News for 'State Information Commissioners'

Rape of Bhopal college students: Main accused shot

Rape of Bhopal college students: Main accused shot

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The main accused, arrested for the rape and blackmailing of some girl students of a college in Bhopal, was shot and injured after he allegedly tried to escape custody by snatching a policeman's pistol, an official said on Saturday.

Rule of law or rule of muscle power? HC slams Maha city planning body

Rule of law or rule of muscle power? HC slams Maha city planning body

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court has criticized the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for failing to take action against illegal structures in Navi Mumbai. The court questioned whether the rule of law or the rule of muscle power prevails in the state, noting that CIDCO officers were threatened by a local sarpanch when they attempted to take action. The court directed CIDCO to demolish the unauthorized structures within a week and ordered the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner to provide protection to CIDCO officers.

Cops reveal why Sonam's alleged lover did not travel to Meghalaya

Cops reveal why Sonam's alleged lover did not travel to Meghalaya

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Raja Raghuvanshi's wife Sonam (25), allegedly involved in the murder of her husband, surrendered before the Nandganj Police Station in Ghazipur district in adjoining Uttar Pradesh and was later placed under arrest, according to the Meghalaya police.

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Ashoka Univeristy associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested for his social media post on Operation Sindoor, police said in Sonipat on Sunday.

Will act with alacrity on cyber fraud cases: Mumbai police assure HC

Will act with alacrity on cyber fraud cases: Mumbai police assure HC

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Mumbai Police has assured the Bombay High Court that it will act promptly on cyber fraud complaints and sensitize all police officials to ensure prompt action and FIR registration when such complaints are filed. The assurance came after a city-based woman filed a petition alleging that the local police failed to act swiftly on her cyber fraud complaint, resulting in a loss of Rs 45 lakh. The court has directed the Additional Director General of Police (Maharashtra Cyber) to appear before it on April 22 to inform the bench on the formation of the Maharashtra Cyber Security Corporation.

8 kids among 17 killed as fire engulfs Hyderabad building

8 kids among 17 killed as fire engulfs Hyderabad building

Rediff.com18 May 2025

A blaze triggered by a suspected short circuit in a building near the iconic Charminar here on Sunday left 17 people dead, with a majority of them being children.

Was kept in dark on appointment of new CIC: Adhir writes to Prez

Was kept in dark on appointment of new CIC: Adhir writes to Prez

Rediff.com7 Nov 2023

Chowdhury said the voice of the Opposition has been "ignored" and that is not good for democracy.

CBIC Eases GST Rules, Checks Overreach

CBIC Eases GST Rules, Checks Overreach

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

The revised guidelines are aimed at curbing discretionary practices by field officers, especially the tendency to seek documents not mandated under the law.

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Police said they have made five arrests in the incident. Those arrested have been identified as Prabhjit Singh, the main accused, Kulbir Singh, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh and Ninder Kaur, they said.

Maha: Info commissioner suspended over Adarsh scam

Maha: Info commissioner suspended over Adarsh scam

Rediff.com20 Jan 2011

Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan on Thursday suspended defiant state Information Commissioner Ramanand Tiwari, who had refused to abide by the government's order to quit for his alleged involvement in the Adarsh Housing scam. "The governor has suspended Tiwari with immediate effect, using powers under Section 17.2 of the RTI Act," a Raj Bhavan spokesperson said. The development comes two days after the governor had made a reference to the Supreme Court.

How Subramanian Swamy Escaped Arrest During The Emergency

How Subramanian Swamy Escaped Arrest During The Emergency

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Is it right and proper for the US authorities to allow people like Subrahmanya Swamy [sic] go round the country preaching murder, violence, overthrow of the duly elected Government of India?' A fascinating excerpt from Sugata Srinivasaraju's The Conscience Network: A Chronicle of Resistance to a Dictatorship.

Badlapur accused death: HC orders FIR against 5 cops

Badlapur accused death: HC orders FIR against 5 cops

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Bombay high court on Monday ordered a first information report (FIR) against five policemen for the custodial death of Badlapur sexual assault case accused Akshay Shinde, allegedly shot dead in a police van in September 2024, and setting up of an Special Investigation Team, noting that a prima facie offence is disclosed.

Husband key suspect in B'luru murder, hospitalised after suicide bid

Husband key suspect in B'luru murder, hospitalised after suicide bid

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The husband of a 32-year-old woman, found dead in a suitcase in Bengaluru, is the main suspect in her murder. He fled to Pune after the crime and attempted suicide by consuming poison. The police have detained him and are awaiting his discharge from the hospital to interrogate him. Marital dispute is suspected to be the motive behind the murder.

