Kolkata, June 28 (IANS) The Kolkata Police, on Saturday, announced the formation of a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), with an Assistant Commissioner-level officer leading it, to probe the case of the rape of a law student within the college premises at Kasba in Kolkata, officials said.

The head of the SIT is Pradip Kumar Ghosal, an Assistant Commissioner posted with the south suburban division of the city police.The city police have already appealed to record the confidential statement of the victim as well as her parents.A total of four persons are in police custody now in connection with the case, the latest of whom is a 55-year-old security guard who was identified as the “sole helpless witness” in the matter.The main accused in the rape case namely — Monojit Mishra, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, were presented at a city court on Friday and they all were remanded to police custody till July 1.All the accused trio were reportedly linked to Trinamool Congress’s students’ wing — Trinamool Chhatra Parishad.The pictures of Mishra with several top Trinamool Congress leaders have already flooded the social media.Meanwhile, the father of Mishra, who is considered the main accused in the rape case, told a section of the media persons on Saturday, that his son had virtually no connection with his family since he passed out of the law college and claimed to have started practicing as an advocate at a city, besides working as a temporary staff at the same college.He also said that he would not be participating in the legal process on behalf of his son.I have done my bit in getting my son educated. Now if at this age he gets booked in such a case, nothing is there that I can do now. If he is proven guilty in the matter he will be punished. But I am not in a position to stand by him. I am not even in a financial position to do that,” Mishra’s father added.–IANSsrc/khz

New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) A little while ago, when I looked out of the window, we were passing over Hawaii. From here, we see sunrise and sunset 16 times a day, said Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS), during a video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

Shukla, who became only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic journey in 1984, reached the ISS on Thursday as part of the international Axiom-4 mission. He travelled aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, completing a 28-hour journey through low Earth orbit. Shubhanshu Shukla was warmly welcomed by the ISS crew after docking was completed at 4:15 pm IST.In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Shukla reflected on his experience so far, calling it transformative. “This is not just my journey, but also our country’s journey. I am absorbing these new experiences like a sponge,” he said, speaking from the orbiting laboratory where he will spend the next 14 days conducting scientific experiments and public outreach.Describing the view of Earth from space, Shukla said: “When I saw the Earth from space, the first thing that struck me was that the planet is truly one — no borders are visible. When I saw India, it looked incredibly grand, much larger and more majestic than it appears on a map.” The astronaut added that seeing the Earth from above gave him a sense of unity beyond man-made divisions, calling it a humbling and inspiring perspective.Shukla is joined on the mission by Axiom-4 commander Peggy Whitson, Polish engineer Slawosz Wisniewski, and Hungarian mechanical engineer Tibor Kapu. Shortly after entering the station, the crew was greeted with hugs, handshakes, and astronaut pins. “I am astronaut 634. It is a privilege to be here,” said Shukla.In his brief address during the welcome ceremony, he said: “With your love and blessings, I have reached the International Space Station. It looks easy to stand here, but my head is a little heavy, facing some difficulty, but these are minor issues.” Expressing his pride, he added, “I have brought the Tricolour with me, and I have brought all of you along with me. In the days to come, this journey will become even more exciting.”–IANSbrt/dan

Srinagar, June 28 (IANS) Peoples Conference (PC) President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, on Saturday slammed National Conference’s poll promise of providing 200 units of free electricity, calling it a misleading pledge riddled with technical and financial gaps and accused the government of lacking the will to implement it.

