A new Omicron sub-variant has been detected in the majority of samples taken from Covid patients in Delhi as part of a study at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital. 
More than half of these samples have been detected with the new sub-variant BA 2.75 of Omicron, a hospital official said said.
Doctors at the hospital, however, said cases in which these sub-variant was detected, the severity is less and patients are recovering faster, within five-seven days.
A PTI report quoting sources said the study involved 90 patients, and the new sub-variant is more transmissible.
COVID-19 cases have seen a surge in the last two weeks or so.  More than 19,760 COVID-19 cases in total have been recorded in Delhi from August 1-10, according to official data shared by the city health department here.
Besides, there been a nearly 50 per cent rise in the number of containment zones in the city in this period.  Delhi on Wednesday reported eight fatalities due to coronavirus, the highest in nearly 180 days, and 2,146 new cases with a positivity rate of 17.83 per cent, according to data shared by the health department here.
On Tuesday, Delhi had reported 2,495 new coronavirus cases with a positivity rate of 15.41 per cent and seven fatalities.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Tuesday said Covid cases were on the rise in Delhi, but there was no need to panic as most of the new cases were mild in nature.
Despite the rise in the positivity rate, the city government is not implementing the graded response action plan (GRAP) devised by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority since the hospital admissions are low.
The GRAP came into force in August last year, stipulating measures to be taken by the government in accordance with the positivity rate and bed occupancy for locking and unlocking of various activities.

New Omicron sub-variant detected in majority of samples: Delhi hospital study

A new Omicron sub-variant has been detected in the majority of samples taken from Covid patients in Delhi as part of a study at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital. 

A new Omicron sub-variant has been detected in the majority of samples taken from Covid patients in Delhi as part of a study at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital.&nbsp;

A new Omicron sub-variant has been detected in the majority of samples taken from Covid patients in Delhi as part of a study at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital.&nbsp;
More than half of these samples have been detected with the new sub-variant BA 2.75 of Omicron, a hospital official said said.
Doctors at the hospital, however, said cases in which thus sub-variant was detected, the severity is less and patients are recovering faster, within five-seven days.
A PTI report quoting sources said the study involved 90 patients, and the new sub-variant is more transmissible.
COVID-19 cases have seen a surge in the last two weeks or so. &nbsp;More than 19,760 COVID-19 cases in total have been recorded in Delhi from August 1-10, according to official data shared by the city health department.
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Besides, there been a nearly 50 per cent rise in the number of containment zones in the city in this period. &nbsp;Delhi on Wednesday reported eight fatalities due to coronavirus, the highest in nearly 180 days, and 2,146 new cases with a positivity rate of 17.83 per cent, according to data shared by the health department.
On Tuesday, Delhi had reported 2,495 new coronavirus cases with a positivity rate of 15.41 per cent and seven fatalities.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Tuesday said Covid cases were on the rise in Delhi, but there was no need to panic as most of the new cases were mild in nature.
Despite the rise in the positivity rate, the city government is not implementing the graded response action plan (GRAP) devised by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority since the hospital admissions are low.
The GRAP came into force in August last year, stipulating measures to be taken by the government in accordance with the positivity rate and bed occupancy for locking and unlocking of various activities.

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled out the possibility of considering a plea for de-recognising parties for promising freebies. 
A bench comprising CJI NV Ramana and Justice Krishna Murari stated that the idea to de-recognise political parties for making promises to give irrational freebies during the polls was “undemocratic”. 
CJI Ramana said freebie culture is a serious issue, but he will not encroach into the legislative domain. However, he asserted that freebies and social welfare are two different things and a balance has to be maintained between the economy losing money and welfare measures.
The court said those who are getting (the freebies), they want it. People are paying taxes and they may seek its use for developmental processes. Both sides have to be heard by committee, it added
Adjourning the matter for August 17, the CJI sought suggestions from relevant stakeholders in the matter saying that there must be someone who can put their vision and thoughts before he August 26, when he demits the office.
The apex court was hearing a PIL by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, which opposes the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections, and seeks the Election Commission to invoke its powers to freeze their election symbols and cancel their registration.
Earlier, PM Modi in a dig at Opposition had used the term 'revdi' (freebie) culture for parties allegedly luring people in the garb of poll manifesto.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kerjiwal had hit back saying that it was sad to see his government's development schemes being labelled as 'revdis'. 
(With inputs from PTI)

Freebies and welfare different, must strike balance: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that giving freebies and social welfare are two different things and a balance has to be struck

A bench comprising CJI NV Ramana and Justice Krishna Murari stated that the idea to de-recognise political parties for making promises to give irrational freebies during the polls was &ldquo;undemocratic&rdquo;
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that giving freebies and social welfare are two different things and a balance has to be struck between the economy losing money and welfare measures.
CJI Ramana said freebie culture is a serious issue, but he will not encroach into the legislative domain. However, he asserted that freebies and social welfare are two different things and a balance has to be maintained between the economy losing money and welfare measures.
The court said those who are getting (the freebies), they want it. People are paying taxes and they may seek its use for developmental processes. Both sides have to be heard by committee, it added
A bench comprising CJI NV Ramana and Justice Krishna Murari stated that the idea to de-recognise political parties for making promises to give irrational freebies during the polls was &ldquo;undemocratic&rdquo;.&nbsp;
Adjourning the matter for August 17, the CJI sought suggestions from relevant stakeholders in the matter saying that there must be someone who can put their vision and thoughts before he August 26, when he demits the office.
The apex court was hearing a PIL by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, which opposes the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections, and seeks the Election Commission to invoke its powers to freeze their election symbols and cancel their registration.
Earlier, PM Modi in a dig at Opposition had used the term 'revdi' (freebie) culture for parties allegedly luring people in the garb of poll manifesto.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kerjiwal had hit back saying that it was sad to see his government's development schemes being labelled as 'revdis'.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/chief-justice-of-india-nv-ramana-recommends-justice-uu-lalit-as-successor-1659601673242">Chief Justice of India NV Ramana recommends Justice UU Lalit as successor</a>
(With inputs from PTI)

