Tantrik Dies in Gujarat Police Custody; Accused of 12 Murders
Ahmedabad: A 42-year-old tantrik arrested for allegedly conspiring to murder a businessman died in police custody in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Sunday after admitting to killing 12 people by giving them drinks laced with a chemical, police said. The Sarkhej police arrested Navalsinh Chavda around 1 am on December 3 when he was on his way to commit the crime after his partner for a taxi business with whom he shared the plan tipped off the police, an official said. The police secured Chavda's remand till 3 pm on December 10 for further probe into his occult practices and possible involvement in human sacrifices, he said. Around 10 am on Sunday, Chavda fell ill and was rushed to the civil hospital in an ambulance, but the doctors declared him dead on arrival. The accused confessed to 12 murders during interrogation, and all deaths had occurred due to consumption of sodium nitrite, the official said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shivam Verma said the accused confessed to having committed 12 murders by making his victims consume sodium nitrite dissolved in water during occult rituals. Chavda admitted to having murdered a man in Ahmedabad, six in Surendranagar, including three members of his family, three in Rajkot, and one each in Wankaner (Morbi district) and Anjar (Kutch district), Verma said. He said the accused confessed to having murdered a man whose body was found in the Aslali area of Ahmedabad in August 2021 in what appeared to be a road accident. A post-mortem later suggested it to be a case of death by poisoning. The probe has also revealed that the accused had similarly killed his grandmother around 14 years ago and his mother and uncle a year ago, Verma said. According to the police, Chavda procured sodium nitrite, a chemical used for dry cleaning, from a laboratory in his hometown, Surendranagar. Due to poisoning, several of his victims died of heart attacks, while the nature of the deaths of a few other victims was a matter of investigation, the official said. Chavda had found out about the chemical from another tantrik. The substance would take effect 15 to 20 minutes after consumption and cause heart attack, etc., leading to death, he said. The accused called himself a huvaji and proclaimed that he had the power to perform magic and miracles. He also had an ashram at Wadhwan in Surendranagar where he practised black magic, police said. He would offer to multiply his victims' wealth or solve their problems, they said. The police had recovered incriminating evidence from Chavda's vehicle, including items used in rituals and white powder.
JAIN International Residential School (JIRS) brings the Future 25 Event to Rajkot India Education Diary
2nd Test: Door Very Much Open For Shami To Come And Play, Says Rohit
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: After India suffered a ten-wicket defeat to Australia in the Adelaide Test, skipper Rohit Sharma said the door is very much open for veteran fast-bowler Mohammed Shami to join the squad in Australia. But at the same time, Rohit reiterated that the team is taking a careful route over assessing Shamis match fitness. Shami has not played for India after 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia, due to an Achilles injury that needed surgery this February. After suffering some setbacks during his long recovery process, Shami made his competitive comeback for Bengal in their Ranji Trophy fifth round match against Madhya Pradesh at Indore, where he took seven wickets in his teams win. At the time of his cricket comeback in Indore, Nitin Patel, the sports science and medicine head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) and senior mens selection committee member Ajay Ratra were in attendance. We are just monitoring him because while playing Syed Mushtaq Ali, he got some swelling in his knee, which hampers his preparation to come and play a Test match. We want to be very careful, we don't want to bring him here, he pulls up sore or something happens. We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don't want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime, said Rohit in the post-match press conference. Since then Shami played all seven league stage games for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Rajkot, picking eight wickets in 27.3 overs, while being watched over for his fitness levels by Patel, selection committee member SS Das and CoE strength and conditioning trainer Nishanta Bordoloi. We don't want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime, said Rohit in the post-match press conference. Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS
Ex-IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt acquitted in 1997 case
Bhatt was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment in a 1990 custodial death case in Jamnagar and 20 years in jail in a 1996 case relating to planting drugs to frame a Rajasthan-based lawyer in Palanpur. He is currently lodged in the Rajkot Central Jail.
'Im so proud of you': Shami congratulates brother on SMAT debut
Veteran Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami celebrated his brother Mohammed Kaif's debut for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Kaif joined the team as they faced Rajasthan in Rajkot. Rajasthan set a target of 154, powered by Kartik and Lomror's strong batting performances. Shami himself shone with a 3-wicket haul.
Morari Bapu's Ramkatha in Rajkot raises Rs 60 crore
The proceeds from this spiritual gathering will support the Sadbhavana Trust and fund the construction of the Sadbhavana Old Age Home and other charitable initiatives.
Urban Planning is Crucial, Say Experts at National Conference
Hyderabad : The integration of biodiversity into urban planning is crucial for sustainable development, said experts at the two-day National Conference on Urban Biodiversity that began here on Friday. The event highlighted the importance of creating urban spaces that balance growth with ecological preservation. Organised by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia, the conference brought together leaders from 35 cities, including environmental experts, planners, and city officials. Participants explored collaborative measures to protect biodiversity while addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation. Hyderabad was chosen as the host city due to its achievements in sustainability, including the prestigious World Green City Award, and its transformation into a global hub for investment and urban innovation. Hyderabad has demonstrated how urbanisation and biodiversity can coexist. Its an example for others to emulate, said C. Achalender Reddy, NBA chairperson. He called for municipal bodies to adopt policies prioritising biodiversity through consistent funding and the use of native plants to restore ecosystems. Raghu Kumar Kodali, adviser with the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, stressed that urban biodiversity must be a key element in planning to enhance quality of life. By focusing on parks, green roofs, and wetlands, cities can align with global biodiversity goals and create spaces that serve both people and nature, he told Deccan Chronicle. The event spotlighted Hyderabads initiatives, including the restoration of water bodies and green corridors. Leaders such as Nayanben Pedhadiya, Mayor of Rajkot, and Sarfaraz Ahmad, HMDA commissioner, shared insights from their respective cities, contributing to a diverse exchange of ideas.
ASI takes action after PMO flags poor state of Dholavira
NEW DELHI: To expedite conservation efforts and improvement interventions at the ancient city of Dholavira site in Gujarat, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has shifted a senior Superintending Archaeologist (SA) from Delhi-NCR to Rajkot circle, under which the remains of Harappan metropolis fall. The official from the Excavation Branch in Greater Noida has been transferred with specific instructions to take care of site activities to improve tourist amenities. According to sources, the SA has already visited the ruins of the southern centre of the Harappan Civilization. Last month, the two officials including a Conservation Architect (CA) were shifted to Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This newspaper, last month, reported that the survey had turned its focus to Dholavira after the PMO flagged the poor state of preservation and lack of tourist amenities there. The agency also asked the officials concerned to devote more time to speed up site activities and work out a detailed action plan for conservation and resume excavation at historic urban settlements located in the Rann of Kutch. The functioning of Dholavira Unit, excavation and other activities at the site was discussed in a meeting held in October with the senior official of the PMO in which the director general of the ASI was informed that the place is not a good status of preservation and lacks proper management, maintenance and tourist amenities. It was also informed about discontinuation of excavation, which has great potential for research, at Dholavira. The ancient settlement dating to 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE is the 6th largest of more than 1,000 Harappan sites discovered so far, which was occupied for over 1,500 years. Dholavira demonstrates its multifaceted achievements in terms of urban planning, water management, trading, and belief system. Harappan City was inscribed on UNESCOs World Heritage list in 2021. The Superintending Archaeologist in-charge of Rajkot Circle (sub office of ASI in Gujarat) is further advised to devote more time to the Dholavira site to accelerate activities at the World Heritage Site. He may submit a detailed action plan within 15 days for perusal of D-G, read an order.
5 More Arrested In GST Scam Linked To The Hindu Journalist Mahesh Langa's Firm
Five accused in the fake goods and services tax (GST) billing scam in Gujarat were arrested by the Rajkot branch of the economic offences wing (EOW) today. The arrests happened after the police and EOW officials searched 14 locations simultaneously.
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Kin say custodial torture after death of 27-year-old in dry Gujarat liquor case
AHMEDABAD: A 27-year-old man allegedly died in police custody on Monday after he was arrested along with seven others during a crackdown on public drinking in Ahmedabad. Darshan Chauhan collapsed and died while he was being taken to Asarwa civil hospital for a medical check-up, police said. All the eight people arrested were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. While Chauhans family initially admitted before police that he had a seizure disorder, they later denied this and claimed before the media that he was a habitual drinker. They raised suspicions over the circumstances of his death, prompting the police to initiate an investigation into the incident. Eight people were apprehended in a late-night combing operation in Gomtipur. At 3:30 am, all detainees were taken to the civil hospital in an intoxicated state. Tragically, 27-year-old Darshan Chauhan collapsed and died before his medical examination, RD Ojha, ACP of Gomtipur, said, adding that the cause of death awaits postmortem results. The family refuted the police version. My brother had no illness, he was only addicted to alcohol, said Darshans sister Bharati Chauhan. My son went out at night, saying he would be back soon. Around 11 pm, we got a call saying the police had caught him. By morning, he had been taken to the civil hospital in poor health. When we reached there, we learned he had died, said Darshans mother Jashodaben. According to the Gujarat State Human Rights Commissions 2022-23 report, Rajkot city recorded the highest number of police custody deaths at three. Police initiate probe after family raises doubts While Chauhans family initially admitted before police that he had a seizure disorder, they later denied this and claimed before the media that he was a habitual drinker. They raised suspicions over the circumstances of his death, prompting the police to initiate an investigation into the incident.
Gujarat: Patidar leader assaulted in Rajkot, inspector booked - The Indian Express
Gujarat: Patidar leader assaulted in Rajkot, inspector booked The Indian Express
Four women killed, 16 injured in van-truck collision in Gujarat's Surendranagar
SURENDRANAGAR: Four women were killed and 16 others injured after their pickup van collided with a truck in Gujarat's Surendranagar district, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place near Chotila around 10:30 pm on Monday, said Inspector I B Valvi of the local police station. The van, heading for Somnath from Shiyani village in Limbdi taluka of the district, was carrying 20 passengers. Two of them died on the spot following the collision while two more died in hospital, she said. The truck, coming from the opposite direction, turned right to halt at a roadside hotel and it led to the collision, the official said. The victims were going to Somnath to perform 'pitru tarpan,' a ritual for deceased ancestors. All the 16 injured persons were receiving treatment at the Rajkot civil hospital. The deceased, who were related to each other, were identified as Magjiben Rethariya (72), Galalben Rethariya (60), Manjuben Rethariya (65) and Gauriben Rethariya (68).
Gujarat: Youngsters get tips on cats upkeep at Rajkot seminar - The Indian Express
Gujarat: Youngsters get tips on cats upkeep at Rajkot seminar The Indian Express
Shivaji statue collapse case: Bombay HC grants bail to consultant Chetan Patil
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Thursday granted bail to consultant Chetan Patil arrested in connection with the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue at Rajkot fort in Malvan in August. A 35-foot statue of the iconic Maratha warrior king collapsed in Sindhudurg district on August 26, nearly nine months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled it on Navy Day. Patil was arrested on August 30 from Kolhapur. 'Bow my head at his feet and apologise': PM Modi on Chhatrapati Shivaji statue collapse A single bench of Justice A S Kilor on Thursday held that no case was made out to implicate Patil in the case as he had not been appointed as the structural designer of the statue. The bench further said Patil had only submitted a structural stability report of the pedestal of the statue and the pedestal was intact even after the collapse. Another accused, Jaydeep Apte, who was the sculptor and contractor, was also arrested in the case. The HC said it would hear his bail plea on November 25. The Sindhudurg police had registered an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for negligence and other offences last month against Apte and Patil for the statue's collapse. Patil and Apte moved HC seeking bail after a sessions court rejected their pleas.
