Name: Kochi: Brahmapuram waste plant fire completely doused after 12 days
Uploaded: 2023-03-14T19:03:41.000+05:30
Duration: T00M29S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: A massive fire had broken out at the waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram on March 2.

AAP announces Manoj Sorathiya as Surat candidate for local polls, with Isudan Gadhvi citing growing public support and focus on strong, experienced leadership.

AAP fields Manoj Sorathiya as candidate for Surat civic polls, cites positive public response

AAP announces Manoj Sorathiya as Surat candidate for local polls, with Isudan Gadhvi citing growing public support and focus on strong, experienced leadership.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its Organization General Secretary Manoj Sorathiya as a candidate from Surat for the upcoming local self-government elections in Gujarat.
In a video statement, AAP Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi said the party has been receiving a positive response from the public as it rolls out its list of candidates. He stated that the party is contesting the elections with strong determination and claimed that its role as an opposition over the past five years has contributed to growing public trust.
Gadhvi said that following the announcement of the party&rsquo;s initial list, AAP received numerous calls from Surat residents expressing support and urging the party to field strong candidates for the civic polls. According to him, there has been a demand from supporters to see an AAP mayor in Surat.
He added that the party leadership, including Arvind Kejriwal and the state unit, decided to field Sorathiya in response to these demands. Gadhvi described Sorathiya as an experienced organisational leader who has been associated with the party since 2012 and has played a role in strengthening it despite challenges.
Highlighting the party&rsquo;s candidate selection approach, Gadhvi said AAP is focusing on individuals who are educated and actively engaged in public work.
Referring to the party&rsquo;s performance in Surat, he said AAP has raised several public issues during its time in the opposition and would aim to improve governance if voted to power.

AAP Gujarat chief Isudan Gadhvi alleges pressure on party candidates before local polls, announces Manoj Sorathiya as Surat mayoral face and outlines election strategy.

Isudan Gadhvi alleges intimidation and legal pressure on AAP candidates ahead of Gujarat local polls

AAP Gujarat chief Isudan Gadhvi alleges pressure on party candidates before local polls, announces Manoj Sorathiya as Surat mayoral face and outlines election strategy.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi on Tuesday alleged that party candidates and workers are facing intimidation and legal pressure ahead of the upcoming local self-government elections, even as he announced Manoj Sorathiya as the party&rsquo;s key face for the Surat civic polls.
Addressing a press conference, Gadhvi claimed that the party&rsquo;s growing electoral presence has created &ldquo;panic&rdquo; among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He alleged that BJP candidates are facing resistance from voters and, as a result, attempts are being made to target AAP leaders through police action and legal cases.&nbsp;
According to him, AAP has received inputs suggesting that FIRs are being filed against several of its candidates and efforts are underway to get nominations cancelled.
Gadhvi further alleged that party workers across the state are being pressured and threatened, and in some cases, attempts are being made to implicate them in false cases. He said the party would continue its campaign undeterred and asserted that AAP would remain &ldquo;the voice of the people&rdquo; despite such challenges.
Highlighting the party&rsquo;s strategy for Surat, Gadhvi said AAP has decided to project Manoj Sorathiya as its main face for the mayoral race. He added that the party, which has been in the opposition in Surat for the past five years, has worked on several public issues and is receiving positive feedback from voters.
On electoral strategy, Gadhvi also announced that AAP will not contest the Amreli by-election, stating that the party&rsquo;s current focus is on local body polls.
The AAP leader also raised questions over what he described as a &ldquo;difference in treatment&rdquo; between AAP and Congress leaders, alleging that similar cases are not being registered against Congress functionaries.&nbsp;
He suggested there could be an understanding between the BJP and Congress, though he did not provide evidence and called for media scrutiny into the matter.
Referring to an incident in Vadodara, Gadhvi mentioned that a party candidate, identified as Kantaben, withdrew her nomination after initially filing it. He expressed suspicion of possible pressure behind the decision but said there was no concrete proof.
Separately, Gadhvi criticised reported remarks attributed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge about Gujaratis during a recent campaign, calling them &ldquo;insulting&rdquo;.&nbsp;
He cited contributions of prominent Gujarati figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to underline the state&rsquo;s legacy, and said any derogatory remarks against Gujaratis were inappropriate.
Gadhvi also criticised the BJP, alleging that the party has &ldquo;disappointed&rdquo; people over time, and appealed to voters to make their choice carefully in the upcoming elections.

The BJP has criticised the gherao of judicial officers in West Bengal’s Malda as a “black spot”, while the Supreme Court termed the incident a failure of governance and directed an independent probe amid political tensions.

Attack on judicial officers 'black spot' in country's history, 'TMC goons' acted at CM's behest: BJP

The BJP has criticised the gherao of judicial officers in West Bengal&rsquo;s Malda as a &ldquo;black spot&rdquo;, while the Supreme Court termed the incident a failure of governance and directed an independent probe amid political tensions.