"अगर सड़कें खामोश हो जाएं, तो संसद आवारा हो जाएगी"&nbsp;
(If streets fall silent, Parliament will go astray)
-- Ram Manohar Lohia
The Republic of India is a story of protests and people's movement.&nbsp;
Of people rising against the power for their rights, for causes and against discrimination.
From freedom movement to the farmers' protest, India has a rich history of people's protests that have made or tried to make a real difference...
Indians have risen against curtailment of rights to cutting of forests to violence against women to fulfilling of aspirations of ethnic, linguisitic and religious groups.
Long before the ongoing trend of dubbing protests as international conspiracy... there have been glorious people's movements that we need to take a relook at in the 75th year of Independence.
There were a series of language protests after the independence which led to the creation of states on linguistic lines, those were about the aspirations of people to get their due representation and identity in the India story.
1973 saw the famous and poignant Chipko Movement, led by environment activist Sunderlal Bahuguna. Based on Gandhian principles, the Chipko Movement saw people protesting against deforestation by hugging trees to stop them from being cut.
1975 to 1977, India rose against tyranny as one after Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency. The common desire to preserve democracy blurred political, religious and geographical boundaries as India fought back its way to democracy.
In 1980, when the government decided to replace the natural sal forest with highly valued teak, the tribals of Bihar came out in strong numbers to protest against this decision. Having started in Bihar, the movement spread to other states like Odisha and Jharkhand too.
The early 80s also saw a movement against undocumented immigrants in Assam. It was a revolution of the indigenous people of the state to protect their rights, their homeland against the alleged illegal migrants who were penetrating into the state for years.
Narmada Bachao Aandolan that started in 1985 was to protest against a large number of dams being contrasted near Narmada river. It brought a large number of adivasis, farmers, environmentalists, and human rights activists together.
When anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on April 5, 2011, the whole nation came together and stood by him. The movement against corruption proved to be the main cause for the downfall of the Congress-led UP.
One of the most important protest in independent India was the Nirbhaya movement, led by youngsters in 2012 after the brutal gangrape and murder of a young girl in Delhi. After the incident, thousands of people came out on streets to protest in several parts of the country. Responding to the protests, the government at the centre and various states announced several steps to ensure the safety of women.
Late 2019 and early 2020 saw one-of-its-kind protest by citizens against the controversial CAA and NRC. Shaheen Bagh, a secluded Delhi Muslim ghetto, became a global talking point as women from the area sat on road for three months. It was the first such protest led by Muslim women against perceived injustice.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

 Independence Day 2022: Protests that shaped & shook the nation | India@75

From the freedom movement to the  farmers' protest, India has a rich history of people's protests. As India celebrates its 75 years of independence, here's look at the protests that have shaped the nation since 1947. 

Indians have raised their voice against curtailment of rights to cutting of forests to violence against women to fulfilling of aspirations of ethnic, linguisitic and religious groups

"अगर सड़कें खामोश हो जाएं, तो संसद आवारा हो जाएगी"&nbsp;
(If streets fall silent, Parliament will go astray)
-- Ram Manohar Lohia
The Republic of India is a story of protests and people's movement.&nbsp;
Of people rising against the power for their rights, for causes and against discrimination.
From freedom movement to the farmers' protest, India has a rich history of people's protests that have made or tried to make a real difference...
Indians have risen against curtailment of rights to cutting of forests to violence against women to fulfilling of aspirations of ethnic, linguisitic and religious groups.
Long before the ongoing trend of dubbing protests as international conspiracy... there have been glorious people's movements that we need to take a relook at in the 75th year of Independence.
There were a series of language protests after the independence which led to the creation of states on linguistic lines, those were about the aspirations of people to get their due representation and identity in the India story.
1973 saw the famous and poignant Chipko Movement, led by environment activist Sunderlal Bahuguna. Based on Gandhian principles, the Chipko Movement saw people protesting against deforestation by hugging trees to stop them from being cut.
1975 to 1977, India rose against tyranny as one after Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency. The common desire to preserve democracy blurred political, religious and geographical boundaries as India fought back its way to democracy.
In 1980, when the government decided to replace the natural sal forest with highly valued teak, the tribals of Bihar came out in strong numbers to protest against this decision. Having started in Bihar, the movement spread to other states like Odisha and Jharkhand too.
The early 80s also saw a movement against undocumented immigrants in Assam. It was a revolution of the indigenous people of the state to protect their rights, their homeland against the alleged illegal migrants who were penetrating into the state for years.
Narmada Bachao Aandolan that started in 1985 was to protest against a large number of dams being contrasted near Narmada river. It brought a large number of adivasis, farmers, environmentalists, and human rights activists together.
When anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on April 5, 2011, the whole nation came together and stood by him. The movement against corruption proved to be the main cause for the downfall of the Congress-led UP.
One of the most important protest in independent India was the Nirbhaya movement, led by youngsters in 2012 after the brutal gangrape and murder of a young girl in Delhi. After the incident, thousands of people came out on streets to protest in several parts of the country. Responding to the protests, the government at the centre and various states announced several steps to ensure the safety of women.
Late 2019 and early 2020 saw one-of-its-kind protest by citizens against the controversial CAA and NRC. Shaheen Bagh, a secluded Delhi Muslim ghetto, became a global talking point as women from the area sat on road for three months. It was the first such protest led by Muslim women against perceived injustice.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The festival of Rakshan Bandhan is not just a celebration of brother-sister bond, but about celebrating communion that promises well being, good health sans any terms and conditions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi this year too ensured to paint the festivity with a special gesture. He celebrated the festival at his residence with the daughters of his staff members who tied rakhi on his wrist.
Sharing glimpses of celebrations, the PM tweeted, "A very special Raksha Bandhan with these youngsters."
An official from PMO said that the Prime Minister celebrated the festival with daughters of sweepers, peons, gardeners, drivers and other such members of the staff working.
The PM receives love and warmth from different corners of the country. One such case is that of the widows of Vrindavan who always send rakhis to him.

