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Rahul calls Modi vote chor, questions PMs silence on election fraud charge during Bihar visit

PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modis silence over alleged vote theft in Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, saying the Prime Minister had failed to answer his questions on the issue. Responding to Modis remarks on the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls during his visit to Gaya in Bihar, Rahul alleged that the Prime Minister was deliberately silent on the contentious matter. The SIR is an attempt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the EC to steal your votes. They are trying their best to snatch your voting rights. The 'vote chor' came to Gayaji, but he did not say even a word on his government's attempt to steal votes with the help of the EC, Gandhi said during his Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bhagalpur. The truth is that the Prime Minister, along with the Election Commission of India and the Bharatiya Janata Party, are bent on destroying democracy and the Constitution, and snatching away the votes of the people, he said. Rahul accused Modi of seeking to dismantle the constitutional principle of one person, one vote. He cited the example of a Congress supporter whose name was deleted from the electoral rolls during the first phase of the revision exercise. With SIR, the Modi government, in collusion with the Election Commission of India, was disenfranchising people who are supporters of Congress or RJD, the Lok Sabha LoP said. Vote Chori is an attack on the Constitution of India. The INDIA bloc will not allow the BJP to steal voting rights of the people of Bihar, he added. Speaking at a rally in Bihar, Modi in an indirect reference to SIR said, There is one more threat -- that of infiltrators (ghuspaithiye) that our nation faces, which I also spoke about in my Independence Day speech. They cannot be allowed to partake of the resources of our country. I have, therefore, called for a demography mission. But the Congress and the RJD want to protect these infiltrators for the sake of their vote bank politics. The allusion was to one of the stated objectives of SIR being the removal of names of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar from the electoral rolls. The EC, which has ordered the exercise in Bihar ahead of assembly polls, has made it clear that SIR will be undertaken across the country in due course. However, the INDIA bloc has been alleging that the exercise in Bihar was aimed at helping the BJP-led NDA in assembly polls through wrongful deletion of names of voters. During a stopover near Nathnagar in Bhagalpur, Rahul introduced a former Agniveer, Amarnath Jaiswal, who had suffered a serious hand injury and lost a finger in the line of duty. Jaiswal was discharged from the Army within two years, without any of the benefits that a regular soldier would have received in such circumstances. Rahul said the Modi government had closed avenues for the youth, calling the Agniveer scheme ill-advised and pointing to Jaiswals plight as an example of how recruits were left without support after service, even in cases of disability. He also said the government had crippled small and medium businesses through demonetisation, compounding unemployment. On the sixth day of his Yatra, the march passed through Bhagalpur, where large crowds gathered, chanting 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor' in reference to alleged electoral fraud in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The New Indian Express 22 Aug 2025 11:27 pm

Buchi Babu | Siddarth, Indrajiths tons power TNCA Presidents XI to 384 for nine

Athish notches up his maiden hundred in the tournament as TNCA XI piles on 414 for eight versus Haryana; left-arm spinners Vanshaj and Chaudhary return six-for

The Hindu 22 Aug 2025 8:56 pm

Charge sheet of 40,000 pages filed against senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia in DA case

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau today filed a 40,000-page charge sheet against senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, in a Prevention of Corruption Act case in the Mohali court. Sources claimed that over 200 witnesses have been cited in the case in the charge sheet, which runs into approximately 40,000 pages. These documents reportedly detail financial transactions, property records, and other evidence collected during the investigation. The documents were brought to the court this afternoon in four sealed trunks loaded in a pick-up truck. It was on June 25 that Majithia was arrested from his house in Amritsar in the disproportionate assets case involving laundering of Rs 540 crore of drug money. He was sent to judicial custody on July 6, and his judicial remand was extended on July 19 and again on August 2. Recently, the court dismissed his bail application, and he is presently in judicial custody as he is lodged at New Nabha Jail near Patiala. The Vigilance Bureau, in its FIR, claimed that preliminary investigations revealed that over 540 crore of drug money was laundered through several channels, and this was facilitated by Majithia. This case against Majithia stems from an ongoing investigation being conducted by a Punjab Police special investigation team into the 2021 drug case. In 2021, Majithia was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The action was taken on the basis of a 2018 report of the anti-drug special task force. Majithia spent more than five months in Patiala Jail and walked out of prison in August 2022 after the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted him bail.

The New Indian Express 22 Aug 2025 7:47 pm

Globe Civil Projects order book crosses Rs 1,000-cr mark

Globe Civil Projects announced its consolidated order book has surpassed Rs 1,000 crore, driven by institutional, healthcare, and government infrastructure projects. The company is venturing into sports infrastructure with a Rs 222.20 crore work order in Haryana. With a strong portfolio of central government projects, Globe Civil anticipates robust cash flow and is poised to leverage India's infrastructure growth.

The Economic Times 22 Aug 2025 5:23 pm

CBSE to establish six new regional, sub-regional offices to enhance governance

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the establishment of six new Regional Offices, Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and Sub-Regional Offices to streamline its operations and improve governance of affiliated schools across the country. According to a notification issued by CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, the decision was taken following the approval of the Finance Committee in December 2024, which was later ratified by the Governing Body and cleared by the Ministry of Education. The new offices are being set up in Gurugram, Lucknow, Raipur, Ranchi, Agartala, Itanagar and Gangtok. These will become fully functional between August and September 2025. Gurugram (Haryana) will cover 12 southern districts of Haryana, including Faridabad, Gurugram, Palwal and Sonipat, and is expected to function from 1 September 2025. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) will oversee 30 districts, including Ayodhya, Etawah, Kanpur, Rae Bareli and Unnao, and will also become functional from 1 September 2025. Raipur (Chhattisgarh) will have jurisdiction across Chhattisgarh and became functional on 22 August 2025. Ranchi (Jharkhand) will cover Jharkhand and also became functional on 22 August 2025. Among the Sub-Regional Offices, Agartala (Tripura) will begin functioning from 15 September 2025. Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) became functional on 22 August 2025, along with Gangtok (Sikkim), which also started operations on the same date. The notification stated that all schools affiliated with CBSE will now fall under the jurisdictions of these newly established offices. This move will help strengthen administrative reach, ensure better coordination with schools, and enhance educational support services across these regions, the CBSE said.

The New Indian Express 22 Aug 2025 3:42 pm

Shooter involved in firing at YouTuber Elvish Yadav's house held after encounter in Faridabad

FARIDABAD: A shooter involved in firing outside YouTuber and Big Boss OTT winner Elvish Yadav's house in Gurugram was arrested after a brief encounter near Faridpur village here early Friday, police said. The accused, Ishant Gandhi alias Ishu, is a resident of Faridabad. He was shot in the leg and has been hospitalised, they said. According to police, Gandhi was intercepted by a crime branch team from Sector 30, Faridabad, around 4.30 am while he was riding a motorcycle. When signalled to stop, he allegedly tried to flee and opened fire at the team, they said. In retaliation, police fired at his feet, injuring him, after which he was arrested. Gandhi was one of the shooters who fired at YouTuber Elvish Yadav's house in Gurugram on August 17. He is admitted to the hospital and we will interrogate him after he is discharged, said Mukesh Malhotra, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Faridabad. According to police, CCTV camera footage captured Gandhi firing during the incident. Three bike-borne attackers sprayed over two dozen rounds outside Yadav's residence in Gurugram's Sector 57 on August 17. Yadav was not at home when the incident took place around 5.30 am. 'Bhau gang' claimed responsibility for the attack, accusing Yadav of promoting a betting app, said police. #WATCH | Faridabad, Haryana | Firing at Elvish Yadav's residence | Faridabad Crime Branch arrested an accused named Ishant alias Ishu Gandhi in an encounter, who allegedly fired outside the residence of Elvish Yadav in Gurugram on August 17. The accused was taken to the pic.twitter.com/iExWqfyH93 ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2025

The New Indian Express 22 Aug 2025 9:53 am

Elvish Yadav's residence attack case: Accused shooter injured in encounter, arrested by Haryana Police

Ishant alias Ishu Gandhi, a prime suspect in Elvish Yadav's residence attack, was arrested after a dramatic shootout in Faridabad

DNA India 22 Aug 2025 9:12 am

HTET 2025 result to be released soon at bseh.org: Biometric verification to be done on these dates, check official notice here

Haryana Board will soon announce the Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test 2025 results. Candidates must complete biometric verification on August 25 and 26. This process ensures transparency. Candidates on the verification list must attend. The results will be available after verification. Candidates need to carry their admit card and ID proof. Only verified candidates will have their results published on bseh.org.in.

The Times of India 22 Aug 2025 7:54 am

Haryanas war on drugs: Over 3,600 arrests so far in 2025

The Times of India 22 Aug 2025 5:44 am

3 Held in UP, Haryana, Rs.2 Cr Scam Exposed

According to DCP D Kavitha, Cybercrime, Hyderabad, in the first case, teams arrested Devash Rastogi and Jitendra Agarwal, both from Ghaziabad for duping a 58-year-old Hyderabad resident.