The BJP on Thursday termed the gherao and attack on seven judicial officers in West Bengal's Malda district a "black spot" in the country's history, alleging "TMC goons" acted at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's behest to obstruct the SIR exercise and protect Rohingyas.
The remarks came as the Supreme Court came down heavily on the West Bengal administration over its alleged inaction, describing the incident as "deplorable" and indicative of "complete failure" of governance.
BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia asked if Banerjee was "ashamed" of the top court's observations and would resign as the chief minister of the poll-bound state.
Seven judicial officers engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls were gheraoed for several hours in West Bengal's Malda district over the deletion of names from the electoral rolls.
Security forces used batons to disperse the crowd and rescued the judicial officers, including three women, late Wednesday.
"This is Mamata Banerjee's 'jungle raj'. The TMC workers took judicial officers hostage at the behest of Mamata Banerjee. Such an incident never happened in the history of Bharat. It's unfortunate and a black spot," Bhatia said during a press conference at the party headquarters.
The seven judicial officers were doing their work, complying with the Supreme Court's directive, he said.
"It is sad that Mamata Banerjee, who has taken the oath of the Constitution, is taking judicial officers hostage in a blatant defiance of the Supreme Court orders. The intention is to scare the judicial officers as Mamata Banerjee wants to obstruct the SIR process," he added.
Bhatia alleged that Banerjee deployed her party workers to take the judicial officers "hostage" to protect the Rohingyas.
"Mamata Banerjee, who is supposed to protect the people of West Bengal and their rights, is standing by the Rohingyas. She loves Rohingyas," he charged.
"Every Indian is watching the 'jungle raj' in West Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and is concerned. People of West Bengal have made up their mind to oust TMC from power," the BJP leader added.
The Supreme Court, in a scathing observation, said the incident "exposes the complete failure of the state administration" and observed that West Bengal is the "most polarised state". It directed that an independent probe be conducted by either the CBI or the NIA.
The court also asked the Election Commission to &ldquo;requisition adequate Central Forces and deploy them at all places where judicial officers are adjudicating the objections&rdquo; in the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls.
Referring to the top court's observations, Bhatia said they "hold up a mirror" to the state.
"Are you ashamed, will you resign?" the BJP spokesperson asked Banerjee as he read out some of the observations made by the apex court. "If you are not capable of maintaining law and order in the state and upholding the Constitution, it will be good if you resign (as chief minister)," he said.
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.

AAP leader Pravin Ram has alleged repeated paper leaks in government recruitment exams in Gujarat, raising concerns over accountability and calling on youth to respond through the electoral process.

AAP alleges irregularities in Gujarat exam system, raises concerns over paper leak case

AAP leader Pravin Ram has alleged repeated paper leaks in government recruitment exams in Gujarat, raising concerns over accountability and calling on youth to respond through the electoral process.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in government recruitment examinations in Gujarat, with party leader Pravin Ram claiming that multiple exams conducted under the current administration have been affected by paper leak incidents.
In a video statement, Pravin Ram, AAP&rsquo;s State Frontal President, alleged that for several years, government examinations in the state have been marred by paper leaks. He further claimed that individuals linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been associated with such incidents.
Referring to a recent case, Ram alleged that a person arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in connection with the Junior Clerk paper leak case had been appointed as a Youth Wing District President in Aravalli district. He said the development had led to protests, with people demanding strict legal action against those involved in the alleged leak.
Ram stated that while the government has maintained that no culprits would be spared, such appointments raised questions about accountability. He alleged that those responsible for paper leaks benefit from the system, resulting in losses for students and job aspirants.
He further claimed that such practices adversely affect ordinary youth and called on people in Gujarat, particularly young voters, to take the issue seriously. Ram urged the public to respond through the electoral process in the upcoming taluka panchayat and district panchayat elections.

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava has alleged police harassment of party workers in Gujarat ahead of local body polls, claiming false FIRs, detentions, and pressure tactics, while urging authorities to ensure free and fair elections.

AAP alleges police harassment of workers ahead of Gujarat local elections

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava has alleged police harassment of party workers in Gujarat ahead of local body polls, claiming false FIRs, detentions, and pressure tactics, while urging authorities to ensure free and fair elections.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged police harassment of its workers and leaders in Gujarat ahead of the upcoming local self-government elections, with MLA Chaitar Vasava claiming the action is being carried out under instructions from Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi.
In a video statement, Vasava alleged that police officials, including those at the DG, IG and SP levels, were targeting AAP workers, leaders, and individuals filing nominations for the elections.&nbsp;
He claimed that party workers were being pressured through visits to their homes, stopped and detained on roads, and booked under what he described as &ldquo;false FIRs&rdquo;, leading to arrests.
Describing the situation as &ldquo;emergency-like&rdquo;, Vasava said the issue had been taken up by the party&rsquo;s national leadership. He stated that AAP&rsquo;s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal had written to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, raising concerns over the developments.
According to Vasava, the letter stated that in a democracy, workers of every political party have the constitutional right to engage with the public and contest elections.&nbsp;
He said the letter called for appropriate instructions to be issued to the police to ensure that elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, and that the Election Commission be informed in this regard.
Vasava further alleged that such developments were taking place amid fears of electoral defeat and claimed that attempts were being made to prevent AAP from functioning as an opposition voice. He also alleged that party workers and their family members were being subjected to pressure.
He termed the alleged actions as unfair practices that could impact democratic processes and appealed to the public to remain aware and ensure that elections are conducted transparently.&nbsp;
Vasava added that AAP would continue its political activities despite what he described as pressure, stating that the issue concerned the broader public in Gujarat.

AAP Gujarat chief Isudan Gadhvi claimed he was arrested while submitting a representation over detained party workers, alleging false FIRs and intimidation, and asserting that the BJP fears the party’s growing presence in the state.