PM celebrates 'a special' Raksha Bandhan with staff's daughters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi this year too ensured to paint the festivity with a special gesture. He celebrated the festival at his residence with the daughters of his staff members who tied rakhi on his wrist.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi this year too ensured to paint the festivity with a special gesture. He celebrated the festival at his residence with the daughters of his staff members who tied rakhi on his wrist

The festival of Rakshan Bandhan is not just a celebration of brother-sister bond, but about celebrating relationships that promise well being, good health sans any terms and conditions.
In that spirit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival at his residence with the daughters of his staff members who tied rakhi on his wrist.
Sharing glimpses of celebrations, the PM tweeted, "A very special Raksha Bandhan with these youngsters."
An official from PMO said that the Prime Minister celebrated the festival with daughters of sweepers, peons, gardeners, drivers and other such members of the staff working.
Every year the Prime Minister receives love and warmth from different corners of the country on the occasion. One such case is that of the widows of 'Vrindavan' who always send rakhis to him.
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-takes-over-as-vice-president-of-india-1660214454273">Jagdeep Dhankhar takes over as Vice President of India</a>

Former West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar was sworn in as the 14th Vice President of India on Thursday. 
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Dhankhar during a brief ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhankhar's predecessor M Venkaiah Naidu, former president Ram Nath Kovind, former vice president M Hamid Ansari, and Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and Nitin Gadkari were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
In the morning, Dhankhar paid tributes at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. "Felt blessed, inspired and motivated to be ever in service of Bharat in serene sublimity of Raj Ghat while paying respects to pujya Bapu," he tweeted then.
Once a "reluctant politician", Dhankhar's reemergence in the political scene in 2019 as West Bengal governor surprised many, so has his rise to the office of the Vice President of India.
Dhankhar was declared elected as the Vice President on Saturday after he bagged 528 votes against his rival candidate Margaret Alva's 182.
A man of many interests, his long legal career at the Rajasthan High Court and the Supreme Court and a brief stint as the junior parliamentary affairs minister at the Centre will come in handy as he presides over Rajya Sabha as its chairman.
Dhankhar, who had been associated with the Janata Dal and the Congress, joined the BJP only in 2008 after a hiatus of nearly a decade.
He has championed issues related to Other Backward Classes, including the grant of OBC status to the Jat community in Rajasthan.
While his surprise appointment as the West Bengal governor in 2019 brought him back to the political limelight, he did not shy away from the hurly-burly of politics and was caught in frequent run-ins with the state's ruling Trinamool Congress.
The BJP described Dhankhar as a "kisan putra" while announcing his candidature for the vice presidential election, a move seen in political circles as aimed at reaching out to the politically significant Jat community which had participated in huge numbers in the year-long farmers' protests on the borders of the national capital against agriculture reform measures unveiled in June 2020.

Jagdeep Dhankhar takes over as Vice President of India

Former West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar was sworn in as the 14th Vice President of India on Thursday. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Dhankhar during a brief ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Dhankhar was declared elected as the Vice President on Saturday after he bagged 528 votes against his rival candidate Margaret Alva's 182.

Former West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar was sworn in as the 14th Vice President of India on Thursday.&nbsp;
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Dhankhar during a brief ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhankhar's predecessor M Venkaiah Naidu, former president Ram Nath Kovind, former vice president M Hamid Ansari, and Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and Nitin Gadkari were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
In the morning, Dhankhar paid tributes at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. "Felt blessed, inspired and motivated to be ever in service of Bharat in serene sublimity of Raj Ghat while paying respects to pujya Bapu," he tweeted then.
Once a "reluctant politician", Dhankhar's reemergence in the political scene in 2019 as West Bengal governor surprised many, so has his rise to the office of the Vice President of India.
Dhankhar was declared elected as the Vice President on Saturday after he bagged 528 votes against his rival candidate Margaret Alva's 182.
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/pm-modi-bjp-chief-jp-nadda-meet-vice-president-elect-jagdeep-dhankhar-1659802972454">PM Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda meet Vice President-elect Jagdeep Dhankhar</a>
A man of many interests, his long legal career at the Rajasthan High Court and the Supreme Court and a brief stint as the junior parliamentary affairs minister at the Centre will come in handy as he presides over Rajya Sabha as its chairman.
Dhankhar, who had been associated with the Janata Dal and the Congress, joined the BJP only in 2008 after a hiatus of nearly a decade.
He has championed issues related to Other Backward Classes, including the grant of OBC status to the Jat community in Rajasthan.
While his surprise appointment as the West Bengal governor in 2019 brought him back to the political limelight, he did not shy away from the hurly-burly of politics and was caught in frequent run-ins with the state's ruling Trinamool Congress.
The BJP described Dhankhar as a "kisan putra" while announcing his candidature for the vice presidential election, a move seen in political circles as aimed at reaching out to the politically significant Jat community which had participated in huge numbers in the year-long farmers' protests on the borders of the national capital against agriculture reform measures unveiled in June 2020.

The Shiv Sena on Thursday claimed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has created a storm by severing ties with the BJP and this storm can pose a challenge to the saffron party in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls if it intensifies into a cyclone.
An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' lavished praise on Kumar, saying the BJP tried to break his party Janata Dal (United), but he stung back and turned the tables by severing ties with the BJP.
The Marathi daily also targeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who revolted against the Sena leadership in June, saying he “bent the knee” before Delhi.
He (Shinde) should understand that Kumar showed he can survive without it, the editorial said.
The Sena further said the fissures between Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) founder Lalu Prasad must come to an end now.
It also praised Prasad's son Tejashwi Yadav, who led the RJD's Assembly polls campaign in 2020, describing him as a "young and popular" leader of Bihar who had posed a challenge to the then BJP-JD(U) alliance.
The RJD and JD(U) had contested against each other in the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls. The ties between Kumar and Lalu Prasad have seen several ups and downs over the last four decades.
Nitish Kumar had on Tuesday quit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to join hands with the RJD.
The Sena editorial said the BJP tried to destabilise the JD(U) by backing former Union minister RCP Singh and after realising this, Kumar parted ways with the saffron party.
“Nitish Kumar has created a storm. If it intensifies into a cyclone, then it can pose a challenge to the BJP,” the Marathi publication said.
It said the repercussions of political revolutions in Bihar, the land of socialist leader Jai Prakash Narayan, are felt in the entire country and the new political realignment in the state could potentially change the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Bihar sends 40 MPs to the Lok Sabha, the fourth highest after Uttar Pradesh (80), Maharashtra (48) and West Bengal (42).

Shiv Sena: Nitish Kumar has created storm which can challenge BJP

The Shiv Sena said the fissures between Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal founder Lalu Prasad must come to an end now.

