Gandhinagar, May 14 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched two digital portals and a mobile application under the Home Department, aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in the state’s law enforcement services.

Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi was also present at the launch event.The initiatives, rolled out statewide, are designed to streamline police procedures and empower citizens with online access to key services, reducing the need for in-person visits to police stations.Among the highlights was the launch of the Cyber Crime Refund Portal, titled “Tera Tujhko Arpan”, which facilitates quick monetary refunds for victims of cyber fraud.First introduced in Ahmedabad in October 2024 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the portal has already demonstrated significant impact, halving the backlog of applications and increasing processing efficiency by 50 per cent.Developed by the Ahmedabad City Cyber Crime Cell, the system enables online registration, real-time status tracking, and refunds without the need for an FIR. Lok Adalats play a key role in accelerating the refund process.What once took two to three hours at a police station now takes just 15 minutes, thanks to automated refund letters and digital documentation. Following its successful pilot in Ahmedabad, the portal has now been made accessible across all police stations in Gujarat, with unique login credentials and pre-launch training provided to ensure a smooth rollout.The Chief Minister also launched I-PRAGATI, a new SMS-based system integrated into the existing eGujCop portal. It provides automated updates to complainants at four key stages of the investigation process — filing of FIR, panchnama, arrest of the accused, and submission of the charge sheet.Initially piloted by the State Crime Record Bureau (SCRB), I-PRAGATI has now been implemented statewide. The system not only enhances transparency but also addresses one of the most common grievances among citizens: a lack of timely updates.“This initiative is part of our commitment to good governance and minimal human interference,” said CM Patel, emphasising the state’s push toward digital transformation in policing.Another key development is the Unfreeze Application, which allows citizens to digitally request the unfreezing of bank accounts blocked due to cybercrime complaints filed via the NCRP portal under BNSS 106 (CRPC 102).With this app, users can file requests online, track their progress, and receive email notifications, eliminating the need for physical follow-ups or visits to police stations.The tool aims to empower citizens, reduce procedural delays, and ensure full transparency in the post-incident resolution process. Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said the adoption of digital tools in law enforcement reflects the use of technology for both citizen welfare and national security.Minister Harsh Sanghvi added that Gujarat is emerging as a model state for citizen-centric policing, particularly in the domain of cybercrime.“Gujarat Police has already processed over 2.25 lakh bank account unfreezing requests. These platforms now ensure that victims are not only heard but also helped, swiftly and systematically,” he said.–IANSjanvi/dan

Bhopal, May 14 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed law enforcement authorities to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah following his controversial remarks concerning Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The Jabalpur High Court bench, comprising Justice Atul Shridharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla, took suo motu cognisance of the matter and ordered immediate legal action. The court instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to initiate proceedings within four hours, emphasising the urgency of the matter.However, law enforcement officials reportedly stated they were awaiting an official directive, assuring that action would be taken upon receipt of the court order.The High Court, upon preliminary examination, noted that Section 196(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) applies to the case, as Colonel Qureshi adheres to the Muslim faith. The act of referring to her as the “sister of terrorists” could prejudice religious harmony.The bench further observed that such remarks possess the potential to create a perception that, irrespective of an individual’s service to the nation, they may face derogatory treatment solely due to their faith.Moreover, the Court found that Section 197 of the BNS is relevant, as it criminalizes the publication of assertions, pleas, or appeals that impose obligations based on religious, racial, linguistic, regional, caste, or communal identity, where such content fosters disharmony, enmity, hatred, or ill-will among groups.It further ordered the immediate filing of an FIR against Minister Shah and warned the DGP of contempt charges in case of any delay in compliance.The controversy arose from remarks made by Shah at an event in Raikunda village, Mhow, Indore, on Sunday (May 11). While initially overlooked, a video of the statement surfaced online on Tuesday, provoking public outrage.The Court classified the remarks as a potential threat to national unity and integrity, underscoring their divisive nature and calling for swift legal action. Judicial findings indicate that Shah’s remarks constitute an offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), particularly under Section 152, which penalises acts jeopardising India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. Section 192 further criminalises inciting animosity among communities based on religion, caste, place of birth, residence, or language. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari led a delegation to the Shyamala Police Station on Wednesday, demanding legal action against the minister.Patwari submitted a formal application, stating that Shah’s comments concerning Colonel Qureshi threaten national unity and integrity. He argued that the remarks fall within the scope of Sections 351, 352, 353, 78, and 152 of the BNS.–IANSsktr/uk

Patna, May 14 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul has stirred controversy by demanding the implementation of a population control law in Bihar.

