking to journalists at his residence in Gaya on Saturday, Manjhi explained how the NDA parliamentary group functioned during the 20242029 term. He said groups of around 1415 MPs meet under a minister's leadership, either at the beginning or end of a parliamentary session, to discuss issues of concern. MPs raise all kinds of issues and concerns they feel are important during these meetings. It is my practice that whenever an MP speaks, voices a grievance, or offers a suggestion, I write to the relevant ministry. I inform them that the MP has raised these points and request that necessary action be taken, Manjhi said. He added that Patel had specifically raised concerns that SC and ST MPs were not getting sufficient opportunities to speak during discussions on important Bills. The issue raised was that MPs from Dalit and Mahadalit communities get fewer opportunities to speak. I wrote to the Speaker about this; although, strictly speaking, I should have written to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, I wrote directly to the Speaker. There is no political angle to this, Manjhi said. He stressed that the matter was not personal but related to concerns raised by Members of Parliament. This is not a personal matter; rather, it is an issue raised by Members of Parliament, and since I am the leader of the group, I need to convey these concerns to the concerned ministry. That is why I wrote a letter to the Speaker regarding this matter, he said.
MU to clear DA arrears of 4,600 pensioners ahead of Durga Puja
Patna: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday asserted that the judiciary is committed to protecting students fundamental right to hold peaceful protests and that courts will not look the other way when there is an infringement. The CJI made the statement at the Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna, where he engaged 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 .
CJI Surya Kant holds historic open house with Law students at CNLU Patna
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Friday held an unprecedented open-house interaction with law students at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, engaging directly with questions from the audience in an unscripted dialogue on issues concerning students, the legal profession and the judiciary. The interaction, hosted at the universitys Ashoka Auditorium, was organised [] The post CJI Surya Kant holds historic open house with Law students at CNLU Patna appeared first on India Legal .
SBI hands over cheque worth 500 crore to Jeevika Didis in Patna
In Bihar, Jeevika Didi refers to women members of State government initiative Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project (BRLP), locally known as Jeevika, aimed at the social and economic empowerment of rural women through Self-Help Groups
JD(U) says Delhi voters tired of 'new alternatives' as Prashant Kishor eyes MCD polls
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 26 (IANS) As Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor explores plans to contest the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls, the JD(U) on Saturday said people in the national Capital had already become tired of 'new alternatives', pointing out that they had earlier voted for the AAP as an alternative. Speaking to IANS, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan alleged, The people of Delhi have already become tired of new alternatives. They had also voted for the AAP as an alternative. There were tall promises about fighting corruption and simplicity, but a Sheesh Mahal was built and a liquor scam also took place. Several leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, went behind bars. The people of Delhi are now tired of this politics of alternatives, which is why they showed the AAP the way out in the last election. JD(U) national general secretary Shyam Rajak said Kishors electoral victory had boosted his confidence. He somehow managed to win an Assembly election from Bankipur, and that has boosted his confidence. But the people know him. Everyone has the right to expand their party. They should expand it. In a democracy, everyone has the right to form and run a party, contest elections and seek peoples support. He is exercising that right. There is nothing very significant about it for me. Let him do it, Rajak said. The Jan Suraaj Party is exploring a possible entry into Delhi politics, with supporters in the capital set to raise the proposal with Kishor when they felicitate him on Sunday for his Bankipur bypoll victory. The event is being organised by Biharis living in Delhi who are associated with the party. Kumar Shantanu, a member of the Jan Suraaj core committee, said supporters who identify with Kishors political vision had been pressing for the formation of a Delhi chapter. Kishor, a former election strategist who worked with parties across the political spectrum, built Jan Suraaj around a campaign in Bihar focussed on education, employment and governance. He spent months travelling across the state before the organisation took the form of a political party. Jan Suraajs first major electoral test came in the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls. It contested 238 seats but failed to win any, raising questions about whether Kishors campaign could translate public interest into votes. Kishor did not contest that election himself. The Bankipur bypoll in August gave the party its first seat in the Bihar Assembly and Kishor his first electoral victory as a candidate. He defeated BJPs Neeraj Kumar by 19,324 votes, securing 64,151 votes against Kumars 44,827.