The Shiv Sena on Thursday claimed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has created a storm by severing ties with the BJP and this storm can pose a challenge to the saffron party in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls if it intensifies into a cyclone.
An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' lavished praise on Kumar, saying the BJP tried to break his party Janata Dal (United), but he stung back and turned the tables by severing ties with the BJP.
The Marathi daily also targeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who revolted against the Sena leadership in June, saying he &ldquo;bent the knee&rdquo; before Delhi.
He (Shinde) should understand that Kumar showed he can survive without it, the editorial said.
The Sena further said the fissures between Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) founder Lalu Prasad must come to an end now.
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It also praised Prasad's son Tejashwi Yadav, who led the RJD's Assembly polls campaign in 2020, describing him as a "young and popular" leader of Bihar who had posed a challenge to the then BJP-JD(U) alliance.
The RJD and JD(U) had contested against each other in the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls. The ties between Kumar and Lalu Prasad have seen several ups and downs over the last four decades.
Nitish Kumar had on Tuesday quit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to join hands with the RJD.
The Sena editorial said the BJP tried to destabilise the JD(U) by backing former Union minister RCP Singh and after realising this, Kumar parted ways with the saffron party.
&ldquo;Nitish Kumar has created a storm. If it intensifies into a cyclone, then it can pose a challenge to the BJP,&rdquo; the Marathi publication said.
It said the repercussions of political revolutions in Bihar, the land of socialist leader Jai Prakash Narayan, are felt in the entire country and the new political realignment in the state could potentially change the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Bihar sends 40 MPs to the Lok Sabha, the fourth highest after Uttar Pradesh (80), Maharashtra (48) and West Bengal (42).

A video of a constable bursting into tears and sitting on a dharna over the "poor" quality food provided by the mess at the police lines here has prompted the department to order an inquiry.
In the clip that surfaced on social media on Wednesday, Constable Manoj Kumar was seen staging a protest with a plate of food from the mess.
Kumar was also heard referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's promise to give Rs 1,875 separately for provisions of nutritious food for police constables.
Taking note of the issue, Senior Superintendent of Police Ashish Tiwari has ordered an inquiry.
The SSP said the matter has been noted and Circle Officer (City) Abhishek Srivastava has been asked to probe the quality of food provided by the mess.
The official added that 15 cases were pending against the constable, including indiscipline and remaining absent from duty, and Circle Officer, Police Lines, Hira Lal Kanaujia has been asked to probe them.

Video: UP policeman weeps, stages protest over quality of food 

In the clip that surfaced on social media on Wednesday, Constable Manoj Kumar was seen staging a protest with a plate of food from the mess.

A video of a constable bursting into tears and sitting on a dharna over the "poor" quality food provided by the mess at the police lines here has prompted the department to order an inquiry.
In the clip that surfaced on social media on Wednesday, Constable Manoj Kumar was seen staging a protest with a plate of food from the mess.
Kumar was also heard referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's promise to give Rs 1,875 separately for provisions of nutritious food for police constables.
Taking note of the issue, Senior Superintendent of Police Ashish Tiwari has ordered an inquiry.
The SSP said the matter has been noted and Circle Officer (City) Abhishek Srivastava has been asked to probe the quality of food provided by the mess.
The official added that 15 cases were pending against the constable, including indiscipline and remaining absent from duty, and Circle Officer, Police Lines, Hira Lal Kanaujia has been asked to probe them.
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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has slammed PM Modi's 'Kala Jadu' jibe at the Congress targeting their protest on August 5 against unemployment and price rise. Stop using superstitious words like 'kala jadu' to hide your 'black exploits' Rahul tweeted. The Congress leader he asked the PM to "stop demolishing the dignity of the PM post and misleading the country"Without naming the Congress, PM Modi had launched an attack on the Congress as he said some people resorted to 'black magic' on August 5 to take out their frustration. 

Rahul Gandhi to PM: stop using superstitious words like ‘kala jadu’

The Congress leader asked the PM to "stop demolishing the dignity of the PM post and misleading the country".

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has slammed PM Modi's 'Kala Jadu' jibe at the Congress targeting their protest on August 5 against unemployment and price rise. Stop using superstitious words like 'kala jadu' to hide your 'black exploits' Rahul tweeted. The Congress leader he asked the PM to "stop demolishing the dignity of the PM post and misleading the country" Without naming the Congress, PM Modi had launched an attack on the Congress as he said some people resorted to 'black magic' on August 5 to take out their frustration.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-india-witnessing-death-of-democracy-1659676561920">Rahul Gandhi: India witnessing death of democracy</a>

The CBI on Thursday arrested senior Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal from his residence here for allegedly not cooperating in its probe into a cattle smuggling case, an official said.
Mondal was arrested after almost an hour-long interrogation by a CBI team that arrived at the Birbhum district president's house early on Thursday, he said.
"We have arrested him for non-cooperation in the investigation into the cattle smuggling scam," the official told PTI.
Mondal was taken to a hospital for medical check-up, he said.
The TMC leader had twice skipped his scheduled appearance before the central probe agency in the last few days, citing ill-health.

TMC leader Anubrata Mondal arrested by CBI

TMC leader Anubrata Mondal arrested by CBI

Cattle smuggling case: TMC leader Anubrata Mondal arrested by CBI

Mondal was arrested after almost an hour-long interrogation by a CBI team that arrived at the Birbhum district president's house.

The CBI on Thursday arrested senior Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal from his residence here for allegedly not cooperating in its probe into a cattle smuggling case, an official said.
Mondal was arrested after almost an hour-long interrogation by a CBI team that arrived at the Birbhum district president's house early on Thursday, he said.
"We have arrested him for non-cooperation in the investigation into the cattle smuggling scam," the official told PTI.
Mondal was taken to a hospital for medical check-up, he said.
The TMC leader had twice skipped his scheduled appearance before the central probe agency in the last few days, citing ill-health.
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/tmc-workers-vandalise-party-mla-s-house-alleging-he-took-cash-for-posts-1660027330585">TMC workers vandalise party MLA's house alleging he took cash for posts</a>

