Canada-based NRI threatens to kill Anna Hazare

MUMBAI: Veteran social crusader Anna Hazare has received a death threat from a Canada-based Indian resident, an aide said here on Wednesday.

Hazare's office has lodged a complaint with Thane Police and also written to the Maharashtra director general of police about the death threats posted on Facebook on February 24-25.

According to the complaint with the DGP, a Canada-based NRI Gagan Vidhu made a post on Februray 24 afternoon: "Time has come to kill Anna Hazare. I will be next Nathuram Godse soon."

READ ALSO: Anna Hazare vows to fight Modi govt's 'anti-farmer' bill

Three 'likes' were notched for this threatening post.

Gagan Vidhu expanded his threat the following day, on February 25: "... I am not kidding. I am coming to India soon. I will arrange for gun and shoot this modern ghandi (Gandhi). I hate (Arvind) Kejriwal so much I can do anything to spoil him."

READ ALSO: Anna Hazare gets death threat letter

The post continued: "I have collected all the documents - My friend Neil in New Delhi is working on it. We will expose Kejriwal soon, then I have to play role of Nathuram Godse. I am not joking. I am very serious. I can do anything for my Bharat Mata."

READ ALSO: PM Modi will not take suggestions as he is 'allergic' to me, Anna Hazare says

Not taking the threats lightly, an aide Ashok O. Gautam has lodged a first information report (FIR) with Thane police and sought immediate action in the matter.

READ ALSO: Hazare gets another death threat letter

The death threat has come ahead of the 77-year-old Hazare's proposed 1,100-km-long three-month march (padyatra) from Gandhi Ashram in Wardha to Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi to protest the Land Acquisition Act. The march schedule will be finalised next Monday.

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Smeared with Holi colours, 2 BJP MPs asked to leave Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Two BJP members on Wednesday entered the Lok Sabha chamber with 'gulal' smeared on their faces, prompting the chair to politely turn them away.

READ ALSO: Vrindavan, Varanasi widows celebrate Holi together

Jagdambika Pal and another BJP member entered the House with 'gulal' (dry colour powder) smeared on their faces when the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill was being discussed in the House.

READ ALSO: Tips to save your skin this Holi

Though deputy speaker M Thambidurai did not make any observation, he was clearly heard telling his aide, "it is not correct."

Soon, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh (BJP) approached Pal and asked him to leave the House. Pal and the other member, who could not be identified, then moved out of the House.

READ ALSO: MP governor returns, likely to go to Delhi after Holi

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Swine flu toll touches 1,198; Number of cases crosses 22,000-mark

NEW DELHI: The swine flu toll in the country climbed to 1,198 on Wednesday as 40 more deaths were reported while the number of cases of the disease has crossed the 22,000- mark.

The health ministry said that the total number of deaths across various states stood at 1,198 as on March 3 while 22,240 persons have been affected by the H1N1 virus.

According to the data on Wednesday, the toll in Gujarat stands at 292 with 4,904 people having contracted the disease.

In Rajasthan, the death toll has risen to 286 while 5,782 persons were affected by the virus.

The toll in Madhya Pradesh is 168 with 1,131 cases reported while Maharashtra has seen 170 casualties and 2,005 cases of the disease.

Similarly in Telangana, 59 persons have lost their lives to swine flu while the disease has caused 47 deaths in Punjab.

The death toll in Delhi is 10 with the city witnessing a jump in the number of persons affected by swine flu, which stands at 3,220.

Swine flu has killed 51 persons in Karnataka and 16 till March 2 in Uttar Pradesh, where 689 cases have been reported.

The toll in Haryana is 24 while Andhra Pradesh reported 14 deaths. Jammu & Kashmir has registered 10 swine flu casualties.

Five cases of swine flu have been reported in Assam, but the state Assembly was told on Wednesday that their infection was not serious in nature.

Meanwhile, a 41-year-old man on Wednesday succumbed to swine flu at a government hospital in Coimbatore, taking the toll to three in three days in the city in Tamil Nadu.

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Isro spy case: HC nixes action against police officials who ‘framed’ scientist Nambi Narayanan

KOCHI: The Kerala high court on Wednesday set aside a single bench's order asking state government to reconsider its decision not to take action against police officers who 'framed' Isro scientist Nambi Narayanan in the espionage case of 1994.