Two days of rain halve Andhra Pradeshs monsoon deficit from 43% to 22%
After the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam districts shortfall falls from 53.2% to 3.6%
Two days of rain halve Andhra Pradeshs monsoon deficit from 43% to 22%
After the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam districts shortfall falls from 53.2% to 3.6%
NCW takes suo motu cognisance of molestation of girl in Banka; directs Bihar Police to submit ATR
NCW takes suo motu cognisance of molestation of girl in Banka; directs Bihar Police to submit ATR Patna: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of an alleged incident involving the public harassment, molestation, and assault of a young girl at the Mandar Parvat tourist site in Bihars Banka district. The [] The post NCW takes suo motu cognisance of molestation of girl in Banka; directs Bihar Police to submit ATR appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Met us like guardian: Jamui molestation victims mother praises Bihar CM, govt response
Junior Doctors at Patna Medical College Hospital Strike, OPD Services Halted
Junior doctors at Patna Medical College Hospital have gone on strike, halting OPD services while emergency care remains operational. Junior Doctors at Patna Medical College Hospital Strike, OPD Services Halted
Food Safety Violations Found at Popular Restaurants in Visakhapatnam
Pista House and Kamat Hotel on Beach Road, Alpha Hotel near Jagadamba Centre, Eastern Spice Restaurant in Akkayyapalem were found violating hygiene standards
Kishanganj police arrest one after video of assault on woman circulates on social media
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 26 (IANS) Kishanganj police have arrested one person and launched a search for others after a video allegedly showing a young woman being assaulted and verbally abused near Tulsia Halt railway station in the Dighalbank police station area was sent to Superintendent of Police (SP) Santosh Kumar. According to police, the video was received on the SP's WhatsApp at around 12:30 a.m. on September 25. The SP immediately directed the technical team to examine the footage. The preliminary investigation indicated that the incident had taken place near Tulsia Halt railway station, police said. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was subsequently constituted under the leadership of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO)-02, and raids were launched at suspected locations to identify and apprehend those allegedly involved. Police said the video appears to be approximately four to five months old. The footage allegedly shows several youths taking a young woman into a house, followed by an altercation in which she was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault. After receiving the video, the SP directed a police team to inspect the suspected location and ordered immediate action. Based on the technical examination of the footage and other Intelligence inputs, police initially identified several suspects. They were identified as Afsar alias Hati, son of Tajmul and a resident of Mustafaganj; Zuber Khan, son of Md Basir and a resident of Shripur; Mizan alias Salman, son of Jahagir and a resident of Dahibhanga; Kamil, son of Ashauddin and a resident of Muharar Toli; and Shahnaz, son of Sabir and a resident of Janirpasti Dahibhanga. Police said preliminary verification indicated that some of the identified suspects are currently living outside Bihar. Afsar alias Hati is reportedly residing in Gujarat, Zuber Khan in Haryana, Mizan alias Salman in Karnataka and Kamil in Punjab. Efforts are underway to verify the whereabouts of the remaining suspects. Police said the woman has been identified and her statement has been recorded during the investigation. According to her statement, she had gone to the railway station to meet a friend when she was allegedly noticed by some youths from nearby villages. The youths allegedly made objectionable remarks and assaulted her. Police said a village-level panchayat meeting was subsequently held in the presence of the village Mukhiya in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Based on the woman's complaint and statement, an FIR has been registered, and further investigation is underway. Police are also examining the roles of other individuals who may have been involved. Acting on the evidence gathered during the investigation, Kishanganj police arrested one of the named accused, identified as Shahzad, aged around 21, a resident of Shabbir Tola, Jagir Dahibhat, under Dighalbank police station. Shahzad was arrested in Dighalbank and is currently being interrogated, police said. Meanwhile, raids are continuing at suspected hideouts to apprehend the other accused. Investigators are using technical evidence as well as human Intelligence to trace those allegedly involved in the incident. SP Santosh Kumar said that all individuals found to be involved would face legal action in accordance with the law after their roles are established during the investigation.
Shreya Priyam Roy At NDTV Yuva 2026: From Patna Roots To Comicstaan Fame
She is all set to appear at NDTV Yuva 2026, as he attends the panel titled Gustakhi Maaf!!!
BJP defends MMDR act amid opposition protests, cites Justice M.B. Shah Commission's mining report
BJP leader Peeyush Mohanty defended the MMDR Act amendment amid Opposition protests in Odisha, alleging the previous BJD government under Naveen Patnaik failed to act on recommendations linked to a mining scam. Mohanty said the amendment aims to regulate mining, prevent fraud and ensure better use of mineral resources, while rejecting Opposition claims of potential annual losses for Odisha.
'Give him one more chance': Mother of Jamui molestation accused
Chief Justice To Inaugurate India's 1st Victim Rights Centre Today In Patna
The Centre will be inaugurated by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant at the Bihar State Legal Services Authority in Patna today.