He highlighted that what was projected as a universal relief has been reduced to a restricted scheme targeting only AAY families, implemented through a central government programme and not an original initiative of the NC. “In the NC election manifesto, free electricity up to 200 units was promised. In the Assembly, it was cleared that it is for AAY families only,” Lone said, adding that the promise relies entirely on the PM Surya Ghar Solar Rooftop Scheme, a centrally sponsored scheme already available to all states and Union Territories across India. Lone noted that nearly ten months have elapsed since the promise was made, yet free electricity remains elusive. “I will try to lay down a step-wise process and see whether it is the government which is delaying, or a department, or lack of finances, or lack of will, or they don’t have the powers to do it,” he said. Explaining the structure of the scheme, Lone said the basic model involves 70 per cent of the installation cost being borne by the central government, while the remaining 30 per cent, the beneficiary share, must be provided by the state government. He then delved into the technical and financial implications, pointing out that to supply 200 units of electricity, at least 300 units of solar power would be required to account for periods when the sun is not available, especially during the night. To achieve this, rooftop solar panels of 2 KW capacity would have to be installed. “2 KW can generate 300 units if tendered properly,” Lone said, before drawing attention to past inefficiencies. “The past NC history of solar installation is bad. Very bad. Most of the installations during their time are defunct.” He pegged the cost of a 2 KW solar setup at Rs 1.3 lakh, recalling rates from his own tenure as a minister. With the union government’s share capped at Rs 66,000, the beneficiary, or in this case, the state, would be required to contribute Rs 74,000 for each installation. For the estimated 2,00,000 AAY households, this translates to a staggering Rs 1,500 crore. “The first question is, has the government set aside this amount in the budget? Is there an allocation?” Lone also laid out what he described as a step-wise ‘idiot’s guide’ for the implementation of the scheme, beginning with feasibility evaluations, cost assessments, and resource mobilisation. “This would have to be followed by budgetary allocation for the project, and identification of 2,00,000 household rooftops across all villages in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.The next step, he said, would involve installing meters at these identified locations, likely a prerequisite before solar units can be functional. Only then would the government be in a position to tender the project, set execution timelines, proceed with installation, and finally ensure payments, by drawing the Centre’s share and paying the state’s share from previously allocated budgetary funds. Raising a series of unanswered questions, Lone asked, “At what stage are we? What is the timeline? Have resources for this venture been allocated in the budget passed in March? Will the government pay the AAY families under the Direct Beneficiary Transfer mode until the solar rooftop is installed—if and when it is installed?” He calculated the financial implication during the transition period, stating that at the rate of Rs 4.5 per unit, the cost would be Rs 900 per family per month, which means Rs 2 crore every month. “Till now, that amounts to Rs 18 crore and counting,” he observed. “The government will have to answer these questions,” Lone asserted. “Is there any impediment? I can’t see any impediment apart from the government’s lack of will.” He warned, “I think the AAY families are in for big trouble. I don’t know whether they will get free power. One thing they will get for sure is the electrical meter.” –IANSzi/dan

Bengaluru, June 28 (IANS) The Karnataka Police have filed an FIR against a young woman from West Bengal for allegedly killing her pet dog as part of a black magic ritual, officials said on Saturday.
The incident has been reported from the Mahadevapura police station limits in Bengaluru.The FIR has been registered against Triparna Paik and another individual.The complaint was filed by Rudresh Kumar K.L., an Assistant Health Director with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.According to the police, the decomposed body of the dog was recovered from the woman’s flat.The dog’s throat had been slit, and its body was covered with a cloth.Investigators believe that the dog was killed four days ago, and the body had started to decay and emit a foul odour.The incident came to light when residents of the apartment complex complained of a strong stench in the premises.Upon entering the woman’s flat along with the authorities, the police reportedly found evidence of ritualistic worship.The police also discovered the letter “Shree” written on the ground around the dog’s body in all directions.Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman had four pet dogs, one of which had gone missing earlier.It is now suspected that the missing dogs might also have been sacrificed.The FIR has been filed under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty), 226 (attempt to commit suicide to compel or restrain a public servant from discharging duty), 325 (mischief by killing an animal), 3(5) (common intention to commit a criminal act), 271 (negligent act likely to spread infection), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act.The FIR states that members of the Akme Ballet Apartment Association, along with officials, had visited the flat after complaints of the foul smell.When they confronted the woman, she allegedly tried to prevent them from entering.Later, the police and authorities entered the flat and found that two of her pet dogs were in a poor condition.The woman had falsely claimed that one of the dogs had gone outside.Eventually, the police and authorities discovered the body of the dog in one of the rooms.Upon questioning by the police, the accused allegedly threatened to commit suicide, according to the FIR.The police said they would take the woman into custody for further questioning.Investigation is underway.–IANSmka/khz