AAP's Isudan Gadhvi alleges false FIRs after arrest during protest in Gujarat

AAP Gujarat chief Isudan Gadhvi claimed he was arrested while submitting a representation over detained party workers, alleging false FIRs and intimidation, and asserting that the BJP fears the party&rsquo;s growing presence in the state.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday said its Gujarat state president Isudan Gadhvi was arrested by police while he had gone to submit a representation regarding the detention of party workers.
Speaking to the media after his release, Gadhvi said that he and other party members had visited the police to raise concerns over the detention of an AAP worker. According to him, the police objected to the manner of the representation, including the recording of a video, and subsequently detained them.
Gadhvi alleged that the action reflected apprehension within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards AAP&rsquo;s activities in the state. He further claimed that attempts were being made to intimidate party workers through arrests, adding that such measures would not be accepted by the public.
He stated that the detained worker had not committed any offence and alleged that a &ldquo;false FIR&rdquo; had been registered. Gadhvi also claimed that similar cases had been filed in multiple locations, suggesting a pattern of action against party members.
Referring to the police procedure, Gadhvi said that while law enforcement agencies act according to their protocols, citizens have a fundamental right to make representations. He added that AAP would continue to raise issues concerning the public and its workers in Gujarat.
The AAP leader also claimed that the party enjoys public support in the state and reiterated its commitment to continue its political activities despite what it described as pressure and intimidation.

The Aam Aadmi Party has alleged that its Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi was detained by police in Khambhalia while visiting a party worker. AAP leader Gopal Rai claimed the move reflects a broader pattern of action against party leaders.

AAP alleges detention of Gujarat chief Isudan Gadhvi in Khambhalia, raises questions over police action

The Aam Aadmi Party has alleged that its Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi was detained by police in Khambhalia while visiting a party worker. AAP leader Gopal Rai claimed the move reflects a broader pattern of action against party leaders.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday alleged that its Gujarat state president Isudan Gadhvi was detained by police in Khambhalia, with the party accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating action against its leaders and workers.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Gujarat in-charge Gopal Rai said that Gadhvi was taken into custody when he visited a police station to meet a party worker who had been detained a day earlier. According to Rai, the worker was picked up by police without a clear reason and kept at the police station.
Rai said that when Gadhvi went to meet the worker, police did not allow the meeting and instead detained him. He added that other AAP workers present at the police station were also taken into custody.
The AAP leader raised questions over the circumstances of the detention, stating that when a public representative goes to meet a party worker and is himself detained, it raises concerns. He alleged that the action was carried out under political pressure.
Rai further claimed that this incident is part of a broader pattern of police action against AAP leaders and workers across Gujarat. He said that from the arrest of MLA Chaitar Vasava to the detention of Gadhvi, the number of such actions has been increasing &ldquo;morning and evening, day and night.&rdquo; According to him, around 162 instances of police action have been recorded so far against AAP leaders and workers, with some being detained, allegedly subjected to harassment, and sent to jail.
He also referred to the political context in the state, stating that the BJP has been in power in Gujarat for nearly 30 years and had weakened the Congress as a political opposition. Rai alleged that the absence of a strong opposition had led to a rise in the ruling party&rsquo;s confidence, but the emergence of AAP as an electoral force has changed the situation.
Referring to the Assembly elections, Rai said that despite the BJP deploying its full organisational and governmental machinery, AAP managed to secure electoral success with support from voters, including farmers and other sections of society. He claimed that this has led to concern within the BJP as AAP positions itself as a voice for groups such as farmers, tribal communities, Dalits, women, youth, students, and those associated with animal husbandry.
Rai alleged that when Chaitar Vasava raised issues related to alleged corruption involving the government and ministers, he was booked in cases, arrested, and jailed for around three months.
He also cited protests in Botad related to agricultural pricing practices, stating that when AAP raised the issue in support of farmers, around 85 farmers were detained and jailed. He added that several leaders remained in jail for more than four-and-a-half months in connection with the matter.
Rai further raised concerns about drug-related issues in Gujarat, alleging that narcotics are affecting youth and students. Referring to recent reports, he mentioned claims made in the Assembly that large quantities of seized drugs were destroyed or lost, including an instance where it was said that drugs were consumed by rats. He also cited a reported case from Surendranagar involving the disappearance of 29 kilograms of opium, alleging that such substances ultimately reach young people.
On illegal liquor trade, Rai referred to an incident in Kutch involving AAP district president Dr. Kainat Ansari, who, according to him, raised her voice against such activities and conducted a raid after informing police. He alleged that while no action was taken against those running the illegal trade, Ansari was jailed.
He also mentioned AAP youth leader Brijraj Solanki, stating that he was detained while travelling to Surat to raise issues related to drugs.
Rai said that AAP is positioning itself as a voice for various sections of society in Gujarat and claimed that the party is working on issues concerning farmers, tribal communities, youth, students, and other groups. He alleged that such actions against party leaders and workers reflect political pressure as local self-government elections approach.
He added that the situation reflects an intensifying political contest in the state, with AAP continuing its activities despite police action against its members.

The Aam Aadmi Party has alleged systematic targeting of its workers in Gujarat through multiple FIRs, claiming misuse of police machinery by the ruling BJP.