A division bench comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan (acting chief justice) and Justice AM Shaffique considered appeals filed by Siby Mathews, an IPS officer who headed the investigation team, later became the DGP, and is presently the chief information commissioner of the state; and KK Joshwa who was the superintendent of police that led the probe.

It was on October 20 last year that a single bench of the high court ruled against state government's 2011 decision not to take action against police officers Siby Mathews, KK Joshwa, and 'Smart' Vijayan. Asking government to reconsider the decision, the court had questioned government's commitment to upholding the constitution.

READ ALSO: Isro spy case too old to book police for 'framing', govt tells HC

However, a division bench of the high court on Wednesday said the single bench should only have looked at whether the reasons stated by the government for arriving at such a decision is justified.

The division bench's 34-page judgment said, "We are of the view that the learned single judge has not appreciated the case in its proper perspective. What was required to be considered was whether the reasons stated by the government, declining to take disciplinary action, were justified or not."

In the absence of any statutory provision enabling the government to take action against the officer on the basis of CBI's report, it is up to the government to exercise its discretion based on relevant materials. When government has taken such a decision, it may not be proper for the high court to interfere with such a decision and ask the government to reconsider it, the court said.

READ ALSO: Govt sat on Isro spy case CBI report for 15 years, Nambi Narayanan says

In deciding not to take action against the police officers, the government had given three reasons. First reason was that a delay of 15 years has taken place since CBI filed the report and that the officers have retired. Secondly, the government relied on the views of the director general of police, who said no such action is required. Finally, government had pointed out that neither the CJM court nor the Supreme Court issued such a direction after considering the case.

As the government has taken the decision after examining the relevant matters, it cannot be considered as unreasonable, unfair, or arbitrary, the division bench said.

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Mithun Chakraborty-owned school in Coimbatore issued closure notice

COIMBATORE: The district school education department has issued a closure notice to a school owned by Bollywood actor and Rajya Sabha member Mithun Chakraborty in Coimbatore as it has been functioning without recognition.

District chief education officer A Gnana Gowri confirmed that Monarch International School at Kurudampalayam that follows Cambridge IGCSE syllabus had been issued a closure notice.

She said, "Along with the other nursery primary schools that were found functioning without recognition, this school has also been issued a closure notice."

According to highly placed sources in the school education department, the management had agreed to close down the school after the completion of the current academic year in April.

However, the school management was not available for comment. Phone calls made by TOI went unanswered.

The school education department had received a complaint around 10 days ago stating that the school's building did not have a stability certificate. It was also alleged that the school principal was humiliating the teachers.

Investigations found that Monarch International School did not have the recognition from the school education department.

The school is said to be more than 10 years old. According to sources, the school management was planning to close the school as it was not finding enough admissions in the recent past.

The inquiry into the allegations also revealed that the teachers of the school had submitted a petition with the chief education officer urging her to intervene in the matter.

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Why RSS compromised on Article 370, asks Azam Khan

LUCKNOW: Senior UP cabinet minister Azam Khan has posed a question to RSS as to why it compromised with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on the issue of Article 370 that grants special status to the state.

Khan said that the outfit had kept the issue alive since independence. Azam Khan also lashed out at leaders of saffron outfits for vitiating peaceful atmosphere by raising the issue of conversion.

"Hindus were never converted to Islam at the point of sword. It is insult of Hindus," he said. He also hit out at the BJP on the issue of "Love Jihad". "They do not know the definition of love. In the name of 'Love Jihad', they are trying to bring bad name to the pious relationship between a man and a woman," Khan said.

He also took a dig at BJP leader Sadhvi Prachi who has appeal to youth not to idolise the Bollywood's Khan trio -- Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan. Referring to himself, Azam said said that there was another Khan in the list.

"They (saffron outfit leaders) have been criticising Khans. But now they have added one more Khan, Azam Khan, for various reasons," he said.

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Kejriwal may skip crucial PAC meet tomorrow

LUCKNOW: Aam Aadmi Party convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal may skip the party's crucial political affairs committee meeting on Wednesday which is likely to take up the issue of indiscipline and internal bickering in the organization.