Jaipur, June 28 (IANS) Rajasthan BJP state in-charge Radha Mohandas Agarwal claimed on Saturday that his party is the only party where coordination can be seen between power and organisation, and listening to workers remains the foundation of the party. “Workers are always given priority in the party, and through them, the problems of the public are identified and a quick solution is given by the government. Listening to the workers by communicating directly with them and taking advantage of schemes for the public is the basic foundation of the BJP’s working style,” he claimed.He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary thinking and the policy of taking schemes to the last person in the line and said that the graph of the BJP government is constantly rising across the country as the party gives top priority to public service.He said that by making the organisation more active, the presence of the party will be strengthened in every village, city and town in the coming time. It was also decided in the meeting that the benefits of the Central government’s public welfare schemes – like Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission – will be taken to every needy. Along with this, the progress of the schemes will also be evaluated by directly communicating with the beneficiaries.During the BJP’s organisational meeting, state chief Madan Rathore, while addressing the public representatives, made it clear that now the time has come when the power and the organisation together break the traditional political thinking of Rajasthan.He said that the double-engine government of the BJP is continuously working for the overall development and public welfare of the state, and we have to ensure that after five years, once again the BJP government is formed in Rajasthan under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.Rathore announced that for effective coordination between the organisation and the power, the BJP will appoint a General Secretary, who will convey the issues of public interest suggested by the workers to the government on a priority basis and ensure their quick solution.Rathore said that Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has fulfilled more than 50 per cent of the promises made to the public in the Sankalp Patra issued by the BJP during the Assembly elections in his first year of tenure.“This shows that the BJP not only make promises, but also implements them,” he claimed.Rathore said that the role of the organisation and workers is not limited to elections only, but they have an important role in taking the government’s schemes and achievements to the people.He called upon all the public representatives and workers to take the public welfare works of the government to every village and every street so that every citizen can get the benefit of the policies of the BJP government.Describing the workers as the “backbone of the organisation”, he said that the goal of the BJP is not only to gain power, but to provide service to the last person in society.–IANSarc/dan

Bengaluru, June 28 (IANS) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav claimed on Saturday that the BJP is the “first party” since Independence to push for a caste census.

He said that under the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, development for all) policy, the BJP aims to bring change to all sections of society based on scientific data.He said that over the past 11 years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, numerous development and welfare schemes have been implemented for the benefit of the poor and marginalised.He noted that it was PM Modi who gave constitutional status to the OBC Commission.Yadav emphasised that the Registrar General of India is empowered to conduct caste censuses and said that for the first time since Independence, such an exercise is being carried out to responsibly collect data on social, economic, caste-based, and educational indicators.He recalled that after the end of the Emergency, a non-Congress government, the Janata Party, came to power at the Centre and constituted the Mandal Commission.Yadav asserted that the BJP is the first party since Independence to push for a caste census.He mentioned that the Congress mouthpiece ‘National Herald’ had even published an article advocating for one-party rule in India. Following this, B.K. Nehru had written a letter, and a committee was reportedly formed within the Congress on this matter.Yadav alleged that Congress had long been engaged in a systematic effort to equate the party with the family, and the family with the nation. This ideology, he said, led to the declaration of Emergency.He concluded by saying that the Emergency is remembered as a dark chapter in Indian democracy, one that ignited a people’s struggle driven by national self-respect and democratic values.–IANSmka/dan

New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently on a landmark Indian space mission, orbiting 400 kilometres above the Earth.