Mlaya name unchanged squad for CK Nayudu Trophy
By Our Reporter Shillong, Nov 14: The senior men selection committee of the Meghalaya Cricket Association has named an unchanged squad for the fifth match of the U-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy match against Railways, which will be played from Friday at the latters home ground in Rajkot, Gujarat. Promoted to the elite level after [] The post Mlaya name unchanged squad for CK Nayudu Trophy appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Why Mahayuti, Union govt keen on undermining Chhatrapati Shivaji: Congress to PM Modi
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi by posing questions to him on Maharashtra and asked why the Mahayuti and the Union governments keen on undermining Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's rallies in Maharashtra, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh posed three questions to him, including what is his vision to address water scarcity in Marathwada. Why is the Mahayuti and the Union Government keen on undermining Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Ramesh asked. Raigad was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - one of India's greatest sons, whom the Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra and its patron in New Delhi have been undermining, Ramesh said in a post on X. Seven years ago, the PM laid the foundation stone for a 696-feet statue of Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai but it has since been silently abandoned by his government, he said. In a petty effort to spite the people of Maharashtra after their stinging debacle on June 4th, they removed the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from its place of prominence outside the Parliament House, Ramesh alleged. BJP leaders, in their attempts to ingratiate themselves to the self-proclaimed divinity, have belittled the Chhatrapati by comparing him to the non-biological PM, he said. The Mahayuti didn't even spare the Chhatrapati from its extortion and loot. The non-biological PM is in Maharashtra today. Three questions for him 1. Why is the Mahayuti and the Union Government keen on undermining Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj? Raigad was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj one of Indias greatest sons, whom the Mahayuti Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 14, 2024 The 35-ft statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg was made so shoddily that it collapsed within a year of its inauguration by the non-biological PM himself, Ramesh said. What is the source of this hatred and constant attempt to belittle the Chhatrapati, he asked. What hope can the Aam Aadmi have from a man who has given jumlas even to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj? the Congress leader said. Uddhav Thackeray slams BJP, says Modi wants to use Shivaji Maharaj as vote machine He further asked what is Modi's vision to address water scarcity in Marathwada. In 2019, then Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised a Rs 20,000 to 25,000 crore package to build a water grid from Marathwada that would supply piped drinking water to every village, he pointed out. Summer this year marked five years of this promise - and it was one of the most water-scarce years that Marathwada has faced, Ramesh said. More than 600 villages and 178 hamlets in Marathwada were dependent on water tankers amidst an acute drinking water shortage, he said. Only 19% drinking water was left in reservoirs. What has the BJP done to tackle water scarcity in Marathwada? Will the non-biological PM ever take responsibility for his and his party's failures? the Congress leader said. He also asked why the Indian Railways performed so poorly in the Nanded division. Railway infrastructure in Nanded division, which serves many areas in Marathwada, has been subjected to blatant neglect by the Modi government, he claimed. According to data furnished by the South Central Railway (SCR) in 2021, Nanded has only 35km of route electrification and only 83km of track doubling. This puts it at the bottom in terms of electrification and only marginally ahead of the bottom in track doubling compared to other SCR divisions, Ramesh said. Additionally, it is the only division in its zone that still has 130km of colonial-era meter-gauge tracks, he said. Every election season, Mr.Modi is happy to come to Marathwada and ask for votes but the area never sees the progress and development that he speaks of. Why has crucial railway infrastructure been neglected in Nanded? Does the non-biological PM have any real vision for bringing development to the Marathwada region? Ramesh said. His remarks come amid campaigning for the November 20 polls in Maharashtra. The counting of votes will take place on November 23.
Why Mahayuti, Union govts keen on undermining Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Cong to PM
Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's rallies in Maharashtra, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh posed three questions to him, including what is his vision to address water scarcity in Marathwada. Why is the Mahayuti and the Union Government keen on undermining Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Ramesh asked. Raigad was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - one of India's greatest sons, whom the Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra and its patron in New Delhi have been undermining, Ramesh said in a post on X. Seven years ago, the PM laid the foundation stone for a 696-feet statue of Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai but it has since been silently abandoned by his government, he said. In a petty effort to spite the people of Maharashtra after their stinging debacle on June 4th, they removed the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from its place of prominence outside the Parliament House, Ramesh alleged. BJP leaders, in their attempts to ingratiate themselves to the self-proclaimed divinity, have belittled the Chhatrapati by comparing him to the non-biological PM, he said. The Mahayuti didn't even spare the Chhatrapati from its extortion and loot. The 35-ft statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg was made so shoddily that it collapsed within a year of its inauguration by the non-biological PM himself, Ramesh said. What is the source of this hatred and constant attempt to belittle the Chhatrapati, he asked. What hope can the Aam Aadmi have from a man who has given jumlas even to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj? the Congress leader said. He further asked what is Modi's vision to address water scarcity in Marathwada. In 2019, then Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised a Rs 20,000 to 25,000 crore package to build a water grid from Marathwada that would supply piped drinking water to every village, he pointed out. Summer this year marked five years of this promise - and it was one of the most water-scarce years that Marathwada has faced, Ramesh said. More than 600 villages and 178 hamlets in Marathwada were dependent on water tankers amidst an acute drinking water shortage, he said. Only 19% of drinking water was left in reservoirs. What has the BJP done to tackle water scarcity in Marathwada? Will the non-biological PM ever take responsibility for his and his party's failures? the Congress leader said. He also asked why the Indian Railways performed so poorly in the Nanded division. Railway infrastructure in Nanded division, which serves many areas in Marathwada, has been subjected to blatant neglect by the Modi government, he claimed. According to data furnished by the South Central Railway (SCR) in 2021, Nanded has only 35km of route electrification and only 83km of track doubling. This puts it at the bottom in terms of electrification and only marginally ahead of the bottom in track doubling compared to other SCR divisions, Ramesh said. Additionally, it is the only division in its zone that still has 130km of colonial-era meter-gauge tracks, he said. Every election season, Mr. Modi is happy to come to Marathwada and ask for votes but the area never sees the progress and development that he speaks of. Why has crucial railway infrastructure been neglected in Nanded? Does the non-biological PM have any real vision for bringing development to the Marathwada region? Ramesh said. His remarks come amid campaigning for the November 20 polls in Maharashtra. The counting of votes will take place on November 23.
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.
Foster brother allegedly rape seven-year-old niece, arrested by police within hours
AHMEDABAD: In Gujarats Rajkot, a shocking incident marred Diwali celebrations when a foster brother was accused of sexual assaulting his 7-year-old niece, shaming a trusted family bond. The matter came to light when the young victim disclosed the ordeal to her mother, who immediately filed a complaint. Within hours, Rajkot University Police apprehended the suspect, Dilip Chauhan, registering charges under sections for rape and POCSO, and initiating legal action. Rajkot ACP Radhika Bharai stated. The accused, Dilip Chauhan, allegedly sexually exploited his sisters daughter when she was alone, subjecting her to sexual violence on November 4. The victim, while conversing with her mother, realized the gravity of the situation and filed a complaint with the university police yesterday. Recognizing the seriousness of the case, authorities swiftly initiated a manhunt. Within hours, the accused was tracked to his home, arrested, and charged under rape and POCSO Act sections, with legal proceedings now underway. said ACP Radhika Bharai. A woman residing on University Road has filed a complaint detailing the events. According to her statement, her husband passed away two years ago, and she has since lived with their 7-year-old daughter. For the past four years, she has worked as a sweeper at the Kidney Hospital on University Road. The accused, Dilip Chauhan, worked alongside her in the same capacity, and over time, a brother-sister bond developed between them. She considered him a brother, particularly after her husband's death. The woman also mentioned that at times, she would bring her daughter to the hospital. According to the statement, the accused and the victims daughter became acquainted, and a bond of uncle and niece was formed. The accused, Dilip Chauhan, even visited their home a couple of times to eat. On November 4, when the complainant returned home, she noticed a can lying there. Upon asking her daughter about it, the girl tearfully revealed that the accused had entered the house in her absence and rape her. She also disclosed that, a few days earlier, he had forcibly rape her and threatened her not to speak about it to anyone the statement further added.
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.
Ancient city of Dholavira in poor state, says PMO
NEW DELHI: After the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) flagged the poor state of preservation and lack of tourist amenities at the ancient city of Dholavira, the southern centre of the Harappan Civilization, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued directions to the officials concerned to devote more time to speed up site activities and work out a detailed action plan for conservation and resume excavation at historic urban settlements; a world heritage site located in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The functioning of Dholavira Unit, excavation and other activities at the site was discussed in a meeting held earlier this month with the senior official of the PMO in which the director general of the ASI was informed that the place is not a good status of preservation and it also lacks proper management, maintenance and tourist amenities. According to the official, the survey was also informed about discontinuation of excavation, which has great potential for research, there at Dholavira. Following the intervention and concerns conveyed by the PMO, the ASI was also of the view that the pace of excavation and preservation activities at the ancient settlement dating to 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE need to be accelerated and efforts required to set up a site museum at the earliest as tourist footfall has also been increasing. It is the 6th largest of more than 1,000 Harappan sites discovered so far, which was occupied for over 1,500 years. Dholavira demonstrates its multifaceted achievements in terms of urban planning, construction techniques, water management, social governance manufacturing, trading, and belief system. Harappan City was inscribed on UNESCOs World Heritage list in 2021. A year later, the ministry of culture notified the ancient quarry sites at Dholavira as an archaeological site and remains of national importance. Quarries, spreading over 41 hectare, are about 3-4 kilometers from Dholavira citadel. According to the archeologists, stones extracted from these mines were used to build Dholavira citadel and architectural members were also carved here. Taking cognisance of the concerns, two officials, including a Conservation Architect (CA), have been shifted to Dholavira. The Superintending Archaeologist in-charge of Rajkot Circle (sub office of ASI in Gujarat) is further advised to devote more time to the Dholavira site to accelerate activities at the World Heritage Site. He may submit a detailed action plan in this regard within 15 days for perusal of D-G, read an order on transfer of the officers.
