Indian police arrest 44 men accused of raping teenager over five years in Kerala

KOCHI, Jan 14: Police in India’s southern state of Kerala have arrested 44 men accused of raping an 18-year-old girl over five years, a police official said on Tuesday, in a case that has shocked the coastal tourist resort.

The victim, an athlete who belongs to the so-called lower caste community known as Dalits, told police in a statement that she was sexually abused by 62 people for five years.

Police have identified 58 of those men, some of whom are minors and arrested 44 over the last two days, officials said.

“We have identified the remaining 14 and they will be arrested soon,” said the deputy superintendent of police in the Pathanamthitta district where the crimes took place, PS Nandakumar.

The case came to light after the girl narrated the gang rape to a volunteer during a gender awareness programme. Nandkumar, who heads the investigation, said details of how the crimes were committed were still being investigated.

In her statement to the police, the victim said the abuse began when she was 13 after her neighbour allegedly raped her.

Local media reported that four of the accused were minors.

Under Indian law, the accused in rape cases that involve lower castes do not immediately get bail.

There were more than 31,000 reported rapes in 2022 in India, the latest year for which data is available, and conviction rates are notoriously low.

New Delhi seeks discharge of Indians after one more killed fighting for Russia

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: A day after it emerged that a man from Kerala died while fighting in the Russian army on the frontlines of the country's war against Ukraine, the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said that it has strongly taken up the issue with the Russian government.

India, the ministry said, has also reiterated its demand for the early discharge of others from the country who have been inducted into the Russian army.

The family of Binil Babu, 32, from Thrissur in Kerala, had said that he and a relative had been injured in a drone attack. They were later informed that Babu had died while the relative was undergoing treatment after suffering severe injuries.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow."

Offering his condolences to the family of the man who was killed, Jaiswal said India's embassy in Moscow is in touch with both families and is helping them in every possible way. The ministry, he said, is working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the dead man's body to India and has also sought "early discharge and repatriation to India" of the injured person.

"The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals," the spokesperson asserted.

In October last year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said 85 Indians had been discharged from the Russian military and efforts were on the secure the release of 20 more.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of the early discharge of Indians during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July and reiterated it when the two leaders met during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October.

"An important issue that came up was the issue of early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army. This figured from both sides in the discussion, and with the support of the Russian side, a number of Indian nationals have, in recent months, been able to return to India," Misri had said after the summit.

Parliamentary Panel May Summon Mark Zuckerberg's Meta

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Social media giant Meta is set to get a summons from a Parliamentary Standing Committee over its boss Mark Zuckerberg's remark on the 2024 Indian general election.

Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP and chairman of the House panel on Communication and Information Technology, said Meta would be summoned on grounds of spreading misinformation.

"Misinformation on a democratic country maligns its image. The organisation would have to apologise to the Parliament and the people here for this mistake," Dubey said in a post on X.

In a podcast on January 10, the 40-year-old Facebook co-founder said the Covid pandemic had led to an erosion of trust in incumbent governments the world over. He cited India's example in this connection.

"2024 was a very big election year around the world and all these countries, India, had elections. The incumbents basically lost every single one. There is some sort of a global phenomenon - whether it was because of inflation or the economic policies to deal with Covid or just how the governments dealt with Covid. It seems to have had this effect that's global," he said.

Soon after, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw fact-checked Zuckerberg's remark and said the people of India had reaffirmed their trust in the NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha election held last year.

"As the world's largest democracy, India conducted the 2024 elections with over 640 million voters. People of India reaffirmed their trust in NDA led by PM @narendramodi Ji's leadership. Zuckerberg's claim that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections, lost post-COVID is factually incorrect," Vaishnaw, who handles portfolios of Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology in the Modi 3.0 government, said in a post on X.

"From free food for 800 million, 2.2 billion free vaccines, and aid to nations worldwide during COVID, to leading India as the fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi's decisive 3rd-term victory is a testament to good governance and public trust. Meta, it's disappointing to see misinformation from Zuckerberg himself. Let's uphold facts and credibility," he added.