He warned that in the next 20 years, demographic changes could result in Hindus losing electoral relevance in several regions of the state, especially Seemanchal and Mithila.“Due to rising population and demographic shifts, Hindu candidates—regardless of caste—will find it impossible to win elections in districts like Kishanganj, Araria, Purnea, Katihar, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Motihari, and Bettiah,” Bachaul said.Bachaul argued that a population control policy is essential for balanced governance and development, asserting that the Hindu population is being outpaced demographically.While welcoming the Election Commission’s efforts to improve voter turnout in the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, Bachaul cautioned against bogus voting, particularly referencing the use of burqas to facilitate impersonation in Muslim-dominated areas.He urged the Election Commission to ensure voting integrity without encouraging fraudulent practices.Bachaul criticised the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for allegedly failing to secure the Muslim vote bank, citing the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen’s (AIMIM) electoral victories in Kishanganj as an example. He questioned the sustainability of caste and religion-based politics.“If the Hindu population diminishes, even dominant parties like JD-U, RJD, and BJP may lose relevance,” Bachaul said.The BJP MLA also invoked references to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kashmir, and Bengal, claiming that diminishing Hindu populations in these areas historically preceded social unrest or fragmentation.Bachaul’s statements have ignited political and social debate, especially due to the communal and demographic overtones.Reacting to it, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) state spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed has issued a sharp rebuttal to BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul. Ahmed accused the BJP of deliberately raising communal and divisive issues ahead of elections to distract from its governance failures.Ahmed questioned the timing of Bachaul’s remarks, saying, “Why does the BJP always bring up such topics to set perception and narrative only when elections are around the corner? After the elections, this so-called knowledge disappears.”Ahmed asserted that the people of Bihar are demanding answers on unemployment, rising inflation, crime, corruption, women’s safety, and the lack of development.He said the double-engine government (a term used for NDA rule at both the Centre and the state) must be held accountable for its performance over the last 20 years.–IANSajk/dan

Kolkata, May 14 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced a new scheme under which non-teaching staff in state-run schools under Group-C and Group-D categories lost jobs following a recent order of the Supreme Court, can be provided with a monthly stipend from the state exchequer.The clearance for “West Bengal Livelihood and Special Security Interim Scheme” was cleared at a meeting of the state cabinet on Wednesday. Under the scheme, the job-losing Group-C staff would be entitled to a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000, while those in the Group D category would be entitled to Rs 20,000 monthly.Announcing the new scheme on Wednesday afternoon, the Chief Minister also made it clear that the stipend is given under this newly promulgated scheme to avoid any legal complications with making the payment from the state exchequer.“There are people who tend to file public interest litigation against the state government on any issue. So the new scheme has been formulated, and it will be under the state labour department,” the Chief Minister said.She also said that job-losing non-teaching staff will get the stipend with effect from April 1, 2025. “This stipend will continue until any solution as regards to the legal hassles regarding their loss of jobs is achieved,” Mamata Banerjee said.On April 3 this year, the Supreme Court upheld a previous order by the Calcutta High Court to cancel 25,753 school jobs in West Bengal.The apex court also accepted the observation of the Calcutta High Court that the entire panel of 25,753 candidates had to be cancelled because of the failure of the state government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to segregate the “untainted” candidates from the “tainted” ones.The state government and WBSSC have already filed review petitions at the apex court on this issue.–IANSsrc/pgh