Food safety inspections expose hygiene lapses at hotels, restaurants in Visakhapatnam
Rlys grants temporary stoppages for trains
Govt clears over 30k pending online transport payments
Man held for attacking girls with blade in Muzaffarpur
Saran girl alleges molestation, assault while going to buy milk; FIR against 3
Kishanganj video: Girl assaulted, five youths identified; SIT formed
Film festival to showcase Bihars cinematic voices
Leopard strays close to residential area near VTR, search on
One held after old harassment video of Samastipur girl goes viral
PNB hands over cheque of Rs 01 Crore to Samrat Choudhary to assist flood affected families
RCD: Roads restored in flood-hit areas across state
Police identify 3,177 mule accounts under cyber drive
NEET-UG paper leak case: Charges framed against 52 accused
CJI to inaugurate Victim Rights Centre today
Water cannon used against Congress workers demanding CECs resignation
PK attacks minister over minor incident remark
Agricultural education must link with jobs, entrepreneurship: Tiwari
DM inspects key tourist sites, directs officials to improve facilities
GOC, Jharkhand & Bihar, inspects Sainik School Nalanda
AIIMS-Patna announces expansion of specialised healthcare services
CM: Sone plan to boost year-round water availability across Gaya district
Jamui horror: Victim's photo posted on CMs X handle, FIR filed against CMO staffer
Saras Mela clocks over Rs1cr sales in five days
Delhi Police arrests Patna gangster and proclaimed offender in Arms Act case
The News Mill
Three NDA partners seek EC clarification amid SIR row
Patna divisional commissioner reviews issues at KV Kankarbagh
Misa Bharti seeks FIR against Bihar CM over Jamui row
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 25 (IANS) RJD Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti on Friday reached the Secretariat Police Station in Patna seeking registration of an FIR against Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over his social media post featuring the family of a minor girl involved in the Jamui molestation case. Bharti submitted a written complaint at the police station and waited for some time, but alleged that the police refused to accept her complaint or register an FIR. She subsequently left the police station without the case being registered. Speaking after visiting the Secretariat Police Station, Bharti said she had approached the police to lodge an FIR against the Chief Minister and questioned how ordinary citizens are treated when seeking to register complaints. We have not come to the Secretariat police station to play caste politics. We are elected representatives of the people, Members of Parliament. If my FIR is not being registered, one can only imagine the plight of ordinary citizens of Bihar at police stations, she said. She also pointed out that Choudhary holds the portfolios of both Chief Minister and Home Minister. Referring to the Jamui case, she claimed that FIRs had been registered against more than 250 people, including news-channel personnel, YouTubers and ordinary citizens, over the circulation of related material. Bharti alleged that the Chief Ministers interaction with the victims family and the subsequent publication of the photograph raised questions under the POCSO Act. The Chief Minister of Bihar was holding a photo session after summoning the victimised girl and her family members. On one hand, cases are being registered against news channels for violating the POCSO Act. Yet, he himself shared a photo on X that violates the same Act, only to delete the post after realising the error twenty minutes later. Does this constitute a violation of the POCSO Act or not? she asked. The controversy centres on the Jamui case, in which police have arrested those accused of the alleged molestation of a minor girl. The issue took a political turn after Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary shared a photograph on social media with the victims family during his interaction with them on Thursday. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav subsequently alleged that the photograph violated provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The post was later deleted. Tejashwi also questioned why police had not registered an FIR against the Chief Minister, arguing that they had taken action against other individuals accused of sharing photographs or videos related to the case on social media. He said the law should apply equally to everyone and warned that he would approach the court if the police did not register a case against Choudhary. Bharti also referred to a series of recent incidents involving girls and women reported from different parts of Bihar, including Jamui, Samastipur, Banka, Madhepura and Darbhanga. She alleged that the incidents reflected concerns over womens safety in the state. The controversy now centres on whether the police will formally take up Bharti's complaint and whether any legal proceedings will follow over the photograph shared by the Chief Minister. Any allegation of a POCSO violation would ultimately have to be examined under applicable law, based on the facts and evidence available to the authorities.
