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Wed, 25 April 2018
BJP, Congress haven't filed annual audit reports: EC
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23:18 BJP, Congress haven't filed annual audit reports: EC
The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress are yet to submit their annual audit report for the year 2016-17 to the Election Commission, the poll panel informed the Delhi high court today.
The submission was made in an affidavit placed before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar which was hearing an NGO's plea for implementation of a Law Commission recommendation to enact a provision to monitor and regulate the expenditure by political parties.
An annexure in tabular form, attached with the affidavit, indicates that while the audit reports for 2014-15 and 2015-16 were filed by the two parties, in the column for the year 2016-17, it says 'report not filed'.
Senior advocate Arvind Nigam, appearing for the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, said that the poll panel has to ensure that these parties submit their reports to it on time.
He said if the big parties like the BJP and the Congress do not do it, how can they expect smaller ones to comply.
The poll panel said it has sent reminders to the parties which are in default.
The bench noted the contention of the NGO that the poll panel was not ensuring that political parties follow the statutory requirements and also took on record the affidavit filed by EC.
It told the EC that it needs to do its statutory duty without waiting for court orders and listed the matter for hearing on September 10.
The court on the last hearing had asked the EC about the steps taken to ensure implementation of its regulations to bring transparency in the expenditure of political parties and funds received by them.
In its affidavit, the poll panel has said that all political parties are required to submit their annual audit and contribution reports to it which are then uploaded on its website for public viewing.
The EC told the court that reminders are sent to the parties which are in default of these requirements and added that those who do not file their contribution reports on time are processed by the Income Tax department for denial of tax benefits.
It also told the bench that in the instant matter it has issued reminders to the BJP and the Congress for not filing their annual audit reports.
According to the affidavit, both parties have filed their contribution reports.
The NGO, in its petition, has claimed that despite there being guidelines in place, political parties were not abiding by them.
It has said that despite the Law Commission's recommendations, there was no provision yet in the Representation of the People Act and the Election Rules to monitor the poll expenses of political parties.
The plea has alleged that such a provision has 'deliberately' not been enacted despite the Supreme Court having held that the EC has the power to give effect to the law panel's recommendations.
The NGO has claimed that the existing law 'does not measure up to the existing realities'.
It has alleged that since the present political system was being 'funded through various illegal means and also by the people and corporate agencies with vested interests, it (political system) does not seem to be inclined to give effect to the recommendations of the Law Commission'. -- PTI
The submission was made in an affidavit placed before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar which was hearing an NGO's plea for implementation of a Law Commission recommendation to enact a provision to monitor and regulate the expenditure by political parties.
An annexure in tabular form, attached with the affidavit, indicates that while the audit reports for 2014-15 and 2015-16 were filed by the two parties, in the column for the year 2016-17, it says 'report not filed'.
Senior advocate Arvind Nigam, appearing for the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, said that the poll panel has to ensure that these parties submit their reports to it on time.
He said if the big parties like the BJP and the Congress do not do it, how can they expect smaller ones to comply.
The poll panel said it has sent reminders to the parties which are in default.
The bench noted the contention of the NGO that the poll panel was not ensuring that political parties follow the statutory requirements and also took on record the affidavit filed by EC.
It told the EC that it needs to do its statutory duty without waiting for court orders and listed the matter for hearing on September 10.
The court on the last hearing had asked the EC about the steps taken to ensure implementation of its regulations to bring transparency in the expenditure of political parties and funds received by them.
In its affidavit, the poll panel has said that all political parties are required to submit their annual audit and contribution reports to it which are then uploaded on its website for public viewing.
The EC told the court that reminders are sent to the parties which are in default of these requirements and added that those who do not file their contribution reports on time are processed by the Income Tax department for denial of tax benefits.
It also told the bench that in the instant matter it has issued reminders to the BJP and the Congress for not filing their annual audit reports.
According to the affidavit, both parties have filed their contribution reports.
The NGO, in its petition, has claimed that despite there being guidelines in place, political parties were not abiding by them.
It has said that despite the Law Commission's recommendations, there was no provision yet in the Representation of the People Act and the Election Rules to monitor the poll expenses of political parties.
The plea has alleged that such a provision has 'deliberately' not been enacted despite the Supreme Court having held that the EC has the power to give effect to the law panel's recommendations.
The NGO has claimed that the existing law 'does not measure up to the existing realities'.
It has alleged that since the present political system was being 'funded through various illegal means and also by the people and corporate agencies with vested interests, it (political system) does not seem to be inclined to give effect to the recommendations of the Law Commission'. -- PTI
22:42 Maha: Bodies of 2 more Naxals recovered; encounter toll rises to 39
The death toll after a massive operation against Maoists in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district since Sunday rose to 39, with bodies of two more Naxals being fished out of a river today, police said.