Army Chief Justifies Removal Of Iconic Picture Of Pakistan's Surrender In 1971 War

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi today spoke out over the removal of the iconic picture of Pakistan's surrender to India in the 1971 war from his office at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. It was recently replaced by a new painting titled 'Karam Kshetra'. The move had caused much anguish among army veterans, who have criticised the decision.

The iconic picture of Pakistan's surrender used to be on the wall of the army chief's lounge at his office. In December it was taken down for maintenance and upkeep, but later sent away to the Manekshaw convention centre instead of being brought back to the army chief's office. A new artwork was installed in its place.

Defending the move, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said, "If you see the golden history of India - it has three chapters. It has the British era, the Mughal era and the era before that. If we wish to connect that and the Army's vision, symbolism becomes important."

Suggesting a generational change, the army chief said the new painting is created by Lt Col Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment, "who belongs to the younger generation in the force".

The Indian Army has said that the new painting, "Karam Kshetra" means "Field of Deeds". "It portrays the Army as a guardian of Dharma that protects the nation's values and reflects its evolution into a technologically-advanced integrated force," it explained.

The painting shows snow-capped mountains around the Pangong lake in Ladakh, Lord Krishna's chariot and Hindu statesman and philosopher Chanakya - all representing strategic wisdom.

The army chief suggested that the new painting was made considering the current realities as he mentioned about the re-balancing of troops in view of challenges coming from the northern front.

Addressing the criticism over the new painting, Army Chief Gen. Dwivedi said, "It is also being said that there is a semi-clad Brahmin standing at the centre on the banks of Pangong Tso. If Indians do not know Chanakya, they need to refer back to their civilisational approach."

The army chief further said that "If I have to connect the past, present and future, the new painting symbolises that."

Laying the case to rest, the army chief concluded that the move should not be seen as a removal of the iconic 1971 painting from his office. "The army chief has two lounges and the surrender painting is at the lounge at Manekshaw Centre," Gen. Dwivedi said.

J&K's 6.5-km Z-Morh Tunnel Inaugurated For All-Year Access To Sonamarg

SRINAGAR, Jan 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel, also known as the Sonamarg tunnel, in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir stood on PM Modi's left as he cut the red ribbon and inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were also present at the inauguration.

Located in the picturesque Ganderbal district, the Z-Morh tunnel will enhance connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, providing an all-weather route for travellers.

Following the inauguration, Modi travelled through the Sonamarg tunnel. He inspected the tunnel and took detailed information about its route map and construction work.

Modi interacted with the officials and construction workers who worked meticulously in the harshest conditions for the construction of this tunnel.

Part Of Kannauj Railway Station Collapses In UP, Many Feared Trapped

KANNAUJ, Jan 11: An under-construction building at Kannauj railway station in Uttar Pradesh collapsed on Friday, burying dozens of workers under the debris. The incident occurred while work was underway on a two-storey building as part of a beautification project at the station.

Around 35 workers were present on-site at the time of the accident. Rescue operations led by railway, police, and administrative officials have so far saved 23 workers from the rubble.

"According to preliminary information, the incident occurred when the under-construction shuttering of the roof collapsed," District Magistrate (DM) Shubhrant Kumar Shukl said, as quoted by a news agency.

"Our first priority is to rescue the workers who are trapped. We are using all resources at our disposal for the rescue efforts," he added.

The state government has announced compensation of Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured and Rs 5,000 for those who sustained minor injuries. Relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing, said Northeastern Railway. The State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) has been called in from Lucknow to assist with the rescue work.

Modi Says Future Is Not In War, It Is In Buddha

BHUBANESWAR, Jan 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Odisha. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being organised by the Centre in collaboration with the Odisha state government, from January 8 to 10.

Modi arrived in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, where he was welcomed by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the airport.

Modi said, “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become an institution to strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora. In just a few days, the Mahakumbh will start in Prayagraj. The festival of Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu are also coming up. There is a joyful atmosphere everywhere. For us, it was on this day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi came back to India after a long time abroad. Your presence in India at such a wonderful time is adding to the festive spirit. This edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is special for an additional reason. We have gathered after the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His vision was instrumental to this program."

