Srinagar, May 15 (IANS) Three terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed on Thursday in a gunfight with the security forces in Nader village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.Officials said the three terrorists were later identified as Asif Ahmed Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani and Yawar Ahmad Bhat, all residents of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.This is the second encounter in the union territory within 48 hours.Earlier today, Srinagar headquartered 15 Corps of the Army said on X, “On May 15, 2025, based on specific Intelligence input from Int agency, a Cordon & Search Operation was launched by Indian Army, J&K Police and Srinagar Sector CRPF at Nader, Tral, Awantipora. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire, and a fierce gunfight ensued. Operation is in progress.”A gunfight had started between the security forces and the hiding terrorists on Thursday in the Tral area of Pulwama district’s Awantipora sub-division.The Police said on X, “Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of #Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.”Following specific Intelligence inputs, security forces surrounded the Nader village of Tral tehsil to conduct searches. “As the security forces came close to the hiding terrorists, there was an exchange of gunfire, which is now going on,” police said.Today’s gunfight comes two days after security forces gunned down three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in an operation in the Keller area of Shopian district.Of the three terrorists killed on Tuesday, the two slain terrorists were identified as Shahid Kuttay and Adnan Shafi, both residents of Shopian. Kuttay, who joined Lashkar in 2023, was involved in a shooting incident at the Danish resort on April 8 last year, in which two German tourists and one driver were injured.He was also involved in the killing of a BJP Sarpanch at Heerpora in Shopian in May last year. Shafi, who joined the terror group in 2024, was involved in the killing of a non-local labourer at Wachi in Shopian district.On May 10, a ceasefire understanding was announced by India and Pakistan. However, the terrorists fired at the sentry post outside the headquarters of the White Knight Corps in the Nagrota area of Jammu district nearly two hours after the ceasefire understanding came into force.India has made it clear that any act of terror within the country would be treated as an “act of war”. The terrorists, aided and sponsored by Pakistan, killed 26 innocent people on April 22, including 25 tourists and a local in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.The cowardly act was carried out by LeT terrorists, as per the security forces. This finally resulted in India avenging the murder of innocent civilians by precision strikes at terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).India has made it clear that the Indus Waters Treaty would continue to remain in abeyance, and no trade would be restored with Pakistan.During Pakistani targeting of civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, more than 200 houses and shops have been destroyed, forcing hundreds of border dwellers to abandon their homes to seek refuge at safer places away from the line of fire.These affected families are yet to return to their homes at the LoC as the security forces are busy defusing unexploded Pakistani mortar shells in the affected areas.–IANSsq/svn

Jaipur, May 15 (IANS) The Rajasthan High Court on Thursday will resume hearing the high-profile single lease case involving former Minister Shanti Dhariwal, retired IAS officer G.S. Sandhu, and others.The matter was last heard on Wednesday by a bench led by Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava, during which Sandhu presented his arguments and urged the court to quash the case.The case pertains to seven criminal petitions filed by Dhariwal, Sandhu, RAS officer Nishkam Diwakar, and then Deputy Commissioner Omkarmal Saini. These petitions are being reviewed following directions from the Supreme Court, which asked the High Court to conclude the matter within six months.Appearing for Sandhu, Advocate S.S. Hora told the court that a 2005 application sought a single lease for 3.43 hectares of land in Todi Ramjanipura, Jaipur.As the area exceeded permissible limits, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) forwarded the request to the state government, which initially rejected it.However, the application resurfaced in 2009, and the lease was eventually approved in 2011. It was later cancelled in 2013, prompting Ramsharan Singh to lodge a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in 2014.Sandhu argued that no criminal offense occurred and noted that the state government had previously moved the ACB court to withdraw the case. He therefore requested the High Court to dismiss the proceedings.The “single lease” or Ekal Patta case dates back to June 29, 2011, when the JDA issued a lease to Shailendra Garg of Ganpati Construction. The lease’s cancellation in 2013, following the ACB complaint, triggered a prolonged investigation that led to the arrest of several senior officials, including Sandhu, Diwakar, and Saini. Dhariwal, who was a minister at the time, was also questioned over his alleged role.A key development occurred on November 15, 2022, when the High Court granted relief to Dhariwal by quashing a protest petition and staying proceedings against him in the ACB special court. His lawyers contended that he was neither named in the original FIR nor charge sheet, and that the ACB’s closure report found no direct evidence against him.Despite this, fresh petitions were later filed in the Supreme Court seeking a comprehensive review. The apex court subsequently directed the High Court to expedite the hearings and deliver a verdict within six months.–IANSarc/skp