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim bail of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor. The court, however, restrained him from posting anything online with respect to the cases against him, stating that there was no impediment on his right to speech and expression. The court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to furnish the investigation report on the next date of hearing.

Punjab police raid 1,274 immigration firms, 7 illegal travel agents held

Punjab police raid 1,274 immigration firms, 7 illegal travel agents held

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Punjab Police conducted raids and search operations at 1,274 immigration firms across the state to protect aspiring immigrants from falling prey to unscrupulous travel agents. The massive operation, carried out on the directions of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, was a response to the recent deportation of illegal Indian immigrants by the US. Many of the deportees from Punjab and Haryana have alleged they were duped by travel agents who promised legal entry to the US but instead used the "donkey route" - an illegal and risky pathway. Police have registered 24 FIRs against travel agents and arrested seven. The operation was conducted under the Punjab Travel Professionals' Regulation Act, 2012, which mandates travel agents to obtain a license, maintain records, and comply with other regulations. The police advised citizens to verify travel agents' credentials before entrusting them with documents and money.

Punjab: Grenade attack on BJP leader's home, 2 held; ISI link suspected

Punjab: Grenade attack on BJP leader's home, 2 held; ISI link suspected

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

A loud sound was heard at around 1 am outside Kalia's residence near Shastri Market in Jalandhar, police said, adding that no one was hurt in the incident.

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'What does Indira Gandhi want from me? At this age, what will I do to her?'

Student dies, 28 hospitalised after food poisoning at K'taka hostel

Student dies, 28 hospitalised after food poisoning at K'taka hostel

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

A 13-year-old boy died and 28 other students were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning at an unauthorized hostel in Mandya, Karnataka, India. The incident occurred after students consumed leftover food from a Holi celebration. The school has been operating without a license to run a hostel and was illegally operating the hostel on the first floor of the school building. The school reportedly follows an arrangement where hostel students receive leftover food from nearby events. The school owner, cook, and hostel warden have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Canada leaked Nijjar info to Washington Post, didn't tell citizens

Canada leaked Nijjar info to Washington Post, didn't tell citizens

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Top Canadian officials have reportedly admitted to leaking details about India's interference to The Washington Post, but these specifics were not shared with Canadians, The Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper and made a gesture by raising his hand at a police officer during a protest rally in Belagavi. The incident occurred when a group of people, allegedly BJP workers, attempted to disrupt his speech by displaying a black flag and shouting slogans. Siddaramaiah, visibly upset, summoned the police officer to the stage and instructed him to remove the disruptive individuals. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the CM and BJP leaders, with both sides accusing each other of disrupting rallies and resorting to violence.

Bengal to file review plea in SC over 25,000 scrapped school jobs

Bengal to file review plea in SC over 25,000 scrapped school jobs

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Referring to clashes between police and teachers outside the district inspector of schools' office at Kasba in Kolkata, Pant appealed to the educators not to get involved in confrontations so that their plan to legally resolve the impasse does not get affected.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, India, has stopped taking deposits from patients at the emergency department after a pregnant woman died after being turned away for non-payment. The hospital faced intense criticism following the incident, which involved the wife of a BJP MLC's personal secretary. The woman was shifted to another hospital where she died after delivering twins.

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government's decision to appoint Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the middle of the night, arguing that it is "disrespectful" and "discourteous" given the ongoing Supreme Court challenge to the selection process. Gandhi presented a dissent note to the selection committee, stating that the process violates the Supreme Court order and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

1 survives, at least 265 killed in AI crash in Ahmedabad

1 survives, at least 265 killed in AI crash in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

An Air India aircraft with 242 passengers on board heading to London crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, the police said.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court expressed its dismay over the Maharashtra government's failure to register an FIR against five policemen involved in the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, despite an explicit court order. The court, alleging a deliberate attempt to disregard its directives, threatened contempt proceedings against senior CID officers for non-compliance. The case pertains to Shinde's death while in police custody, accused of sexually assaulting two kindergarten girls in Badlapur. An inquiry report by a magistrate indicted the five policemen, suggesting a possible fake encounter. The court emphasized the importance of following the rule of law and stated that the government's inaction would send a detrimental message to society.

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A day after high drama over the 'kidnapping' of ex-Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant's son, traced on a Bangkok-bound chartered flight which was diverted to Pune, the Sawant junior claimed he kept his 'business trip' secret to avoid his family's wrath.

Cash row: HC probe report, SC video cast doubt on Delhi fire chief's claim

Cash row: HC probe report, SC video cast doubt on Delhi fire chief's claim

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

A video and inquiry report have raised questions about the Delhi Fire Services' claim that no cash was found at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma during a fire incident on March 14. The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows fire fighters dousing flames on articles that appear to include half-burnt Indian currency notes. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice has initiated an in-house inquiry against Justice Varma and the Supreme Court has proposed his transfer to the Allahabad High Court.