China has put a hold on a proposal by the US and India at the United Nations to blacklist Abdul Rauf Azhar, the brother of Jaish-e Mohammed (JEM) chief Masood Azhar and a senior leader of the Pakistan-based terror organisation.
Abdul Rauf Azhar, born in 1974 in Pakistan, was sanctioned by the US in December 2010.
On Wednesday, sources said China put a hold on a proposal by India and the US to designate Azhar as a global terrorist and subject him to assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.
This is the second time in less than two months that China has put a hold on a listing by the US and India to blacklist a Pakistan-based terrorist under the sanctions committee of the UN Security Council.
In June this year, China had put a hold, at the last moment, on a joint proposal by India and the US to list Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki under the 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council.
Makki is a US-designated terrorist and brother-in-law of Lashkar-e-Taiba head and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
New Delhi and Washington had put a joint proposal to designate Makki as a global terrorist under the 1267 ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council but Beijing placed a hold on this proposal at the last minute here.
The US Department of Treasury had in December 2010 designated “Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior leader of Jaish-e Mohammed (JEM), for acting for or on behalf of JEM." The US said as a senior leader of JeM, Abdul Rauf Azhar “has urged Pakistanis to engage in militant activities. He has served as JEM's acting leader in 2007, as one of JEM's most senior commanders in India, and as JEM's intelligence coordinator." "In 2008 Azhar was assigned to organise suicide attacks in India. He was also involved with JEM's political wing and has served as a JEM official involved with training camps.” A day before Beijing blocked this latest proposal, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj had said at a Security Council meeting chaired by permanent-member and Council President China that the practice of placing holds and blocks on listing requests without giving any justification must end and asserted that the credibility of the Sanctions Regime at an all-time low.
“An effective functioning of the Sanctions Committees requires them to become more transparent, accountable and objective. The practice of placing holds and blocks on listing requests without giving any justification must end,” Kamboj said.
Kamboj had added that “it is most regrettable that genuine and evidence-based listing proposals pertaining to some of the most notorious terrorists in the world are being placed on hold.
“Double standards and continuing politicisation have rendered the credibility of the Sanctions Regime at an all-time low. We do hope that all members of the UNSC can pronounce together in one voice, sooner than later, when it comes to this collective fight against international terrorism,” she had said.
Earlier also, China, an all-weather friend of Islamabad, has placed holds and blocks on bids by India and its allies to list Pakistan-based terrorists.
In May 2019, India had won a huge diplomatic win at the UN when the global body designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist”, a decade after New Delhi had first approached the world body on the issue.
A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold". All decisions of the committee are taken through consensus.
In 2009, India had moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar.
In 2016 again India moved the proposal with the P3 - the US, the UK and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.
In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the sanctions committee.

China puts hold on proposal to blacklist JEM chief Masood Azhar's brother

Abdul Rauf Azhar, born in 1974 in Pakistan, was sanctioned by the US in December 2010.

China has put a hold on a proposal by the US and India at the United Nations to blacklist Abdul Rauf Azhar, the brother of Jaish-e Mohammed (JEM) chief Masood Azhar and a senior leader of the Pakistan-based terror organisation.
Abdul Rauf Azhar, born in 1974 in Pakistan, was sanctioned by the US in December 2010.
On Wednesday, sources said China put a hold on a proposal by India and the US to designate Azhar as a global terrorist and subject him to assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.
This is the second time in less than two months that China has put a hold on a listing by the US and India to blacklist a Pakistan-based terrorist under the sanctions committee of the UN Security Council.
In June this year, China had put a hold, at the last moment, on a joint proposal by India and the US to list Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki under the 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council.
Makki is a US-designated terrorist and brother-in-law of Lashkar-e-Taiba head and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
New Delhi and Washington had put a joint proposal to designate Makki as a global terrorist under the 1267 ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council but Beijing placed a hold on this proposal at the last minute here.
The US Department of Treasury had in December 2010 designated &ldquo;Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior leader of Jaish-e Mohammed (JEM), for acting for or on behalf of JEM." The US said as a senior leader of JeM, Abdul Rauf Azhar &ldquo;has urged Pakistanis to engage in militant activities. He has served as JEM's acting leader in 2007, as one of JEM's most senior commanders in India, and as JEM's intelligence coordinator." "In 2008 Azhar was assigned to organise suicide attacks in India. He was also involved with JEM's political wing and has served as a JEM official involved with training camps.&rdquo; A day before Beijing blocked this latest proposal, India&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj had said at a Security Council meeting chaired by permanent-member and Council President China that the practice of placing holds and blocks on listing requests without giving any justification must end and asserted that the credibility of the Sanctions Regime at an all-time low.
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/china-successfully-completes-military-drills-around-taiwan-1660184645780">China 'successfully completes' military drills around Taiwan</a>
&ldquo;An effective functioning of the Sanctions Committees requires them to become more transparent, accountable and objective. The practice of placing holds and blocks on listing requests without giving any justification must end,&rdquo; Kamboj said.
Kamboj had added that &ldquo;it is most regrettable that genuine and evidence-based listing proposals pertaining to some of the most notorious terrorists in the world are being placed on hold.
&ldquo;Double standards and continuing politicisation have rendered the credibility of the Sanctions Regime at an all-time low. We do hope that all members of the UNSC can pronounce together in one voice, sooner than later, when it comes to this collective fight against international terrorism,&rdquo; she had said.
Earlier also, China, an all-weather friend of Islamabad, has placed holds and blocks on bids by India and its allies to list Pakistan-based terrorists.
In May 2019, India had won a huge diplomatic win at the UN when the global body designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist&rdquo;, a decade after New Delhi had first approached the world body on the issue.
A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold". All decisions of the committee are taken through consensus.
In 2009, India had moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar.
In 2016 again India moved the proposal with the P3 - the US, the UK and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.
In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the sanctions committee.

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Asia Cup 2022

States to consider reduction of VAT on aviation turbine fuel 

Various state governments on Monday assured the Centre on considering a reduction of VAT rates on jet fuel, so as to support domestic airlines sustain commercial operations. According to the reports, India has one of the highest state governments' levied VAT rates on jet fuel. This makes the overall cost of airline operations high.

Various state governments on Monday assured the Centre on considering a reduction of VAT rates on jet fuel, so as to support domestic airlines sustain commercial operations.&nbsp;India has one of the highest state governments' levied VAT rates on jet fuel. This makes the overall cost of airline operations high.

 Nalini Sriharan, serving life sentence in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has moved the Supreme Court seeking her premature release.  Nalini has challenged the June 17 order of the Madras High Court, which rejected her plea for early release, and cited the apex court judgement ordering the release of co-convict A G Perarivalan while seeking to be set free.
The high court had on June 17 rejected the petitions of Nalini Sriharan and Ravichandran, both convicted in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, to order their release without even the consent of the state's governor.
"The high courts do not have the power under Article 226 of the Constitution to do so, unlike the Supreme Court which enjoyed the special power under Article 142," the high court had said while rejecting their pleas.
Invoking its extraordinary power under Article 142 of the Constitution, the top court had on May 18 ordered the release of Perarivalan, who had served over 30 years in jail, and said the Tamil Nadu governor ought not to have sent the "binding" advice made by the state cabinet for his release to the president.
The apex court had said the advice of the state cabinet is binding on the governor in matters related to commutation/remission of sentences under Article 161 of the Constitution.
Under article 142, the top court may issue any verdict or order necessary to provide "complete justice".
Gandhi was assassinated on the night of May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu by a woman suicide bomber, identified as Dhanu, at a poll rally.
In its May 1999 order, the top court had upheld the death sentence of four convicts Perarivalan, Murugan, Santhan and Nalini.
However, in 2014, it commuted the death sentence of Perarivalan to life imprisonment along with those of Santhan and Murugan on the ground of an 11-year delay in deciding their mercy petitions. Nalini's death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2001 on the consideration that she has a daughter. 