Bhopal, May 15 (IANS) After BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah on Thursday approached the Supreme Court challenging a High Court order that initiated suo motu proceedings against him for his derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Congress Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Vivek Tankha questioned whether the BJP’s legal team was helping Shah in the matter.”Minister Vijay (Shah) is reaching the Supreme Court this morning. Is the BJP helping the minister through its legal team? This would go against the sentiments of the nation and the Indian Army. That is why the BJP is silent on the matter of dismissing the minister. Patriots will oppose this,” Tankha posted on his social media account.In another post, Tankha said, “Breaking News: If Vijay Shah’s appeal is mentioned in the Supreme Court and heard, Rajya Sabha MPs and senior advocates Vivek Tankha, Kapil Sibal, Indira Jai ​​Singh and KTS Tulsi will stand in court against Vijay Shah.”The development follows a stinging rebuke by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which described Shah’s remarks as “dangerous,” “scurrilous,” and “language of the gutter.” The court had ordered the police to register an FIR against him under charges of promoting enmity and hatred.Acting on the court’s directive, Madhya Pradesh Police registered a case late Wednesday night against Shah over his communal, sexist, and derogatory comments against Colonel Qureshi.The High Court is also set to hold a hearing in the matter, during which it will seek a status report from the state police on the FIR.Colonel Sofiya Qureshi had gained public attention for conducting regular press briefings alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during Operation Sindoor – the Indian armed forces mission targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.In a viral video, Shah was heard saying: “They (terrorists) killed our Hindu brothers after stripping them. PM Modi ji responded by sending their (terrorists’) sister in an Army plane to strike them in their homes. They made our sisters widows, so Modiji sent their own sister to reply to them.”Following public outrage, Shah issued an apology, saying he respected the armed forces and referred to Colonel Qureshi as a sister, apologizing “from the bottom of his heart.”–IANSpd/skp

Kolkata, May 15 (IANS) Trinamool Congress legislator from Tehatta Assembly constituency in Nadia district of West Bengal, Tapas Kumar Saha, who was named in the cash-for-school job case, died at a hospital in Kolkata on Thursday morning.Tapas Kumar Saha suffered from a brain stroke in his sleep at his residence at Tehatta on Wednesday. Thereafter, he was promptly shifted to Kolkata and admitted to a private hospital in the city. He died at the same hospital on Thursday morning, at the age of 65.Tapas Kumar Saha was a two-time Trinamool Congress legislator. From 2016 to 2021, he was an elected party MLA from Nakashipara Assembly constituency also in Nadia district. However, in 2021, the party nominated him from the Tehatta Assembly constituency and he won from there.Trinamool Congress insiders said that Saha was not in the best of health for the last few months, and he recently went to Bengaluru for a few days to undergo treatment for some ailments.“He was depressed ever since his name came up in the school-job case,” said a party leader from Nadia district who was close to Saha.In April 2023, the sleuths of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a raid and search operation at Saha’s residence at Tehatta in connection with the school job case.He was also summoned for interrogation at the CBI’s Nizam Palace office in central Kolkata during the investigation.The CBI accused him of accepting cash from several candidates in the district with promises of getting them school jobs.However, his relationships with the Trinamool Congress was not always smooth.In 2011, the party denied him the ticket from Tehatta Assembly constituency which he had strongly urged the party to give him. After that he remained suspended from the party for quite some time.However, his suspension was revoked, and in the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections, Trinamool Congress nominated him as the candidate but from the Palashipara constituency in the same district.He got elected and then again in 2021, the party nominated him, but this time from Tehatta and Saha got elected yet again.–IANSsrc/rad

Ayodhya, May 15 (IANS) In a spirited display of nationalism and gratitude, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday organised a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to mark the resounding success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces.The Yatra, taken out in the holy city of Ramnagari Ayodhya, echoed with patriotic chants as slogans of “Jai Hind” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” rang through the streets.Beginning from Gandhi Park and making its way to the Chowk via Civil Lines, the procession was marked by a sea of national flags and enthusiastic participation from all walks of life.Former BJP MP Lallu Singh, Ayodhya MLA Ved Prakash Gupta, Samajwadi Party’s rebel MLA Abhay Singh, and members of the BJP Mahila Morcha joined the ‘Tiranga Yatra’, which turned into a powerful expression of unity and national pride.Speaking to IANS, many participants praised the decisive military action taken by India in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.The precision strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeted high-value terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, drawing widespread support from across the nation.”Pakistan was shown its place. A country which fosters terrorism needed to be taught a lesson, and India gave a befitting response to the terrorist outfits that aim to disrupt peace and prosperity in India,” said a retired Indian Army soldier who participated in the Yatra.”Our forces have demonstrated that we will act firmly against terror groups and enemies of the nation. The soldiers have proved that those who provoke us will not be spared,” he added.Another participant, a retired Subedar Major, expressed deep pride in the capabilities of the Indian military.”Indian armed forces have once again proven to be among the best in the world. They have shown that we will never back down and will always rise to fight terrorism and defend our nation,” he said.Several others echoed the sentiment, stating that the Yatra was a way to express respect for the soldiers who risk their lives to protect the country.”We are here to honour our forces. Their valour and bravery have always safeguarded us and given Pakistan a fitting reply. We are proud of them and love our country, and that’s why we have gathered here today,” said a local BJP supporter.”It is a matter of immense pride that the Indian Armed Forces, through ‘Operation Sindoor’, have delivered a strong and fitting response to Pakistan’s terrorism. The whole nation is proud and grateful to our brave soldiers,” added another Ayodhya resident and local BJP leader.–IANSsd/rad