Bomb Threats issued to at least 50 Indian Airline Flights on Sunday
At least 50 flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats on Sunday, adding to a rising trend of hoax threats against the nations airlines. In the last 14 days alone, Indian carriers have received more than 350 bomb threats, with most originating from social media. Authorities are actively addressing these incidents through legislative measures and increased monitoring of social media platforms to combat the wave of false alarms. Reports indicate that Akasa Air received security alerts for 15 of its flights on Sunday. After comprehensive inspections, all aircraft were cleared to resume operations. Additionally, sources noted that IndiGo faced threats involving 18 of its flights, while Vistara had 17 flights impacted by similar alerts. On Saturday, several hotels in cities like Kolkata, Tirupati, and Rajkot were targeted with bomb threat emails, sparking widespread concern. After police investigations, all threats were found to be hoaxes. In Kolkata, 10 major hotels received alarming emails on the day of Home Minister Amit Shahs visit to the region. Kolkata police conducted rigorous safety checks but confirmed no explosives were found. Authorities informed central agencies due to the increase in hoax threats against public locations. The emails contained disturbing language, claiming bombs were concealed in black bags within hotel grounds. One email reportedly warned, I have planted bombs on the grounds of your hotel. The bombs are hidden in black bags. They will detonate soon. You have little time to live. Evacuate. In Tirupati, three hotels received similar threats, following other recent hoaxes. These emails mentioned Jaffer Sadiq, a figure associated with a drug racket, and referenced two individuals linked to Tamil Nadu politics. In Rajkot, 10 hotels were simultaneously threatened by emails from an ID named Kan Din. Police teams, led by DCP Parthrajsinh Gohil, searched the locations thoroughly but found no suspicious items. Authorities continue to monitor and respond to these security threats, emphasizing public safety and ensuring operations are unaffected by the hoaxes. Over 250 Flights Targeted by Hoax Bomb Threats: Centre Calls for Data from Social Media Hoax bomb threat to three hotels in Tirupati Over 70 Flights Targeted by Bomb Threats, Mainly from Same Social Media Handle
Hoax bomb threats received in hotels in Kolkata, Tirupati, and Rajkot amid festival season
Nearly two dozen hotels in Kolkata, Tirupati, and Rajkot received hoax bomb threats via email on Saturday. Police conducted searches but found nothing suspicious. The emails mentioned various names connected to past criminal incidents. Central agencies have been alerted due to the pattern of threats aimed at flights, airports, and now hotels.
Bomb threats target multiple hotels in Lucknow
Several hotels in Lucknow, including Marriott, Fortune, and Lemon Tree, received bomb threats via email demanding a $55,000 ransom. The emails claimed bombs were planted in black bags on hotel grounds and would detonate if tampered with or if the ransom was not paid. This follows similar hoax threats to hotels in Rajkot and multiple flights.
Centre directs social media platforms to purge content on hoax bomb threats
NEW DELHI: With hoax bomb threats against airlines continuing unabated, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an advisory directing social media platforms to promptly remove such misinformation and refrain from hosting similar content. Stating that such hoax bomb threats pose a potential threat to public order and state security, the ministry warned that intermediaries, including social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Telegram, and other apps that fail to exercise due diligence will be liable for action under the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. As part of their due diligence obligations, it is the responsibility of concerned intermediaries, including social media platforms, to promptly take necessary action by not allowing any user to host, display, publish, store, update, or share any unlawful or false information, the advisory said. Over 275 Indian carrier flights received bomb threats in 12 days, mostly via social media. On Saturday, at least 10 hotels in Gujarats Rajkot received hoax bomb threats. And a 25-year-old man based in Delhi was arrested for allegedly posting threatening messages to a flight. The ministry also directed intermediaries to provide information or assistance to government prove agencies within 72 hours. Citing IT Rules 2021, it said it is mandatory for the intermediaries to provide information under their control or extend assistance to the government probe agencies or cyber security activities for verification of identity, or for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of such elements as soon as possible but not later than 72 hours.
10 Gujarat Hotels Receive Bomb Threats, Turn Out To Be Hoax: Police
At least ten hotels in Gujarat's Rajkot city received bomb threat emails on Saturday, which turned out to be a hoax, police said.
Gujarat: 10 hotels in Rajkot receive bomb threats, police launch investigation
At least ten hotels in Gujarat's Rajkot city received bomb threat emails on Saturday, which turned out to be a hoax, police said.
10 Hotels In Gujarat's Rajkot Receive Bomb Threats, Turn Out To Be Hoax
The hotels received emails around 12.45 pm, prompting the police to search these premises thoroughly with the bomb disposal squad (BDS), said police inspector SM Jadeja of the Special Operations Group (SOG).
Ten Hotels In Gujarat Receive Hoax Bomb Threats
At least ten hotels in Gujarat's Rajkot city received bomb threat emails on Saturday, which turned out to be a hoax, police said. I placed bombs in every location of your hotel. The bombs will go off in a few hours. Many innocent lives will be lost today. Hurry up and evacuate the hotel, the email stated.
Police ramp up security after ten hotels receive bomb threat via email in Gujarat's Rajkot
AHMEDABAD: Rajkot police have launched a citywide security sweep after a threatening email warned of bomb attacks on 10 prominent hotels, including popular five-star venues frequented by cricketers. The threat, received during the festival season, has spurred heightened vigilance, with police conducting checks not only in the targeted hotels but also across other major establishments in the city. At 12.45 pm, Rajkot hotels received a chilling email from a sender named Kan Din, claiming, I placed bombs in every location of your hotel. Many lives will be lost today; hurry up and evacuate the hotel. The threat triggered a swift response from SOG, Crime Branch, LCB, PCB, and Bomb Squad teams, who began extensive checks at the hotels. As of now, no suspicious items have been found. PI R.G. Barot of Rajkot A Division told local media, We received information from the crime branch regarding an email warning of bombs allegedly planted in Bhabha Hotel, Jyoti Hotel, and Imperial Hotel in our A Division area. Currently, teams including SOG and local police are on-site conducting thorough checks, but nothing suspicious has been found so far. In a string of escalating threats, the bomb threat to Rajkots well-known hotels followed similar alarming messages aimed at Delhi and Ahmedabad schools, and a prominent Surat mall. Recently, a series of bomb threats has led to emergency landings and diversions across the country, heightening security concerns. The threat to Rajkot hotelsechoing past cases in its tacticshas prompted a swift police response as the situation intensifies nationwide.
AHMEDABAD: The legacy of former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel is back in the political spotlight. 'International Kurmi Sena', a newly-formed social organisation dedicated to promote the social unity and ideological revolution of Kurmi Patels across India will hold its inaugural event in Gujarat. The event, a memorial meeting for Keshubhai Patel, will take place at Rajkot on October 27 at 8 PM. The 'International Kurmi Sena' has raised concerns that Keshubhai Patel's numerous contributions to Saurashtra and Gujarat, including key development initiatives, are being forgotten. To revive his legacy among the younger generation, the organisation plans to pass a resolution during the event, urging the government to rename Rajkots Hirasar International Airport as Keshubhai Patel International Airport. Additionally, the book Dharti Putra Keshubhai , chronicling Patels life and achievements, will be unveiled. Political and social dignitaries from across the State, along with Kurmi (Patel) community leaders from more than 10 states, will gather in Rajkot for the memorial on his fourth death anniversary, Chirag Patel, a member of the International Kurmi Sena, told local media. He emphasised that a tribute will be paid to Keshubhai Patel. He also said that extensive preparations were underway for the past three months to organize the event. The important leaders belonging to all Patidar community organisations in Gujarat have been invited to attend and engage, Patel said. Efforts are also being made to ensure participation from the entire (Patel/Kurmi) community, with leaders from the community being personally invited, said Chirag. The book Dharti Putra Keshubhai is authored by Dilipbhai Patel, a senior journalist and writer. He has contributed to almost all major newspapers in the mainstream media. He had previously written a small booklet on Keshubhai Patel, said the program's organiser. He said that during Keshubhai Patel's tenure as Chief Minister, Gujarat benefited from numerous schemes. He also said that it is a duty to keep his memory alive. To honour his legacy, we have decided to establish the Keshubhai Patel Memorial Institute, which will be officially announced during the event, he added. Keshubhai Patel played a pivotal role in shaping Gujarat's political landscape and transforming the State into a BJP stronghold. His contributions to the party's rise in Gujarat remain significant, cementing his legacy as a key architect of the State's political dominance by the BJP. His first government in 1995, though victorious with 121 out of 182 seats, lasted just six months due to internal party conflicts. A power struggle between the Shankersinh Vaghela and Narendra Modi factions led to Patel losing his position, with Vaghela rebelling alongside 55 MLAs. This resulted in the President's rule in 1996, followed by Vaghela forming a government with Congress support. In 1998, Keshubhai returned to power, riding the slogan of a fear, hunger, and corruption-free Gujarat. However, the term was marred by natural disasters, including the 2001 Kutch earthquake exposing mismanagement in relief efforts. Criticism of the government grew, leading to BJP's defeat in by-elections and panchayat polls. The central leadership ultimately replaced Keshubhai with Narendra Modi as Gujarat's Chief Minister.
Review of Malavika Rajkotias Unpartitioned Time A Daughters Story: Quiver full of arrows
Malavika Rajkotia tells her fathers story through the prism of Partition and other tales that merge into myth and history
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.
Guj man booked for performing rituals at crematorium; first FIR under black magic prevention act
Rajkot: The Gujarat police have arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly performing some rituals inside a crematorium and sharing a video of it on social media claiming that he possessed supernatural powers, an official said on Friday. With this, the police have registered a first case under the new Gujarat Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil, and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, the official said. The police arrested the accused, Ashwin Makwana, on October 15 after a video of him performing rituals at a crematorium in Dhoraji town of Rajkot district went viral on social media, he said. Inspector RJ Godham, a complainant in this FIR, confirmed that this was the first FIR registered state under the newly enacted law against black magic and other such activities. This new law came into effect on September 2 through a gazette notification, and when we tried to upload the FIR on our eGujCop platform on October 15, we learnt that no code was assigned to that Act. This proves that no FIRs were registered under it before this. A code was generated later, and we became the first police station to file an FIR under it, Godham said. On August 21, the Gujarat assembly passed the bill to curb the menace of black magic and other superstitious and inhuman practices. It became an act after the governor gave his assent. In the video, a person is seen performing rituals inside a crematorium run by the municipality in the Kumbharwada area. After some time, he circles a pyre and sleeps on it while reciting some lines. During our investigation, we learnt that the person in the video was Ashwin Makwana, a sanitation worker. He uploaded the video on his Instagram account but deleted it after it went viral on WhatsApp. A local court has granted him bail, the official said. He said the accused claimed that he always believed in tantric rituals and black magic, but this was the first time he performed such rituals in public and shot a video. Makwana wanted to create an impression that he possessed supernatural powers and knew black magic. He also wanted to teach a lesson to those who had made fun of his claims in the past, the official said. Though offences under the Act are cognisable and non-bailable, Makwana was granted bail by the court the next day, he added. As per the Act, no person shall perform or even promote human sacrifice and other inhuman, evil and 'aghori' practices and black magic, and a person found guilty of such offences will have to face imprisonment of six months to seven years with a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to 50,000.
ED Conducts Raids At 23 Locations In Gujarat Over GST Fraud Case
About 23 premises in Rajkot, Junagadh, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Veraval were raided by the federal agency after a case was filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
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)
Rajkot gaming zone fire tragedy: Bail plea of suspended civic official Sagathia rejected
The court rejected the bail plea of the suspended Rajkot Municipal officer MD Sagathia, accused in the fatal TRP Game Zone fire. Sagathia faces allegations of forgery and disproportionate assets. The May 25 fire tragedy killed 27 people, leading to the arrest of 15 individuals including RMC officials.
Govt ropes in CBRI to advise operators on structural aspects of airports
The government has roped in the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) to advise airport operators on the structural aspects of airports, according to a senior official. The move comes against the backdrop of the collapse of a canopy at the old departure forecourt of Terminal 1 (T1) at the Delhi airport in June. During the same month, there were also similar incidents at Jabalpur and Rajkot airports. Following the Delhi airport incident, the ministry decided to conduct a study of the structural aspects of T1 while state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) was asked to carry out an inspection of the structural strength of all minor and major airports. The senior civil aviation ministry official told PTI that Roorkee-based CBRI has been roped in for advising airport operators on the various structural aspects of the airports. The ministry is also planning to organise a technical workshop by CBRI for the airport operators. The official said the ministry is examining the repor
No use of bowing before Shivaji...: Rahul's dig at BJP
Gandhi slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over the collapse of the statue of the warrior king at Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg district, and said the party's ideology is not right.