Thiruvananthapuram, May 14 (IANS) The Congress party in Kerala, which saw a change of leadership earlier this week, has a long history of airing its internal differences in public. True to form, the first critical voice has come from one of its tallest leaders, V.M. Sudheeran — a former state president, Minister, Speaker, and Lok Sabha MP.Sunny Joseph, a three-time legislator and the son of a farmer, has been appointed as the new president of the Congress party’s Kerala unit.Expressing his displeasure on Wednesday, Sudheeran revealed that the party high command had convened a meeting of former state presidents to discuss the leadership transition and chart a future course. However, he could not attend the meeting in Delhi due to prior commitments.“If the discussion had taken place before the changes, it would have been better. I had informed them that I wouldn’t be able to attend the meeting as I had pre-scheduled engagements,” Sudheeran said.The meeting in Delhi, which spanned two days and concluded on Wednesday, saw no participation from any of the former state presidents in discussions with Sunny Joseph’s team and the party high command.Sudheeran, 76, has had an eventful political career spanning the Lok Sabha and the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He earned praise for his tenure as Health Minister and as Speaker of the Assembly.He rose to prominence in the early 1980s as a staunch supporter of A.K. Antony. Alongside Oommen Chandy, Mullappally Ramachandran, and M.M. Hassan, he formed the core of the erstwhile Antony faction, which opposed the dominant group led by K. Karunakaran.Known for his upright image and principled politics, Sudheeran withdrew from electoral contests after a shock defeat in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from Alappuzha. Though he stayed away from frontline politics, he often took on the role of a conscience-keeper, unhesitatingly criticizing his own party when it deviated from its ideals.In 2014, amid another bout of internal conflict during the Chandy-led government (2011-2016), the high command surprised many — including Sudheeran himself — by appointing him the state party president.A political observer, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the relationship between Chandy and Sudheeran soured over the liquor policy in the later years of Chandy’s government.“Everyone knew that their open acrimony was one of the key factors behind the Left Democratic Front’s landslide win under Pinarayi Vijayan in the 2016 Assembly polls. The Congress hasn’t fully recovered since. Veterans like Sudheeran, Ramachandran, and Hassan must understand that while their plain speaking stems from principle, it could further deepen the party’s troubles,” the political observer said.Reacting to the absence of former state presidents at the Delhi meet, senior legislator and former party president Ramesh Chennithala downplayed the issue, saying it should not be blown out of proportion.–IANSsg/skp

Ludhiana, May 14 (IANS) Slamming Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said this “rejected” leader spits “venom” against him (Chief Minister) just to appease his political bosses.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that though the Union Minister hails from Ludhiana but he has done nothing substantial for the development of the city.“Bittu wakes up in the morning and starts criticising me from that very moment just to make his party bosses happy,” he said.Mann said that these rejected leaders who had lived in huge palaces remain inaccessible to the people, due to which he was ousted by the masses.The Chief Minister said that traditional “political parties are envious of him because they are not able to digest that the son of a common man is governing the state effectively.”He said that the people of the state have lost their faith in the traditional political parties due to their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance.CM Mann said that the wise and brave people of the state had ousted these parties during the 2022 Assembly polls and gave a thumping majority to the AAP.The Chief Minister said that the state has been witnessing spectacular development as the people of the state have elected an honest government, which is delivering the desired results to the people.He said that earlier, the choice of lesser evil was there, and the people had to elect corrupt and opportunist leaders, which were their only option.CM Mann said that the state has heralded a new era of the smooth and hassle-free delivery of citizen-centric services for the common man.He said the government has created history by launching several pro-people and development-oriented policies to put the state further on the path of a high trajectory of economic growth.–IANSvg/dan

Koderma (Jharkhand), May 14 (IANS) The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is emerging as a lifeline for economically weaker sections in India, offering life insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh for an annual premium of just Rs 436.