AAP alleges targeted FIR campaign against workers in Gujarat

The Aam Aadmi Party has alleged systematic targeting of its workers in Gujarat through multiple FIRs, claiming misuse of police machinery by the ruling BJP.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday alleged that its workers and leaders are being systematically targeted in Gujarat through police cases, claiming misuse of law enforcement by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;
The allegations were made by AAP&rsquo;s Gujarat state organisation general secretary, Manoj Sorathiya, during a press conference in Surat.
Sorathiya claimed that public dissatisfaction against the BJP&mdash; which has been in power in Gujarat for nearly 30 years&mdash; is growing, and that AAP is emerging as a political alternative.&nbsp;
Against this backdrop, he presented what he described as a list of around 45 FIRs registered in recent months against AAP workers and leaders, alleging that nearly 160 individuals have been affected.
According to him, FIRs are being filed against party workers for carrying out organisational work, raising public issues, or questioning the government.&nbsp;
He alleged that in several instances, AAP workers are detained at police stations overnight. Sorathiya also claimed that, on average, one FIR is being registered daily against party members.
He further alleged that in some cases, minor road incidents are deliberately escalated into disputes, followed by police complaints against AAP workers. He described a pattern in which individuals allegedly provoke altercations and then file FIRs, leading to arrests.
Sorathiya contrasted this with what he claimed was a lack of similar action against leaders from other parties, including the Congress, and alleged that complaints against some BJP leaders involved in criminal activities do not lead to action. He also claimed that filing complaints has become difficult for ordinary citizens.
Accusing the state government of misusing the police machinery, Sorathiya said law enforcement is being used to suppress dissent rather than maintain public safety. He alleged that crime control has been ineffective, raising concerns about drug-related cases and illegal liquor sales.&nbsp;
He claimed that while drugs are seized, explanations such as &ldquo;rats consuming the drugs&rdquo; are given, and alleged that narcotics continue to reach youth. He also alleged that liquor is being sold openly despite prohibition, with illegal outlets operating in several areas.
Detailing the distribution of FIRs, Sorathiya said cases have been registered across multiple districts, including Panchmahal and Dahod (three each), Godhra (three), Kutch (three), Banaskantha and Sabarkantha (four), and Valsad and Navsari (four), along with Ahmedabad, Surat, Jamnagar and other districts. He alleged that even AAP leaders who approach municipal bodies to raise questions face complaints and arrests.
Citing specific instances, Sorathiya referred to a case in Kutch where a woman doctor, identified as Kainat Ansari, allegedly conducted a public &ldquo;raid&rdquo; on an illegal liquor outlet and presented video evidence. He claimed that no action was taken against those running the outlet, but the doctor was jailed for 15 days. He also alleged that farmers raising agricultural issues have faced FIRs and prolonged detention.
Sorathiya further claimed that similar FIR patterns are repeated in multiple cases, involving allegations such as minor vehicle collisions followed by serious charges like rash driving or attempt to harm. He cited an example from Navsari, where he alleged that a routine incident was escalated into serious criminal charges to detain party workers and create a climate of fear.
He also alleged that police visit the homes of AAP workers, detain them, and claim recovery of small quantities of liquor to justify cases. Additionally, he claimed that party workers are pressured to leave AAP, and that in districts like Amreli, individuals are allegedly asked to provide lists of candidates for local body elections under threat of FIRs.
Questioning the intent behind such actions, Sorathiya asked whether police powers were being used to influence elections. He said political competition should be confined to the electoral arena and not involve law enforcement.
He also called on members within the BJP to reflect on these developments, warning that such practices could affect a wider section of society in the future. Sorathiya stated that raising questions and holding those in power accountable is a democratic right, and alleged that attempts are being made to curb this right in Gujarat.
Referring to past movements involving communities such as Patidars, Dalits, and Thakors, he claimed that similar methods of filing cases have previously been used to suppress dissent.
Concluding his remarks, Sorathiya appealed to the public to remain vigilant and oppose what he termed &ldquo;FIR-based politics.&rdquo; He said AAP workers would continue their activities despite legal action and would not be deterred by arrests or pressure.
There was no immediate response from the BJP or the Gujarat government regarding these allegations.

The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba handler Shabir Ahmed Lone from Ghazipur, uncovering links to an ISI-backed network involved in anti-national activities and recruitment across India.

LeT handler Shabir Ahmed Lone held in Delhi's Ghazipur; sent to 5-day police custody

The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba handler Shabir Ahmed Lone from Ghazipur, uncovering links to an ISI-backed network involved in anti-national activities and recruitment across India.