Vadodara airport receives bomb threat email, turns out to be hoax; FIR registered
Vadodara: Authorities at the Vadodara airport received a bomb threat email, which turned out to be a hoax after a thorough search of the premises, police said on Saturday. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployed at Harni airport in Vadodara received the email on Friday morning, following which a search was carried out by the police, fire brigade, bomb disposal squad and dog squad, an official said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Panna Momaya said the email sent from the email id generalshiva76@rediffmail.com contained a list of airports, including Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Bhuj in Gujarat, but did not specify the location of the bomb. The threat was general for all airports listed in the email. The airport premises and the funnel area were searched, and the bomb threat was found to be a hoax, she said. The official said a first information report (FIR) was registered at Harni police station under section 351 (4) (criminal intimidation by anonymous communication) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). I have tickled their ego and have frustrated them! Hahahaha! Result? Boom, boom and bangs! Big big bangs!! Hohohohohoho! No stopping, no escape! Let the games begin! Jai Mahakal, Jai Ma Adishakti!, the email read.
No use of bowing before Shivaji Maharaj after scaring people, destroying Constitution: Rahul Gandhi
KOLHAPUR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday attacked the BJP government, saying there was no use in bowing before Shivaji Maharaj after scaring people and destroying the Constitution and institutions in the country. Gandhi on Saturday unveiled a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha empire, in Kolhapur city of western Maharashtra. Addressing a public meeting before unveiling the statue, Gandhi slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the collapse of the statue of the warrior king at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district and said the party's ideology was not right. There is no use of bowing before bowing before Shivaji Maharaj after scaring people, destroying the Constitution and institutions in the country, Gandhi said. His comments were apparently targeted at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had apologised to Shivaji Maharaj and those hurt by the collapse of his statue. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king. For us, he is our deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologise to my deity, Modi had said on August 30 during his visit to Maharashtra. The 35-foot statue, which fell on August 26 , was unveiled by the PM on December 4, 2023, on the occasion of Navy Day. Gandhi said Chhatrapati Shivaji's message to the world was that the country belongs to everyone. The Indian Constitution is a manifestation of what the warrior king stood for, he said. If people like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shahu Maharaj were not there, the Constitution also would not have been there, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
Ahmedabad Diary | Demand for owners name in hotels
In line with UP and Himachal Pradesh, there are demands in Gujarat to mandate displaying the owners name on hotels and shops. Such demands have surfaced amid the ongoing Navratri festival, a time when many Garba participants visit restaurants and hotels for late-night meals after festivities. Concerns have been raised that while these establishments may carry Hindu-sounding names, their ownership could tell a different story. At a recent Surat civic body meeting, corporator Vijay Chomal voiced concerns, citing cases where hotels named after Hindu deities were allegedly owned by non-Hindus. Audio leak sparks tension within BJP Internal disputes within the BJPs Ahmedabad unit continue to surface. In a recent incident, an audio clip of Naresh Dabhi, former general secretary of the BJP OBC Morcha in Sardarnagar ward, went viral on social media. In the clip, Dabhi allegedly referred to Naroda MLA and ward president Ashok Hasnanin as a broker, further fueling tensions within the party. The viral clip has prompted swift action from the city BJP leadership. Ahmedabad BJP chief suspended Dabhi and filed a police complaint against him, as the incident damaged the partys reputation. Ex-CM withdraws defamation suit In the Sahara land dispute case on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad highway, Congress leaders have issued an apology and withdrawn their allegations. The defamation suit filed by former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has now been officially withdrawn. The case was initially brought against then leader of Opposition Sukhram Rathwa, Congress leader J Chavda, and party MLA Shailesh Parmar after they accused Rupani of involvement in a multi-crore land scam during a 2022 conference. The Congress leaders issued a formal apology, prompting Rupani to drop the lawsuit. Rupani clarified, There has been no settlement. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Rename Rajkot airport after Keshubhai, says son; Congress backs demand
Bharat Patel said the airport should be named after his father, Keshubhai, in recognition of the leaders contribution towards the development of the Saurashtra region.
Weak structure, rust caused Shivaji statue collapse, says probe panel
The Maharashtra government has issued a fresh tender for the construction of a 60-foot-tall statue at the same location at Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg.
Faulty welding, rust caused Shivaji statue collapse
Mumbai : The faulty welding work, internal corrosion and weak frame are found to be the major reasons for the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs statue at a Malvan fort in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The state governments probe committee, in its report, has also blamed lack of maintenance for the statues crash. The 35-feet statue of the legendary Maratha king, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4 last year on the occasion of Navy Day celebrations, collapsed at Rajkot fort in Malvan on August 26. While, the incident created a huge uproar in Maharashtra, who hold the king in deep reverence, it also caused an immense embarrassment to both the state and central governments. Following the crash, the state government appointed a five-member committee led by senior Indian Navy officer Pawan Dhingra and experts from PWD (public and works department) and IIT-Mumbai to investigate the causes of the collapse. The committee submitted its 16-page report to the state government on Wednesday. In its report, the committee has said that the frame of the statue was not strong enough to bear the load of the 35-feet tall statue. In addition to this, poor welding works and the onset of rush led to the crash. The report also pointed out a lack of regular maintenance works, which further hastened the collapse. State Minister Uday Samant assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for negligence, as per the recommendations of the inquiry committee. Jaydeep Apte, the sculptor responsible for making the statue that collapsed, was arrested on September 4. The structural consultant of the statue Chetan Patil was also arrested over the incident. In response to the collapse, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to build a 60-feet new statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the same site. The Public Works Department has initiated a tender process with an allocation of 20 crore for the construction of the new statue. The company that builds it will have to give a guarantee that it would last at least a hundred years. ReplyForward Add reaction
Within a month of its collapse, the Maharashtra Government has initiated a tendering process to build a new statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji on the Rajkot Fort in south Konkan coast and it is in a tearing hurry to finalise it as soon as possible before the poll-related model code of conduct is announced. The Maharashtra 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 .
Govt floats tender for new Shivaji statue in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg
In the wake of collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg, the Maharashtra government has issued a tender for the construction of a new 60-foot-tall statue there, nearly twice the size of the previous one, officials said on Wednesday. The statue will be built at a cost of Rs 20 crore and the government has set a six-month timeframe for the completion of the work, they said. A 35-foot-tall statue of the 17th century Maratha empire founder, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil of Sindhudurg district on December 4 (Navy Day) last year, collapsed on August 26 amid strong winds. The statue's sculptor, Jaydeep Apte, was later arrested. The government has faced flak as the opposition parties alleged the decision to install the statue in Sindhudurg was taken haphazardly, which resulted in poor quality of work. Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) had flagged concerns over rust gathering on Shivaji Maharaj's statue and suggested permanent
Rise in fake officials, fraudulent organisations in Gujarat: A growing concern
AHMEDABAD: Recent reports indicate a troubling rise in incidents involving fake organisations and counterfeit officials in Gujarat. Over the past 24 months, more than 19 such cases have been uncovered, with Suratoften referred to as Gujarat's diamond cityemerging as a hotspot for these fraudulent activities. In just the last two months, three individuals were apprehended in Surat for impersonating officials: Himanshu Rai, posing as a customs officer; Pradeep Patel, who claimed to be an IPS officer; and Tarun Bhatt, identified as a fake CID officer. In a revealing report released by the Gujarat Congress, it has been alleged that over 19 cases of fake officials and fraudulent institutions have surfaced in the state over the past 24 months. The findings highlight a concerning trend of impersonation and deceit among various individuals posing as legitimate authorities, particularly in regions like Surat and beyond. Among the notable incidents, Himanshu Rai, a fake customs officer from Varachha in Surat, was apprehended in September 2024. Other arrests included Prakash Nayak, a fraudulent Deputy Collector from Bayad Taluka in Aravalli District, and Hiteshwarsinh Mori, a BJP corporator from Surendranagar Municipality, who was caught impersonating a CBI officer. In August 2024, Bharat Chhabda, posing as a Central Agency officer, was reported to have scammed individuals by showcasing photos with BJP leaders. Additionally, in Surat, Pradeep Patel was arrested for impersonating an IPS officer, while Tarun Bhatt was identified as a fake CID officer, harassing women in the area. In April 2024, Suresh Ghosh was arrested for impersonating a Home Ministry official. Congress Spokesperson Hiren Banker said, The report also highlights various other scams, including a fake school in Maliyasan village of Kuwadwa Taluka, Rajkot, which came to light in July 2024. Other cases include a fake PSI named Mayur Tadvi training at Karai in March 2023, and Kiran Patel and Sanjay Serpuria, a fraudulent PMO officer who exploited connections with high-ranking BJP officials. In August 2023, multiple cases of impersonation came to light involving individuals posing as officials from various governmental agencies. Lavkush Dwivedi, who claimed to be a CMO officer, was found to have photos circulating with prominent BJP leaders, raising questions about his legitimacy. Additionally, Nikunj Patel, also masquerading as a CMO officer, was implicated in recommending the release of an accused individual to the Jamnagar police, further complicating the investigation, Banker claimed. The report also highlighted the fraudulent activities of Omveer Singh, who posed as an officer from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Gunjan Kantaria, impersonating a National Investigation Agency (NIA) officer. These alarming incidents illustrate a growing trend of deception within Gujarat, undermining the trust in legitimate government institutions. Notably, in October, it was revealed that a massive embezzlement of 21.15 crore occurred through a fake administrative office in Bodeli, Dahod district. The alarming trend of fake officials, such as Neha Patel, a fake Deputy Collector in Mandvi Taluka, and Viraj Patel, came to light. In November 2023, Punyadev Rai was arrested for impersonating an officer of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Gandhinagar. A fraudulent CMO officer, accused of raping a woman in Vadodara, underscores a systemic issue in Gujarat where innocent citizens are being victimised by these scams. Fake Officials List: Fake Customs Officer Himanshu Rai Fake Dy. Collector Prakash Nayak Fake CBI Officer Hitesh Sinh Mori Fake District Central Agency Officer Bharat Dhabla Fake IB Officer Pradyuman Patel Fake CID Officer Tarun Bhatt Fake School (Maliyasan Village, Kuwadwa Taluka) Fake PSI Mayur Tadvi Fake PI Officer Kiran Patel, Sanjay Shrpuria Fake SI Officer Lavkush Trivedi Fake SI Officer Nikhil Patel Fake ED Officer Omvir Singh Fake NIA Officer Gunjan Kantaria Fake Collector Hirali Koradia Fake Deputy Collector Neha Patel Fake CBI Officer Pukhraj Rai Fake SI Officer Viraj Patel
Nine members of jewellers family attempt suicide over financial troubles
Rajkot: Nine members of a family of jewellers in Gujarats Rajkot city tried to commit suicide by consuming pesticide because of financial distress, police said on Saturday. Members of the Adesara family, residents of Gundawadi locality, themselves called for ambulance after the failed attempt on Friday night and were hospitalised, said an official. The condition 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 .
