Two petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored probe into the violence in West Bengal over the newly-enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act. The petitions call for a special investigation team or a judicial enquiry commission to investigate the incidents, which have resulted in deaths and displacement. The Calcutta High Court has already ordered the deployment of central forces in the violence-hit Murshidabad district.
The Ram temple trust on Monday accepted the resignations of Champat Rai as its general secretary and member Anil Mishra in the wake of embezzlement of donations. Trustee Krishna Mohan has been named as interim general secretary. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust also announced the formation of a three-member committee to identify a chief executive officer (CEO) for the temple trust.
A preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has identified Avinash Shukla as the prime accused in the alleged theft of devotees' offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, linking him to a suspected 40-day racket involving nearly 70 instances of pilferage from the donation-counting system.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for June 29 on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the registration of an FIR and a time-bound probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.
The police investigating the "embezzlement" of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have scrutinised the bank accounts of relatives of the eight arrested accused as they seek to establish the money trail behind the alleged diversion of funds, sources said on Friday.
A Nashik court granted bail to a pregnant Nida Khan, an accused in a TCS sexual harassment and alleged religious conversion case, citing the trauma of giving birth in prison. The court noted the investigation suggests Khan attempted to 'brainwash the victim' and change her religious views, but prioritised the welfare of the unborn child. Khan was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 75,000, while a Special Investigation Team probes nine related cases.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is holding a crucial meeting to discuss ongoing investigations into alleged embezzlement of donations. Key agenda items include the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, financial approvals, and the appointment of a CEO for the Ram temple's management.
The Nirmohi Akhara has approached the Supreme Court, seeking a directive to the Centre to reconstitute the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust as a 'public trust' and include structural safeguards for oversight by seers, citing alleged large-scale embezzlement of donations.
Gopal Nagarakatte alias Gopal Rao, a special invitee member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has clarified his status amidst allegations and an ongoing donation theft probe. Rao stated he was asked to temporarily step away from meetings, not removed, and denied all allegations except those related to the theft. His remarks follow the Trust's announcement of other resignations and his own removal as an administrator, as a Special Investigation Team continues to probe nearly 70 suspected instances of theft at the Ram Temple.
Two women were arrested on Monday, while another had been apprehended a few days earlier following complaints by the affected persons, they added.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a committee of women legislators to amend laws and ensure effective implementation against harassment and religious conversion in the corporate sector. This decision follows an incident at a TCS unit in Nashik involving alleged exploitation and forced conversion, which is currently under SIT investigation. Probes have also been ordered into similar complaints at a Spanish multinational in Pune and a government ITI in Solapur, highlighting a broader issue of workplace misconduct.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached a special PMLA court in Mumbai seeking a production warrant against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman and astrologer, in connection with a money laundering case linked to rape and fraud allegations.
The Ayodhya Development Authority has issued a notice to the wife of a Ram temple donation theft accused for alleged unauthorised construction, as police intensify their investigation into the embezzlement case. Recoveries of cash, gold, silver, and a "Ramrajya Kosh" donation box have been made, and eight people have been arrested.
West Bengal Police intensify their investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, recovering a second motorcycle and searching for a car suspected to be involved in the crime.
A Nashik court has granted bail to TCS employee Nida Khan, arrested two months ago in connection with alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion cases at the company's unit. Her co-accused, Danish Shaikh, was denied bail. Khan's bail was sought on grounds of pregnancy, while the prosecution argued against it, citing evidence of sexual assault and religious coercion, including attempts to convert a Scheduled Caste victim. A Special Investigation Team is investigating nine such cases at the TCS Nashik unit, and TCS has stated a zero-tolerance policy.
Relatives and friends of Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old woman found dead in Bhopal, held a protest in Delhi demanding a CBI investigation into her death, alleging foul play and irregularities in the initial post-mortem examination.
A BJP MLA from Unnao, Anil Singh, has sparked controversy after a video showed him stating that those who embezzled donations from the Ram temple in Ayodhya would suffer from cancer and die painfully. His remarks come amidst a political row over alleged misappropriation of funds, leading to arrests and opposition criticism.
The Judges Inquiry Committee, formed to investigate allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, has submitted its report to the Lok Sabha Speaker. The report, concerning allegations that led to impeachment proceedings, will be presented before both Houses of Parliament.
Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said the alleged embezzlement of donations to the Ram Temple at Ayodhya has pained devotees, but stressed strict action will be taken against those found guilty in the case.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state cabinet will decide on the future course of action regarding the SIT report on Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi's alleged links with Pakistan on February 7. The SIT report suggests direct links between Gogoi, his wife, and Pakistan.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against astrologer Ashok Kharat has questioned a temple priest and watchman, while further investigations reveal potential property fraud and misuse of water resources.
The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognisance and stayed the bail granted by a lower court to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, accused of assaulting doctors at a municipal hospital in Thane district, directing him to surrender by Sunday evening.
A 35-year-old Mahant, Devanand Van, of Chandrasel Math in Kota was stabbed to death by unidentified persons. Police suspect the murder was due to a dispute over the ownership of the Math's trust and land. Following protests by his kin and followers, authorities have assured a speedy investigation, including an SIT, and have detained several individuals for questioning.
Thieves broke into the Bhopal residence of former judge Giribala Singh, who is currently jailed in connection with her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma's death. While the suspects fled, abandoning some stolen items, the incident has prompted calls for the CBI to secure all documents at the property, fearing potential tampering with the crime scene. Police are investigating the theft using CCTV footage.
A local court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Samarth Singh, the husband of deceased model and actress Twisha Sharma, who was found dead in her home. Police have announced a reward for information leading to his arrest as the family alleges dowry-related harassment and murder.
An investigation has been launched in Mizoram after it was discovered that 16 convicts were released from Lunglei district jail using forged documents. Police have apprehended 12 of the released convicts, and a special investigation team has been formed to probe the fraud.
The Maharashtra government is considering invoking the stringent MCOCA law against those accused in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) question paper leak case. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse informed the assembly that three arrests have been made, and a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter. The government also plans to form a committee to explore online modes for conducting state-level examinations to prevent future leaks.
RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has strongly condemned the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, stating it has deeply hurt sentiments. He called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those found guilty, while also urging patience from the Hindu community against "anti-Hindu" forces.
Following the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad calls for a comprehensive probe into the Ashok Kharat case, demanding investigation of all individuals allegedly linked to the self-styled godman arrested for rape.
A video showing a group of saffron-clad men assaulting a young couple in a public park in Ayodhya has gone viral, leading police to launch an investigation. The attackers allegedly claimed the couple was 'desecrating' the temple town's religious character.
A Nashik court has remanded Nida Khan, an accused in the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) sexual harassment and religious coercion case, in police custody until May 11. Khan, a TCS employee, was arrested after being on the run since the case emerged.
TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and MLA Kunal Ghosh were questioned by the CID in Kolkata regarding alleged signature forgery of MLAs for the Leader of Opposition appointment in the West Bengal Assembly. Banerjee faced a second round of interrogation as investigators were unsatisfied with previous replies, and a face-to-face interrogation with Ghosh is possible. The probe stems from discrepancies found in signatures on documents supporting Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the post.
The article delves into the growing friction between Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and the selection committee head Ajit Agarkar, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir. It highlights a lack of mutual trust and differing visions for the team's future, particularly concerning Rohit's role and the integration of new talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal. The piece draws parallels to past cricketing controversies and suggests a potential end to Rohit's captaincy.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a special investigation into alleged fake beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a women's cash transfer programme from the previous government, also initiating a money laundering probe.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat has detained his son for questioning and is searching for his wife in connection with multiple FIRs, including sexual assault and fraud.
The family of Avinash Shukla, one of eight arrested in connection with the alleged theft of offerings from the Ram temple in Ayodhya, has stated he should be punished if guilty but receive justice if innocent. Shukla was involved in cash reconciliation, and Rs 20 lakh was reportedly recovered from him. The case follows allegations of embezzlement and an ongoing SIT investigation.
An inquiry committee investigating allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, concerning unaccounted cash found at his residence, has submitted its report to the Lok Sabha Speaker. The report will be presented to both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session.
A local court in Nashik has deferred a decision on interim protection from arrest for Nida Khan, an accused in the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) sexual harassment and religious coercion case, requesting a police response by April 27. The SIT is investigating multiple cases of molestation and harassment at TCS's Nashik unit.
Police in Madhya Pradesh have registered a case against BJP leader and former MLA Shashank Bhargava for allegedly abetting the suicide of a farmer in Vidisha district.
Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has called for a police investigation into the alleged involvement of AIMIM and its ex-MP Imtiaz Jaleel in the Nashik TCS case, following the arrest of accused Nida Khan. Shirsat alleges AIMIM is encouraging religious conversions and that Khan is part of a larger network.