The conversation, streamed live, reflected India’s growing ambitions in space and the emotional connect between the nation and its first astronaut aboard an international space station.“You may be far from us, but the hearts of 140 crore Indians beat with you,” said PM Modi, congratulating Shubhanshu for raising the nation’s pride globally. “Your name itself carries the word ‘Shubh’ (auspicious). And your journey symbolises the direction in which ‘New India’ is heading,” he said.Responding with humility, Shubhanshu said, “This journey is not mine alone. It belongs to every Indian. When I was young, I never imagined becoming an astronaut, but under your leadership, this dream came true.”The young astronaut also lauded the rising development which the country is witnessing and said, “Today, what we are aiming at is now not far from reality. We need collective unity, and we need all the strength from our youth.”He also shared the food which he had taken with him on this historic mission. In a lighter moment, PM Modi asked if he shared Indian food with fellow astronauts. “Yes, I brought some memories of India with me, gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras. I wanted my colleagues here to taste our rich culinary heritage,” Shubhanshu said with a smile.As PM Modi praised the astronaut’s “down-to-earth” nature despite being in zero gravity, Shubhanshu described the awe of seeing Earth from space. “From up here, there are no borders—just one planet, one humanity. India looks vast and unified. Borders vanish, and you realise Earth is our one shared home.”Discussing scientific experiments that he will be conducting in this mission, Shubhanshu highlighted India’s breakthrough research in zero gravity. “I’ve brought here seven new experiments conducted by Indian scientists. We’re testing how stem cell supplements may help delay muscle loss, something that could benefit the elderly back home. We’re also studying micro-algae for agricultural and health uses.”PM Modi emphasised India’s twin strengths of science and spirituality. “Does meditation help in space, too?” PM asked. To this, Shubhanshu confirmed, “Absolutely. Mindfulness keeps us centred amid extreme conditions.”When PM Modi asked Sudhanshu what message he would like to give to the youth, Shubhanshu replied: “Never stop trying. This journey proves that space is not the limit, it’s just the beginning.”PM Modi emphasised by stating, “India is not just dreaming of a space station or moon landings, it is preparing to lead the next era of space exploration. Your journey will inspire generations.”When PM Modi asked him how his learnings could benefit India’s space mission, Shubhanshu replied, “I’ve been making records. All my experience in this mission is being absorbed, and I would feel proud to use and channelise this experience in India’s future space missions.”–IANSsas/dan

Guna, June 28 (IANS) Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday inaugurated accounts for several girls under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana in his parliamentary constituency and announced a unique initiative that he will deposit Rs 500 from his own fund in the account of every girl child opened in the constituency between May 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026.

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, a flagship Central Government scheme to secure the future of the girl child, continues to transform lives across India by offering financial security for education and marriage while easing the burden on parents.Speaking at the event, Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “This was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream. Across India, over 1 crore Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened, giving parents the means to secure their daughters’ futures. The scheme is completely tax-free and offers high interest rates. The funds can be used at the time of marriage or for higher education.”The inauguration ceremony saw enthusiastic participation from mothers and their daughters.Many of them spoke to IANS, expressing gratitude and hope.One beneficiary’s mother said, “I am feeling very happy after getting the benefits of this scheme. It will secure my daughter’s life and help us when she grows up.”Another young beneficiary shared, “I feel good after getting the benefits of this scheme. I want to thank PM Modi for thinking about daughters like us.”The event also featured Madhya Pradesh Chief Postmaster General Vineet Mathur, who shared details about the day’s progress.“Today, more than 222 new accounts under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana were opened. Minister Scindia personally contributed Rs 500 to each account. Forty girls attended with their mothers, receiving passbooks and certificates. This scheme is excellent. It allows families to open accounts for newborns up to 10-year-old girls and requires regular deposits to build their savings,” Mathur said.The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed savings scheme introduced to promote the welfare of the girl child. It provides parents and guardians with a secure, tax-efficient way to save for expenses related to education and marriage.Parents can open an account in the name of their daughter until she turns 10. Only one account is allowed per girl child. Accounts can be opened at post offices and authorised banks, with a minimum annual deposit of Rs 250 and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh.Withdrawals are permitted to cover higher education expenses, and accounts can be prematurely closed after the account holder turns 18 if the purpose is marriage. Importantly, these accounts can also be transferred anywhere in India between post offices or banks, making them highly flexible and accessible for families across the country.This initiative not only empowers girls but also underscores the government’s commitment to “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,” ensuring that daughters receive the support they need to build brighter, more secure futures.–IANSjk/dan