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The new NDA government completed 100 days on September 17, which marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 74th birthday. As the ministers of various departments hope to show off their achievements in the first three months, the Congress has slammed the Modi for proving to be a weak PM in his third term, setting new records for U-turns. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are scheduled to hold a press meet at 10.15 am on Tuesday. Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi will also hold separate press conferences. Singh will be accompanied by Ministers of State S P Singh Baghel and George Kurian. The NDA government has also scheduled events across the country to mark its first 100 days in office on Tuesday. This includes a blood donation camp in New Delhi. Modi said the opposition has made fun of him during the first 100 days of his new term. But I chose not to respond to any of their insults and ensure the government's 100-day agenda gets fulfilled, said the PM on Monday. However, the Centre has drawn flak for withdrawing its earlier decisions, including pulling down an advertisement for lateral entry in UPSC as well as scrapping a draft of the controversial Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said Modi does not have a solution or vision to resolve India's problems, claiming the PM has a habit of turning a blind eye to issues and running away from problems. Alleging that the 100 days of Modi 3.0 saw instability, indecision and immaturity, she said the government is trying to inflate a puncture balloon. Do you remember the tall claims made during the election campaign that Narendra Modi was planning for the first 100 days? Where is that plan now? asked Shrinate. She also slammed Vaishnaw over 38 train accidents in 100 days, killing 21 people and injuring 112 others. The Railways minister is busy making reels, dismissing these accidents as minor incidents, she alleged. She listed a slew of infrastructure failures in the recents months, pointing out how the airports in Delhi, Jabalpur and Rajkot could not withstand rains. She pointed out that the sanctum sanctorum of Ayodhya Ram Mandir and the roof of the new Parliament building are leaking while the Shivaji statue broke within eight months. The Atal Setu, the six-lane trans-harbour bridge in Mumbai, and the Sudarshan Setu in Gujarat have developed cracks or potholes, she added.
AHMEDABAD: At the launch of several development projects at the GMDC ground in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the opposition, stating: Some individuals are driven by hatred and seek to undermine the unity of our country. They want to fragment India and reinstate Article 370 in Kashmir. Addressing a large audience, Prime Minister Modi said, While every Indian aspires to be a global ambassador for our nation, showcasing its strengths, some individuals are spreading negativity and attacking our unity. Sardar Patel united over 500 states to form India, yet today, those hungry for power seek to divide our country. In a pointed attack on opposition leaders, he remarked, You might have heard that some individuals are now promising to restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to reintroduce dual constitutions and legislations. These appeasement-driven figures are crossing all limits. Their hatred blinds them to the point where they seize every opportunity to defame India. They are also persistently targeting Gujarat. Therefore, Gujarat must remain vigilant and keep a close watch on these divisive elements, the Prime Minister added. Modi reaffirmed Indias commitment to development and unity: India, on its path of development, will confront such forces with unwavering resolve. We cannot afford to waste any time. My only aspiration is your development, the success of your lives, and the fulfilment of your dreams. My fellow countrymen are my greatest priority. Earlier in the morning, while inaugurating the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Modi highlighted Indias leadership in the global energy transition. He declared, Indian solutions for global application position India as the best bet of the 21st century. He emphasised Indias unique attributes: Indias diversity, scale, capacity, potential, and performance are exceptional, setting the stage for Indian solutions to have global applications. Not just India, but the entire world believes that India is the best bet of the 21st century. Reflecting on India's recent global engagements, he said, In the past month alone, we organised the Global Fintech Fest, participated in the First International Solar Festival, held the Global Semiconductor Summit, and hosted the 2nd Asia-Pacific Civil Aviation Ministerial Conference. Today, we continue this trend by hosting a conference on Green Energy. Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the governments achievements during its first 100 days in office: The work undertaken in these initial 100 days highlights our priorities and reflects the speed and scale of our initiatives. We have focused on all sectors critical to Indias rapid development. He outlined key milestones: In these 100 days, we have made significant decisions, including the construction of 7 crore housesmore than the population of many countrieswith 4 crore houses already handed out in previous terms. We've also approved 12 new industrial cities, greenlit 8 high-speed road corridor projects, launched over 15 semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains, and established a research fund of 1 trillion. Additionally, we've announced various e-mobility initiatives, promoted high-performance biomanufacturing, and approved the Bio E3 policy. Speaking about external pressures, the Prime Minister shared an interaction with the media: A journalist asked whether global benchmarks put any pressure on me. I told the media, 'This is Modino one can exert pressure on me (Yeh Modi hai, yaha kisi ka dabaav nahi chalta hai).' During the event in Ahmedabad, Modi launched a series of major projects, including the foundation stones for 8,000 crore worth of initiatives. Among the highlights was the inauguration of India's first Vande Metro, connecting Bhuj to Ahmedabad. Several new Vande Bharat train routes were also launched, including Nagpur to Secunderabad, Kolhapur to Pune, Agra Cantt to Banaras, Durg to Visakhapatnam, Pune to Hubballi, and the inaugural 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi. Additionally, Modi inaugurated Phase-II of the Ahmedabad Metro, which will extend connectivity to GIFT City. He also launched a 30 MW solar power system and inaugurated a 35 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Solar PV project at the Kutch Lignite Thermal Power Station. In another initiative, he opened 220 kV substations in Morbi and Rajkot. Furthermore, Modi unveiled the Single Window IT System (SWITS), designed to streamline financial services under the International Financial Services Centre Authority. In a significant boost to housing, the Prime Minister approved over 30,000 homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)-Rural scheme, released the first instalment for these homes, and handed over completed houses to beneficiaries in both urban and rural areas under PMAY. Throughout the day, Prime Minister Modi underscored his commitment to national development, stating that he remains unfazed by external pressures and opposition criticism. I worked around the clock to fulfil my promises in the first 100 days, yet some people mocked my efforts and questioned what Modi was doing. But now, my work is speaking for itself, he concluded.
Government to converge ESIC with Ayushman Bharat: Mansukha Mandaviya
Chairing the third regional meeting with five western states in Rajkot on Sunday Mandaviya said this will help ESIC beneficiaries have access to quality medical facilities in more than 30,000 hospitals empanelled with AB-PMJAY while eliminating distinctions with respect to access to services offered by government, public sector and private hospitals.
DNA Wellness to invest Rs 200 cr for 100 cervical cancer screening labs
City-based DNA Wellness on Thursday said it will invest Rs 200 crore to set up over 100 cervical cancer screening labs across India by 2027. The company has acquired exclusive rights to conduct the DNA Ploidy Test, a diagnostic tool developed by the British Columbia Cancer Research Agency, Canada, the company said in a statement. The test, also known as CERViSure, is a quick, accurate, and non-invasive method to detect cervical cancer. DNA Wellness also announced the launch India's first CERViSure laboratory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which will provide easy access to cervical cancer screening facility to people. Going forward, DNA wellness will invest Rs 200 crore to set up some 100 dedicated CERViSure laboratories across India, in a phased manner by 2027, to help the DNA Ploidy reach a maximum number of patients, the company said. By October 2024, the company will open dedicatedlaboratories in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat, Pathik Bhandari, Co-founder, DNA Wellness, ...
Follow directions on usage of stainless steel in road projects near coastal areas: Nitin Gadkari
NEW DELHI: The ministry of road transport and highways has taken a serious view about the usage of stainless steel in the construction of bridges and other components in road projects in coastal areas. Referring to the matter, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that he had been pressing for the usage of rust-resistant metal in projects close to the sea for the last three years. The ministry said that a note has been sent to the public works department of states and union territories, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), its regional offices (ROs) and other stakeholders on this matter. The ministry further stated that according to the Schedule D, all materials, works and construction operations shall conform to the Manual of Specifications and Standards for two-laning of Highways published by Indian Road Congress (IRC) and ministry specifications for road and bridges. Earlier in 2017, the ministry decided to use stainless steel conforming to certain conditions for reinforced concrete bridges on national highways located in extreme environment exposure. In locations where it is difficult to ascertain the environment exposure condition, a zone within 15 km from the sea or creek is considered an extreme environment. Speaking at an event earlier this month, Gadkari strongly batted for construction components made of stainless steel in coastal areas. He said that the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot fort in Maharashtras Sindhudurg district would not have collapsed had iron not been used.
A tale of two prime ministerial apologies
Within four days two Prime Ministers known for their hard-line approach publicly apologized for whatever had happened in their respective countries. On August 30 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly apologized for the August 26 collapse of a 35-foot tall statue of Maratha king, Shivaji, in Sindhudurgs Rajkot Fort. The statue was built by the 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 .
21 Cities Under NCAP Cut PM10 Pollution by Over 40 pc Since 2017-18, Shows CPCB Data
New Delhi: Ninety-five of the 131 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme have shown an improvement in air quality, with 21 reducing PM10 pollution by more than 40 per cent compared to 2017-18 levels, CPCB data shows.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also said that only 18 of the 131 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities adhered to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, set at 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The 21 cities and urban agglomerations that achieved more than 40 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution are Varanasi, Dhanbad, Byrnihat, Bareilly, Firozabad, Dehradun, Tuticorin, Nalagarh, Moradabad, Khurja, Trichy, Kohima, Lucknow, Kanpur, Kadapa, Sivasagar, Sunder Nagar, Agra, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh and Parwanoo. Fourteen cities, -- Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Rajkot, Jalandhar, Raebareli, Amritsar, Kolkata, Jammu, Silchar, Vijayawada, Naya Nangal, Dimapur, Baddi and Jodhpur -- reduced PM10 pollution by 30-40 per cent, compared to 2017-18 levels. Khanna, Durgapur, Kurnool, Dera Baba Nanak, Vadodara, Allahabad, Asansol, Hyderabad, Gorakhpur, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Akola, Ananthapur, Durg Bhilainagar, Surat and Noida recorded a 20-30 per cent reduction in PM10 levels during the same period, the data showed. A 10-20 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution was recorded in 21 cities -- Delhi, Howrah, Thane, Latur, Nellore, Gajraula, Alwar, Chittur, Kala Amb, Mandi Gobindgarh, Amravati, Patiala, Jaipur, Ongole, Chandrapur, Nashik, Jhansi, Sangli, Kota, Devanagere and Rajahmundry. India launched the NCAP in 2019 with a target to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30 per cent by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. The target was later revised to a 40 per cent reduction by 2026, using 2019-20 as the base year. In practice, only PM10 concentration is being considered for performance assessment. Surat was on Saturday ranked as the top major city in India for air quality improvements, followed by Jabalpur and Agra. The Union environment ministry presented the National Clean Air City Awards during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan - 2024, held at a national workshop celebrating the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Jaipur. While Surat, Jabalpur and Agra secured the top three positions among cities with populations of more than 10 lakh, Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), Amravati (Maharashtra) and Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) were recognised as the best among cities with populations between three and 10 lakh. Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nalgonda (Telangana) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh) topped the list among cities with populations under three lakh. Swachh Vayu Survekshan is an initiative by the environment ministry to rank cities based on the implementation of activities approved under the city action plan and air quality in cities covered under NCAP. These cities were awarded for significant improvements in air quality through various best practices to reduce air pollution. Key activities included paving roads, promoting mechanical sweeping, bioremediation of legacy waste, solid waste management, converting reclaimed land from dump sites into green spaces, greenbelt development, intelligent traffic management systems, and Miyawaki afforestation.
