India Archive

In a striking declaration that has ignited controversy, R Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, on Thursday, levied serious accusations against the Karnataka government. He claimed that the current administration is allocating animal husbandry property in Bengaluru to minority communities as a gesture of appeasement, branding this move as a significant scandal. Ashoka stated, "The government of Siddaramaiah, they are giving the animal husbandry property in Bengaluru, which is worth more than Rs 500 crores to minorities because minorities are more. It is a big scandal. BJP will protest inside and outside Vidhana Soudha," emphasizing the party's resolve to challenge this decision both legislatively and through public demonstrations.

In a significant development on Wednesday, 28th February, the Uttarakhand Police successfully apprehended Abdul Moeed in Delhi. Moeed, notably the son of Abdul Malik—who is identified as the architect behind the unsettling violence in Haldwani—was on the run following his involvement in an assault on police officers. This arrest marks a crucial step in the law enforcement's efforts to address the chaos that erupted in the Banbhulpura area of Haldwani.

In a decision that has left Mumbai and the entire nation in a state of shock, a POCSO court has delivered a historic verdict by sentencing a transgender individual to death. This unprecedented ruling was for the kidnapping, brutal rape, and murder of a three-month-old girl, a crime that was shockingly committed over a dispute regarding 'bakshish'. This marks one of the rare moments when capital punishment has been meted out for offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), underscoring the horrific nature of the crime.

In a rather dramatic series of events that could rival the plot of a blockbuster movie, Sheikh Shahjahan, known for his formidable presence in the TMC, found himself in a tight spot. After a period marked by his aggressive confrontations with ED officials and the outcry of Sandeshkhali's women, who bravely stood against him accusing the leader of sexual assault and unjustly taking their land, the law finally caught up with him. His arrest by the West Bengal Police in the early hours of a Thursday was a scene many had been waiting for.

In a heart-wrenching incident that has plunged a village in Chhattisgarh into profound grief, Head Constable Ram Ashish Yadav laid down his life in the line of duty, becoming a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Serving as a part of a road opening party, a critical operation designed to secure the roads from potential threats and ensure the safety of force movements, Ram Ashish was at the forefront of a relentless battle against dangers lurking in the shadows.

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, authorities have intercepted an Iranian boat laden with a staggering 3,300 kg of narcotics off the Gujarat coastline, resulting in the arrest of five individuals believed to be of Iranian origin. This operation, executed late Tuesday, was a collaborative effort involving the Indian Navy, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

In the serene village of Kavi, nestled within the Jambusar taluka of Bharuch district, Gujarat, a discovery of profound beauty and spiritual significance has captured the hearts and imaginations of both locals and fishermen alike.

"What was his fault? He was only playing in his school…"

In a decisive move that underscores the Yogi government's firm stance against illegal encroachments, Lucknow's district administration has set its sights on the predominantly Muslim settlement of Akbarnagar. Situated strategically near the Kukrail river bridge, the area has come under intense scrutiny. A Municipal Corporation squad, bolstered by a strong police force, is at the ready, equipped with bulldozers and Poclain machines to undertake what many see as a necessary clean-up operation. However, the residents of Akbarnagar have been granted a temporary reprieve thanks to a stay order from the Lucknow Bench of the High Court. As legal proceedings continue, with the potential to extend this reprieve, the Municipal Corporation has begun marking 250 houses and shops with red crosses, a stark indicator of their lack of legal standing and the impending action.

On February 25th, Nitasha Kaul, a British academic and writer known for her outspoken views, found herself at the center of a contentious episode upon her arrival at Bengaluru Airport. Kaul, who lives in London, faced immediate deportation under circumstances that remain murky, described only as "unknown reasons." This event took a dramatic turn given that it was the Congress-led government of Karnataka that had extended an invitation to her to speak at the 'Constitution and National Unity Convention.'