"Two more bodies of Naxals were recovered from the Indravati river during a search operation," they said.
"Two more bodies and some body parts, probably eaten by crocodiles, were also fished out from the river in the Kasnasur jungle area of Gadchiroli district," police said.
Of the 39 bodies recovered so far, 16 have been identified, police said, adding that the identified Naxals carried a combined reward of Rs 1.06 crore.
The operation is the result of coordination between C-60 commandos of the Maharashtra Police in hot pursuit of Naxals.
"In the operation by C-60 squad in the Kasanasur jungle area, 16 bodies of Naxals (9 male and 7 female) were recovered on April 22," police said.
"Due to heavy rains and paucity of manpower, search was stopped. On Monday, an operation was launched to search for bodies in the Indravati river and 15 more bodies were recovered," the official said.
"In another operation in the Kapewancha area of Rajaram Khandla post on Monday, six Naxals were killed and their bodies recovered. These include two men and four women," the official said.
Maharashtra Director General of Police Satish Mathur attributed success in the massive operation against Naxals to 'accurate and specific' intelligence, low morale of Naxals and divisions in their ranks. -- PTI
"Two more bodies of Naxals were recovered from the Indravati river during a search operation," they said.
"Two more bodies and some body parts, probably eaten by crocodiles, were also fished out from the river in the Kasnasur jungle area of Gadchiroli district," police said.
Of the 39 bodies recovered so far, 16 have been identified, police said, adding that the identified Naxals carried a combined reward of Rs 1.06 crore.
The operation is the result of coordination between C-60 commandos of the Maharashtra Police in hot pursuit of Naxals.
"In the operation by C-60 squad in the Kasanasur jungle area, 16 bodies of Naxals (9 male and 7 female) were recovered on April 22," police said.
"Due to heavy rains and paucity of manpower, search was stopped. On Monday, an operation was launched to search for bodies in the Indravati river and 15 more bodies were recovered," the official said.
"In another operation in the Kapewancha area of Rajaram Khandla post on Monday, six Naxals were killed and their bodies recovered. These include two men and four women," the official said.
Maharashtra Director General of Police Satish Mathur attributed success in the massive operation against Naxals to 'accurate and specific' intelligence, low morale of Naxals and divisions in their ranks. -- PTI
21:48 India, China to resume military exercise suspended after Doklam
Suspended after the Doklam face-off, the bilateral military exercise of India and China is likely to resume this year, in sync with renewed efforts by both the countries to reset ties hit by a tense standoff between their troops, government sources said today.
The exercise 'Hand-in-Hand' between the armies of the two countries will take place within next 4-5 months in China and an announcement is likely to be made very soon, sources told PTI.
It is learnt that the issue of resumption of the annual exercise had figured during talks between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe in Beijing yesterday.
Sitharaman was in Beijing to attend a meeting of defence ministers of SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) countries.
Prime Narendra Modi is travelling to Chinese city of Wuhan on Friday on a two-day visit to hold an 'informal summit' with Chinese President Xi Jinping, seen as an effort to build mutual trust between the two sides.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said the two leaders will try to reach important consensus to resolve outstanding issues and build mutual trust during their talks in Wuhan.
The government sources said both sides want to resume the military exercise as it will act as a confidence building measure between the two armies.
The annual exercise was to be hosted by China in 2017 but it did not take place due to the Doklam standoff. So far, both sides have participated in six editions of the exercise.
India had hosted the exercise in 2016.
Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army.
The face off was 'resolved' on August 28 last year.
The area in Doklam where China tried to construct a road is a disputed territory claimed by both China and Bhutan.
India sent its troops to stop the Chinese construction activity, saying it could be a threat to its strategic interests in the region. -- PTI
The exercise 'Hand-in-Hand' between the armies of the two countries will take place within next 4-5 months in China and an announcement is likely to be made very soon, sources told PTI.
It is learnt that the issue of resumption of the annual exercise had figured during talks between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe in Beijing yesterday.
Sitharaman was in Beijing to attend a meeting of defence ministers of SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) countries.
Prime Narendra Modi is travelling to Chinese city of Wuhan on Friday on a two-day visit to hold an 'informal summit' with Chinese President Xi Jinping, seen as an effort to build mutual trust between the two sides.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said the two leaders will try to reach important consensus to resolve outstanding issues and build mutual trust during their talks in Wuhan.
The government sources said both sides want to resume the military exercise as it will act as a confidence building measure between the two armies.
The annual exercise was to be hosted by China in 2017 but it did not take place due to the Doklam standoff. So far, both sides have participated in six editions of the exercise.
India had hosted the exercise in 2016.
Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army.
The face off was 'resolved' on August 28 last year.
The area in Doklam where China tried to construct a road is a disputed territory claimed by both China and Bhutan.