Top Court Rejects Pleas On Review Of Same-Sex Marriage Verdict

NEW DELHI, Jan 9: Noting that there was no "error apparent" and no "interference is warranted", the Supreme Court has dismissed petitions seeking a review of its October 2023 judgment in which it refused to grant legal sanction to same-sex marriage.

Having refused an open hearing on the petitions earlier, a bench of Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, BV Nagarathna, PS Narasimha and Dipankar Datta considered the petitions in chambers and said that it had gone through the judgments of Justice Ravindra Bhat (speaking for himself and Justice Hima Kohli), and Justice PS Narasimha - which constituted the majority - and found no error in them.

"We have carefully gone through the judgments delivered by Hon'ble Mr. S. Ravindra Bhat (Former Judge) speaking for himself and for Hon'ble Ms Justice Hima Kohli (Former Judge) as well as the concurring opinion expressed by one of us (Hon'ble Mr Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha), constituting majority view. We do not find any error apparent on the face of the record," the bench said.

"We further find that the view expressed in both the judgments is in accordance with the law and, as such, no interference is warranted. Accordingly, the review petitions are dismissed," it added.

The bench hearing the review petitions was constituted after Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who is now the Chief Justice of India, recused from hearing them in July 2024.

PS Narasimha is the only member of the original Constitution bench that had delivered the original verdict - former Chief Justice Of India DY Chandrachud and Justices SK Kaul, Ravindra Bhat and Hima Kohli have retired - who was also on the review bench.

In the October 2023 verdict, the bench had said there was "no unqualified right" to marriage with the exception of those recognised by law.

It had also, however, pushed for the rights of LGBTQIA++ community and disagreed with the Centre's contention, saying that queerness is "neither urban nor elitist".

"Same-sex relationships have been recognised from antiquity, not just for sexual activities but as relationships for emotional fulfilment. I have referred to certain Sufi traditions. I agree with the judgment of the Chief Justice. It is not res integra for a constitutional court to uphold the rights and the court has been guided by the constitutional morality and not social morality. These unions are to be recognised as a union to give partnership and love," Justice Kaul had said.

Delhi To Vote On February 5, Counting On February 8

NEW DELHI, Jan 7: The assembly elections in Delhi will take place in a single phase on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8, the Election Commission announced today.

The schedule for polls to the Delhi Legislative Assembly was released at a press conference by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and other senior poll officials.

The term of the 70-member Assembly ends on February 23, and elections have to be held before that to constitute a new House. The national capital has traditionally seen assembly polls in a single phase.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is pushing hard for a third consecutive term, while the BJP has gone all out to turn the tables. Also in the fight is the Congress, which is going alone and targeting both the BJP and the AAP, which was its ally during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Kumar also said India will soon create a new record of one billion-plus voters.

"Electoral rolls were released yesterday. We are crossing 99 crore voters... We are going to be a nation of one billion voters very soon, which will be another record in voting," Kumar said.

He also said 2024 was the year of elections globally when two-third of the world's population in democracies voted in different polls.

9 Killed After Maoists Blow Up Security Vehicle In Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR, Jan 6: Eight jawans and a driver were killed in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district when Maoists used an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to blow up their vehicle. The nine were returning from an operation when the IED blew up the Scorpio SUV at Kutru in the Bastar region around 2.15 pm.

Earlier today, security forces attacked Maoists in the Abujhmad region of Chhattisgarh and killed five rebels, including two women. Automatic weapons such as AK 47 and Self-Loading Rifles have been recovered. It was this operation that the jawans were returning from when the rebels targeted them.

The eight security personnel belonged to the District Reserve Guard, a specialised police unit set up to tackle Maoism in the state. Visuals showed a massive crater at the spot, suggesting the intensity of the IED blast that killed the jawans.

The Maoist attack comes against the backdrop of security forces making deep inroads into the Maoist-dominated areas of Chhattisgarh and cornering the rebels.

'Extremely Tortured By Wife, In-Laws': Delhi Cafe Owner's Video Note Before Suicide

NEW DELHI, Jan 2: In a video recorded before his death, 40-year-old Delhi-based cafe owner Puneet Khurana alleged that mental torture and unreasonable demands from his wife Manika Pahwa and in-laws drove him to suicide. The incident occurred in the Model Town area of the national capital, with Khurana leaving behind a series of video statements outlining his ordeal.