21 cities under NCAP cut PM10 pollution by over 40% since 2017-18: CPCB
Ninety-five of the 131 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme have shown an improvement in air quality, with 21 reducing PM10 pollution by more than 40 per cent compared to 2017-18 levels, CPCB data shows. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also said that only 18 of the 131 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities adhered to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, set at 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The 21 cities and urban agglomerations that achieved more than 40 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution are Varanasi, Dhanbad, Byrnihat, Bareilly, Firozabad, Dehradun, Tuticorin, Nalagarh, Moradabad, Khurja, Trichy, Kohima, Lucknow, Kanpur, Kadapa, Sivasagar, Sunder Nagar, Agra, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh and Parwanoo. Fourteen cities, -- Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Rajkot, Jalandhar, Raebareli, Amritsar, Kolkata, Jammu, Silchar, Vijayawada, Naya Nangal, Dimapur, Baddi and Jodhpur -- reduced PM10 pollution by 30-40 per cent, compared to 2017-18 ...
The Controversy over Shivaji Maharajs Statue and the Scar on His Forehead
A recent incident involving the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs statue at Rajkot Fort, Sindhudurg, has triggered a heated debate among historians, politicians, and the public. The fallen statue depicted a scar on Shivaji's forehead, which ...
Shobhaa De | Does anyone give a damn for rape victims in India?
Take a look at the statistics: In 2022, around 32,000 rape cases were reported to the police across India. But on top of that, over 13,000 cases were pending from previous years, adding up to 45,000 cases that the cops were supposed to handle. And chew on this: in seven out of 10 cases, rapists escape punishment. How come? Simply because we dont have a sufficient number of prisons to accommodate the staggering number of rapists running around, assaulting defenseless women. Rapists are like Indias stray dogs: impossible to count or control. Seen as a menace to society and a threat to the vulnerable who they pounce on, they run wild and roam free. The statistics for unreported rapes are beyond computation. Experts say culprits get away with the crime because our overburdened police lack the time needed for a thorough investigation. The conviction rate in rape cases is a dismal 27.4 per cent. Shocked? I am not. The ugly truth is that rape does not count as a serious crime in our twisted society. Nobody really cares, no one bothers. Rape happens, we shrug. And move on to the next story. Rape remains just another four-letter word. Didi has suddenly woken up to rapes seriousness. There has been a huge hungama over the stringent anti-rape bill that was unanimously passed by the West Bengal Assembly recently, which proposed the death penalty for rapists, no less. No half measures. Seedha maut . The Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill 2024 wants to alter sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The bill also recommends imprisonment of 3-5 years for disclosing the victims identity. The West Bengal chief ministers critics accused her of milking the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital tragedy to score political brownie points and hog headlines. It is a clumsy, misplaced attempt to demonstrate good intentions, after messing up big time. Unfortunately for Didi, the latest stunt has backfired and comes off as a loud, theatrical act that has raised more questions on the rape-murder scandal, without addressing the issues themselves. Is anything likely to change anytime soon? Will the passing of the bill transform the lives of women by ensuring their safety? Certainly not! This is an eyewash, and hogwash, that hasnt fooled anyone. So long as there is police apathy and appalling conditions at the workplace remain, the bill will be a piece of worthless paper. A footnote, best ignored. It may be worth researching why women in the Northeast are relatively better off, with a lower rate of sexual crimes than the national average. Are they more valued in society? Better respected? Is the mindset of men from the Northeast significantly different from that of their counterparts in Delhi? Why is Delhi stuck with such a vile reputation? How come Delhi leads with one nasty incident per 700 women -- the countrys highest? If Indias capital can boast about this achievement, is there any wonder why the rest of the country damns the rape culture there and families are reluctant to allow their daughters to seek employment in such a dangerous city? But Mumbai, with all its swag, is not much better, despite the perception of it being the safest metropolis in India. It is anything but! Millions of female Mumbaikars risk assault on a daily basis as they rush to work, looking over their shoulders constantly. Most cop stations are frightfully under-manned and the havaldars on duty barely look up when a woman walks in to file a rape complaint. She is treated like a nuisance who is wasting their precious time and keeping them away from more important cases. With all the noise surrounding the Kolkata rape and murder case, the selective outrage also underlines the class discrimination faced by other rape victims, like the two Dalit teens who were found hanging from a tree in UPs Farrukhabad district. Officials claimed swabs were sent for testing to rule out rape, after the family protested. Since when has the swab test become the definitive test to establish rape? I am scratching my head to find some cheerful news worth sharing as we herald the forthcoming festive season. I am stumped! I cant get over the absurdity of all the stories surrounding the 35-foot steel statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that toppled over at Rajkot Fort in Malvan. The impressive statue of the warrior king was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023 during the Navy Day celebrations. Nine months later, the gigantic statue fell off its pedestal during high winds. And all hell broke loose as rival political parties started the blame game. Meanwhile, the terrified sculptor disappeared! I am feeling really bad for 39-year-old Jaydeep Apte, whose track record has been pretty impressive so far. In 2019, Apte was commissioned by the UK-based Sikh Soldier organisation to sculpt a bronze bust of a Sikh soldier which was unveiled in West Yorkshire. Its crazy that seven police teams were unable to find Apte for 10 days! Come on he is not a gangster or some underworld don. Hard to believe the ex-alumnus of the J.J. School of Art successfully eluded the cops like a seasoned, hardened criminal. Now comes the good news: the absconding sculptor has finally been nabbed after he surrendered to the police outside his own home. Ridiculous, or what? Perhaps, as the poor fellow said in an earlier interview, he wasnt given sufficient time to work on the statue. Most importantly, what exactly is his culpability? Isnt he as guilty or as innocent as corrupt road contractors whose slipshod work at an inflated cost leads to so many fatal accidents. Nobody arrests them, so why go after the sculptor? Clearly, the politics of the statue are more important than fair play. There is talk that Apte is a close friend of Shrikant, chief minister Eknath Shindes son. Is that why seven police teams failed to locate him? Meanwhile, the Malvan police filed an FIR against Apte and Chetan Patil, the structural engineer, under several sections, including attempt to murder. Huh??? For now, I am cheering myself up as Mumbai gets ready to welcome its much-adored Bappa over the weekend. Its modak time as hundreds of pandals gear up for ten days of energetic celebrations. The Assembly elections in Maharashtra are around the corner, with Uddhav Thackeray actively pitching himself as the next chief minister. Get ready for fireworks, folks. And do watch out the biggest rocket is in Sharad Pawars hands. Ganpati Bappa Morya!!!
DC Edit | Blame game on collapsed statue
The politics in Maharashtra has always revolved around the public sentiments attached to legendary Maratha warrior king Shivaji, who has become synonymous with Marathi pride. It was not a surprise that the collapse of Shivajis statue at Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg district snowballed into a major political conspiracy in no time, particularly when the Assembly elections are due. The Opposition Congress, Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawars NCP (SP) have called it an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. They have alleged corruption in award of the contract for the statue. Rahul Gandhi insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modis apology is his acceptance of guilt. On the other hand, the government has accused the Opposition of engaging in politics over the unfortunate incident. Amidst the blame game, certain key questions have remained unanswered. Who was responsible for monitoring the construction of the statue and who was responsible for its maintenance? After the statue collapsed, the authorities claimed that it was due to poor quality of materials used for it. The police have arrested sculptor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil. However, the Navy, state PWD and the district collector, who were involved in the process, have only passed the buck to one another. The Navy has claimed that its role was limited till it handed over the statue to the state PWD in April this year. The PWD claimed the statue was the responsibility of the district collector, who has denied his involvement in any stage. A week before the statue collapsed, the state PWD had written to the Navy about the rusted nuts and bolts used in the statue and asked to take necessary steps. Since the Navy had already handed over the statue, the PWD should have been the one taking necessary steps. We dont know if the Navy took cognisance of the said letter and how. Interestingly, sculptor Apte, who is being squarely blamed for the incident, had claimed seven months ago that he was given only a quarter of the time required to complete the project and was not paid a single rupee for his work. Even if this is true, he cannot escape responsibility. But putting the entire onus on the 22-year-old sculptors shoulders will be a further mockery of the great king revered for his sense of justice.
CM Shinde Promises Strict Action Against Sculptor Whose Shivaji Statue Fell On Rajkot Fort
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged preparations are on to obtain bail for the sculptor.
Maharashtra: Sculptor Jaydeep Apte Arrested Over Shivaji Statue Collapse
Mumbai: Maharashtra police have managed to apprehend sculptor Jaydeep Apte, who was on the run for 10 days. Apte had built the 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Malvan that collapsed on August 26. On Thursday, he was produced before a magistrate court, which remanded him to police custody till September 10. After receiving information from his wife, the police arrested Apte from his residence at Kalyan on Wednesday night. Immediately after the statue collapsed, the police had started searching for him. After not finding him at his home or at the places of his relatives or friends, the police had issued a Lookout Circular against the sculptor. Multiple police teams were deployed across different locations to trace Apte. His family had informed the police that he had not contacted them after the statue at Rajkot fort collapsed. However, he contacted the family on Wednesday night after his wife informed the police that he was coming to meet the family. After his arrest, Apte was handed over to Sindhudurg police, who took him to Sindhudurg for further investigation. This was the second arrest in the case. Earlier, the police had arrested structural consultant Chetan Patil from Kolhapur on August 30. His police custody also ended on Thursday. The police produced both the accused before a magistrate in Sidhurg. While seeking their remand, the police told the court that they wanted to ascertain the quality of material used to construct the statue, for which the interrogation of both the accused was necessary. Aptes lawyer Ganesh Sovani informed that his client had decided to surrender before the police and face legal action instead of applying for a pre-arrest bail. The decision was made on Wednesday and as per the plan, he came to Kalyan to surrender before the police, he said. There was outrage across Maharashtra after the statue collapsed. It has also become a major political issue ahead of the Assembly elections, which are expected to be held in November this year. The opposition has alleged that there was corruption in awarding contracts to Apte and the Eknath Shinde government is shielding him. After Aptes arrest, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, Everyone is equal before the law, and the sculptor of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue will be held accountable. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our revered figure. Politicising this incident is unfortunate.
PM apology on statue collapse proves he erred: Rahul
Sangli (Maharashtra), Sep 5: Leader and Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Maharashtra and said the PM's apology for the incident was a testimony of his mistakes. Alleging corruption in the construction of the statute at Rajkot Fort [] The post PM apology on statue collapse proves he erred: Rahul appeared first on Northlines .
'He should...': Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi over collapse of Shivaji statue
On August 26, during a period of strong winds, the 35-foot statue of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort collapsed.
PM Modi should apologise to every Maharashtrian for statue collapse: Rahul
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise not only for the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Sindhudurg district, but also for demonetisation, anti-farmer bills and GST. Modi should say sorry to each and every citizen of Maharashtra for the insult caused to the legendary 17th century warrior king when the statue at Rajkot fort collapsed on August 26, he added. The Congress leader was speaking at a public meeting here after inaugurating a life-size statue of late party leader Patangrao Kadam. With the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP government in Maharashtra coming under fire over the collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue, the prime minister during his subsequent visit to the state said he apologised to the iconic king, his deity, and also the people whose sentiments were hurt. I want to ask the prime minister what he is sorry for, is it because the contract to make the Shivaji statue was given to an RSS
Shivaji statue collapse: Contractor, consultant sent to custody till Sep 10
A local court in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district on Thursday remanded sculptor-contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil, held over the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue, in police custody till September 10. While Patil was arrested on August 30 from Kolhapur, Apte was taken into custody on Wednesday night from Kalyan in Thane district, nearly 10 days after an FIR was registered in connection with the incident. A 35-foot statue of the iconic Maratha warrior king collapsed at the Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil of the district on August 26, nearly nine months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled it. Patil and Apte were produced before a court in Malvan where the police sought their custody for interrogation. The court remanded them in police custody till September 10. Apte's advocate Ganesh Sovani said the sculptor had intended to surrender on Wednesday night and that he was willing to cooperate with the probe. He is willing to submit to t
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse: Absconding sculptor Jaydeep Apte arrested
Sculptor Jaydeep Apte, wanted in connection with the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot fort last month, was arrested from neighbouring Kalyan city in Thane district, said Dnyaneshwar Chavan, joint commissioner of police, ...