Rajiv Gandhi assassination: convict Nalini moves SC seeking early release

The high court had on June 17 rejected the petitions of Nalini Sriharan and Ravichandran, both convicted in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, to order their release without even the consent of the state's governor.

&nbsp;Nalini Sriharan, serving life sentence in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has moved the Supreme Court seeking her premature release. &nbsp;Nalini has challenged the June 17 order of the Madras High Court, which rejected her plea for early release, and cited the apex court judgement ordering the release of co-convict A G Perarivalan while seeking to be set free.
The high court had on June 17 rejected the petitions of Nalini Sriharan and Ravichandran, both convicted in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, to order their release without even the consent of the state's governor.
"The high courts do not have the power under Article 226 of the Constitution to do so, unlike the Supreme Court which enjoyed the special power under Article 142," the high court had said while rejecting their pleas.
Invoking its extraordinary power under Article 142 of the Constitution, the top court had on May 18 ordered the release of Perarivalan, who had served over 30 years in jail, and said the Tamil Nadu governor ought not to have sent the "binding" advice made by the state cabinet for his release to the president.
The apex court had said the advice of the state cabinet is binding on the governor in matters related to commutation/remission of sentences under Article 161 of the Constitution.
Under article 142, the top court may issue any verdict or order necessary to provide "complete justice".
Gandhi was assassinated on the night of May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu by a woman suicide bomber, identified as Dhanu, at a poll rally.
In its May 1999 order, the top court had upheld the death sentence of four convicts Perarivalan, Murugan, Santhan and Nalini.
However, in 2014, it commuted the death sentence of Perarivalan to life imprisonment along with those of Santhan and Murugan on the ground of an 11-year delay in deciding their mercy petitions. Nalini's death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2001 on the consideration that she has a daughter.&nbsp;

A migrant worker from Bihar was shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district, police said on Friday.
The attack took place around midnight, they said.
"During intervening night, #terrorists fired upon &amp; injured one outside #labourer Mohd Amrez S/O Mohd Jalil R/O Madhepura Besarh #Bihar at Soadnara Sumbal, #Bandipora," the Kashmir Zone Police said on Twitter.
The police said Amrez was shifted to a hospital for treatment where he succumbed to injuries.

A French Air and Space Force contingent, including three Rafale jets, made a strategically crucial stopover at the IAF's Sulur base in Tamil Nadu as part of a mega military operation it carried out in the Pacific Ocean.
The support provided by the Indian Air Force to the French force reflected the implementation of the reciprocal logistics support agreement signed by France and India in 2018 to boost military cooperation.
A French readout said on Thursday that the cooperation with the Indian Air Force demonstrated a high level of mutual trust and interoperability between the two sides.
It said the French contingent was hosted for a technical stopover at Air Force Station Sulur on August 10 and 11 during a long-distance deployment from metropolitan France to the Pacific Ocean.
The French Air and Space Force is carrying out a major long-range mission in the Indo-Pacific, code-named Pegase 22, from August 10 to September 18.
"The first stage of this mission aims to demonstrate France's capacity for long-distance air power projection by deploying an Air Force contingent from metropolitan France to the French territory of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean in less than 72 hours (10th-12th August)," the statement said.
"To achieve this unprecedented 16,600-km deployment, the Air Force contingent made a technical stopover in India, at Air Force Station Sulur," it said.
The contingent comprises three Rafale jets and support aircraft.
"Landing at Air Force Station Sulur on August 10th evening, it flew out in the early hours of 11th August after refuelling, en route to New Caledonia," the readout noted.
"The operation demonstrated a high level of mutual trust and interoperability between the French and Indian Air Forces, which has been further boosted by the fact that both Air Forces now fly Rafale jets," it said.
The readout mentioned the cooperation between the two air forces illustrated the "concrete" implementation of the reciprocal logistics support agreement.
"France is a resident power of the Indo-Pacific, and this ambitious long-distance air power projection demonstrates our commitment to the region and our partners," French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said, lauding the IAF's role in the successful operation.
He said it is only natural that to carry out this mission, France relied on India, and described it as France's "foremost strategic partner in Asia".
In the following stages of Mission Pegase 22, the French Air Force contingent will take part in the "Pitch Black" air exercise taking place in Australia from August 17 to September 10.
The Indian Air Force will also participate in this multilateral drill, along with Australia, Japan, the US, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, the UK, and South Korea.
Mission Pegase 22 is a powerful demonstration of France's capacity for quick deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
"The mission is also proof that the security situation in Europe has not diminished the French and European commitment in the Indo-Pacific. In this respect, it also aims to strengthen ties with key strategic partners," the French readout said.

3 Rafale jets from France's Air Force team make technical stopover in India

A French Air and Space Force contingent, including three Rafale jets, made a strategically crucial stopover at the IAF's Sulur base in Tamil Nadu as part of a mega military operation it carried out in the Pacific Ocean.

The French Air and Space Force is carrying out a major long-range mission in the Indo-Pacific, code-named Pegase 22, from August 10 to September 18.