India sent its troops to stop the Chinese construction activity, saying it could be a threat to its strategic interests in the region. -- PTI
21:15 Gorakhpur tragedy: HC grants bail to Dr Kafeel Khan
The Allahabad high court today granted bail to Dr Kafeel Ahmad Khan, one of the accused in the BRD Medical college case of Gorakhpur.
Khan was arrested in connection with the death of several children in Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College in Gorakhpur allegedly due to interrupted oxygen supply to the hospital and was in jail for the last seven months.
Justice Yashwant Verma granted the bail after hearing the counsels representing Khan as well as the state government.
Over 30 children died at the medical college on August 10-11, last year allegedly due to the disruption in oxygen supply.
The Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) had arrested Khan near Kalesar in Sahjanwa when he was on the way to Gorakhpur.
Khan was the nodal officer of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in the medical college.
While granting bail to Khan, the court laid down several conditions including that the applicant shall not tamper with the records or documents and that he will not threaten or influence any witnesses in the case. -- PTI
Khan was arrested in connection with the death of several children in Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College in Gorakhpur allegedly due to interrupted oxygen supply to the hospital and was in jail for the last seven months.
Justice Yashwant Verma granted the bail after hearing the counsels representing Khan as well as the state government.
Over 30 children died at the medical college on August 10-11, last year allegedly due to the disruption in oxygen supply.
The Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) had arrested Khan near Kalesar in Sahjanwa when he was on the way to Gorakhpur.
Khan was the nodal officer of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in the medical college.
While granting bail to Khan, the court laid down several conditions including that the applicant shall not tamper with the records or documents and that he will not threaten or influence any witnesses in the case. -- PTI
20:36 Girl wasn't raped, case an attempt to sully Asaram's image: Vanzara
On a day a court in Rajasthan convicted Asaram for raping a teenager girl at his ashram in 2013, former Gujarat IPS officer D G Vanzara, who calls himself a disciple of the self-styled godman, said the victim was 'never raped' and the entire case was of 'inappropriate touching' at the most.
Vanzara also said that attempts are on to sully the image of 'saints' like Asaram through such cases, which he said is 'not in the interest of the country, Hindus or Sanatan religion'.
A Jodhpur court today sentenced the self-styled godman to life in prison after finding him guilty of raping a teenage girl in his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur five years ago.
While talking to reporters outside Asaram's ashram in Motera area in Ahmedabad, Vanzara said the entire case was aimed at tarnishing the image of seers like Asaram.
"If you see the FIR as well as the chargesheet (of the case), you will not find any mention of rape. Even during the trial, the victim never alleged that she was raped by Asaram. As per the FIR, she was only touched inappropriately. Even medical tests of the victim confirmed that her virginity was intact," claimed Vanzara.
Taking objection to Asaram being labelled as 'rapist' by media, Vanzara said the case against the godman pertains only to section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with 'Outraging modesty of a woman', and not about rape.
"I want to tell the countrymen that the case was not about rape at all. I am sure that Asaram will be freed of all charges by high court once he approaches it," he said.
Vanzara said attempts are being made to 'malign the image of saints' like Asaram, who he said was 'not facing the charge of rape'.
"This situation, wherein attempts are being made to malign the image of saints like Asaram Bapu through such cases, is not in the interest of the country, or Hindus or the Sanatan religion," he said.
Vanzara was made an accused by the CBI in the alleged fake encounter cases of Soharabuddin Sheikh, Tulsi Prajapati and Ishrat Jahan.
Jahan, Sheikh, and Prajapati were allegedly killed in an extra-judicial manner separately by Gujarat police in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively.
While Vanzara was discharged from the encounter cases of Sheikh and Prajapati, he is facing charges in the Ishrat Jahan case.
Vanzara remained behind bars for almost eight years after he was arrested by the Gujarat CID in 2007. He was released on bail in February 2015, a year after he retired from the service while being in jail. -- PTI
Vanzara also said that attempts are on to sully the image of 'saints' like Asaram through such cases, which he said is 'not in the interest of the country, Hindus or Sanatan religion'.
A Jodhpur court today sentenced the self-styled godman to life in prison after finding him guilty of raping a teenage girl in his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur five years ago.
While talking to reporters outside Asaram's ashram in Motera area in Ahmedabad, Vanzara said the entire case was aimed at tarnishing the image of seers like Asaram.
"If you see the FIR as well as the chargesheet (of the case), you will not find any mention of rape. Even during the trial, the victim never alleged that she was raped by Asaram. As per the FIR, she was only touched inappropriately. Even medical tests of the victim confirmed that her virginity was intact," claimed Vanzara.
Taking objection to Asaram being labelled as 'rapist' by media, Vanzara said the case against the godman pertains only to section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with 'Outraging modesty of a woman', and not about rape.
"I want to tell the countrymen that the case was not about rape at all. I am sure that Asaram will be freed of all charges by high court once he approaches it," he said.