Deccan Chronicle 22 Aug 2025 2:17 am

Vishal breaks 400m National record; pole vaulter Baranica equals meet record

Haryanas Pooja, one of the bright prospects to qualify for the Worlds in womens 1500m, strengthens her chances of making the grade through the World rankings, with a strong show

The Hindu 21 Aug 2025 9:24 pm

Haryana to set up state entrepreneurship commission: CM

The Times of India 21 Aug 2025 8:12 pm

Not Gurugram Or Mumbai, This Is 2025's Richest District Of India

Karnataka's Rangareddy has replaced Haryana's Gurugram as the richest district of India.

News18 21 Aug 2025 4:30 pm

Drug users in Haryana switch to pharmaceutical drugs; Cases, convictions on the rise

CHANDIGARH: Data reveals that the drug users in Haryana are more inclined to pharmaceutical drugs as they are reportedly crushing and injecting tablets such as Tramadol, Tapentadol and Pregabalin. To cut down the supply lines of narcotics, 2,161 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and 3,629 persons have been arrested this year from January to July, enforcement figures shared by the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) showed. The number of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered went up by 6.9 per cent from the 2,022 FIRs registered in the same period last year. The number of accused arrested also went up 35.2 per cent this year, from 2,684 persons arrested last year. Apart from this, 267 commercial quantity cases were registered this year, compared to 238 cases last year, and 1,493 intermediate quantity cases were registered, compared to 1,142 in 2024. The number of inter-state arrests rose to 293 from 175 last year. The number of preventive detentions cases increased to 39 this year, from eight cases reported last year. There were 1,030 multi-accused cases this year, compared to 574 in the previous year. Yet challenges remain. The convictions in commercial quantity cases dropped from 72.72 per cent last year to 56.75 per cent this year, raising concerns over trial follow-through, said an officer. He stressed that prosecution is being strengthened. DGP of Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), OP Singh said that for about 40 per cent of the NDPS Act cases, it has come to light during investigation that they were in some way or the other related to pharmaceutical drugs. These numbers show that our grip on the supply network is tightening. We are targeting traffickers at every level, from local peddlers to interstate cartels, he said. He further said that the intensified crackdown on narcotics has cut the supply lines, but the squeeze is pushing addicts toward dangerous substitutes. Improvised drug substitutes like injecting crushed tablets are not only hazardous, but they can be lethal. The misuse of such medicines can stop the heart instantly, he added. Sources added that with narcotics harder to obtain, drug addicts are now reportedly crushing and injecting tablets such as Tramadol, Tapentadol and Pregabalin. Medical experts say this misuse can trigger blood clotting, cardiac arrest, and sudden death within minutes. The HSNCB is coupling enforcement with prevention. Between January and July this year, 698 awareness programs were held, reaching over 1.15 lakh participants. 4,270 villages were covered under the sports for youth program, as 2.8 lakh youth were engaged. The bureau maintained that the drug war is not just about seizures but also about protecting citizens from dangerous improvisations born of scarcity.

The New Indian Express 21 Aug 2025 3:33 pm

NeoLiv acquires 17.5-acre land in MMR to build Rs 150 crore housing project

NeoLiv has acquired 17.5 acres of land in Khopoli, MMR, with a planned investment of 150 crore for a housing project featuring approximately 180 plots and villas. This marks NeoLiv's third project, following the successful sale of plots in Haryana and a luxury housing project in Alibaug.

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2025 1:30 pm

Huge growth in female EPFO membership in June: Labour ministry

NEW DELHI: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) witnessed nearly 3.02 lakh new female members in June this year, marking an increase of 14.92% compared to the previous month. They are part of an overall 10.62 lakh new members who enrolled with the EPFO during June. Releasing the provisional payroll data for the month, an official release from the Labour Ministry said, The growth in female member additions is indicative of a broader shift towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce. The EPFO enrolled around 10.62 lakh new subscribers in June 2025, representing a 12.68% increase over May 2025 and a growth of 3.61% compared to June 2024. This increase in new subscribers can be attributed to growing employment opportunities, increased awareness of employee benefits, and EPFO's successful outreach programmes, it said. The Organisation added 6.39 lakh new subscribers in the 18-25 age group, constituting a significant 60.22% of the total new subscribers added in June 2025. Approximately 16.93 lakh members, who had exited earlier, rejoined EPFO in June 2025, the release added. This figure depicts a 5.09% increase over May 2025. It also displays a significant 19.65% year-over-year growth compared to June 2024. These members switched their jobs and re-joined the establishments covered under the ambit of EPFO and opted to transfer their accumulations instead of applying for final settlement, thus safeguarding long-term financial well-being and extending their social security protection, it added. Overall, there has been an addition of 21.89 lakh members, netting the highest recorded addition since payroll data tracking began in April 2018, the release added. State-wise analysis of payroll data denotes that the top five states/ UTs constitute around 61.51% of net payroll addition, adding a total of around 13.46 lakh net payroll during the month. Maharashtra leads by adding 20.03% of net payroll during the month. The states/UTs of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana individually added more than 5% of the total net payroll during the month.

The New Indian Express 21 Aug 2025 1:26 pm

Haryana Human Rights Commission seeks report in an alleged bonded labour case, highlights failures in protective mechanisms

The victim, 14, was walking along the road in Nuh with an injured hand, when he was spotted two schoolteachers and taken to the police station

The Hindu 21 Aug 2025 12:57 pm

Haryana teacher cremated; mobile internet suspension extended by a day in Bhiwani

The teachers body was found in a field in Bhiwani on August 13; she had gone missing on August 11 after leaving the school, purportedly to enquire about admission at a nursing college

The Hindu 21 Aug 2025 12:37 pm

Haryana teacher death: 19-year-old cremated, thousands attend farewell; internet suspension extended

The funeral of teacher Manisha, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances, was held in Bhiwani district, with a CBI investigation ordered following protests. Authorities attended the ceremony, and farmer leaders expressed satisfaction with the investigation while demanding the withdrawal of cases against protestors. Internet services remain suspended in the district due to ongoing tensions.

The Times of India 21 Aug 2025 10:35 am

Amid protests over death of a school teacher in Haryana, CM announces to hand over the probe to CBI

State government and the police administration are working with full seriousness and transparency to ensure justice for our daughter Manisha

The Hindu 21 Aug 2025 9:27 am

Salwar torn, signs of struggle: Haryana hands 19-year-old teachers death probe to CBI; family consents for last rites

The death of a 19-year-old teacher in Bhiwani, initially ruled as suicide, is now under scrutiny due to discrepancies in the first postmortem report, which indicated signs of struggle and a torn salwar. Amid public outcry and family demands for a fair investigation, the Haryana government has decided to hand over the case to the CBI for an impartial probe.

The Times of India 21 Aug 2025 8:13 am

RSASTF Seizes Red Sanders Worth 2 Crore Near Kavali

Police gave chase and managed to bring the vehicle to a halt. Occupants of the lorry attempted to flee but police caught one of them, identified as a native of Haryana.

Deccan Chronicle 21 Aug 2025 1:07 am

Junaid Khan mob lynching case: HC rejects prime accused bail plea

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday, August 20, rejected the bail plea for prime accused Naresh Kumar in the 2017 mob lynching case involving 16-year-old Junaid Khan. This Court, looking at the gravity of the offence, is of the considered view that safe and secure atmosphere ought to be extended to the eye 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 .

The Siasat Daily 20 Aug 2025 10:43 pm

Chhattisgarh's cabinet gets 14 ministers for first time as 3 MLAs take oath

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka administered the oath of office and secrecy to three ministers -- Gajendra Yadav, Rajesh Agrawal and Khushwant Saheb at the swearing-in function in Raj Bhawan, Raipur on Wednesday. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expanded his ministry almost 20 months after assuming office in December 2023, when the BJP returned to power in Chhattisgarh. With the expansion of the Sai cabinet, the total strength of the state council of ministers rose to 14 for the first time. All three --Yadav (MLA from Durg), Agrawal (MLA-Ambikapur) and Khushwant Saheb (MLA-Arang) are first-term legislators. CM Sai later distributed the portfolios to the new ministers. While Yadav got school education and Gramodyog, Khushwant Saheb was allotted skill development, technical education & employment and Agrawal was given tourism, culture, religious trust and endowment. The CM will proceed on his first scheduled 10-day foreign trip to Japan and South Korea on Thursday. BJP insiders said that the representation following the induction of three new faces will secure caste and regional balance, though several senior BJP MLAs who kept their hopes alive to secure a place in the cabinet felt 'desolate'. In the Sai Cabinet, there are only three ministers who were in the earlier BJP government led by Dr Raman Singh, which was in power for 15 years and the remaining 11 are new faces. Chhattisgarh, in accordance with the provision of the Constitution with maximum of 15 per cent of the strength of the Vidhan Sabha permissible for council of ministers, had continued with only 13 ministers, including the chief minister, ever since the state was created in the year 2000. The Chhattisgarh state has 90 legislators and the new cabinet expansion has apparently followed the model of Haryana which too has the same number of elected assembly members. Former CM Bhupesh Baghel cited the new 14-member cabinet expansion as unconstitutional. If the state government has taken a prior approval from the Centre then that should be made public and if not, then such a 14-member cabinet is unlawful. We had also sought the approval from the Centre for a 14-member cabinet but didn't get any response, claimed Baghel. CM Sai took oath on December 10, 2023, followed by 11 ministers administering oath on December 21, while keeping one post vacant. In June 2024, one more ministerial post fell vacant after a senior BJP leader, Brijmohan Agrawal, an eight-time MLA, was elected as a member of parliament from the Raipur Lok Sabha seat.