'Gyanesh Kumar should be arrested': Congress stages nationwide protests against CEC
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) The Congress on Friday staged nationwide protests to demand the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over 'vote chori' allegations, asserting that the party would not bow down until action is taken against him. The allegations have gained momentum after a media report claimed differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several Congress leaders and workers were detained during the agitation, including the party's Assam and Punjab chiefs Gaurav Gogoi and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, respectively. Water cannons were also used to disperse the protesters across states. In the national capital, the Youth Congress held a march demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav said: The demand is clear that Gyanesh Kumar must be arrested because he has murdered democracy. The essence of a democracy is lost when votes are stolen. We clearly demand that Gyanesh Kumar resign and that the elections conducted over the past year undergo a review, he added. Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba recalled that the party, especially Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, has been speaking about the heft of votes for months now. On December 14, the Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodo rally was held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. The entire Delhi was echoing with the slogan...Today, our only demand is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should seek Gyanesh Kumars resignation. He should be arrested and sent to jail. The illegal decisions taken by him must be stopped and reversed, Lambae told IANS. Congress leaders and workers attempted to 'gherao' the Election Commission office in Chandigarh. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who was being detained, told reporters: We have all gathered here demanding the removal of Gyanesh Kumar and his arrest and imprisonment. Our protest is against the SIR. Votes are being stolen across the country, and 20 lakh votes have been deleted in Punjab...Our demand is that SIR should be cancelled and voting should take place without it. Congress Chandigarh President H.S. Lucky asserted that the party would continue the agitation despite the attempts being made by the police to stop them. The police are doing their duty and putting up barricades. Deploy the police, the Army, Income Tax, ED, or any other agency, but the way the people of the country have been wronged, they will not tolerate it. Gen-Z recently held a major protest at Jantar Mantar. Another major movement will emerge in the country. This protest will continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns, just as (then-Union Education Minister) Dharmendra Pradhan did, Lucky told IANS. Security personnel also used water cannons to disperse agitators in Chandigarh. Leading a protest march in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das said: This movement is against the stealing of votes, and Gyanesh Kumar will have to resign. Rahul Gandhi has been raising the issue of vote theft from the beginning, but no one was listening. Today, it has been proved how vote theft is taking place. Led by Bihar President Rajesh Ram, Congress workers in Patna marched towards the Election Commission office. However, police put up barricades near the Secretariat to stop them. A heated scuffle broke out between the police and the workers as the latter attempted to break through the barricades and move forward. The police had to use water cannons to bring the situation under control. Speaking to reporters during the agitation, Rajesh Ram said: We are not afraid. We will continue to protest against Gyanesh Kumar, who is a criminal. Another protester alleged that police resorted to 'lathi charge'. Purnia MP Pappu Yadav also took part in the Congress protest in Patna. Criticising the Election Commission, he said: They have committed an injustice against 13 crore people in Bengal, Bihar and Assam. How can they be allowed to go? Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat took part in the Congress protest in Dehradun. Congress state in-charge Kumari Selja said: We are holding protests across the country. People have seen the revelations that have come out regarding the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission is not functioning in the manner it should. There is no unanimity there, and it is not impartial. Similarly, Congress leaders and workers protested outside the Election Commission office in Shimla. Congress Himachal Pradesh in-charge Rajni Patil also recalled Rahul Gandhi's vote theft allegations, saying: Now we are firmly convinced that there are irregularities in the elections...If things go on like this then the Constitution will be totally destroyed. Similar protests also took place in Assam's Guwahati, where state chief and MP Gaurav Gogoi, along with other party members, was detained while trying to break through police barricades
Election Commission Row Escalates: Congress Takes Protest Nationwide, CEC Under Fire
The Congress-led campaign against the Election Commission intensifies as protests are held across Delhi, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Dehradun, Guwahati, Patna and Chandigarh. Congress has demanded action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while Rahul Gandhi has called for his resignation. The BJP has hit back over Congress's stand on the SIR exercise in Kerala. Meanwhile, a PIL against the CEC has been filed in the Supreme Court.