Khurana described how ongoing divorce proceedings, initiated through mutual consent, had devolved into a bitter dispute with his wife and in-laws. Khurana claimed that financially burdensome demands were imposed upon him, including an additional payment of Rs 10 lakh, which he could not afford.

"I am about to commit suicide because I am extremely tortured by my in-laws and my wife. We have already filed for mutual divorce on certain terms and conditions. Obviously, when it comes to mutual divorce we have signed some conditions in court. We have to fulfil those conditions within the period of 180 days. But my in-laws and my wife are pressurising me with a new set of conditions which are beyond my scope," Khurana said in the video.

"They are asking for another Rs 10 lakh which I don't have the capacity to pay. I cannot ask my parents as they already have paid enough."

Khurana's family has accused Manika Pahwa, along with her sister and parents, of consistent harassment. According to his sister, the abuse was not limited to financial pressures but extended to emotional manipulation. She claimed that Ms Pahwa had hacked into Khurana's social media accounts and harassed him through multiple channels.

"She, her sister, and her parents mentally tortured and harassed him. There is a video recording of around 59 minutes, in which Puneet has mentioned details of harassment he faced. The woman had even hacked Puneet's social media account," the sister said.

Khurana's mother alleged that her son suffered in silence and avoided sharing his troubles to protect his family from further distress. "She (Ms Pahwa) used to keep torturing him...I want justice for him," his mother said.

On December 30, Khurana allegedly had a heated conversation with Ms Pahwa. The call, which was recorded and is now with the police, revealed bitter exchanges over property and their co-owned bakery business, "For God's Cake."

In the 15-minute call, Ms Pahwa is heard using derogatory language and accusing Puneet of ruining her life. "Beggar, tell me what have you asked for. I do not want to see your face. If you come in front of me, I will slap you. If the divorce is going on, will you remove me from the business? Then you will say, 'if you threaten me, I will commit suicide'," she said.

Khurana responded, "All of this doesn't matter anymore. Just tell me what you want."

On December 31, at approximately 4:20 pm, the Delhi Police received information about the incident. Khurana was found unresponsive on his bed with a mark around his neck. The police later confirmed that he died by hanging. A mobile phone containing Khurana's video statement and the call recordings was seized as evidence.

Khurana and Ms Pahwa married in 2016 and initially operated the popular Woodbox Cafe together. However, within two years, their relationship soured, leading to mutual divorce proceedings. Despite court-mandated conditions for their separation, Ms Khurana's family alleges that Ms Pahwa repeatedly threatened to escalate the conflict, including filing false cases against them if her demands were not met.

Days before the suicide, Ms Pahwa shared a cryptic social media post claiming she had endured "toxicity and narcissistic abuse" but was now free. Referring to her alleged abusers as "insecure cowards".

However, Khurana's family contends that allegations of abuse were a deliberate ploy to divert attention from her own actions. They allege that her public statements were timed to deflect scrutiny and preemptively frame her as a victim. Khurana's family claims that Ms Pahwa made five demands to settle their divorce, including Rs 70,000 per month as lawyer's fee.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest Delhi) Bhisham Singh confirmed that an inquiry is underway, with statements being recorded from both families.

"The father of Puneet Khurana, said that his son was going through marital discord and alleged that his daughter-in-law harassed him, which led to his suicide," Bhisham Singh said.

"We have seized the man's mobile phone, and the family's claims are being verified. An inquiry is underway with both families participating in the investigation. Manika's family has made counter-allegations, and a divorce case is also ongoing," he added.

Police have retrieved call recordings, CCTV footage, and Khurana's mobile phone for forensic analysis. The ongoing investigation will also explore the financial transactions and property disputes central to the case.

Khurana's suicide is not an isolated incident. Just last month, a Bengaluru tech executive named Atul Subhash died by suicide, leaving behind a 24-page note accusing his wife and her family of harassment. He alleged a campaign of legal and emotional abuse, concluding that his death was the only way to protect his elderly parents from further exploitation.

Subhash's wife and her family were subsequently arrested.