Shivaji Statue collapse: Sculptor intended to surrender before cops, claims his counsel
Thane: Sculptor Jaydeep Apte, who has been arrested in connection with the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue, came to meet his family at Kalyan in Thane district as he wanted to surrender before the police, his counsel has claimed. Apte, 24, was arrested near his house in Kalyan on Wednesday night by a team of police. The police in Sindhudurg district were looking for Apte since the statue made by him and installed at the Rajkot fort in Malvan collapsed on August 26, less than nine months after it was inaugurated. Police had formed seven teams to trace him. Talking to the reporters late Wednesday night, his counsel advocate Ganesh Sovani said Apte decided to surrender before the police and face legal action instead of applying for a pre-arrest bail. The decision was made on Wednesday and as per the plan, he came to Kalyan to surrender before the police, he said. We had held talks with his family members and decided that it would be proper for Apte to surrender and assist the probe agency, Sovani added. He also dismissed the police's claim that Apte was hiding. The police, on the other hand, maintained that they laid a trap and nabbed Apte after receiving a tip-off that he would come to meet his family members in Kalyan. He was wearing a mask to conceal his identity, an official said. The collapse of the statue of the iconic founder of the Maratha empire has triggered a huge political row ahead of assembly elections in Maharashtra with the Opposition targeting the Eknath Shinde-led government. After the statue collapsed, Malvan police registered a case against Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil for negligence and other offences. Patil was arrested from Kolhapur last week.
Absconding Sculptor Of Collapsed Shivaji Statue At Maharashtra's Rajkot Fort Arrested
Following the collapse, the Malvan police registered a case against Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil for negligence and other offences. Patil was arrested from Kolhapur last week
Shivaji statue collapse: Absconding contractor-sculptor Apte arrested
Sculptor-contractor Jaydeep Apte, wanted in connection with the collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot fort last month, was arrested from Kalyan in Thane district on Wednesday night, a senior police official said. Sindhudurg police in Maharashtra were searching for Apte (24) since the statue made by him collapsed on August 26, less than nine months after it was inaugurated. Police had formed seven teams to look for him. After the statue collapsed, Malvan police registered a case against Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil for negligence and other offences. Patil was arrested from Kolhapur last week. The collapse of the statue of the iconic founder of the Maratha state has triggered a huge political row ahead of assembly elections in Maharashtra with the Opposition targeting the Eknath Shinde-led government. Reacting to the development, BJP leader Pravin Darekar said, Those who were critical of our government must shut their mouths now. It is true .
Sindhudurg Police Arrest Sculptor Whose Shivaji Statue Fell On Rajkot Fort
After the statue collapsed, Malvan police registered a case against Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil for negligence and other offences. Patil was arrested from Kolhapur last week.
Sindhudurg Police To Track Down Sculptor Whose Shivaji Statue Fell On Rajkot Fort
Police have been searching for the sculptor since the statue, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Navy Day less than nine months ago, collapsed on August 26.
Shivaji Statue Collapse: Missing Contractor-Sculptor Arrested In Maharashtra, Say Cops
Sculptor-contractor Jaydeep Apte, wanted in connection with the collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot fort last month, was arrested from Kalyan in Thane district on Wednesday night, a senior police official said.
Shivaji statue collapse: Absconding sculptor arrested
Sindhudurg police in Maharashtra has formed seven teams to track down sculptor Jaydeep Apte who executed the contract to make the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that collapsed on Rajkot fort last month, an official said on Wednesday.
Shivaji statue wouldn't have collapsed if...: Gadkari
Union minister Nitin Gadkari has said if stainless steel had been used for construction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue at Rajkot fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, it would not have collapsed.
Shivaji statue would not have collapsed, had it been made of stainless steel: Gadkari
New Delhi: Union minister Nitin Gadkari has said if stainless steel had been used for construction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs statue at Rajkot fort in Maharashtras Sindhudurg district, it would not have collapsed. Gadkari also pitched for use of rust-resistant products in coastal areas. The collapse of the statue of the iconic founder of the 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 .
Corruption Led To Collapse Of Shivaji Statue In Maharashtra: Sharad Pawar
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday alleged that corruption was the cause of the collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district's Rajkot Fort last month.
In Shivaji Statue Collapse Case, Lookout Notice Issued For Contractor
Police in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district has issued a Look Out Circular against contractor Jaydeep Apte in connection with the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue at Rajkot fort, officials said on Tuesday.
Shikha Mukerjee | The kabaddi politics of census and caste
The election of more representatives from communities that have been historically discriminated against by the upper caste elite does not necessarily change the prospects of all individuals from the Sche-duled Castes, Scheduled Tribes or Other Backward Classes. A regular audit of how all the rest are doing from time to time is necessary for equity, equality and justice. This is the nuts and bolts of the pressure on the Narendra Modi government to get the long-postponed census of Indias population done with an add-on census of castes, because the nation needs to know who is better off and who has remained worse off, despite reservations and the quota system for admission into educational institutions and government jobs. Having campaigned in 2014 that he was a representative of OBCs and was therefore looked down upon by the upper caste- led Congress, Mr Modi should want to know how the rest of his brethren have fared during his 10 years and three months in power. It is a matter of conjecture that as a result all OBCs are therefore doing better in the race to catch up with the upper castes. It is equally pertinent to point out that not all Yadavs or Mauryas or Marathas or members of the Soren community are as powerful, well connected and privileged as some families within these castes and tribal groups. The Modi government has not announced a date for the start of the national census. Nor has it committed to the caste census demanded not just by the Congress and its partners in the Opposition INDIA bloc, but by coalition partners of the BJP Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United), Chirag Paswan of the Lok Janashakti Party and N. Chandrababu Nai-du of the Telugu Desam Party. The longer Mr Modi puts off announcing the start of the census-caste census, his resistance will become more indefensible, politically problematic and frankly absurd. That is not to argue that the Congress with Rahul Gandhi leading the charge on the demand for raising the ceiling for reservation or quotas for SCs, STs and OBCs is entirely coherent either. He is not. He, on behalf of the Congress, and several BJP partners, have demanded the inclusion of Muslim Dalit and OBC sub-castes in the proposed revision. On the details, Rahul Gandhi has been uninspiringly vague. Getting Mr Modi to backtrack and admit to a mistake on lateral entry to mid-level and top-level jobs in the Central government's bureaucracy that did not specify how many of the 45 jobs on offer were reserved under the quota system was a big political gain. Instead of picking up momentum by unveiling plans for how more opportunities would be created to level the very tilted playing field, Rahul Gandhi ad-libbed: We will conduct a caste census and the 50 per cent cap on reservations, which I dont accept, will be removed First, we should have the data before us regarding the participation of different castes in various institutions Talks of reservation are always held but they never get a chance. He seemed not to understand that he too was only talking and by doing so losing the chance to amplify how to change a system that has created a privileged few, leaving behind the underprivileged many. It does not take meticulous research to understand this part of the Indian reality. For Indias political leadership, the toughest question is how to begin altering embedded caste inequality. The judiciarys prescription of identifying the most underprivileged from within the categorisation of underprivileged through the listing of SCs, STs and OBCs has been rejected by Dalit organisations, accusing the remedy of artificially creating a creamy layer, when the issue is historic discrimination and ridding India of this malaise. Neither the Congress, its INDIA bloc partners individually or collectively nor the partners of the National Democratic Al-liance and the BJP have answers. Each side is poised to take the plunge but afraid to do so, like two teams of kabaddi players unwilling to start the game. The reluctance is understandable for many reasons, including the short term one of the political cost of failing to satisfy the overwhelming majority of Indian voters, both the socially underprivileged and the upper castes. The BJPs response to Rahul Gandhis meaningless observation on a caste census was to rake up his caste identity and accuse the Congress of working to divide the country. The latest salvo by Tokhan Sahu, Union minister from Chhattisgarh, about the Congress and Rahul Gandhi is revealing: Now they are conspiring to divide the country in the name of caste census. Those who raise the de-mand should tell which caste they belong to. And then there is bad luck. The toppling of the newly-built Shivaji statue in Rajkot on the eve of the politically crucial Maha-rashtra elections is a misfortune and blunder rolled into one. With a high-pitched ongoing agitation for Maratha reservations that complicates the caste equations which the Mahayuti alliance needs to get right, the broken idol of its icon is a reminder of how the BJP toppled the MVA government. To assuage wounded Maratha sentiments, already divided between the loyalists of Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, Mr Modi rushed in to publicly apologise, describe Shivaji as a deity, worshipped by all. Policy-making and foolproof implementation to dismantle the entrenched upper caste with access to status, power and networks of privilege that are exclusive to them by levelling the field for Dalits, SCs, STs and OBCs in general, and the worst-off sub-castes in particular, is very different from winning elections by micro-management of sub-caste support within the reservation via quota system. The census, as Rahul Gandhi should have pointed out, is urgent for the other category of historically discriminated: wo-men. For women and the other gender, the injury cuts across caste differences. Without the national census, the half-hearted pledge to reserve 33 per cent of seats in state legislatures and the Lok Sabha cannot even get started. Rahul Gandhi is concerned that not one Miss India has ever been selected from among SCs, STs and OBCs. He should have checked to see how many women have made it to the very male-dominated state and Central bureaucracy, the police and other public sector institutions, including the top echelons of the education system. Dismantling discrimination through reservation as affirmative action requ-ires addressing issues of caste and gender. Leaving out one and focusing on the other is actively strengthening patriarchy and its capacity to make women almost invisible. This is an injustice that urgently needs political advocates.