The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handler, Shabir Ahmed Lone, from the Ghazipur area here, officials said on Monday.
After his arrest, he was produced before a court, which sent him to five days of police custody.
Terming Lone as a "hardcore and highly-trained terrorist," the police said that he reportedly established links with handlers operating on behalf of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
"Lone, also known by aliases Raja and Kashmiri, is a resident of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and was allegedly operating as the handler of a recently busted module involved in pasting anti-national posters across multiple locations in Delhi and Kolkata," a senior police officer said.
According to the officer, a team from the New Delhi Range of the Special Cell arrested Lone on March 29 in connection with the LeT module that had recently been unearthed in the metro poster case on February 22.
"During the arrest, police recovered multiple foreign currencies and other incriminating material from his possession. These included approximately 2,300 units of Bangladeshi Taka, 1,400 units of Nepalese currency, 5,000 units of Pakistani currency, and 3,000 units of Indian currency," they said.
A Nepalese SIM card was also seized, raising suspicions about cross-border communication and operational coordination.
"The module was being run at the behest of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with Lone acting as a key conduit between handlers based abroad and operatives on the ground in India," the officer said.
Lone had a long history of involvement in terror activities and had been previously arrested in 2007. At that time, an AK-47 rifle and a hand grenade were recovered from his possession.
He was again arrested in 2015 in Srinagar under the jurisdiction of Parimpora Police Station.
The officer also said that even during his earlier arrest, Lone had come to Delhi with the intent to carry out targeted killings.
He is a highly trained operative who has undergone terror training "Daura-e-Aam" (basic terror training) and "Daura-e-Khaas" (advanced terror training) from the Muzaffarabad LeT camp in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Following his release, he allegedly fled to Bangladesh and began rebuilding a fresh terror network targeting India.
During his stay in Bangladesh, Lone reportedly established links with new handlers affiliated with LeT.
These handlers, identified by their code names Abu Huzaifa and Sumama Babar, were operating on behalf of the ISI.
Lone's task was to resume terror activities in India by activating sleeper cells and recruiting fresh operatives.
He used Bangladesh as a base to facilitate infiltration and coordination, the officer added.
Investigations revealed that Lone had set up an operational base in Kolkata, which served as a launching pad for activities across multiple states.
From this base, the module carried out a "test run" by pasting pro-Pakistan and anti-national posters at prominent locations in Delhi and Kolkata, assessing their operational capabilities and response mechanisms.
The operatives also conducted reconnaissance of several sensitive locations across the country, including temples and high-footfall public places.
Videos of these reconnaissance missions were recorded and transmitted to handlers in Pakistan, police said.
The police officer said that Lone had created a structured network involving foreign nationals, particularly from Bangladesh, and was attempting to expand it further by identifying recruits and locations for future operations.
Police said that he is currently being interrogated to identify other associates, financial links, and potential targets.
Possible hawala channels and cross-border funding mechanisms connected to the recovered foreign currencies are also being probed, police said.
"The arrest of Lone marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the metro poster case, which had triggered security concerns," the officer added.
On February 22, the Special Cell busted a pan-India LeT module and arrested eight operatives, including seven Bangladeshi nationals, following coordinated raids in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Those arrested were allegedly acting under Lone's direction and were involved in pasting pro-terror posters and conducting reconnaissance of sensitive installations.
Investigators had found that Lone was operating as their handler from Bangladesh and had been actively directing their activities.
"The module had been formed with the objective of reviving terror operations in India by exploiting illegal immigration networks and forged identity documents," a police source said.
The operatives were tasked with recruiting people and arranging logistics, including safe houses and weapons, the source said.
The February crackdown had exposed the broader network and laid the groundwork for tracing Lone's movements and eventual arrest.
The timely apprehension of Lone (43) has averted recruitment of vulnerable youths into the ranks of LeT, a Pakistan-sponsored terror outfit banned under UAPA and UNSC resolution.
ACP (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said that during the interrogation of the accused arrested on February 22, the name of Shabir Ahmad Lone had emerged.
The ACP said that according to central agencies' inputs, Lone had entered India through the Nepal border and was preparing to recruit like-minded people for LeT on Indian soil.
He was also in contact with Tehrik-Ul-Mujahideen commander Abu Talha and a UAPA-designated terrorist, Asif Dar.
Sharing his profile, the officer said that Lone is the main handler of the recently busted Lashkar-e-Taiba module, operating out of Bangladesh.
He has studied till Class 8 and completed a two-year Islamic Madrasa course from Salafia Arabic College, Batamaloo in J&amp;K.
"In the year 2004-2005, his locality was frequently visited by LeT terrorists, namely Abu Huzaifa, Abu Bakar and Faisal, for food and other logistic support. Abu Huzaifa had recruited him in the LeT cadre during that time.
In the year 2016, he was arrested along with Sajjad Gul in Parimpora, Jammu and Kashmir, with the recovery of five live rounds of AK47. His co-accused Gul, after being released from the case, shifted to Pakistan and is currently operating 'The Resistance Front', a LeT offshoot," said Kushwah.
Lone had been in contact with Huzaifa through encrypted apps and started radicalising and recruiting youths into the LeT cadre.
Huzaifa introduced him to Pakistan-based LeT commander Sumama Babar through an encrypted app.
Babar is responsible for radicalising, motivating and recruiting youth in India, primarily in the Kashmir valley, into terrorist ranks through different social media apps.
"In 2025, Sumama Babar asked Shabir to recruit Bangladeshis and Indian youths from the states/UTs other than Jammu and Kashmir to carry out terrorist operations in India," the ACP said.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising India’s future amid a falling rupee and stock market crash, as global tensions and rising oil prices impact the economy.

140 crore Indians know PM Modi surrendered India's future: Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising India&rsquo;s future amid a falling rupee and stock market crash, as global tensions and rising oil prices impact the economy.

Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has &ldquo;surrendered&rdquo; India's future, and claimed that the economy has collapsed, stocks are crashing, and savings are being wiped out because the prime minister is &ldquo;compromised&rdquo;.
"Rupee: Rs 95 to Rs 100. Stocks: Crashing. Economy: Collapsed. Jobs: Gone. Income: Falling. Savings: Wiped out. Cylinders: Unavailable. Why? PM = Compromised."
He is desperate to protect himself and his financial structure. But 140 crore Indians know - PM Modi has surrendered India's future,&rdquo; Gandhi alleged in a post on X.
The attack by the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha came on a day when the value of the Indian rupee breached the Rs 95 mark, falling to its lowest level, and the stock market crashed by more than 2 per cent as the West Asia war entered its fifth week.
With the West Asia conflict leading to a steep surge in crude oil prices, equity investors became poorer by Rs 18.60 lakh crore in two days of sharp decline in the stock market, with the BSE Sensex plunging over 4 per cent.

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A massive fire had broken out at the waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram on March 2. 

Kochi: Brahmapuram waste plant fire completely doused after 12 days

The inferno at the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant in Kerala’s Kochi has been completely extinguished after 12 days.

A massive fire had broken out at the waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram on March 2.&nbsp;

The inferno at the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant in Kerala&rsquo;s Kochi has been completely extinguished after 12 days. Ernakulam district officials said that there was no smoke emanating from the site by the evening of March 13 but residents have been asked to be careful due to the high level of pollution in the air due to the fire.&nbsp;
A massive fire had broken out at the waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram on March 2.&nbsp;

AAP claims its workers and leaders are being detained and arrested by police in Gujarat as the party expands its presence ahead of local body elections, alleging political pressure by the BJP.

AAP accuses BJP of detaining workers in Gujarat ahead of local polls

AAP claims its workers and leaders are being detained and arrested by police in Gujarat as the party expands its presence ahead of local body elections, alleging political pressure by the BJP.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gujarat has alleged that its workers, leaders, and candidates are being detained by police amid the party&rsquo;s growing presence in the state, ahead of upcoming local self-government elections.
Addressing the issue in a video statement, Gujarat AAP State President Isudan Gadhvi claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is &ldquo;so rattled&rdquo; by the party&rsquo;s expansion that &ldquo;without any reason, Aam Aadmi Party workers, leaders, and candidates are being detained by the police.&rdquo; He further alleged that &ldquo;more than one and a half hundred workers have been booked under FIRs and have been arrested.&rdquo;
Referring to a recent incident, Gadhvi said that Saurashtra Zone President Prakashbhai Donga &ldquo;was also arrested during the process of filing the nomination form.&rdquo; He questioned the basis of such actions, asking, &ldquo;What is the crime of the Aam Aadmi Party? Is becoming the voice of the people of Gujarat a crime? Is raising voice for farmers, the poor, the deprived and the oppressed a crime?&rdquo; He added, &ldquo;If that is a crime, then we are ready to face the punishment.&rdquo;
Gadhvi also appealed to voters, stating that in the upcoming elections, &ldquo;attempts will be made to intimidate and threaten the candidates,&rdquo; but asserted that the party &ldquo;will not be afraid and will continue the fight strongly.&rdquo; He urged voters that &ldquo;when you go to the booth on the day of voting, do not forget the broom button,&rdquo; calling it &ldquo;a symbol of prosperity and good governance of Gujarat and a symbol of giving strong support to those who are fighting.&rdquo;

Voting concluded across all 126 Assam constituencies with a record turnout of over 85%, surpassing 2021 figures, as BJP-led NDA and Congress gear up for a high-stakes electoral battle.

Assam records 85.21 pc polling, CM says high voter turnout 'not ordinary but historic'

Voting concluded across all 126 Assam constituencies with a record turnout of over 85%, surpassing 2021 figures, as BJP-led NDA and Congress gear up for a high-stakes electoral battle.