The New Indian Express 20 Aug 2025 8:08 pm

Buzz kill: Trumps tariffs put Indias honey trade in a sticky spot

It is highly unlikely that Donald Trump is aware of the existence of the honey-collecting beekeepers roving Haryanas mustard fields, the apple orchards in Kashmir, Himachal and Uttaranchal, and beyond. But he plays an oversized influence on their lives today. Heres why.

Livemint 20 Aug 2025 5:00 pm

Haryana government to hand over private school teacher's death case to CBI amid public outrage

CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government has decided to transfer the death case of 19-year-old Manisha, a private school teacher from Bhiwani, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following growing public outrage and persistent local demands for a probe by the central agency. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, in a tweet in hindi early today morning referring to Manisha as 'our daughter,' wrote that the state government and police administration were conducting the investigation with complete transparency and he was personally monitoring the case. On the demand of the family, the state government will hand over this case to the CBI for investigation and assure that justice is done in this matter. The Haryana government on Tuesday suspended mobile internet, bulk SMS, and dongle services in Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri districts for 48 hours, amid escalating public outrage over the death of 19-year-old Manisha. Her body, with the throat slit, was recovered from a field in Singhani village, Bhiwani, on August 13. She had gone missing two days earlier after leaving her school, reportedly to inquire about admission at a nursing college. The villagers had launched an indefinite protest, announcing that Manishas last rites would not be performed until all arrests in the case had been made. Her family had earlier refused to cremate her until the arrest of those who were behind her alleged murder. The family members had even accused the police of delaying the registration of a complaint in the matter. Earlier, Manishas body was sent to PGIMS Rohtak for post-mortem, but even after a second autopsy, her family refused to accept it. The autopsy report stated that the injuries were lacerated wounds with a gnawing effect. Over the weekend, markets remained shut and locals blocked the DelhiPilani Road demanding immediate arrests. On Saturday, a mahapanchayat was held near Dhigawa Mandi reiterating the demand for swift action against the culprits. Rejecting the findings, Manishas father Sanjay alleged that the administration was trying to pass off his daughters death as suicide. But I can say that she never committed suicide. I want justice, he had added. Earlier, on the orders of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the Superintendent of Police, Bhiwani, was transferred and five police personnel were suspended over lapses in handling the case. However, opposition leaders have termed these measures inadequate. Leaders from the BJP, Congress, JJP, and INLD have also joined the protests.

The New Indian Express 20 Aug 2025 12:10 pm

Bhiwani teacher death: Haryana govt hands over probe to CBI; family rejects suicide claim, protests continue

The Haryana government will transfer the investigation of Manisha's death to the CBI. Manisha, a 19-year-old teacher, was found dead in Bhiwani. Her family demanded a CBI probe. Earlier, police claimed she died by suicide. However, her family rejected this claim. Protests erupted, and opposition parties criticized the state government. Mobile internet services were suspended in Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri.

The Times of India 20 Aug 2025 9:33 am

Relief for CBI judge arrested by ED for corruption

Suspended CBI judge Sudhir Parmar, arrested in a money-laundering scam, has received a clean chit from a departmental committee, according to a report by inquiry officer Nirbhow Gill. The report, yet to be accepted by the High Court administration, could be a setback for the Haryana Vigilance Bureau. Parmar was suspended in April 2023 and jailed for nearly three months.

The Times of India 20 Aug 2025 2:44 am

BJP-EC will 'steal your voter ID first, then ration card, land': Rahul warns Bihar voters amid SIR row

PATNA: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday warned Bihar voters that deletions from draft rolls were part of the BJP and Election Commission's larger design and cautioning that after their votes, their ration cards and land will also be taken away. First, they will steal your voter ID, then your ration card and then they will snatch your land and give it to Adani and Ambani, he told a public gathering in Nawada on the third day of his Voter Adhikar Yatra , launched from Sasaram in Rohtas district on Sunday. , : ' ' @RahulGandhi , pic.twitter.com/P3MeZQlbyK Congress (@INCIndia) August 19, 2025 Rahul received a rousing welcome from the crowd on his way to Nawada from Gaya, where he had addressed a rally earlier in the day. The 16-day, 3,000-km Yatra has drawn large crowds, with people lining the roads and cheering. Hundreds of youths were seen taking selfies with the Congress leader. With frequent and unscheduled stops, the Yatra has been running behind schedule as Rahul insists on meeting as many people as possible. Some women expressed disappointment at not being able to get close to him because of the heavy rush. I wanted to take a selfie with Rahul Gandhi. But sorry to say that I could not do so because of huge rush during the Yatra, which crossed Nawada on Tuesday. I dont know whether I will get an opportunity next time to see him from close and have a selfie with him, said Sangeeta Kumari, 21, an undergraduate student of Nawada. Her cousin Raj Kishore, 24, a UPSC aspirant, was more fortunate. I had to jostle with supporters and workers of the Congress party to reach close to the leader. His security personnel did not allow anybody to reach close to him. But I somehow managed to click a photo with him, he told this reporter. Nawada town was draped in the flags of INDIA bloc partners as a show of solidarity. Rahul was accompanied by Tejashwi Prasad Yadav of the RJD, CPI-ML leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, VIP chief Mukesh Sahani and other senior leaders. At some places, residents watched from rooftops of multi-storey buildings. During a stopover in Nawada, Rahul invited Subodh Kumar, a member of the crowd, to speak. Kumar said his name had been deleted from the voter list despite voting in last years parliamentary elections and serving as a polling agent. Rahul told the gathering that there were lakhs of others like Subodh whose names had been struck off the rolls. He alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party had entered into a partnership with the Election Commission of India to steal the votes of the people of Bihar. You agree that they are stealing your votes does Bihar agree? he asked, as the crowd responded with a resounding yes. He went on to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Election Commissioners of being complicit in the conspiracy. But, he asserted: Wemyself, Tejashwi, and other INDIA bloc leaderswill not let them steal even a single vote from Bihar. Rahul said the Voter Adhikar Yatra was being taken out precisely for this reason, citing examples of Maharashtra, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, where he alleged the BJP, in collusion with the Election Commission of India, had stolen elections. He assured people that the INDIA bloc would not allow that to happen in Bihar. Partnership between EC-BJP; we'll not allow even one vote to be stolen in Bihar: Rahul Gandhi

The New Indian Express 20 Aug 2025 12:49 am

Haryanas Contract Employment Security Act has some welcome features

In this age of uncertainty, a stable career for young workforce is needed By Rohit Mani Tiwari A paradoxical situation has recently emerged in the Indian employment landscape. On one hand, there are traditional bastions of secured employment like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which recently retrenched around 12,000 employees and halted the on-boarding of [] The post Haryanas Contract Employment Security Act has some welcome features appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 19 Aug 2025 8:39 pm