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah has moved the Supreme Court against an order of the MP High Court ordering registration of an FIR over his controversial remarks on Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. In suo moto proceedings, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ordered the Director General of Police (DGP) to register a criminal case against Shah under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) within four hours, and warned the DGP of contempt action in case of any delay in compliance.A bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anuradha Shukla of the MP High Court said that prima facie, an offence of promoting enmity between different castes, religion and language was made out.The Justice Sreedharan-led Bench opined that referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as a “sister of terrorists” is an offence of hurting the sentiments and faith of the Muslim community.Talking about Operation Sindoor, Vijay Shah, on Monday, had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to avenge the April 22 terror strike in Kashmir’s Pahalgam.”PM Modi is striving for the society. Those who widowed our daughters (in Pahalgam), we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,” Shah had said.The distasteful remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Indian Army officer who briefed the media throughout Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, sparked nationwide outrage.Following the incident, the Minister apologised from the “bottom of his heart” and said he respects the Armed Forces and mentioned Colonel Sofiya as “sister”.”I, Vijay Shah, am not only ashamed and saddened by my recent statement, which has hurt the sentiments of every community, but I also apologise from the bottom of my heart. Our country’s sister Sofia Qureshi ji has worked rising above caste and society while fulfilling her national duty,” he said in a video message posted on the social media platform X.In his petition filed before the top court, Shah sought quashing of the FIR as well as the suo motu proceedings initiated by the MP High Court.–IANSpds/svn

Wayanad, May 15 (IANS) A 24-year-old woman tourist died when a tent she was staying in at a resort near Wayanad collapsed.

The deceased was identified as Nishma.A group of 16 from the neighbouring Malappuram district at Nilambur arrived at the resort at 900 Kandi in Meppadi on Wednesday evening.The resort, which is accessible only on four-wheelers, is located close to the forests.The resort houses temporary structures built using traditional materials like wood and has a roof made up of leaves.With heavy rain hitting the hilltop resort on Wednesday night, one of the tents collapsed, killing Nishma and injuring two others.On Thursday morning, the local revenue authorities and police began a probe to ascertain whether the resort had all the required sanctions from the local body.With Wayanad having a cool climate and vacation coming to a close, there is a big rush to this popular tourist destination.Meanwhile, the resort authorities have said they have all the prescribed licenses, and the tragedy took place on account of the heavy rain that hit the place on Wednesday night.The investigation was underway.Wayanad, which has borders with both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, witnesses a huge influx of tourists, and tourism is big business in the district.Numerous resorts of varying sizes have now mushroomed in the district, besides a huge number of homestays.The weekends see the biggest rush, and when tourists find it difficult to get suitable accommodation, the locals convert their spaces to accommodate those willing to have a new experience.Notably, in 2024, Wayanad recorded a series of landslides claiming hundreds of lives. The landslides were triggered by heavy rain.The natural calamity left scores of people injured and missing.–IANSsg/svn

Chennai, May 15 (IANS) The Greater Chennai Corporation will soon open ten Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres to curb the stray dog population in the city. It may be noted that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had directed officials to intensify action to control the stray dog population in Chennai.These centres will be located in Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, and Perungudi.Each of these upcoming centres will have the capacity to handle up to 30 dogs per day.Following this, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has ramped up its Animal Birth Control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination programmes across the city.According to a statement from the GCC, as many as 55 stray dogs are currently being treated daily at five ABC centres in the city.The Pulianthope centre handles 30 dogs a day, while the Lloyd’s Colony and Kannammapettai centres together handle 15 dogs.The remaining 10 are treated at the Meenambakkam and Sholinganallur centres.From June beginning, the civic body plans to administer intensive rabies vaccination and deworming treatment to approximately 1.80 lakh stray dogs, at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore.An Indie dog census conducted by the GCC in collaboration with World Veterinary Services (WVS), the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board, and local volunteers found that the city has over 1.80 lakh stray dogs.Between 2021 and April 2025, the Corporation sterilised 66,285 stray dogs.During the same period, more than 1.08 lakh dogs — including 66,285 strays and 41,917 pet dogs — were vaccinated against rabies.To strengthen the field operations, 16 dog-catching vehicles are being equipped with nets and trained personnel.The sterilisation work is supported by 23 veterinary assistants, while four veterinarians oversee the ABC surgeries.In addition, a pilot project has been launched to microchip two lakh dogs — both Indies and pets.Details such as location of capture, date of sterilisation, parasite treatment, and other health data will be uploaded to the GCC’s website, enabling better tracking and monitoring of dog populations and health records.So far, 9,883 pet dogs have been officially licensed by the civic body, as part of its broader effort to regulate and monitor the city’s canine population.–IANSaal/rad