In the Koderma district of Jharkhand alone, around 1.31 lakh people have enrolled under this affordable insurance scheme.PMJJBY, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides a fixed sum assured to the family of the insured in case of death due to any cause.Talking to IANS, several beneficiaries from the district praised the scheme, calling it one of the most impactful initiatives by the Central government for the poor.“Incidents and accidents are beyond anyone’s control. But when a family loses its earning member, the entire household plunges into uncertainty,” said a local resident.“That’s why life insurance becomes essential—to ensure the family does not suffer financially in the absence of a loved one. PMJJBY is the most dependable insurance plan available at such a nominal premium. For many of us, this is the biggest gift from Prime Minister Modi.”Another local added, “Though life insurance is available from many private companies and also from the Life Insurance Corporation of India, none offer a fixed insurance guarantee of Rs 2 lakh at just Rs 436 per year. Only the PMJJBY and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) offer such benefits.”A third resident emphasised the broader financial inclusion goals linked with the scheme, stating, “PMJJBY was launched with the vision that every citizen should have a bank account. Benefits like PMJJBY, PMSBY, and insurance-linked Rupay cards are accessible only through such accounts. The scheme has created financial awareness and security among the poor.”Lead District Manager of Koderma, Nivas Kumar, highlighted the ease of accessing multiple government schemes through a single bank account.“If someone passes away in an accident, their family can avail benefits from all three schemes—PMJJBY, PMSBY, and the RuPay card insurance—through one bank account,” he added.He further emphasised the importance of spreading awareness about PMJJBY.“This scheme is truly a boon for the poor and the middle class. It is crucial to promote it so that more citizens can benefit from this low-cost life insurance cover,” he said.PMJJBY offers life insurance coverage for death due to any reason and is designed to be extremely affordable, costing less than Rs 2 per day. It is a one-year cover, renewable annually, and is administered by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and other participating life insurers, in collaboration with banks and post offices.All individual account holders aged between 18 and 50 years who consent to the auto-debit of the premium from their accounts are eligible to enrol. An individual can join the scheme through only one bank or post office account, even if they hold multiple accounts.The insurance cover is valid for a one-year period from June 1 to May 31, and interested individuals must submit their consent and opt for auto-debit by May 31 each year. The premium amount of Rs 436 per annum is debited in a single instalment.–IANSjk/dan

Srinagar, May 14 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday visited the areas affected by Pakistani shelling in Uri where he assured every possible help to rebuild homes of affected people asserting that the pain of his people is deeply personal to him.Omar Abdullah visited the shelling affected areas of Uri, including Salamabad, Lagama, Bandi and Gingal in Baramulla district.He said that he would take up the demand for building individual bunkers in these areas with the centre.While interacting with the affected people, the chief minister said, “It is our responsibility to provide you help from the government so that your houses are rebuilt”.Nasir Aslam Wani, advisor to the Chief Minister and MLA Uri, Sajad Shafi were accompanying the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister“Visited shelling affected areas of Uri including Salamabad, lagama, Bandi and Gingal. This land has endured so much –from the impact of the 2005 earthquake to the pain of cross-border shelling. Yet, its people rise every time, with courage in their hearts and resilience in their spirit”, Omar Abdullah wrote on X.Earlier in the day, the CM had said on X: “Heading to Uri today to meet those affected by the recent shelling. Over the past few days, I have witnessed immense pain, loss and unimaginable courage of our people. These visits should have been to share joy and to speak of development, not to offer condolences. The pain of my people is deeply personal”.Speaking to reporters in Uri, he said during the shelling from Pakistani side, it seemed there was a “deliberate attempt” to inflict maximum harm on the civilians.“There was ruthless shelling on our civilian areas for 2-3 days. It seemed that there was a deliberate attempt from across to inflict maximum harm on the civilians. Thankfully there was a ceasefire and for the last two days, the border and LoC are silent,” he said.The chief minister said the government now attempts to reach all those households that have suffered losses.“We are assessing the damage and will provide relief to them to help them to rebuild their lives,” he said.The Jammu and Kashmir CM said he would take up the demand for building individual bunkers in the shelling-affected areas with the central government.“Wherever I went be that in Jammu or Kashmir, there is a demand for more bunkers. The people feel that the situation can turn (tense) anytime, so the people have demanded individual bunkers. We will immediately provide relief to the people first and then take up the issue of individual bunkers with the Centre under a plan for all the areas that came under shelling,” he added.To a question about whether anyone benefitted from cross-border shelling, Omar said this question should be asked to those who lost their loved ones.“What benefit? I have said this from day one that we did not start this fight. Our innocent people were attacked in Pahalgam… 26 precious lives were lost. I had said that if the guns fall silent on that side, then the guns on this side will automatically fall silent. Thankfully, the DGMO from across called and the ceasefire was made possible and so there is silence on the border and LoC”, he added.During the visit, Omar Abdullah also met the family members of Nargis Begum who lost her life in the shelling.”Met the family of Nargis Begum, who lost her life in the recent shelling in Uri. No words can express the depth of their grief or the magnitude of this tragedy. I pray they find the strength to bear this irreparable loss. We stand with them in this hour of grief,” the Chief Minister said on X.–IANSsq/pgh