Kharif season: Area under paddy goes up in Punjab, but problems galore

CHANDIGARH: Despite paddy being sown in the state in an area of 32.49 lakh hectares -the highest area under cultivation in the past couple of decades- Punjab is likely to face paddy procurement crisis during this kharif marketing season, like last year. The reason: rice millers have declared that they will not mill the hybrid varieties of paddy. Only on Monday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had quashed the state government's blanket ban on hybrid varieties. Punjab Rice Industry Association (PRIA) Vice President Ranjit Singh Jossan told TNIE that the farmers would be hit as rice millers will not mill the hybrid varieties. Why should we suffer? The outturn ratio of paddy is 66 per cent but the broken rice in hybrid varieties is 43 to 45 per cent. So, millers have to buy rice from the market at their own cost and give the 66 per cent milled rice to the government, he said. Further Ranjit Singh Jossan added that last year his association PRIA, with the backing of the Punjab government, asked the Centre to physically test hybrid paddy at IIT Kharagpur. The IIT teams processed the samples at three rice mills and prepared reports. But despite repeated requests, the reports were not made public. Now, with a crisis looming, we demand that the reports be released and the Central government compensate the industry for the losses caused by hybrid seed varieties, he demanded. Punjab Rice Industry Association President Bharat Bhusan Binta affirmed that there should be a trial of the hybrid variety as the specification of Food Corporation of India (FCI) is 25 per cent broken rice. Till date, approximately four lakh tonnes of paddy is still lying with the millers in their facilities, Binta noted. Sources in the state food civil supply department said that as on Tuesday, 146 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of rice lie in the godowns of Food Corporation of India (FCI) across the state. This is not including the wheat. Together they will come to 179 LMT of rice and wheat. But the total storage capacity of godowns is 180 LMT. With around 190 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy expected to arrive in the mandis this season, once again there might be revived tensions over procurement, storage and financial viability for the states rice industry. Last year, after a a month long standoff between farmers, the government and the rice industry, the millers had agreed to mill the hybrid paddy varieties after imposing cuts on the price paid to farmers cultivating these varieties. The millers welcomed the decision to mill the hybrid paddy varieties by imposing cuts to compensate for the spoilage rates of 45 to 50 per cent. Later, rice millers in the state went on a prolonged strike demanding a ban on hybrid paddy seeds, citing huge losses due to excessive breakage during milling. Following this, the Punjab government banned both hybrid seeds. The government also announced that such varieties would not be purchased under the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Despite the earlier ban, hybrid paddy has been widely sown in Punjab this year, especially in the Majha and Doaba regions, with expansion reported in Malwa. In Majha, the area under hybrid varieties has gone up substantially, mainly because hybrid varieties offer higher yields to farmers. However, millers insist they will not process hybrid varieties. They argue that milling hybrid paddy produces only 55 to 57 per cent head rice compared to the standard 67 per cent, with a very high percentage of broken rice forcing them to buy additional rice at higher prices to meet their contracts. The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday set aside the state governments order of April 7, which had imposed a blanket ban on the use of hybrid paddy seeds in the state. The court said the order does not withstand the test of legality, as the state could not prohibit the use of varieties duly notified by the Union Government under the Seeds Act of 1966. The court upheld the administrative orders of April 4 and April 10, 2019, which had restricted the use of non-notified hybrid seeds while permitting the notified varieties. Leader of the Opposition and senior congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa demanded that the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government treat the issue with utmost seriousness and address it as an urgent priority. The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already advanced paddy procurement, moving the commencement date from October 1 to September 15. The government must act without delay. With procurement set to begin in less than a month, timely intervention is essential, Bajwa asserted. He held the government directly responsible for the heavy losses suffered by farmers during the last paddy procurement season. Despite the Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee, many farmers were forced to sell their produce below MSP due to the government's failure to enforce procurement norms. In multiple districts, farmers received only Rs 1,700 to Rs 2,100 per quintal for their produce, even though it was officially billed at the MSP of Rs 2,300 per quintal by procurement agencies during the 2024 season. This was the largest scam in Punjabs agricultural history, and shockingly, it remains uninvestigated, Bajwa stated.

The New Indian Express 19 Aug 2025 7:07 pm

Haryana teacher death: Mobile internet suspended in Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri for 48 hours; family alleges murder

Following public anger over Manisha's death, Haryana government has suspended mobile internet in Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri for 48 hours. The 19-year-old teacher was found dead on August 13, sparking protests and demands for a CBI investigation. Police found a purported suicide note and evidence of insecticide purchase.

The Times of India 19 Aug 2025 6:43 pm

SC Terms NCPCR Plea Against Punjab, Haryana HC Protection Order to Muslim Couple 'Strange'

Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan says commission had no locus standi, dismisses challenge to HC ruling citing Muslim Personal Law on marriage.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Aug 2025 6:01 pm

7 Questions After 7 Days And 3 Post-Mortems: Twist In Haryana Teacher's 'Suicide'

SP Sumit Kumar said no semen, acid, or chemicals were found on Manishas body, ruling out sexual assault or chemical attack; scratches on her eyes and neck were from animals

News18 19 Aug 2025 2:57 pm

FASTag Annual Pass Crosses 5 Lakh Registrations In Four Days

Tamil Nadu led the largest number of annual passes purchased over the last four days, followed by Karnataka and Haryana.

NDTV 19 Aug 2025 2:36 pm

Criminal To Love? Top Court Asks, Junks Plea Over Muslim Girl's Marriage

The Supreme Court has dismissed a special leave petition by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, or NCPCR, that challenged a 2022 Punjab and Haryana High Court verdict granting protection to a (then) 16-year-old Muslim girl.

NDTV 19 Aug 2025 2:06 pm

Partnership between EC-BJP; we'll not allow even one vote to be stolen in Bihar: Rahul Gandhi

NAWADA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that a partnership has been going on between the Election Commission and the BJP to steal votes, and asserted that the Mahagathbandhan will not allow even a single vote to be stolen in Bihar. Addressing a gathering at Bhagat Singh Chowk on the third day of his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, Gandhi said the right to vote has been given to the people by the Constitution, and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Election Commissioners are snatching it away from them. This is your right, given to you by the Constitution, and Modi, Shah, and the Election Commissioners are snatching it away from you. (RJD's) Tejashwi (Yadav), I, and the other (Mahagathbandhan) leaders standing here want to tell them that we will not let you steal even a single vote in Bihar, Gandhi said. He alleged that the EC-BJP nexus has stolen elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. In Maharashtra, about 1 crore voters were mysteriously added between the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, Gandhi claimed. He said the Congress asked the EC to provide a machine-readable voters' list and CCTV footage, but the poll body refused. Now in Bihar, they are carrying out 'vote chori' in a new manner. They are doing this chori (theft) right before your eyes, but we will not let them steal votes, said the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Opposition holds protest against SIR in Parliament complex Warning the people, he said, First, your voter card will go. Then your ration card will go. And finally, your land will be handed over to Adani and Ambani, Gandhi alleged. This country belongs to farmers, labourers, small traders, and the youthnot to a few billionaires like Adani and Ambani, he added. Gandhi said all the wrong laws, including GST and demonetisation, were aimed at benefiting a few billionaires. You give money and resources, and yet the country cannot give you employment. This has to change, and that is why we have started this Voter Adhikar Yatra, he said in his address to the people, standing atop his vehicle, flanked by RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and CPI(ML) Liberation's Dipankar Bhattacharya. At the start of his address, Gandhi invited a person whose name had been removed from the voters list to speak. The person said he had been a polling agent in the Lok Sabha polls, but his name had been removed during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. There are lakhs of such people in Bihar who voted, but their names have now been cut from the voters list, Gandhi said. There is a partnership going on between the BJP and the Election Commission. They are colluding to indulge in vote chori, he charged. Asserting that vote chori is an attack on Bharat Mata , Gandhi on Monday had warned the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners of stern action once the INDIA bloc forms the government. Intensifying his attack on the Election Commission, Gandhi also said the whole country would demand an affidavit from the poll body and, if given time, his party would expose the vote chori in every Assembly and Lok Sabha constituency. On Tuesday, the Yatra began from Wazirganj in Gaya and entered Nawada later in the day. The Yatra will conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. It is being undertaken in a hybrid modeon foot and by vehiclesimilar to Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The Yatra will also pass through Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, and Supaul. Rahul Gandhi will become PM after next Lok Sabha polls: RJD's Tejashwi at Bihar rally

The New Indian Express 19 Aug 2025 1:37 pm

Rajasthans Manika Vishwakarma crowned Miss Universe India 2025

JAIPUR: Rajasthans Manika Vishwakarma has been crowned Miss Universe India 2025, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the 74th Miss Universe competition, scheduled to be held in Thailand on 21 November 2025. Manika, who hails from Sri Ganganagar, described the win as a proud moment for Rajasthan and the nation. This achievement proves that dreams can take flight even from small towns, she said while addressing the media in Jaipur after her victory. Sharing her journey, Manika said she began from her hometown Ganganagar before moving to Delhi for preparations. We must instill confidence and courage in ourselves. Everyone had a big role in my success. I thank all those who supported me and made me capable of this, she said. She added that the competition is not just a stage but a world that builds character. In the finale, Tanya Sharma emerged as the first runner-up. The judging panel included Miss Universe India owner Nikhil Anand, actress and Miss Universe India 2015 Urvashi Rautela, and director Farhad Samji. Anand said that Jaipur was chosen as the host city for the finale to showcase and promote Indias art and culture. Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe India Urvashi Rautela was also present as a jury member in this prestigious competition. She said, The competition was very tough, but the winner is with us. We are very happy that we have got our winner. She will definitely make us proud in Miss Universe. The grand finale saw 48 contestants from across the countryincluding Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Odisha, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhicompete for the prestigious crown. With this victory, Manika Vishwakarma will now prepare to raise Indias flag high on the international stage in Miss Universe 2025.

The New Indian Express 19 Aug 2025 1:13 pm

Rahul Gandhi alleges Election Commission-BJP partnership

Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission and BJP of colluding to steal votes. He spoke at Bhagat Singh Chowk during his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar. Gandhi claimed the EC-BJP stole elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. He warned people about losing voter cards, ration cards, and land.