Bengaluru, May 15 (IANS) The sleuths of the Lokayukta are conducting a series of raids at more than 30 locations, targeting at least seven government officials across Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka on Thursday. These raids are being carried out following a tip-off regarding the amassing of assets disproportionate to the officials’ known sources of income.According to sources, raids are currently underway at 12 locations in Bengaluru, 7 in Tumakuru, 5 in Yadgir, 4 in Mangaluru, and 4 in Vijayapura district.The locations include the residence and offices of the Project Director of the Nirmiti Centre in Tumakuru, a Survey Supervisor in Mangaluru, and a senior lady officer attached to the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation.Raids are also being carried out at the residences of the Additional Director attached to the Bengaluru City and Rural Planning Directorate, an inspector attached to Legal Metrology, a Second Division Assistant at the Hosakote Taluk Office, and a staff member at the Yadgir Taluk Office.The residence and properties of the Tehsildar from Yadgir district are being searched in the Akkamahadevi Layout area of Kalaburagi city. Raids are also being conducted on the premises of relatives of the officers.Further details are awaited, and an official statement from the Lokayukta is yet to be released in this regard.Earlier, on January 31 Lokayukta sleuths conducted raids at seven locations in four districts of the state. The raids were held on the residences and properties of government officers over suspicions of amassing disproportionate assets. The officers who were raided included an incharge Sub-Registrar.The simultaneous raids were conducted in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Raichur and Bagalkot districts.On January 8, the Lokayukta officials conducted simultaneous raids against seven government officials in Karnataka in connection with amassing disproportionate assets.The raids were conducted in nine places – Bengaluru, Chikkamagaluru, Bidar, Belagavi, Gadag, Ballari, Raichur, Bagalkot and Tumakuru districts.–IANSmka/rad

Srinagar, May 15 (IANS) One terrorist was killed on Thursday in an ongoing operation against the terrorists in Nader village of Tral in Awantipora sub-division of Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Pulwama district.Official sources said one terrorist has been killed in the encounter between the joint forces and the terrorists in Nader village of Tral tehsil.Srinagar headquartered 15 Corps of the Army said on X, “On 15 May 2025, based on specific Intelligence input from Int agency, a Cordon & Search Operation was launched by Indian Army, J&K Police and Srinagar Sector CRPF at Nader, Tral, Awantipora. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire and fierce gunfight ensued. Operation is in progress.”A gunfight had started between the security forces and the hiding terrorists on Thursday in the Tral area of Pulwama district’s Awantipora sub-division.The Police said on X, “Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of #Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.”Following specific Intelligence inputs, security forces surrounded the Nader village of Tral tehsil to conduct searches.”As the security forces came close to the hiding terrorists, there was exchange of gunfire which is now going on,” police said.This is the second encounter between the security forces and the terrorists this week.On May 13, three Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Shopian district. The three slain terrorists included the operational chief of LeT, Shahid Kuttay.The day an understanding was announced by India and Pakistan on May 10, which came into effect at 5 p.m., terrorists fired at the sentry post outside the headquarters of White Knight Corps in Nagrota area of Jammu district nearly two hours after the ceasefire came into force.India has made it clear that any act of terror within the country would be treated as an act of war.The terrorists aided and sponsored by Pakistan killed 26 innocent people on April 22, including 25 tourists and a local in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.The cowardly act was carried out by LeT terrorists as per the security forces. This finally resulted in India avenging the murder of innocent civilians by precision strikes at terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).Although India agreed to a ceasefire, the country has made it clear that the Indus Waters Treaty would continue to remain in abeyance as also no trade would be restored with Pakistan.During Pakistani targeting of civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, more than 200 houses and shops have been destroyed forcing hundreds of border dwellers to abandon homes to seek refuge at safer places away from the line of fire.These affected families are yet to return to their homes at the LoC as the security forces are busy defusing unexploded Pakistani mortar shells in the affected areas.–IANSsq/rad