"Hectic schedule, hard work and stress for past several months have taken serious toll on his (Kejriwal) health. His sugar (fasting) level is high (300) for the past few days and doctors have advised him medical leave. There is a possibility he may not attend the PAC meeting," said Sanjay Singh, AAP national spokesperson and UP in charge here on Tuesday.

Singh was in the city for the party's 'Swaraj March', first big function organized in UP after Delhi victory. In his address, he raised the issue of internal bickering in the party, accused founder member Shanti Bhushan of working against the party's interest in Delhi polls. He also asked party workers if they wanted Kejriwal to step down from the post of national convener as demanded by a few leaders, the unanimous answer of the gathering was a loud "No". He also said that AAP would make its presence felt in UP by raising movements but decision to contest 2017 assembly elections would be taken only if it is able to build a strong cadre base. "Right now focus would be on raising public issues and strengthening party," he said.

Later, reply to media query on rift in the party and `letter war' between Kejriwal loyalists and founding members Prashant Bhushan, Shanti Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, Singh said that it was unfortunate and painful. "The way letters are being leaked to media indicates ill intention of the leaders writing them," he said.

On one-man-one-post issue raised by the party's `internal lokpal' Admiral Ramdas, Singh said that everyone was free to raise issue, even criticize top leadership within the party forums, but not allowed to malign party's image by planting stories in media. "The issue will be taken up at the PAC meet," he said. Singh said that there is no restriction of one-man-one-post in the party. "I am member of PAC and national executive, spokesperson and UP in charge. Many have been given additional responsibility depending on their capacity. The restriction is on giving election ticket to more than one person from a family." Singh said "Kejriwal had in the national executive meeting on February 26 tendered his resignation from the post of convener. Of 60 members present, 58 presented their views. And, the meet unanimously rejected Kejriwal's resignation. Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav were also present in the meeting."

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‘We can never support it’: Narendra Modi disapproves of Mufti Sayeed’s comments

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his disapproval of the remarks made by Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed where Sayeed gave credit to Pakistan, the separatists and the militants for the successful assembly election in the state.

The Prime Minister said such a statement cannot be supported.

"If somebody makes such a statement, we can never support it," Modi said in Rajya Sabha, referring to the controversial remarks made by Sayeed who is heading a PDP-BJP coalition government in the state. Members have been demanding Modi's response to the remarks made by Sayeed soon after he was sworn in on Sunday.

READ ALSO: READ ALSO: Hurriyat, Pak allowed conducive atmosphere for polls, Mufti Sayeed says

"If somebody makes a statement somewhere and we are forced to respond here, things will not work," the Prime Minister said. He asserted that his government "will move ahead with the policy of 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism" and "all resolutions passed here (in Parliament) will be implemented in letter and spirit."

Modi said the credit for the successful elections goes to the people of Jammu & Kashmir who "removed doubts" in the international community by turning up in large numbers with "overwhelming courage and pride" and "put their stamp of approval on what India had been saying all along".

He underlined faith in people of Jammu & Kashmir while asserting his government's commitment to unity and integrity. On questions by some members whether BJP will pull out of the coalition government over the issue, Modi said the government will run only on the basis of common minimum programme (CMP).
"I want to assure this House and 125 crore people of the country that the government formed in Jammu & Kashmir is based on the common minimum programme and the government will run on its basis," he said while replying to the motion of thanks to the President's address.

READ ALSO: J&K CM Mufti Sayeed stands by his Pak remark

On Sunday, Sayeed, in his first news conference after assuming office as chief minister of the state, had said: "Pakistan, Hurriyat and militants allowed conducive atmosphere for assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir."

Following Sayeed's remarks, former J&K CM Omar Abdullah took a dig at BJP questioning its stand on the issue.

"Dear BJP, please explain role of security forces and polling staff considering your CM just said 'Pak allowed elections in J&K'," Omar tweeted.

He further tweeted: "Dear @BJP4India please explain roll of security forces & polling staff considering your CM just said 'Pakistan allowed elections in J&K'."

(With inputs from PTI)

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Huge row over interview of Nirbhaya’s rapist, Delhi Police register case

NEW DELHI: The interview of one of the convicts of Nirbhaya's gang rape and murder for a documentary by a British filmmaker snowballed into a huge controversy on Tuesday.

The government taking a serious view of the matter and seeking an explanation from Tihar Jail authorities and Delhi Police registering an FIR in the shooting of the interview. The police registered the case under Section 509 (outraging the modesty of women) and Section 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of trust) of the Indian Penal code.