The Economic Times 19 Aug 2025 1:12 pm

Rahul warns CEC, ECs of stern action if INDIA bloc takes power, says nation will demand them for affidavit

Asserting that vote chori is an attack on 'Bharat Mata', Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday warned the chief election commissioner and the two election commissioners of stern action when the INDIA bloc forms government. Intensifying his attack on the Election Commission, Gandhi also said the whole country would ask the poll body for an affidavit and if given time, his party would bring out the vote chori in every assembly and Lok Sabha constituency. The fresh attack on the EC by the Congress leader came a day after CEC Gyanesh Kumar served a seven-day ultimatum on him to submit a signed affidavit to back his vote theft claims, else his allegations will be considered baseless. Gandhi said that just like Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks about special package, the poll body also brought in a ew special package for Bihar, which is named SIR (Special Intensive Revision), a ew form of vote theft. His remarks came on the second day of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' which began in Sasaram on Sunday and then moved to Aurangabad before reaching Gaya Ji on Monday. With RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, CPI (ML) Liberation's Dipankar Bhattacharya and Vikassheel Insan Party's Mukesh Sahani in tow, Gandhi resumed the second day from Dev Road, Kutumba and then moved to Rafiganj before reaching Daboor in Gaya Ji. Addressing a gathering here, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said the Election Commission was asking him to file an affidavit even after the poll body's vote theft had been caught. I want to tell the EC that the whole country will ask you to give an affidavit. Give us some time, we will catch your theft in every assembly and Lok Sabha seat, and put it before the people, he said. What did they do? Like PM (Narendra) Modi ji talks of a special package, the EC has brought a new special package for Bihar named SIR, which means a new form of vote theft, Gandhi said as he wound up the second day of the yatra at Khalees Park Chowk, Gaya Ji along with his Mahagathbandhan allies. Rahul hits back at CEC, says Modi govt shielded poll body with 2023 law to aid BJP in vote chori The former Congress chief also launched a direct attack on CEC Kumar and election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Whatever I say, I do it. You have seen that I don't lie from the stage... these three election commissioners... I want to tell them that it is Modiji's government right now... Tejashwi (Yadav) ji said that you (election commissioners) have taken BJP membership and are working for them. But understand one thing, a day will come when there will be an INDIA bloc government in Bihar and Delhi; then we will take action against the three of you... You've stolen (vote) from the whole country, Gandhi said. Amid rain, Gandhi held up a copy of the Constitution and said the Constitution is of Bharat Mata and has been framed by the likes of B R Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru. It has the voice of the soul of India. When they steal votes, they attack the Constitution and Bharat Mata. Nobody can touch this Constitution, he asserted. Election commissioners must hear out that if they don't do their job, there will be strict action against them, Gandhi added. He said that after realising that vote chori had happened in Maharashtra and Haryana, the Congress investigated and found evidence of it after analysing the data of one assembly segment of a Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka. I said clearly that one lakh votes were stolen in one assembly segment, and what does the Election Commission do? It does not say that the leader of the opposition has raised questions, and let us check it. Instead, they ask me to give an affidavit, Rahul said. Then they say 'why you did not complain earlier?' They say 'if you do not give an affidavit within a week, then this complaint has no meaning', Gandhi said, adding, They (EC) are responsible, their theft has been caught, and they are asking me to file an affidavit. SIR new weapon for 'vote chori', will protect 'one person, one vote': Rahul The Congress leader claimed that the poll authority got to know that their theft had been caught in Maharashtra and Haryana, which is why they have come up with a ew form of theft through SIR (of electoral rolls) in Bihar. Gandhi asserted that Prime Minister Modi and the EC will not succeed in carrying out 'vote chori' in Bihar. In his first press conference after Gandhi levelled allegations of 'vote chori' in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and several opposition leaders flagged issues about the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, CEC Kumar asked the Congress leader to either apologise or back his claims with a signed affidavit as required under electoral rules. Give an affidavit or apologise to the nation. There is no third option. If an affidavit is not given within seven days, this means that all allegations are baseless, said Kumar on Sunday, flanked by Election Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi. Earlier in the day, Gandhi said the SIR of electoral rolls is a ew weapon for vote chori and vowed to protect the one person, one vote principle. Gandhi made the remarks in a post on his WhatsApp channel while talking about his meeting with a group of people who had cast their votes in the previous Lok Sabha elections but their names were deleted from the draft electoral rolls during the SIR exercise in Bihar. He met the group at the launch of his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar's Sasaram on Sunday. Later, in Aurangabad, Gandhi met another set of people who had voted in earlier elections but their names were deleted from the draft voters' list. Sharing an over four-minute video of his interaction in Aurangabad, Gandhi said, The votes of people who voted in the last four-five elections were also stolen in Bihar. And, when asked for the reason, the only answer received was -- an order has come from above. This is a fight for the rights of the poor -- we will not stop. We will stop vote theft, he said.

The New Indian Express 19 Aug 2025 1:00 am

Haryana Rights Panel Cites Shakespeare After Aadhaar Record Shows Man Dead

The HHRC has taken suo-motu cognizance of a media report highlighting an incident where a serving employee of the Public Health Department was allegedly denied his salary in the post-COVID period because his Aadhaar record shows him as deceased.

NDTV 18 Aug 2025 11:46 pm

Annual FASTag pass crosses 500,000 users

FASTag annual pass gained popularity quickly. It crossed 500,000 users in just four days after its launch on August 15. Tamil Nadu saw the highest number of annual pass purchases. Karnataka and Haryana followed closely behind. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh also recorded the most transactions using the FASTag Annual Pass at toll plazas.

The Economic Times 18 Aug 2025 11:34 pm

'Entire country will ask for your affidavit': Rahul Gandhi slams EC; calls SIR a new form of 'vote theft'

During his Voter Adhikaar Yatra in Gaya, Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of vote manipulation and criticised their demand for an affidavit regarding his vote chori allegations. He warned election officials of potential action if an INDIA bloc government is formed, alleging irregularities in Bihar's SIR exercise and past elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.

The Times of India 18 Aug 2025 8:49 pm

Who Was Manisha? Protest Erupts In Haryana After Murder Of 19-Year-Old Teacher

The family has refused to perform her last rites until the police arrest the person or persons responsible for her killing

News18 18 Aug 2025 8:11 pm

NHAI sells over 5 lakh annual FASTag passes in four days; Tamil Nadu has most users

NEW DELHI: The annual FASTag pass rolled out on August 15 has received overwhelming response from users, particularly from two southern states. Within four days of its launch, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sold over five lakh pass yearly tickets including 1.5 lakh in Tamil Nadu and about one lakh in Karnataka. With nearly one lakh pass buyers, Haryana, presently, has the third highest number of annual pass holders. Providing commuters with convenient and efficient tolling experience, the newly introduced FASTag Annual Pass facility has crossed the landmark figure of five lakh users across the country. Tamil Nadu led the most number of Annual Pass purchased over the last four days, followed by the states of Karnataka and Haryana, said officials. Also, maximum transactions through FASTag Annual Pass at the toll plazas were recorded in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Introduction of annual pass arrangement has also increased the number of Rajmarg Yatra mobile application users. One can purchase the pass through the app. It has reached rank #23 in Googles Playstore ranking overall and #2 in travel category with over 15 lakh downloads and has a rating of 4.5 stars. The app has also achieved a milestone to become top government app within four days of launch of FASTag Annual Pass, official added. The FASTag Annual Pass facility is valid for about 1,150 toll plazas on National Highways and National Expressways. On the first of its launch, nearly 1.4 lakh users purchased annual FASTag passes on August 15 and around 1.39 lakh transactions were recorded on toll plazas on the same day. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials have been appointed as nodal officers at each toll plaza to ensure a smooth travel experience for the pass users. Also, to address the grievances of pass users, 1033 National Highway Helpline has been further strengthened with the addition of over 100 executives. Providing a seamless and economical travel option to the National Highway users, the FASTag Annual Pass eliminates the need to frequently recharge FASTag through one-time fee payment of Rs 3,000 for one year validity or 200 toll plaza crossings. The FASTag Annual Pass is applicable for all non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag and gets activated within two hours of the one-time fee payment through Rajmarg Yatra App or NHAI website. With a penetration rate of around 98 percent and over 8 crore users, FASTag has revolutionised the Electronic Toll Collection system in the country. In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari in June announced the introduction of annual FASTag pass for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps and vans from August 15. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is entrusted with maintenance, and management of the National Highways (NHs) of about 70,000 km length of the total network of 1,50,000 km. Additionally, NHAI is mandated to collect user fees (tolls) on these highways in accordance with the National Highway Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. At present, user fee is collected for approximately 45,000 km of NHs and Expressways. There are about 1,200 toll plazas, which are maintained by either the NHAI or concessionaires. Since February 2021, FASTag has been made mandatory for the payment of user fees at NH toll plazas, with a provision for a 100 per cent penalty for cash or non-FASTag payments. As of March 2024, more than 98 per cent of user fee payments are made through FASTag at the toll Plazas.