Won't sit quietly till Maha govt is changed in coming months: Sharad Pawar
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Sunday said the opposition won't sit quietly till the Mahayuti dispensation in Maharashtra is dislodged from power in the next two months and a new government is formed on the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Addressing party workers at Ghatkopar in Mumbai, Pawar slammed the state government over the collapse of the statue of the legendary warrior king in Sindhudurg district on August 26. He said those in power in the state have no faith in Shivaji Maharaj. I assure you (party workers) that if you show your unity, then we will not sit quietly till the government in Maharashtra is changed in the next two months and a new government is formed on the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj that will safeguard the interests of people, Pawar said. The collapse of the Shivaji statue at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil has triggered a firestorm in the state, with the opposition targeting the BJP-led Mahayuti for corruption and insult to the icon. Earlier in the day,
Opposition rejects PMs apology, Shinde accuses MVA of using Shivaji for politics
Mumbai : The collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has become the most sensitive political issue in Maharashtra ahead of the state Assembly elections. In its attempt to continue the pressure on the state government, the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi on Sunday launched a Joote maro protest against the Eknath Shinde government. While the chief minister and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis termed it as a political agitation, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange urged both sides not to use the name of Shivaji Maharaj as a political tool. MVA leaders Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Supriya Sule and others along with hundreds of MVA workers started the protest march by laying wreaths at Hutatma Chowk, a memorial to those martyred in the 'Samyukta Maharashtra' agitation. The protests started after 11am and concluded at noon at the Gateway of India. During the protest, Uddhav Thackeray joined others in hitting the posters of chief minister Shinde and his two deputies Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar with footwear. The protestors wanted to march towards Gateway of India, but the police denied them the permission. Referring to the apology tendered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the statue collapse, Uddhav Thackeray said that the PMs apology cannot be accepted and the sin cannot be forgiven. In a clear indication that the MVA will keep the issue alive till the Assembly election, which is yet to be announced, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said, For what was the PM apologising? For the statue he inaugurated eight months ago? For the corruption involved? The MVA cadre must work together to defeat the forces that have insulted Shivaji Maharaj. The collapse of the statue is an insult to the soul of Maharashtra. Speaking at the protest march, NCP founder Sharad Pawar said, The collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Sindhudurg is an example of corruption. It is an insult to all Shiv premi (people who love Shivaji). State Congress president Nana Patole also said that the opposition had sought forgiveness from Shivaji Maharaj for allowing such a Shiv drohi (anti-Shivaji) government to come to power. We have taken a pledge to never let it happen again he said. Slamming the opposition for using Shivaji Maharajs name for doing politics, chief minister Shinde said that Uddhav Thackeray acts like Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It was a painful incident for us. Shivaji Maharaj cannot be a political issue for us. This is a matter of identity and faith for us. The incident that happened was unfortunate. Doing politics on it is also unfortunate and the opposition is doing it, the CM said. While the Opposition MVA protested in Mumbai, the BJP staged protests across Maharashtra against the MVA for allegedly politicising the incident. The statue built at Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg district was unveiled by PM Modi on December 4, 2023, on the occasion of Navy Day. It collapsed on August 26, which has led to a blame game between the Opposition and government. Meanwhile, Maratha quota activist Majon Jarange visited Rajkot fort. He alleged that both the opposition and the Mahayuti government were doing politics in the name of Shivaji. There should be no politics over it, both the opposition and the government. The government should conduct a detailed probe into the matter. The contractors should not be spared, he said.
Won't sit quietly till govt in Maharashtra is changed in next two months: Pawar
The collapse of the Shivaji statue at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil has triggered a firestorm in the state, with the opposition targeting the BJP-led Mahayuti for corruption and insult to the icon. Earlier in the day, Pawar joined a protest march by the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) from Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India in south Mumbai over the statue collapse.
Don't do politics in Shivaji Maharaj's name: Jarange to Mahayuti govt, Oppn
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday told the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government and the opposition not to do politics in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and demanded strict punishment against those involved in insulting state and national icons. Jarange visited the Rajkot Fort in Malvan, where a 35-foot statue of the 17th-century Maratha warrior king, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, collapsed on August 26. The incident caused outrage across the state, with the prime minister apologising for the event. Talking to reporters here, Jarange said, There should be no politics over it, both the opposition and the government. The government should conduct a detailed probe into the matter. The contractors should not be spared. He said both the opposition and the Mahayuti government were doing politics in the name of Shivaji. There should be a law. Those who insult icons should rot in jail and not come out in a few days, the activist said, adding that the
Shivaji statue: BJP holds protests; MVA politicising issue, says Bawankule
The BJP on Sunday staged protests across Maharashtra against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for allegedly politicising the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg. The statue of the 17th century Maratha warrior king at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil fell on August 26. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, on the occasion of Navy Day. Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Bawankule, while taking part in a protest here, said PM Modi had apologised to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as well as the legendary warrior-king's followers in connection with the collapse. Despite his apology, the MVA is politicising the issue for vote bank politics. The MVA is trying to spread anarchy in the state ahead of the assembly polls, Bawankule said. During his address in Palghar on Friday, PM Modi had said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king but a deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologise to my deity, he had ...
Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse: MVA holds protest march from Hutatma Chowk
Leaders of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Sunday held a march from the iconic Hutatma Chowk to Gateway of India in south Mumbai to protest against the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district. The statue of the 17th century Maratha warrior king at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil, some 480 kilometres from here, fell on August 26. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, on the occasion of Navy Day. NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Congress state unit chief Nana Patole and the party's Mumbai head Varsha Gaikwad began the protest march by laying wreaths at Hutatma Chowk, a memorial to those martyred in the 'Samyukta Maharashtra' agitation. The protest march is to give voice to the anger of the people of Maharashtra over the statue collapsing just eight months after it was unveiled by the PM, said NCP (SP) leader Rajesh Tope and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Prabhu. The .
Shivaji statue collapse: MVA holds protest march; Thackeray, Pawar slam PM Modi, ruling alliance
MUMBAI: Thousands of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) workers began marching towards Gateway of India on Sunday, to mark their protest over the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs statue at Rajkot Fort. They slammed the Union and state governments for the collapse, with Uddhav Thackeray calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology as one smacking of arrogance, while Sharad Pawar said the episode was an example of corruption. The statue of the 17th century Maratha warrior king at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil, some 480 kilometres from here, fell on August 26. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, on the occasion of Navy Day. NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Congress state unit chief Nana Patole and the party's Mumbai head Varsha Gaikwad began the protest march by laying wreaths at Hutatma Chowk, a memorial to those martyred in the 'Samyukta Maharashtra' agitation. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Police stop MVA workers and leaders who are holding a protest march in Mumbai from Hutatma Chowk to Gateway of India, over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue collapse incident. pic.twitter.com/EuvXZ2VLLH ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2024 Addressing a gathering at Gateway of India, where the protest march culminated, Thackeray said, Did you notice the arrogance in the (Prime Minister Narendra Modi's) apology? It smacked of arrogance. One deputy chief minister was smiling. Asserting that people of Maharashtra will never forgive the insult to the legendary warrior king, Thackeray cited the statue collapse, leakages in the Ram Temple and the new Parliament complex to mock Modi's guarantees. 'Paper leakage outside, water leakage inside': Opposition mocks govt after water leak in Parliament For what was the PM apologising? For the statue he inaugurated eight months ago? For the corruption involved? The MVA cadre must work together to defeat the forces that have insulted Shivaji Maharaj. The collapse of the statue is an insult to the soul of Maharashtra, he asserted. During his address in Palghar on Friday, PM Modi had said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name or a king but a deity. Today, I bow my head at his feet and apologise to my deity, he had said. MVA protest over Shivaji statue collapse: Security tightened in Mumbai Speaking at the protest march, Pawar said, The collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Sindhudurg is an example of corruption.It is an insult to all Shiv premis (followers of the warrior king). Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said, much before the PM, the opposition had sought forgiveness from the emperor for allowing such a Shiv drohi (those betraying the principles of Chhatrapati Shivaji) government to come to power. We have taken a pledge to never let it happen again, he said in the backdrop of the upcoming assembly polls. The PM's apology was with an eye on the state polls, Patole added. Kolhapur Congress MP Shahu Chhatrapati, a descendant of the emperor, said the latter's dignity must be maintained at all cost. Among those who took part in the march, which began sometime after 11am, included NCP (SP) Baramati MP Supriya Sule and MLA Anil Deshmukh. A bust of the legendary warrior king was placed at Hutatma Chowk, while those taking part in the protest march carried placards denouncing the statue collapse and shouted slogans against the Eknath Shinde government. NCP (SP) chief Pawar walked some distance as part of the protest march before getting into his vehicle.
Shivaji statue collapse: MVA holds protest march from iconic Hutatma Chowk
MUMBAI: Thousands of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) workers began marching towards Gateway of India on Sunday, to mark their protest over the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs statue at Rajkot Fort. Meanwhile, the police stopped MVA workers and leaders from proceeding towards Gateway of India. Hitting back at police authorities, which did not grant permission for the march, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the Opposition doesnt need any permission to fight for Shivaji Maharaj. The statue of the 17th century Maratha warrior king at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil, some 480 kilometres from here, fell on August 26. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, on the occasion of Navy Day. NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Congress state unit chief Nana Patole and the party's Mumbai head Varsha Gaikwad began the protest march by laying wreaths at Hutatma Chowk, a memorial to those martyred in the 'Samyukta Maharashtra' agitation. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Police stop MVA workers and leaders who are holding a protest march in Mumbai from Hutatma Chowk to Gateway of India, over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue collapse incident. pic.twitter.com/EuvXZ2VLLH ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2024 The protest march is to give voice to the anger of the people of Maharashtra over the statue collapsing just eight months after it was unveiled by the PM, said NCP (SP) leader Rajesh Tope and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Prabhu. The protest is peaceful, Prabhu told reporters. MVA protest over Shivaji statue collapse: Security tightened in Mumbai Among those who took part in the march, which began sometime after 11am, include Kolhapur Congress MP Shahu Chhatrapati , NCP (SP) Baramati MP Supriya Sule and MLA Anil Deshmukh. A bust of the legendary warrior king was placed at Hutatma Chowk, while those taking part in the protest march carried placards denouncing the statue collapse and shouted slogans against the Eknath Shinde government. NCP (SP) chief Pawar walked some distance as part of the protest march, which will culminate a couple of kilometres away at the Gateway of India, before getting into his vehicle. 'Bow my head at his feet and apologise': PM Modi on Chhatrapati Shivaji statue collapse
MVA protest over Shivaji statue collapse: Security tightened in Mumbai
MUMBAI: The Mumbai police have tightened security in the area in response to the Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) call for a protest march following the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. The MVA has begun the protest march from Hutatma Chowk to the Gateway of India. Police and security personnel have been deployed throughout the city. A 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district collapsed on August 26. It had been unveiled on December 4 last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of Navy Day celebrations, which were held in Sindhudurg for the first time. #WATCH | MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) to hold a protest march in Mumbai from Hutatma Chowk to Gateway of India, over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue collapse incident. Police and other security personnel deployed in the city. pic.twitter.com/6dgNI32xea ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2024 Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government over the statue's collapse at Rajkot Fort last month. He added, Two days ago, people saw how the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fell and the kinds of statements being made. Raj Bhavan is on the seashore, yet even the Governor's hat never flew off. They say the statue fell due to strong winds--how is this possible? Youth Congress leaders and other party workers were detained by Mumbai police on Friday while protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the city, demanding a public apology from him over the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he bow his head and apologise to the people of Maharashtra who were hurt by the collapse of the Shivaji statue at Sindhudurg. Those who consider Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as their deity and have been deeply hurt, I bow my head and apologise to them. Our values are different. For us, nothing is bigger than our deity, PM Modi said. Thackeray & BJP men clash as Ajit says sorry for Shivaji statue collapse Earlier, Chetan Patil, the structural consultant of the Shivaji Maharaj statue that collapsed in the Malvan area of Sindhudurg, was arrested from Kolhapur. The FIR was registered under sections 109, 110, 125, 318, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as confirmed by Sindhudurg Police. On Thursday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the state government is taking decisions on a war footing for the reconstruction of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and two committees have been formed, including one to investigate the collapse of the statue in the Malvan area of the state. A joint technical committee headed by the Indian Navy with representatives from the Maharashtra Government and technical experts is being formed to investigate the unfortunate damage to the Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj installed at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg, subsequent to the exceptional weather conditions in the region, said an official release from the Indian Navy. The collapse of Shivaji statue is an insult to history