A French Air and Space Force contingent, including three Rafale jets, made a strategically crucial stopover at the IAF's Sulur base in Tamil Nadu as part of a mega military operation it carried out in the Pacific Ocean.
The support provided by the Indian Air Force to the French force reflected the implementation of the reciprocal logistics support agreement signed by France and India in 2018 to boost military cooperation.
A French readout said on Thursday that the cooperation with the Indian Air Force demonstrated a high level of mutual trust and interoperability between the two sides.
It said the French contingent was hosted for a technical stopover at Air Force Station Sulur on August 10 and 11 during a long-distance deployment from metropolitan France to the Pacific Ocean.
The French Air and Space Force is carrying out a major long-range mission in the Indo-Pacific, code-named Pegase 22, from August 10 to September 18.
"The first stage of this mission aims to demonstrate France's capacity for long-distance air power projection by deploying an Air Force contingent from metropolitan France to the French territory of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean in less than 72 hours (10th-12th August)," the statement said.
"To achieve this unprecedented 16,600-km deployment, the Air Force contingent made a technical stopover in India, at Air Force Station Sulur," it said.
The contingent comprises three Rafale jets and support aircraft.
"Landing at Air Force Station Sulur on August 10th evening, it flew out in the early hours of 11th August after refuelling, en route to New Caledonia," the readout noted.
"The operation demonstrated a high level of mutual trust and interoperability between the French and Indian Air Forces, which has been further boosted by the fact that both Air Forces now fly Rafale jets," it said.
The readout mentioned the cooperation between the two air forces illustrated the "concrete" implementation of the reciprocal logistics support agreement.
"France is a resident power of the Indo-Pacific, and this ambitious long-distance air power projection demonstrates our commitment to the region and our partners," French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said, lauding the IAF's role in the successful operation.
He said it is only natural that to carry out this mission, France relied on India, and described it as France's "foremost strategic partner in Asia".
In the following stages of Mission Pegase 22, the French Air Force contingent will take part in the "Pitch Black" air exercise taking place in Australia from August 17 to September 10.
The Indian Air Force will also participate in this multilateral drill, along with Australia, Japan, the US, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, the UK, and South Korea.
Mission Pegase 22 is a powerful demonstration of France's capacity for quick deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
"The mission is also proof that the security situation in Europe has not diminished the French and European commitment in the Indo-Pacific. In this respect, it also aims to strengthen ties with key strategic partners," the French readout said.

As many as 27 people were rescued after a major fire broke out at a five-storey hotel near Jamnagar city of Gujarat on Thursday evening, police said.
While the hotel was completely destroyed, no one was seriously injured in the incident, said Jamnagar District Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu.
"The fire started at about 7:30 pm and spread quickly. Twenty-seven guests were staying in 18 of the total 36 rooms. They were all rescued by police. Hotel staff too is safe," he said.
Fire tenders from Jamnagar fire brigade and Reliance (which has a refinery in the area) were pressed into service, the SP added.
The flames were brought under control around 10:30 pm.
"Preliminary investigation showed that short circuit caused the fire and it spread quickly due to the decorative material used outside the hotel," the SP said.

Gujarat: Fire destroys five-storey hotel near Jamnagar, 27 rescued

As many as 27 people were rescued after a major fire broke out at a five-storey hotel near Jamnagar city of Gujarat on Thursday evening, police said.

While the hotel was completely destroyed, no one was seriously injured in the incident, said Jamnagar District Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu.

As many as 27 people were rescued after a major fire broke out at a five-storey hotel near Jamnagar city of Gujarat on Thursday evening, police said.
While the hotel was completely destroyed, no one was seriously injured in the incident, said Jamnagar District Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu.
"The fire started at about 7:30 pm and spread quickly. Twenty-seven guests were staying in 18 of the total 36 rooms. They were all rescued by police. Hotel staff too is safe," he said.
Fire tenders from Jamnagar fire brigade and Reliance (which has a refinery in the area) were pressed into service, the SP added.
The flames were brought under control around 10:30 pm.
"Preliminary investigation showed that short circuit caused the fire and it spread quickly due to the decorative material used outside the hotel," the SP said.

A 7-year-old girl is kidnapped, and kept just 200 metres away from her home for years. &nbsp;Her abductors, and family, both unaware, until 9 years later, a stranger unravels the entire tale.
7-yr-old Pooja Gaud went missing in Mumbai on 22 January 2013. She was on her way to school, walking with her elder brother Rohit. Pooja reportedly was arguing with her brother to give her ₹5 as recess money. During the argument, Pooja sat on the side of the road in anger. Rohit rushed ahead as they were already late for school by 15 minutes. While running ahead, Rohit asked Pooja to meet him during recess to take money from him. But Pooja never made it to school, and Rohit alerted his parents, who filed a missing persons' complaint.
So, what happened to young Pooja?
She claims that a man identified as Harry D'Souza lured her away with ice-cream, and then abducted her. Initially, Harry and his wife Soni treated Pooja well. They also renamed her 'Annie' to hide their crime. But as Pooja's case gained attention, the D'Souzas sent her away. She was reportedly sent to a boarding school in Raichur, Karnataka. In 2016, the D'Souzas had a biological daughter.
ALSO WATCH | Unsolved Crimes | Family at home, 6-yr-old killed in basement; killer still unknown: JonBenet Ramsey case
Subsequently, Pooja was brought back from the hostel, and the nightmare worsened. Pooja says that the D'Souzas started mistreating her, and beating her up. She claims she was kicked, slapped, and beaten with belts, and rolling pins. The D'Souzas also allegedly forced Pooja to work as a domestic help at other houses.
Police say that Harry and Soni D'Souza were desperate for a child when they kidnapped Pooja.
Three years after she went missing, her father Santosh passed away. Ironically, the alleged abductors kept Pooja confined practically next door to her real family.
ALSO WATCH | Unsolved Crimes | Disappearance of US teen Natalee Holloway: how suspect Joran played with police
Initially, the D'Souzas lived in Irla in Vile Parle, and later shifted to Gilbert Hill, Andheri. The D'Souzas didn't know this was Pooja's old locality. Her family lived just 200m away, in a nearby alley, according to reports. But Pooja and her family never discovered each other as she was kept under strict supervision. Pooja wasn't allowed to make friends, and Soni D'Souza used to drop and fetch Pooja from the house where she worked as a help.
The end of Pooja's horrific ordeal came about in equally dramatic fashion.
She became friends with another domestic help, Pramila Devendra, and confided in her that she had been abducted. Pooja told Pramila that her abductors regularly harassed her. Pramila then searched online, and came across news reports of Pooja's kidnapping. Pramila also found 5 contact numbers to give information about Pooja, but only one worked. This number belonged to Rafique, a neighbour of Pooja's family, and Pramila got in touch with him. Subsequently, Pooja's family confirmed her identity via a​ video call.
Then, a time and place for a meeting between Pooja and her family was fixed. On that day, Pooja reportedly stepped out on the pretext of taking the baby for a walk. Finally, on 4 August 2022, at 8:20 pm, Pooja was reunited with her family, after a long wait of almost a decade.
After this, police reached Harry and Soni D'Souza's house, and confronted them. After denying the charges, they finally admitted the crime, according to reports. Police have booked the couple but only arrested Harry D'Souza, leaving the wife to take care of their 6-year-old daughter.
The charges against them include kidnapping under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code, which has a maximum punishment of 7 years in jail, and a fine. There is also intent to wrongfully confine a person under IPC Section 365, with a maximum penalty of 7-year imprisonment and a fine. They have also been accused of buying, or disposing a person as a slave under IPC Section 370, which carries a similar max punishment of 7 years in jail and a fine. Another charge is unlawful compulsory labour under IPC 374, with a maximum punishment of 1 year in jail, and a fine.
Apart from Pooja, the case has made another person famous - retired policeman Rajendra Bhosale. The committed cop never stopped looking for Pooja, even after retirement.
Assistant Sub Inspector Bhosale was a 1978 police batch officer. The son of a school principal, Bhosale lost his sister to dowry harassment. He was in-charge of the missing persons' bureau at DN Nagar Police Station between 2010 and 2015. From 2008 to 2015, 166 girls went missing in the area, and Bhosale and his team successfully tracked down 165 of them - Pooja the sole exception. The cop finally retired in 2015, but he kept visiting Pooja's family to continue to search.
Bhosale used to carry Pooja's photographs with him all the time. When he finally heard that she had been found, he didn't believe the news till he had personally confirmed it, according to a report in the Indian Express. After years of agony, he reportedly expressed relief by saying, "Meri Pooja mil gayi."