Bhopal, May 14 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Congress on Wednesday lodged a complaint against senior BJP leader and Tribal Affairs Minister, Kunwar Vijay Shah, for his ‘objectionable’ remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. A delegation of Congress leaders led by state unit chief Jitu Patwari reached Bhopal’s Shyamla Hill police station on Wednesday and lodged a complaint against BJP minister Shah. Patwari told media persons that the Shyamla Hills police have registered a formal complaint against Vijay Shah.”Police have registered a case against BJP Minister Vijay Shah in ‘rojnamcha vivaran (general statement). But, Congress wants him to be booked under charges of treason,” he said, showing a copy complaint registered at the police station. Patwari, who was accompanied by several Congress leaders, including former minister PC Sharma and MLA Arif Masood, meanwhile, said that Congress would stage a state-wide protest against Vijay Shah and lodge a complaint at every police station on Thursday.”Congress has decided to hold a protest at each police station in Madhya Pradesh and file a complaint against Vijay Shah. If the BJP does not sack Vijay Shah in the next 24 hours, Congress workers will hit the streets on Thursday,” Patwari warned.Earlier in the day, Madhya Pradesh BJP president V.D. Sharma said that the party took note of Shah’s remarks and warned him about the matter.Sharma emphasised that the party leadership is very sensitive and no one has the right to say anything. He said that if any such incident happens, then the BJP will immediately hold a proper discussion which is required on the issue.”Our leadership took cognisance of the matter, and he was immediately warned about the matter. No one has the right to say anything, that sister (Colonel Sofiya Qureshi) is the daughter of the country and the entire nation salutes the might she has done,” Sharma told reporters.Notably, addressing a programme on May 12, Vijay Shah, who is MP’s Tribal Affairs Minister, talking about Operation Sindoor, said that PM Modi had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to avenge the April 22 terror strike in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. He further stated that, “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.”–IANSpd/uk

Gurugram, May 14 (IANS) A cybercrime police station in Manesar of the Gurugram Police has arrested four accused for allegedly providing bank accounts for cyber fraud, police said.

The accused were identified as Honey Garg, Sahdev, and Sandeep, all residents of village Tatarpur, district Palwal, and Rahul Tiwari resident of Bawa Colony, Ludhiana (Punjab), currently residing in village Tatarpur, district Palwal. According to the police, on March 15, a person complained to the cybercrime police station, Manesar in Gurugram, regarding fraud in the name of earning profit by investing. On this complaint, a case was registered under the relevant sections in Police Station Cyber ​​Crime Manesar, Gurugram. Taking action under the leadership of Priyanshu Diwan, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Cyber ​​Crime, Gurugram, the police team arrested four accused from Gurugram on May 13. During police interrogation, it was found that the accused had opened the bank account used in the fraud in the name of another person and made it available to the cyber fraudsters. In return, the accused had received Rs 18,000, police said. Meanwhile, a cybercrime police team of the Gurugram Police had recently arrested 16 suspects in cyber fraud cases and disclosed fraud of about Rs 44.4 crore across India. According to the police, after reviewing the data of the 12 mobile phones and 1 SIM card recovered from the accused by the police from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordinate Center (I4C), it was found that the accused were involved in fraud of about Rs 44.4 crore, and around 10,697 complaints were registered against them across India. Around 379 cyber fraud cases were registered against 16 unknown suspects across India, of which around 25 cases were registered in Haryana, and 5 of those cases were registered against them.–IANSstr/dan