The New Indian Express 18 Aug 2025 7:38 pm

Mohali court rejects bail plea of Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia

CHANDIGARH: A Mohali court on Monday rejected the bail plea of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who was arrested in a disproportionate assets (DA) case. Speaking to the media after the bail hearing, public prosecutor Ferry Sofat said that the court dismissed the bail plea filed by Majithia. The bail application was dismissed on two grounds: (1) that an investigation is underway, and (2) the serious nature of the alleged offences, he noted. The court held day-to-day hearing for at least 10 days on the bail plea, he added. Ashardeep Singh Kler spokesman of the party and the counsel of Majithia said that they will approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court for bail. On August 14, the court extended his judicial custody till August 28. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested Majithia on June 25 in the DA case allegedly involving laundering of Rs 540 crore of drug money. He was sent to judicial custody on July 6 and his judicial remand was extended on July 19 and on August 2. Majithia is currently lodged in New Nabha Jail in Patiala. The vigilance bureau in its FIR claimed preliminary investigations revealed over Rs 540 crore of drug money was laundered through several ways and it was allegedly facilitated by Majithia. This case against Majithia stems from an ongoing investigation being conducted by a Punjab Police special investigation team into the 2021 drug case. In 2021, Majithia was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The action was taken on the basis of a 2018 report of the anti-drug special task force. Majithia spent more than five months in Patiala Jail and walked out of prison in August 2022 after the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted him bail.

The New Indian Express 18 Aug 2025 7:19 pm

EC should first give affidavit that voter list is clean, then we'll also follow: Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday hit back at Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, saying that first the poll body should submit an affidavit in the Supreme Court that its voter list is clean and then it will also give an affidavit that there are irregularities in the existing list. The opposition party also alleged that Gyanesh Kumar sounded like a BJP spokesperson during his press conference in New Delhi. The Congress made the remarks a day after the CEC served a seven-day ultimatum on party leader Rahul Gandhi to submit a signed affidavit to back his claims, else his allegations will be considered baseless and invalid. Addressing a press conference along with party leader Kanhaiya Kumar during the Voter Adhikar Yatra here, Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said, As this yatra began, Gyanesh Kumar had to do a press conference. We got to know that there is a Chief Election Commissioner. Earlier, we used to think that there would be an Anurag Thakur, a Sambit Patra or a person named source making comments but we finally saw the CEC, Khera said in Daboor where the yatra took a lunch break. He (Gyanesh Kumar) threatened to give an affidavit. He would get scared of threats but we don't. They don't believe their own data, he said. Kanhaiya Kumar alleged that the BJP wants to do vote chori and steal the Constitution. Before the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP raised the slogan of 'Ab ki baar 400 paar' and some of their outspoken leaders removed the lid on the conspiracy to change the Constitution, he claimed. In Haryana and Maharashtra, opinion polls suggested that a Congress government would be formed but the opposite happened, Kanhaiya Kumar said. We asked for a machine-readable format but they refused. The EC kept saying that there is no problem but now they are saying that 'we are doing SIR to correct the issues in the voter list', he said. The EC itself is saying there is something wrong in the voter list, which means that it was lying before, Kumar said. When Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi gave proof of the irregularities in the vote' list, the EC asked him to file an affidavit, he said. It seemed a BJP spokesperson is speaking. And there was no reply given in the press conference, Kanhaiya Kumar said. We have found several irregularities. All BLOs (booth-level officers) are not getting forms filled door-to-door. The EC wants to give only data they are not bothered whether it is right or wrong. Dead people found mention in lists and living people are removed from it, he said. If the EC gives affidavit, we are also prepared to give an affidavit. They must show their papers first, Kumar said. Asked what sort of affidavit they should give, Kumar said the EC's paper is a voter list and it should give it in a machine-readable format. Give an affidavit in the Supreme Court that your voters list is clean and then we will also give an affidavit that there are irregularities in the existing voter list, he said. Talking about the problems being faced by the people in Bihar during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Kanhaiya Kumar said when people find that their names are not there on the draft list, they go to the BLO, but that officer is not accepting the Aadhaar card as proof of identity. Kanhaiya Kumar said genuine voters were being harassed and cited his example that the spelling of his father's name differs in different documents due to which hurdles were being created. People are being harassed for small errors, he claimed. We want to ask that 65 lakh people were removed but they should also give data how many names have been added, Kanhaiya Kumar said. The intentions of the EC are not clear. It is busy highlighting the face of the supreme leader, the Congress leader said and demanded a clean voters list. If a government is formed through chori (theft) then such a government will not work honestly, the Congress leader said. SIR is a straightforward way of vote chori, he said, and urged people to come forward and fight against vote chori to save democracy. Kanhaiya Kumar said the BJP is rattled as we are getting people's support. In a post on X earlier, Khera said, The Election Commission of India wants us to believe that IN JUST SIX MONTHS between the 2024 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Maharashtra: -- Close to 40% of the electorate died/ permanently migrated in Ramtek and Devlali assembly constituencies. Around 45% of the electorate suddenly became eligible to vote in Nashik West and Hingna assembly constituencies. Next they will announce that 2+2 = 420, he said, taking a swipe at the EC. In his first press conference after Gandhi levelled allegations of vote chori in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and several opposition leaders flagged issues about the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, Gyanesh Kumar asked the Congress leader to either apologise or back his claims within a week with a signed affidavit as required under electoral rules. Give an affidavit or apologise to the nation. There is no third option. If an affidavit is not given within seven days, this means that all allegations are baseless, said Gyanesh Kumar, flanked by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The remarks by the CEC came on a day when Gandhi-led opposition launched the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar and stepped up attack against the SIR of electoral rolls in the poll-bound state. The Congress and other opposition parties have been pressing the EC to provide a machine-readable digital copy of the Maharashtra voter lists, alleging irregularities in the 2024 state polls.

The New Indian Express 18 Aug 2025 4:17 pm

This Haryana Village Didnt Hoist The Tricolour Until 2018. Heres Why

On July 20, 1858, 20,656 bigha and 19 marla of Rohnats private and panchayat land were auctioned for Rs 8,100, leaving villagers with almost no land

News18 18 Aug 2025 3:15 pm

HHRC takes suo motu cognisance of employee declared 'dead' in Aadhaar records

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has addressed a case where a Public Health Department employee was wrongly marked as deceased in his Aadhaar record, leading to salary denial. Taking suo motu cognisance, the HHRC highlighted the violation of human rights, emphasizing the right to livelihood and dignity.

The Economic Times 18 Aug 2025 2:09 pm

Does This Video Show BJP MLA Being Recently Beaten in Haryana? No!

We found that the video dates back to July 2020, when two men were beaten in Haryana's Munak.

The Quint 18 Aug 2025 1:22 pm

Widened NH 66 to sport advance obstruction warning system

KOCHI: What if signboards along roads could warn motorists of accidents, obstructions, animal intrusions, etc., ahead and facilitate detours to help them save on time, rather than getting caught in gridlocks. This is exactly what the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has in store, as part of its ambitious plan to install an advanced traffic management system (ATMS), for NH 66s 644km six-lane stretch from Thalappady, in Kasaragod, to Mukkola, in Thiruvananthapuram, where widening work is expected to be completed next year. Due to high traffic density on most stretches, ATMS will be first installed on the 26km Moothakunnam-Edappally section and extended to other reaches in a phased manner. The system has provisions for various electronic enforcement devices that help in speedy identification of incidents and effectively monitor highways. Once the impediment is identified, a warning message will be issued to oncoming motorists using fixed variable message signs (VMS). For instance, in the case of heavy mist, messages warning drivers to reduce speed will be displayed, a senior NHAI official told TNIE. VMS boards can display dynamic messages to inform drivers about road conditions, traffic flow, and relay other important information. They can be either fixed or portable (trailer-mounted). Toll plazas with satellite system to come up Besides VMS, ATMS also involves video surveillance/traffic monitoring camera systems, video incident detection and enforcement systems, vehicle actuated speed display systems, a communication network with OFC backbone, emergency call boxes, mobile radio communication systems, besides a command & control centre. These devices help improve the response time of on-site assistance. The command centre acts as the digital brain of the corridor where personnel will be deployed round the clock for continuous monitoring. This data-driven management ensures shorter response times, fewer delays and safer commutes, the official added. The NHAI will also introduce the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based user fee collection system in the state, that would facilitate easy passage of vehicles at toll collection points. Currently, all the toll plazas in the state have toll-collection booths and building structures. The same wont be there in the new toll plazas at places like Eramalloor (elevated highway) that will be set up upon completion of the ongoing NH-66 widening, the official said. The NHAI completed a pilot study of the GNSS-based user fee collection system on two highway stretches in Indiathe Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana. It has been decided to initially implement the GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection system at selected NH sections on a pilot basis. Sign of things to come! NHAI to install advanced traffic management system (ATMS) on six-lane NH 66 stretches The system has provisions for various electronic enforcement devices that help in speedy identification of incidents and effectively monitor highways

The New Indian Express 18 Aug 2025 7:14 am

Yamuna Nears Danger Mark; Delhi Govt Issues Flood Alert After Haryana Releases Water

The Delhi govt warned that the Yamuna River's water level could rise above the danger mark due to incessant rain. Precautionary measures are being taken as flooding risks increase.