Kidnapped girl kept near her home for years, but not found. How Pooja Gaud's missing case was solved

Pooja was abducted from near her school when she was 7 years old. Despite the best efforts of a diligent policeman, it was an unlikely friend who finally helped reunite her with her family.

A 7-year-old girl is kidnapped, and kept just 200 metres away from her home for years. &nbsp;Her abductors, and family, both unaware, until 9 years later, a stranger unravels the entire tale.
7-yr-old Pooja Gaud went missing in Mumbai on 22 January 2013. She was on her way to school, walking with her elder brother Rohit. Pooja reportedly was arguing with her brother to give her ₹5 as recess money. During the argument, Pooja sat on the side of the road in anger. Rohit rushed ahead as they were already late for school by 15 minutes. While running ahead, Rohit asked Pooja to meet him during recess to take money from him. But Pooja never made it to school, and Rohit alerted his parents, who filed a missing persons' complaint.
So, what happened to young Pooja?
She claims that a man identified as Harry D'Souza lured her away with ice-cream, and then abducted her. Initially, Harry and his wife Soni treated Pooja well. They also renamed her 'Annie' to hide their crime. But as Pooja's case gained attention, the D'Souzas sent her away. She was reportedly sent to a boarding school in Raichur, Karnataka. In 2016, the D'Souzas had a biological daughter.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/unsolved-crimes-family-at-home-6-yr-old-killed-in-basement-killer-still-unknown-jonbenet-ramsey-case-1659736140627">Unsolved Crimes | Family at home, 6-yr-old killed in basement; killer still unknown: JonBenet Ramsey case</a>
Subsequently, Pooja was brought back from the hostel, and the nightmare worsened. Pooja says that the D'Souzas started mistreating her, and beating her up. She claims she was kicked, slapped, and beaten with belts, and rolling pins. The D'Souzas also allegedly forced Pooja to work as a domestic help at other houses.
Police say that Harry and Soni D'Souza were desperate for a child when they kidnapped Pooja.
Three years after she went missing, her father Santosh passed away. Ironically, the alleged abductors kept Pooja confined practically next door to her real family.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/unsolved-crimes-disappearance-of-us-teen-natalee-holloway-how-suspect-joran-played-with-police-1659637369389">Unsolved Crimes | Disappearance of US teen Natalee Holloway: how suspect Joran played with police</a>
Initially, the D'Souzas lived in Irla in Vile Parle, and later shifted to Gilbert Hill, Andheri. The D'Souzas didn't know this was Pooja's old locality. Her family lived just 200m away, in a nearby alley, according to reports. But Pooja and her family never discovered each other as she was kept under strict supervision. Pooja wasn't allowed to make friends, and Soni D'Souza used to drop and fetch Pooja from the house where she worked as a help.
The end of Pooja's horrific ordeal came about in equally dramatic fashion.
She became friends with another domestic help, Pramila Devendra, and confided in her that she had been abducted. Pooja told Pramila that her abductors regularly harassed her. Pramila then searched online, and came across news reports of Pooja's kidnapping. Pramila also found 5 contact numbers to give information about Pooja, but only one worked. This number belonged to Rafique, a neighbour of Pooja's family, and Pramila got in touch with him. Subsequently, Pooja's family confirmed her identity via a​ video call.
Then, a time and place for a meeting between Pooja and her family was fixed. On that day, Pooja reportedly stepped out on the pretext of taking the baby for a walk. Finally, on 4 August 2022, at 8:20 pm, Pooja was reunited with her family, after a long wait of almost a decade.
After this, police reached Harry and Soni D'Souza's house, and confronted them. After denying the charges, they finally admitted the crime, according to reports. Police have booked the couple but only arrested Harry D'Souza, leaving the wife to take care of their 6-year-old daughter.
The charges against them include kidnapping under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code, which has a maximum punishment of 7 years in jail, and a fine. There is also intent to wrongfully confine a person under IPC Section 365, with a maximum penalty of 7-year imprisonment and a fine. They have also been accused of buying, or disposing a person as a slave under IPC Section 370, which carries a similar max punishment of 7 years in jail and a fine. Another charge is unlawful compulsory labour under IPC 374, with a maximum punishment of 1 year in jail, and a fine.
Apart from Pooja, the case has made another person famous - retired policeman Rajendra Bhosale. The committed cop never stopped looking for Pooja, even after retirement.
Assistant Sub Inspector Bhosale was a 1978 police batch officer. The son of a school principal, Bhosale lost his sister to dowry harassment. He was in-charge of the missing persons' bureau at DN Nagar Police Station between 2010 and 2015. From 2008 to 2015, 166 girls went missing in the area, and Bhosale and his team successfully tracked down 165 of them - Pooja the sole exception. The cop finally retired in 2015, but he kept visiting Pooja's family to continue to search.
Bhosale used to carry Pooja's photographs with him all the time. When he finally heard that she had been found, he didn't believe the news till he had personally confirmed it, according to a report in the Indian Express. After years of agony, he reportedly expressed relief by saying, "Meri Pooja mil gayi."

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