New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) In the quiet tribal village of Atarmara, located in Chhura block of Gariyaband district, Chhattisgarh, a silent transformation is taking place inside kitchens.
Thanks to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, cooking, once a smoky and time-consuming ordeal, has now become faster, cleaner, and healthier for the women of the village.Under this flagship scheme by the central government, poor rural women are provided with free LPG gas connections and stoves, aimed at replacing traditional chulhas that burn wood, coal, or dung cakes. For the women of Atermara, this change has brought immense relief.A beneficiary talking to IANS from Gariyaband expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative. “We are really thankful to Prime Minister Modi,” said the beneficiary.“Earlier, cooking on the chulha used to take hours. Collecting firewood, lighting it, and enduring the thick smoke made it a difficult task. The smoke caused eye irritation, headaches, and breathing issues. Now, with the LPG gas, cooking takes much less time and there’s no smoke in the house,” she added.Another woman beneficiary added, “We are getting free cylinders under this scheme. It has made our lives easier. Earlier, the entire kitchen would be filled with smoke. Our eyes used to burn, and our children also suffered from the effects. But now, our homes are smoke-free, and cooking is quick and safe.”A third beneficiary echoed the same experience: “This scheme has saved us time and protected our health. Life has truly become better for us women.”All three women were united in their appreciation for the scheme, which they believe has brought real, tangible change to their lives.The success of the Ujjwala Yojana in villages like Atermara showcases the far-reaching impact of targeted welfare initiatives.–IANSsas/dan

Chandigarh, June 28 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Saturday challenged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to prove that Saraya Industries Limited, in which senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia had an inherited share of 11 per cent, had received even Rs 1 in foreign funding from 2007 to the present time.

Rubbishing allegations made in the disproportionate assets case registered against the Akali leader, Badal told the media here: “The only foreign funding received by Saraya Industries was in March 2006, one year before SAD formed government in the state, when it received Rs 35 crore from US-based Clearwater Corporation in exchange for 25 per cent shares in the company. Majithia entered politics only in 2007.” Badal also asserted that Clearwater Corporation, which had offices in several countries, had invested Rs 50,000 crore globally. “All money invested by this company through the NBFC in Saraya Industries was done after due clearance from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).” Badal also made it clear that all transactions of Saraya Industries were scrutinised and accepted by the Income Tax Department. “This clearly proves that claims of an investment of Rs 540 crore into Saraya Industries through foreign funding are absurd and malicious, and being done with the sole purpose of defaming Majithia.” The former Deputy Chief Minister also clarified that all cash transactions done by Saraya Industries while procuring sugarcane and conducting distillery business had also been scrutinised by the Income Tax Department. He said Saraya Industries Ltd was a private limited company deemed to be a public limited company and was a different entity from Bikram Majithia and could not be associated with the latter. “Majithia has no control over the company’s day-to-day functioning.” Asserting that Chief Minister Mann had pressurized the state DGP to register a case against Majithia because the latter was constantly exposing him and his corrupt and immoral cabinet colleagues, the SAD President said the Chief Minister rang up the DGP on the night of June 24 and threatened to remove him in case he did not register a case against Majithia by the morning. “Consequently, the DGP wrote to the Vigilance Department to register a case against the Akali leader at 10.40 pm the same night. Subsequently, a disproportionate assets case was registered against Majithia at 4.40 am on June 25.” Badal maintained that no investigation had been done before registering the case. “The Vigilance Department did not deem it fit to issue a questionnaire to Majithia, a prerequisite before filing such a case.” Badal said that an affidavit which the government had submitted to the Supreme Court in 2023, while appealing for cancellation of the regular bail given to Majithia and seeking his custodial interrogation under the NDPS Act, was used verbatim to register this new case against him. “This was done despite the fact that the Supreme Court rejected the affidavit in April this year and refused to overturn the regular bail given to Majithia by the high court or grant the request for custodial interrogation. The apex court even asked the AAP government to complete the probe in two days, following which it has now taken this new route to engage in political vendetta,” Badal said. The SAD President also condemned the manner in which retired officers were being used by the AAP government to defame Majithia. “Former DGP S. Chattopadhyaya is the same person who earlier registered a disproportionate assets case against former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and him, and even travelled to several countries on government expense to find evidence of foreign properties owned by the Badal family. The entire case fell flat due to a lack of any evidence,” he said.He also retired Enforcement Director Niranjan Singh, who was involved but the Enforcement Directorate, which had given a clean chit to Majithia, was being kept out of the ambit of the case. The Vigilance Bureau on Wednesday arrested Akali Dal former Minister Majithia from his residence in a posh locality in Amritsar city on charges of laundering more than Rs 540 crore of drug money. A trial court on Thursday sent him to a seven-day Vigilance Bureau custody. –IANS vg/dan