Polling for all 126 Assam assembly constituencies ended at 5 pm on Thursday, with an estimated voter turnout of 85.21 per cent, surpassing the previous figure of 82.04 per cent in the 2021 elections, officials said.
The polling percentage was expected to rise further as people who had entered the booths before 5 pm would be allowed to vote, they said.
The poll percentage in 16 constituencies, mostly in minority-dominated areas, have already crossed the 90-per cent mark, while 83 constituencies are in the range of 80-89 per cent and the remainder in the 70-79 per cent category, the officials said.
Dalgaon recorded the highest voter turnout at 95.53 per cent, while New Guwahati registered the lowest at 72.05 per cent, they said.
A total of 722 candidates are in the fray for the elections, which is largely witnessing a direct contest between the BJP-led ruling coalition and the opposition bloc helmed by the Congress.
The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term in power in Assam, while the Congress is striving to reclaim a state it lost a decade ago.
Altogether, 2.50 crore people were eligible to exercise their franchise, including 1.25 crore women and 318 from the third gender. Voting was held in 31,490 polling stations across the state.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the high voter turnout as ''not ordinary but historic".
Sarma said the result of this election is &ldquo;already visible &ndash; in the hope, pride, and happiness on the faces of our people&rdquo;.
&ldquo;What we set out to do was not merely fight an election, but to turn it into a movement &ndash; a movement to protect our civilisational values, our culture, and our land,&rdquo; he said in a post on X.
&ldquo;Today, for the first time, our people have come out in unprecedented numbers &ndash; voting shoulder to shoulder, matching and even surpassing our opponents in turnout. In many polling booths, participation is crossing 95 per cent. This is not ordinary. This is historic,&rdquo; the CM asserted.
Sarma said Assam has risen above language and caste, and "our people have voted with one clear resolve &ndash; to protect our land, our identity, and our culture from illegal infiltration and demographic aggression".
&ldquo;This is not just an election. This is a watershed moment in Assam&rsquo;s history,&rdquo; he said.
Sarma added that the message is loud and clear: ''Assam will not surrender, Assam will fight, Assam will survive, Assam will endure.''
Assam Pradesh Congress President Gaurav Gogoi, in a statement, thanked the people for turning out in unprecedented numbers to vote for a &ldquo;change&rdquo; in the state.
The people of Assam voted with the hope of a "New Bor-Asom" (New and Greater Assam) and new leadership, Gogoi said.
''It is now the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure the security of the EVMs and to conduct an accurate vote count on May 4," he said.
Voting began at 7 am and was held in 31,490 polling stations across the state's 35 districts.
Among the heavyweight candidates are Sarma, Gogoi, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi.
The Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99, followed by the BJP with 90. The AIUDF has 30 candidates, while NDA constituents Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) are contesting 26 and 11 seats, respectively.
In the opposition bloc, the Raijor Dal is contesting 13 seats, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) 10, CPI(M) three and the APHLC two. Other parties in the fray include AAP (18), UPPL (18), TMC (22), JMM (16), besides 258 Independents.
Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel expressed gratitude to all for their active participation and cooperation, &ldquo;which contributed significantly to the successful conduct of polling&rdquo;.
The presence of a large number of people at polling booths even after 5 pm reflects the public awareness and enthusiasm towards voting, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Mamata Banerjee-led TMC of fostering “syndicate Raj” and illegal coal mining in West Bengal, promising a crackdown and development push if BJP comes to power.

Will abolish TMC’s mafia Raj weighing heavily on people: PM Modi in Asansol industrial hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Mamata Banerjee-led TMC of fostering &ldquo;syndicate Raj&rdquo; and illegal coal mining in West Bengal, promising a crackdown and development push if BJP comes to power.

Assuring abolition of &ldquo;cut-money culture and syndicate Raj of the TMC&rdquo; in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday alleged that mafia Raj spanning across illegal extraction of coal and sand has cast a stranglehold on the people of the state.
Addressing a rally at the Polo Grounds in Asansol in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, Modi also alleged that black marketing of illegal coal extracted from the region, which serves as the state&rsquo;s coal belt, has reached unprecedented levels under the Mamata Banerjee regime.
This was Modi&rsquo;s second election rally of the day after his first at Purba Medinipur&rsquo;s port city of Haldia, where he announced six guarantees for Bengal if the BJP wins the Assembly polls and sought the ouster of the "'nirmam'" (cruel) TMC government, accusing it of "setting new parameters of development debacle and pulling the state back".
&ldquo;The coal belt of Asansol is now ruled by TMC&rsquo;s syndicate Raj. Those involved in illegal coal, sand and soil extraction have cast their stranglehold on people,&rdquo; Modi said to the large gathering from Asansol, considered to be an industrial hub and known for its premium coal production and mining activities.
Asserting that a regime change in West Bengal was inevitable as the TMC's "repository of sins" had become full, Modi advocated for a Trinamool-mukt Bengal to ensure its progress and development.
&ldquo;The Trinamool&rsquo;s repository of sins is full. Bengal is yearning for a double-engine government. Following May 4, the state will enter into a new era of development,&rdquo; the PM said, referring to the date of counting of votes.
Beginning his speech by invoking local deities, Goddesses Kalyaneshwari and Ghagar Buri Chandi, Modi moved on to highlight the state&rsquo;s &ldquo;industrial and economic decadence&rdquo; stating that Bengal&rsquo;s contribution in national GDP has slid to mere five per cent from 12 per cent earlier.
"A regime change in Bengal is now cast in stone and sought by the people of Asansol like in all other parts of the state," the Prime Minister said, adding, &ldquo;This is not merely an election to change the government, it&rsquo;s an opportunity to return industrial prowess to Asansol.&rdquo;
Modi referred to the once thriving industrial belt in Asansol where manufacturing units cutting across premium products held base, and said, &ldquo;Investment has taken flight from Asansol&rsquo;s industrial landscape. Only the BJP's double-engine government can help rectify the void.&rdquo;
He said the Centre allocated Rs 45,000 crore for the revival of industries in Asansol.
Modi stressed that both Asansol and Durgapur reserved the potential to become megacities, and assured the people that the BJP-led NDA government will bring that development once in state power.
The PM alleged, "The TMC has only given 'nirmamta' (cruelty) to the region, while the BJP-led Centre has developed Asansol despite hurdles created by the state&rsquo;s ruling party."
Speaking of the alleged rise in cases of crimes against women in the industrial region, Modi claimed that Bengal topped the country in cases of acid attacks.
&ldquo;The TMC stands with those who torture women. The criminals enjoy ruling party patronage and are moving around freely. Only the BJP can ensure women's safety," he said.
Modi insisted that &ldquo;rule of law&rdquo; will be established in Bengal after the &ldquo;TMC is ousted from power on May 4&rdquo;.
&ldquo;Every TMC goon will be picked up and held to task. My mantra for those who looted and destroyed Bengal is brace for accountability because each and every culprit will be made to pay,&rdquo; he said.
The Prime Minister also drew the crowd&rsquo;s attention to the Malda gherao of judicial officers last week and subsequent violence in Mothabari over disgruntlement over SIR deletions, stating the incident dealt &ldquo;the last nail in the coffin of Trinamool&rsquo;s jungalraj&rdquo;.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expresses regret over his controversial remark on Gujarat, saying it was misinterpreted, as BJP leaders demand an apology and seek clarification from top Congress leadership.Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expresse