Delhi Police chief BS Bassi said, "We urge the Indian media not to show it. Police moving chief metropolitan magistrate's court today to seek restrain from airing of the show."

The parents of the December 16, 2012 gang-rape victim reacted angrily to the remarks made by Mukesh Singh in the interview where he seeks to blame their daughter for the horrific incident, calling it shameful and demanded he be hanged. The filmmaker Leslee Udwin on her part said the film is her attempt to examine the attitude of men towards women and that there was nothing sensational in it.

Udwin also claimed she took permission from the then director general of Tijar Jail Vimla Mehra before interviewing Mukesh in the prison for BBC.

Nirbhaya gang rape: Complete coverage

Taking the incident of the convict being interviewed in custody very "seriously", home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Tihar Jail director general Alok Kumar Verma and sought a detailed report on it urgently, official sources said.

Clockwise from top left: Akshay Thakur, Vinay Sharma, Pawan Gupta and Mukesh Singh. They were found guilty for the gang rape and murder of Nirbhaya and sentenced to death. The fifth accused adult Ram Singh was found hanging in his cell in Tihar Jail. The sixth accused was found to be a juvenile and found guilty by the juvenile justice board and sent to a juvenile correctional facility for about three years.

During the telephonic conversation, the DG briefed the home minister about the incident and the action taken so far, the sources said.

In the interview, Mukesh, who was awarded death sentence for the brutal rape and murder of the 23-year-old Nirbhaya, said the women who went out at night had only themselves to blame if they attracted the attention of gangs of male molesters.

READ ALSO: Nirbhaya gang-rape convict blames victim for the fatal assault

"A girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy," he had said.

Mukesh also said that had the girl and her friend not tried to fight back, the gang would not have inflicted the savage beating, which led to her death later.

Describing the killing as an "accident", he had said, "When being raped, she shouldn't fight back. She should just be silent and allow the rape. Then they'd have dropped her off after 'doing her', and only hit the boy." 'India's Daughter' tells the story of the Delhi gangrape incident from the perspective of the convicts and victim's parents, Udwin claimed.

The filmmaker asked people not to have pre-conceived notion about the movie, which will premiere in India on March 8 on NDTV.

"The film ends with global statistics around the world, country by country. Rape is not an Indian problem. It's a global problem," she told reporters.

As a controversy arose over permission given to interview Mukesh in Tihar Jail, she said, "I wrote a letter to DG of Tihar. The DG of Tihar had to consult with MHA. The letter basically stated that it was a campaigning film. I had applied permission in May 2013 and I got the answer 'yes' in two weeks. Official permission of MHA also came. Permission from the prison was also signed."

(With inputs from PTI)

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Seychelles releases 19 detained Indian fishermen

MADURAI: Nineteen deep sea Indian fishermen, who were released by a court in Seychelles on Monday, is expected to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday night, more than a month after they were detained in that country for violating the territorial waters.

The Seychelles Coast Guard apprehended 21 fishermen - 13 from Thoothoor in Tamil Nadu and eight from Kerala - and their two boats on January 28. The fishermen set sail from Kochi on January 15.

While the fishermen were retained in their boats, masters of the vessels, S Gracious from Eraviputhanthurai and M Jerine from Colachel, were lodged in a jail.

While 19 fishermen were released on Monday, the masters of the vessels are still held in the country awaiting next hearing on March 13, according to their relatives.

T Devadoss, father of one of the fishermen, Rivaldo, said his son had called him up stating that they were starting from Seychelles on Monday night.

"We are expecting them to reach Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday night. Though we are glad that our fishermen are coming back, we are very much worried about the fate of those two boats and their masters," he voiced his concern.

With crew members released from the custody, fishermen back in Thoothoor fear that the boats might be confiscated. "Our fishermen procure boats amidst huge debts and they will be in trouble if something happens to the boats. We will know the fate of our boats after the next hearing", Devadoss added.

P Justin Antony of Tamil Nadu Fishermen Development Trust (TNFIDET) said they had learnt that state government and the Centre were working hard to get the masters of vessels and their boats released.

"Our fishermen will be crippled without the boats, and we earnestly appeal our governments to help the fishermen", he said.

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