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A massive fire that tore through a budget hotel in the congested Mechuapatti area of Burrabazar in central Kolkata on Tuesday night claimed at least 14 lives and left 13 injured, triggering a political blame game and calls for accountability.

Sambhal court asks for mosque survey report in 10 days

Sambhal court asks for mosque survey report in 10 days

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

A court in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has directed the court-appointed commissioner to submit a survey report on the Jama Masjid mosque within 10 days. The survey was ordered following claims that a temple stood on the site. The court set the next hearing date for January 8. Tensions have been escalating in Sambhal since November 19 when the survey began, leading to violence on November 24 that resulted in four deaths and injuries.

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In what was perhaps the most critical meeting before full-scale war broke out, Shastri defined India's immediate war objectives to his defence minister, army, and air force chiefs: 'To defend against Pakistan's attempts to grab Kashmir by force and to make it abundantly clear that Pakistan would never be allowed to wrest Kashmir from India; To destroy the offensive power of Pakistan's armed forces...' A fascinating excerpt from Shiv Kunal Verma's must-read 1965: A Western Sunrise India's War With Pakistan.

'He was over-speeding for enjoyment', killed 1 person

'He was over-speeding for enjoyment', killed 1 person

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

One woman has died, and several others have sustained injuries after an over-speeding four-wheeler rammed into two-wheelers on March 14 in Gujarat's Vadodara. Speaking to ANI, Vikas Kewalani, a victim of the car accident, demanded strict action against the accused, stating that they would realise their mistakes only when strict punishment is enforced.

Non-citizens not barred from seeking information under RTI Act: HC

Non-citizens not barred from seeking information under RTI Act: HC

Rediff.com20 Mar 2023

The court stated that creating an absolute bar on the disclosure of information to non-citizens would be contrary to the purpose and object of the RTI Act itself, and the same cannot be read into the legislation.

SC rejects Kejri plea in PM degree row, paves way for trial

SC rejects Kejri plea in PM degree row, paves way for trial

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti noted that a separate bench of the apex court had junked the plea filed by AAP leader Sanjay Singh on April 8 in the same case, who is a co-accused in the case.

Top-level Indo-Bangla talks next week, first after Hasina's ouster

Top-level Indo-Bangla talks next week, first after Hasina's ouster

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The border forces of India and Bangladesh will hold their bi-annual talks next week in New Delhi, with issues such as border fence construction and attacks on BSF personnel and civilians by Bangladeshi miscreants figuring among the discussion points. The 55th Director General-Level Border Coordination Conference between BSF and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be organised at the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in New Delhi between February 17-20. The conference will be the first top-level meeting between the two sides after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August last year. Discussions will be held on prevention of attacks on BSF personnel and Indian civilians by Bangladesh-based miscreants/nationals, how to prevent trans-border crimes, construction of a single-row fence, action against Indian Insurgent Groups in Bangladesh, issues related to border infrastructure, joint efforts for effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan, Confidence Building Measures and other issues.

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Protest Against Aurangzeb's Tomb Turns Violent In Nagpur

Protest Against Aurangzeb's Tomb Turns Violent In Nagpur

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Violence erupted in central Nagpur on Monday with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, officials said.

Nagpur violence: Police to identify 1,000 suspects; 18 special teams formed

Nagpur violence: Police to identify 1,000 suspects; 18 special teams formed

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Police in Nagpur, Maharashtra, have formed 18 special teams to track down and arrest those involved in the violence that erupted in the city on Monday. As of Thursday, 69 people have been arrested in connection with the riots, while 200 accused have been identified and another 1,000 suspects are being investigated based on CCTV footage. The violence, which was sparked by rumors about a religious artifact being burnt during protests, led to injuries to 33 police personnel and damage to property.

Curfew clamped in Manipur's Churachandpur after 2 communities clash

Curfew clamped in Manipur's Churachandpur after 2 communities clash

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Curfew was imposed in Manipur's Churachandpur on Monday as a precautionary measure following clashes between Hmar and Zomi communities. The decision came after a Hmar tribal leader was assaulted, leading to demands for the perpetrators to be identified. Prohibitory orders were also imposed in the district, banning unauthorized processions and assemblies, and restricting the carrying of weapons. The violence stemmed from an altercation involving the Hmar leader, who was accused of nearly hitting a two-wheeler rider. The incident sparked protests and clashes, with central security forces intervening to disperse mobs. The Hmar Village Volunteers have imposed a total shutdown in Pherzawl and Jiribam districts in response to the violence.