ED searches 16 locations linked to Bengaluru-based firm
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 25 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at 16 premises linked to Bengaluru-based Attica Gold Private Limited and others across Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam in connection with an alleged money laundering case involving the purchase and acquisition of stolen gold, an official statement said on Friday. The searches were conducted on September 23 and 24 under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, by the ED's Bengaluru Zonal Office. According to the ED, the investigation relates to allegations that Attica Gold Private Limited, its shareholders and directors were habitually involved in the purchase, acquisition and dealing of stolen gold articles, allegedly generating substantial proceeds of crime. The investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered and charge sheets filed by police authorities at various police stations over allegations of habitual purchase, acquisition and dealing in stolen gold, the central agency said. The ED said that information gathered from the FIRs was further supported by other verifiable inputs regarding alleged money laundering activities and processes undertaken by the accused persons. The searches covered residential premises of directors, former directors and shareholders, besides the head office and branches of Attica Gold Private Limited and other linked premises. The central probe agency identified P.S. Ayub alias Bomanahalli Babu, Obedulla A., Mohammed Salman A. and Arbin Taj A. among the key persons linked to the investigation. According to the ED, these persons did not cooperate with the search proceedings and remained absconding. The ED also alleged that employees at some of the business premises covered during the searches had been instructed by the key persons to remain unavailable during the proceedings. The searches resulted in the seizure of alleged proceeds of crime in the form of Rs 7.52 lakh in cash, apart from foreign currency, gold jewellery and silver articles, the central agency said. The ED added that further investigation into the case is underway. It can be noted that Attica Gold has a large network of outlets across several states and is involved in the purchase and sale of gold. The company is into purchasing gold directly from individuals, melting it down and converting it into jewellery before selling it through its outlets. The ED is examining complaints and allegations concerning the manner in which gold was procured and subsequently processed and sold by the company. The organisation had also been searched by the Income Tax Department in the past as part of an earlier investigation. Attica Gold has expanded its business across multiple states and reportedly operates around 200 outlets. The company's business model involves buying and selling gold through its network of shops. The latest ED action has also drawn attention to Bommanahalli Babu, widely known as Attica Babu, to his political activities. He was reportedly preparing to contest the bypoll from the Hiriyur Assembly constituency.
Visakhapatnam City Police arrest 102 in 74 property crime cases
Visakhapatnam to host district-level youth festival from October 6
Painting outside the lines | Krishen Khanna exhibition @ Bihar Museum, Patna
Painting outside the lines | Krishen Khanna exhibition @ Bihar Museum, Patna
Protests Erupt in Patna Against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
Congress and RJD protest in Patna, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over electoral issues. Protests Erupt in Patna Against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
Bihar Congress, RJD protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over SIR issues; police use water canons
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 25 (IANS) The Bihar Congress staged a protest march in Patna on Friday against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and over issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The RJD also staged a demonstration in Patna over the issue. Police used water cannons to stop the protesters as they attempted to proceed towards the State Election Commission office. The protest march was organised from R-Block to the State Election Commission office. A large number of Congress leaders and workers participated in the demonstration, raising slogans against the Election Commission and demanding the resignation of the CEC. Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Rajesh Ram said the protest was linked to the questions being raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the electoral process and voter lists. The protest against the Election Commission stems from the fact that Rahul Gandhi was consistently exposing them... today it has been proven that governments in Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra were formed through vote theft. The Election Commission has not yet responded to Rahul Gandhi, Ram said. These allegations reflect the Congress party's political position and have not been established as facts by the Election Commission or a court. Tension was reported during the demonstration as Congress workers and police personnel came face-to-face. Some protesters climbed the barricades while carrying an effigy of the CEC, leading to a commotion at the site. Police subsequently used water cannons to disperse the protesters. Congress workers and leaders also demanded the removal and arrest of CEC Gyanesh Kumar during the demonstration. Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav also criticised the Election Commission amid the nationwide Congress protests. They have committed an injustice against 13 crore people in Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. How can they simply be allowed to get away with it? Yadav said. The RJD, a key constituent of the Mahagathbandhan, also staged a demonstration in Patna over the issue. RJD leaders and workers took to the streets and raised questions over the functioning of the Election Commission, particularly in connection with the revision of electoral rolls and the electoral process. The protests in Bihar are part of a broader political campaign by Opposition parties questioning the Election Commission's handling of voter lists and the Special Intensive Revision. The protests come amid a recent report by a national English daily newspaper alleging that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over a period of 10 months regarding decisions and procedures of the poll panel. The reported objections covered issues including voter registration and deletion, restoration of names, changes to Form 6, new voters and the management of electoral-roll data. The report said some of the objections concerned decisions that the two commissioners stated had been taken without their knowledge or approval. The objections reportedly included concerns about the centralisation of electoral-roll database controls and aspects of the SIR process. The Election Commission has rejected the suggestion that the reported objections demonstrate a lack of consensus within the three-member poll panel. According to the Commission, all decisions taken by it, including those related to the SIR, had the approval of all three Election Commissioners and were reached unanimously. The Commission said that highlighting individual internal notes without considering the broader body of decisions and approvals presents only one part of its decision-making process. The controversy over the functioning of the Election Commission and the revision of electoral rolls continues, with Opposition parties demanding greater accountability while the poll panel maintains that its decisions have been taken in accordance with its established procedures.