Kharge expresses regret over 'illiterate' remark, says he has highest of respect for Gujaratis

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expresses regret over his controversial remark on Gujarat, saying it was misinterpreted, as BJP leaders demand an apology and seek clarification from top Congress leadership.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expresses regret over his controversial remark on Gujarat, saying it was misinterpreted, as BJP leaders demand an apology and seek clarification from top Congress leadership.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed regret over his controversial statement calling the people of Gujarat "illiterate", and said he has always had and will continue to have the highest of respect for the people of the state.
In a post on X, the Congress president said, "Some remarks of mine in a recent election speech in Kerala are being deliberately misinterpreted. Even so, I express my sincere regret.
"It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat for whom I have always had and will continue to have the highest of respect."
Kharge on Sunday had sparked a row during his Assembly poll campaign in Kerala, calling the people of Gujarat "illiterate" and claiming they were being "fooled" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the same time, Kharge said neither Modi nor Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan could fool the people of Kerala, describing them as "very clever and educated".
"Don&rsquo;t misguide the people of Kerala. They are very clever and educated. Modiji, Vijayan, you both can fool people who are illiterate in Gujarat or other places, but you cannot fool the people of Kerala," the Congress chief had said.
He made the remark while alleging that both Modi and Vijayan were following the same path, with no difference between them except the parties they lead.
The BJP on Tuesday had demanded an apology from Kharge for his remarks, saying that the comment was "shameless, demeaning and utterly despicable."
Addressing a press conference here, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to clarify whether they agreed with Kharge's statement.

BJP lodges police and Election Commission complaints against Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging hate speech and inflammatory remarks during an election rally in Assam.

Assam BJP files complaints against Kharge with police, EC over 'hate' speech

BJP lodges police and Election Commission complaints against Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging hate speech and inflammatory remarks during an election rally in Assam.

The BJP on Tuesday said it has filed complaints with Assam Police and the Election Commission against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his alleged hate speech at an election rally in the state.
Assam BJP spokesperson Pranjal Kalita, in a statement, said while Congress leaders repeatedly claim to uphold the Constitution, their actions "blatantly contradict the very spirit of constitutional freedom and respect for all faiths".
He said one complaint has been filed at the Basistha police station in Guwahati, and another was lodged with the poll panel.
Kalita said that the "recent demand by Kharge to ban RSS-BJP not only reflects political intolerance but also exposes the intellectual bankruptcy within the party's top leadership".
"The Assam Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemns the deeply offensive and irresponsible remarks made during an election rally on April 6 at Nilambazar in Sribhumi district, which amounted to an outright insult to Hindu beliefs and traditions," he added.
Such statements are not only condemnable, but also "dangerous for social harmony", Kalita said.
He also alleged that the Congress is deliberately attempting to "undermine 'Sanatan' culture", while projecting "other religions in a superior light", solely to gain political mileage.
This divisive approach has already been rejected by the people of Assam and the nation at large, he claimed.
"Taking serious note of this provocative and divisive rhetoric, the Assam BJP has lodged a formal FIR at Basistha Police Station in Guwahati and has also submitted a complaint before the Election Commission," Kalita said.
The ruling party has demanded immediate legal action against Kharge for allegedly spreading inflammatory and socially disruptive statements during the election campaign, he added.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly will be held on April 9. Votes will be counted on May 4.
During an election rally in Assam's Sribhumi district on Monday, Kharge citing the Quran, said that if a poisonous snake is passing in front of someone, even if he is offering namaz, then he should leave the namaz and kill that poisonous snake.
"I would say that breaking the namaz does not matter. The RSS and the BJP are that poisonous snake. If you don't kill this snake, you will not survive," he said.
In the police complaint, filed by BJP Social Media In-Charge Ranjib Kumar Sarmah, the ruling party alleged that Kharge made "derogatory statements" describing the ideology of BJP and RSS as "poisonous for the society".
It claimed that the Congress chief labelled that organisations as "poisonous snake" and called for elimination of the BJP.
"This statement is hurting all the members of Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr Kharge is willing to promote enmity and wants to breach public peace and harmony in our society," the BJP complaint said.
Kharge's statement may lead to "communal clashes" between the indigenous communities of Assam, it added.
"Therefore, it is our humble request to take legal actions against the maker of the statement i.e. Mr Kharge as expeditiously as possible," Sarmah said in his complaint.
In his press release, Kalita asserted that in a desperate attempt to "appease a particular vote bank", the Congress party has "stooped to the extent of targeting the sacred symbols of Sanatan civilization".
"Sanatan civilization has always revered nature and its elements, including animals and living beings, as sacred. However, in a calculated attempt to polarize voters, Congress has tried to portray even the sacred ornaments of Lord Shiva as harmful, thereby hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees," he added.
The BJP will not tolerate any attempt to hurt religious sentiments, disturb social harmony or misuse electoral platforms for divisive propaganda, and strict action must be taken in accordance with the law, Kalita said.

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