News18 17 Aug 2025 9:18 pm

Uneven monsoon in Punjab & Haryana: Paddy districts see deficient & excess rainfall; farmers monitor crops closely

While Punjab and Haryana have seen normal monsoon rainfall overall, distribution has been uneven across paddy-growing regions. Several key districts like Sangrur, Muktsar, and Bathinda in Punjab, and Ambala, Karnal, Kaithal, and Jind in Haryana, have recorded deficient rainfall. Conversely, some districts experienced excess rainfall, potentially impacting paddy crops differently across both states.

The Times of India 17 Aug 2025 4:11 pm

Somany Ceramics halts operations at Haryana facility amid GAIL pipeline leak

Somany Ceramics has suspended operations at its Kassar plant in Haryana due to a temporary gas supply disruption from GAIL following a pipeline leakage caused by heavy rainfall. GAIL has initiated restoration work, and Somany is monitoring the situation closely. The company assures that sufficient stock is available to meet sales demand, and all other plants remain operational.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2025 1:45 pm

Used cooking oil to produce sustainable aviation fuel: IndianOil

IndianOil's Panipat refinery in Haryana has won the International Civil Aviation Organization's ISCC CORSIA certification to produce SAF from used cooking oil

The Hindu Businessline 17 Aug 2025 10:55 am

Firing outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav's Gurugram home

GURUGRAM: Three bike-borne attackers sprayed over two dozen rounds outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav's residence in Sector 57 of Gurugram early Sunday morning, police said. Yadav was not at home when the incident happened around 5.30 am. However, some family members were inside but no one was injured in the attack, they said. After getting information, a police team reached the spot and collected forensic evidence, and are scanning CCTV footage from the area. A senior police officer said that an FIR will be registered soon as per the complaint of the family. The attackers shot more than two dozen rounds at the YouTuber's home in Sector 57 and fled away from the spot. The bullets struck the ground and first floors of the house, the police said. According to a family member, Elvish had not received any threats prior to the incident and he is currently outside Haryana. A probe is underway, the police said.

The New Indian Express 17 Aug 2025 10:21 am

Defeated candidate wins after SC recounts votes in sarpanch election

The recount, done by a Registrar of the Supreme Court under video surveillance in the Supreme Court, turned the election result on its head. Mohit Kumar, who had been declared as defeated in the previous result, won by a good margin in the election to a Haryana gram panchayat

The Hindu 17 Aug 2025 12:02 am

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini announces grants for cattle welfare in state

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, celebrating Janmashtami in Kurukshetra, underscored his government's dedication to cow protection, allocating significant funds for gaushala development and fodder. He announced Rs 88.50 crore for Haryana's gaushalas this year, alongside initiatives like solar energy plants, e-rickshaws, and subsidized electricity. Saini also reduced the one-time fee on binola machines to support traders.

The Times of India 16 Aug 2025 9:34 pm

2,500-page charge-sheet filed against Jyoti Malhotra for espionage

Chandigarh: Haryana Polices Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a nearly 2,500-page chargesheet in a Hisar court against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who has been arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan. The chargesheet claimed that solid evidence had been gathered establishing her involvement in espionage activities. She was arrested on suspicion of espionage on May 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 .

The Siasat Daily 16 Aug 2025 9:04 pm

Expedite AIIMS Rewari project, Centre tells Haryana

The Times of India 16 Aug 2025 7:51 pm

No bathroom, no money. He once used to sleep at bus stands. Today he walks fashion ramps and dreams of becoming supermodel

Jeet Gurjar, hailing from Haryana, overcame immense poverty to pursue his fashion dreams. He faced financial struggles and slept at bus stands. Despite rejections, he persevered. His turning point came with a winning audition. Now, he supports his family and aims to become a supermodel. Jeet's story highlights resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

The Economic Times 16 Aug 2025 5:32 pm

Supreme Court orders first-ever EVM recount, flips Haryana poll result

For the first time, the Supreme Court has set aside the 2022 sarpanch election victory in Haryanas Panipat district village of Buana Lakhu following a direction to recount Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes at its headquarters. The recount, overseen by the Supreme Court Registrar, overturned the announced result and declared Mohit Kumar the winner with 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 .

The Siasat Daily 16 Aug 2025 2:30 pm

Haryana CM Saini orders transfer of Bhiwani SP, suspension of 5 cops in school teacher's death case

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday ordered the transfer of SP and five police personnel in connection with the death of a woman school teacher in Bhiwani district of Haryana. Manisha (19), a play school teacher was found dead with her throat slit in the fields of Singhani village in Bhiwani district on August 13. Her family had refused to cremate her until the arrest of those who were behind her alleged murder. Manisha had left her school on August 11 and went to a nearby nursing college to inquire about admission. However, she did not return home prompting her family members to look for her and they later found her dead. Manisha's family allege that her body showed signs of burning. Bhiwani police suspected that she was abducted and later killed. The family members had even accused the police of delaying the registration of a complaint in the matter. The case was only registered afterwards when police visited the nursing college, the staff refused to hand over CCTV footage until August 13. Following this, Chief Minister Saini ordered the transfer of Superintendent of Police of Bhiwani Manbir Singh. Five police personnel, including Station House Officer of Loharu, Ashok Kumar and Assistant Sub-Inspector Shakuntala, have been suspended, said the officials and added that also directions have also been issued to initiate departmental action against them. Sumit Kumar, a 2014 batch IPS officer has been appointed as the new SP of Bhiwani. CM Saini said law and order will not be allowed to deteriorate under any circumstances and issued a strict warning to the officers that they should ensure such incidents should not take place in the future. Safety of the citizens of the state is the priority of the government, he asserted. Bhiwani-Mahendergarh MP Dharambir Singh met the family and acknowledged police lapses, promising swift arrests and action against negligent officers.

The New Indian Express 16 Aug 2025 2:26 pm

VinFast Sets Record in India: Tamil Nadu EV Plant Completed in Just 17 Months

Gurgaon, Haryana, India | 16thAugust 2025: Indias push to put millions of electric vehicles (EVs) on its roads by 2030 has gained a major boost from VinFast, the fast-growing Vietnamese EV manufacturer. In what one leading Indian daily described as the fastest manufacturing scale-up by any foreign carmaker in India, the company transformed an empty [] The post VinFast Sets Record in India: Tamil Nadu EV Plant Completed in Just 17 Months appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .

Startup Success Stories 16 Aug 2025 2:04 am

ED searches Vuenow Infratech premises; seizes cash, electronic devices, 'incriminating records'

India's Enforcement Directorate has searched Vuenow group companies, including Vuenow Infratech and its director Rahul Anand Bhargav, amid money laundering allegations. The searches spanned Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra, resulting in the seizure of cash, electronic devices, incriminating records, shares, and immovable property worth 737.2 million rupees.

The Economic Times 15 Aug 2025 3:11 pm

Punjab cabinet approves de-notification of controversial land pooling policy

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Cabinet on Wednesday approved the de-notification of the controversial land pooling policy, which the AAP-led state government had recently withdrawn amidst protests from farmers, opposition parties and growing internal dissent. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Following the governments withdrawal of the policy, farmers unions and opposition parties had been pressing the state to issue a formal notification for its rollback. Under mounting pressure from these groups, the government on Monday (August 11) announced that it was withdrawing the policy, which it had earlier described as farmer-friendly. Opposition parties and farmers unions, who had described the policy as a land grabbing scheme, called its rollback a victory for the people of Punjab, claiming they had forced the Mann government to reverse its decision. Last week, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had stayed the policy, criticising the government for introducing it without conducting any environmental or social impact assessment. As per the policy, the state government had planned to acquire 65,533 acres of land across 21 cities and towns in Punjab to develop industrial and residential zones, a move said to be the largest acquisition of land by the state government since 1966. Under the policy, an owner would be given a 1,000 square yard residential plot and a 200 square yard commercial plot in fully developed land in lieu of one acre of land. The policy was first announced in June, after which political parties and farmers unions began their protests. Within the AAP, some leaders also expressed dissent, urging the party leadership to address farmers concerns first. The cabinet also approved an amendment to the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, and the withdrawal of stamp duty and registration fee exemptions for certain classes of cooperative societies. Currently, the Act provides exemptions from compulsory registration, originally intended to facilitate the development of cooperative institutions. However, this provision has allegedly enabled property transactions, particularly in urban housing societies, to take place without formal registration or the payment of stamp duty and registration fees. This has allegedly encouraged unregistered possession, benami transactions and other legally risky arrangements. Therefore, an amendment to Section 37 of the Act has been made by adding Clauses 2 and 3. These clauses stipulate that the State Government may, through a notification in the Official Gazette, direct that the exemption under sub-section (1), or any part thereof, shall not apply to certain classes of cooperative societies or specified categories of instruments. Upon the issuance of such a notification, the instruments so notified shall be deemed to fall within the scope of clauses (b) and (c) of sub-section (1) of Section 17 of the Indian Registration Act, 1908, and will accordingly be subject to compulsory registration under that Act. To enhance rural development through proper execution and supervision, the cabinet also approved the creation of the post of Panchayat Development Secretary by merging the cadres of Panchayat Secretaries and Gram Sevaks (Village Development Officers). A state cadre will subsequently be constituted for these posts to accelerate rural development across Punjab. For existing Panchayat Secretaries, a dying cadre will be created, with placements based on their self-declaration letters and seniority, following the existing Gram Sevaks (VDOs) in the seniority list.

The New Indian Express 14 Aug 2025 6:57 pm

Punjab records over one lakh dog bite cases with daily 882 incidents in five years amid rising concerns

CHANDIGARH: Punjab has recorded a staggering rise of more than one lakh dog bite cases in the last five years, with daily averages now touching 882 incidents. The state, which has around 6.5 lakh dogs, including over three lakh stray dogs, has witnessed a sharp increase in cases, with officials warning of the public health risks. In the first seven months of this year alone, a total of 1.88 lakh dog bite cases have been reported, while last years total stood at 2.13 lakh. The worst affected districts are Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. As per the official data accessed by this newspaper from the state health department, between January and July this year, Amritsar district recorded the highest number of cases at 29,504, followed by Ludhiana (21,777), Patiala (14,120), Jalandhar (12,349), Hoshiarpur (10,920) and SAS Nagar (9,860). There has been a steady jump in incidents over the past five years, 1.10 lakh cases in 2020, 1.26 lakh in 2021, 1.65 lakh in 2022, 2.02 lakh in 2023, and 2.13 lakh in 2024, reflecting a rise of more than one lakh cases during the period. This year, three deaths have been reported. Last month, a mother and daughter allegedly died of rabies in Pathankot, and on July 17, a 32-year-old man succumbed in Patiala after being bitten by a stray dog. An analysis of data from 2020 to 2024 shows Jalandhar district has recorded the highest total of 1.12 lakh cases over the four years, followed by Ludhiana (99,678), Patiala (63,782), Hoshiarpur (56,113), SAS Nagar (55,286) and Amritsar (44,249). Stray dogs in Delhi: SC slams local authorities for inaction, reserves order According to the 2019 animal census conducted by the state animal husbandry department, there were 2.90 lakh stray dogs and 3.32 lakh pet dogs in Punjab. The latest animal census has been completed this year but is yet to be notified. There has been an increase of 5 per cent in the dog population in the state after the last census, said an official. Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said vaccination for dog bites is available at all community health centres (CHCs) and treatment has now been extended to all Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state. The people should immediately rush to the nearest government health centres for treatment, which is free, and should not ignore it at all, he added. The health department is yet to issue standard operating procedures (SOPs) for government doctors, whose diagnosis will determine compensation for dog bite cases. Although SOPs have been formulated, they have not been circulated. A five-member committee was constituted following an order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court last year, which announced compensation of Rs 10,000 for each tooth mark and Rs 20,000 for every 0.2 cm of wound where the flesh is torn off, said sources. A veterinary expert said that in 50 per cent of dog bite cases, the culprit is a pet dog biting its owner or someone else, not a stray. However, the general perception remains that stray dogs are primarily responsible. Sources added that the animal birth control (ABC) programme to sterilise dogs has been outsourced to private agencies by most municipalities under the local bodies department, but it has not achieved the desired results, particularly in major cities. Sterilisation is the only scientific method to control the stray dog population and thus, in turn, can reduce dog bite incidents, said a senior officer on condition of anonymity. It was also pointed out that there are few dog shelters in large municipalities across the state for post-animal care under the birth control set-up, and no dedicated dog pounds exist.

The New Indian Express 14 Aug 2025 5:38 pm

Haryana ADA apply online 2025 begins for 255 posts at hpsc.gov.in, check eligibility and deadline

HPSC ADA recruitment 2025: The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has begun the online application process for 255 Assistant District Attorney (ADA) posts in the Prosecution Department. The application window opened on August 13, 2025, and will close on September 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Eligible candidates with a Law degree and Bar Council enrolment can apply via hpsc.gov.in. The recruitment includes category-wise reservations, an application fee, and a multi-stage selection process.

The Times of India 14 Aug 2025 5:37 pm

Haryana NEET 2025 counselling round 1 result and merit list released at uhsrugcounselling.com; download PDF here

The Haryana NEET 2025 counselling Round 1 result and merit list have been published on uhsrugcounselling.com. A total of 7,595 candidates are listed, with 2,213 candidates allotted seats in MBBS and BDS courses. Candidates must submit grievances by 2 PM on August 14 and pay tuition fees by August 19. Document verification will be held from August 20 to 22, with the last date to join institutes on August 23.

The Times of India 14 Aug 2025 3:34 pm

What are Arjun Tendulkar and fiancee Saaniya Chandok's educational qualifications?

Sachin Tendulkar's family is once again making the right noises thanks to reports that his son Arjun Tendulkar's engagement to Saaniya Chandok. Arjun Tendulkar, born on September 24, 1999, completed his schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School and went on to graduate from Mumbai University. Arjun plays for the Mumbai Indians IPL team. He is a left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder who represents Goa in domestic cricket. He began his domestic career with Mumbai in the 2020/21 season, making his debut in a T20 match against Haryana.

DNA India 14 Aug 2025 2:23 pm

Delhi flood alert: Yamuna River in the capital nears warning level, just 80 cm below danger mark

The Yamuna River in Delhi is nearing the warning level, reaching 204.43 metres at the Old Railway Bridge on Thursday. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water is being released from Wazirabad and Hathnikund Barrages due to rainfall in Haryana and Uttarakhand. Agencies are preparing for potential flooding as the water level continues to rise.

The Economic Times 14 Aug 2025 2:09 pm

Historic EVM Recount Ordered By Supreme Court Overturns Haryana Sarpanch Election

The recounting process, a truly remarkable event, was conducted inside the Supreme Court building on August 6

News18 14 Aug 2025 5:22 am

Mechanical engineer allegedly running Rs six crore online scam arrested from Noida

NEW DELHI: A mechanical engineer was arrested for allegedly running Rs 6.03-crore online investment scam that duped victims via social media platforms, Police said on Wednesday. The accused has been identified as Krishna Kumar, who holds a B.Tech in mechanical engineering, as the prime executor of the fraud module. The accused lured victims through social media, promising extraordinary returns in stock trading. A team under the leadership of inspector Shiv Ram and supervision of ACP Anil Sharma nabbed the accused from Kulesara in Greater Noida, UP during an operation. The fraudster targeted victims via social media and induced them to join a Telegram channel named Plus500 Global CS. Inside private groups, victims were shown fake profit screenshots, fabricated trading dashboards, and scripted chats to create trust, Deputy Commissioner of Police (crime) Aditya Gautam said. The victim in this case was persuaded to invest Rs 6.03 crore, transferred in multiple installments to accounts controlled by the syndicate, the DCP said. He used fake numbers and virtual phone lines to conceal identities. Funds were routed through multiple accounts, layered to evade detection. Cyber Cell traced Rs 57 lakh to an account of Priyanka Placement and Loan Services, a front company controlled by the accused, he said. Kumar ran two cyber cafs to facilitate fraudulent activities and mask transactions. The accused was taken into police custody for sustained interrogation to identify other syndicate members. Advanced digital forensics, device cloning, and financial trail mapping are underway to dismantle the wider network and recover assets, police added. In another incident, police have arrested three people, including a inwoman, for robbing a man of cash and documents near the Gokalpuri flyover in northeast Delhi. When police were patrolling on Wednesday around 4 am, they noticed a commotion near the Gokulpuri flyover. After reaching the spot, they found a man -- identified as Sarbjeet (36), a resident of Kaithal in Haryana -- caught another person, a senior police officer said. Sarbjeet informed police that he was coming from Harsh Vihar and near the flyover, he was caught by two men. Shortly afterward, a woman also joined them. The trio forcibly snatched his wallet containing Rs 2,500 cash and other documents. One of the men took Rs 500 from his shirt pocket. As the assailants attempted to flee, Sarbjeet raised an alarm and managed to apprehend one of the robbers -- identified as Rahul (22). However, his associates managed to escape, police said. Based on Rahuls statement, raids were conducted, and his associates, Sameer (24) and the woman, were also nabbed. The victims robbed wallet containing Rs 2,500 and other documents was recovered from their possession, they added.

The New Indian Express 13 Aug 2025 9:14 pm

Top Court Orders EVM Recount, Overturns Sarpanch Elections In Haryana

The Supreme Court has overturned the election of the Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Buana Lakhu in Haryana's Panipat district after a court-monitored recount found the appellant securing the highest number of votes.

NDTV 13 Aug 2025 7:44 pm

Jharkhand wins junior womens hockey title

Haryana emerged runner while Uttar Pradesh secured third place

The Hindu 13 Aug 2025 7:05 pm