Vanzara said attempts are being made to 'malign the image of saints' like Asaram, who he said was 'not facing the charge of rape'.
"This situation, wherein attempts are being made to malign the image of saints like Asaram Bapu through such cases, is not in the interest of the country, or Hindus or the Sanatan religion," he said.
Vanzara was made an accused by the CBI in the alleged fake encounter cases of Soharabuddin Sheikh, Tulsi Prajapati and Ishrat Jahan.
Jahan, Sheikh, and Prajapati were allegedly killed in an extra-judicial manner separately by Gujarat police in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively.
While Vanzara was discharged from the encounter cases of Sheikh and Prajapati, he is facing charges in the Ishrat Jahan case.
Vanzara remained behind bars for almost eight years after he was arrested by the Gujarat CID in 2007. He was released on bail in February 2015, a year after he retired from the service while being in jail. -- PTI
20:23 CBI books 12 Army officials for corruption in recruitment of religious teachers
The Central Bureau of Investigation has booked 12 Army officials for allegedly taking bribe from candidates through proper banking channels during the recruitment of religious teachers in the force in 2013, officials said today.
The agency has also booked five private persons -- four from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and one from Sagar in Madhya Pradesh -- for paying bribes to Army officials to influence the recruitment drive, they said.
The case of criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption has been registered yesterday on a complaint from Major General N Srinivas Rao, HQ Telangana and Andhra Sub area, they said.
It is alleged that Subedar M N Tripathi, who was initially part of the recruitment board, was the mastermind in the matter but was removed from the interview panel after a complaint against him, they said.
But even after removal he had given a list of 20 candidates to his successor Subedar Satya Prakash on the panel to be favoured during the recruitment by asking simple questions and giving maximum marks, the FIR alleged.
The teachers were inducted for spiritual activities in the unit to deliver spiritual motivation to the troops.
The recruitment of the religious teachers at the Artillery Centre, Hyderabad during 16-19 September, 2013 was for spiritual activities in the unit and to deliver spiritual motivation to the troops, the complaint had said.
Besides Tripathi and Prakash, the CBI has also booked Subedar M K Pandey, Naik Aditya Narayan Tiwari, Craftsmen Praveen Kumar Saraswat, Naib Subedar Shiv Poojan Dwivedi, Lance Naik Jitendra Kumar Yadav, Naik Jagdish Narayan Pandey, Naib Subedar Bal Krishna Garg, Sepoy Madhvendra Mishra, Sepoy Rajesh Kumar Goswami and Naib Subedar Shaktidher Tiwari.
Five Gorakhpur-based neighbours of Tripathi -- Indrajeet Gupta, Mithai Lal Gupta, Amarnath Gupta and Vishwajeet Gupta -- and Pankaj Bilthare of Sagar have also been booked for allowing their accounts to be used in alleged bribery. -- PTI
The agency has also booked five private persons -- four from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and one from Sagar in Madhya Pradesh -- for paying bribes to Army officials to influence the recruitment drive, they said.
The case of criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption has been registered yesterday on a complaint from Major General N Srinivas Rao, HQ Telangana and Andhra Sub area, they said.
It is alleged that Subedar M N Tripathi, who was initially part of the recruitment board, was the mastermind in the matter but was removed from the interview panel after a complaint against him, they said.
But even after removal he had given a list of 20 candidates to his successor Subedar Satya Prakash on the panel to be favoured during the recruitment by asking simple questions and giving maximum marks, the FIR alleged.
The teachers were inducted for spiritual activities in the unit to deliver spiritual motivation to the troops.
The recruitment of the religious teachers at the Artillery Centre, Hyderabad during 16-19 September, 2013 was for spiritual activities in the unit and to deliver spiritual motivation to the troops, the complaint had said.
Besides Tripathi and Prakash, the CBI has also booked Subedar M K Pandey, Naik Aditya Narayan Tiwari, Craftsmen Praveen Kumar Saraswat, Naib Subedar Shiv Poojan Dwivedi, Lance Naik Jitendra Kumar Yadav, Naik Jagdish Narayan Pandey, Naib Subedar Bal Krishna Garg, Sepoy Madhvendra Mishra, Sepoy Rajesh Kumar Goswami and Naib Subedar Shaktidher Tiwari.
Five Gorakhpur-based neighbours of Tripathi -- Indrajeet Gupta, Mithai Lal Gupta, Amarnath Gupta and Vishwajeet Gupta -- and Pankaj Bilthare of Sagar have also been booked for allowing their accounts to be used in alleged bribery. -- PTI
19:40 Landmarks named after Asaram to be renamed: Shivraj
Following the conviction of Asaram in a rape case, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today the places named after the controversial godman would be rechristened.
Nobody is above the law, Chouhan said and promised 'appropriate action' on an activist's demand that two places in Bhopal named after 77-year-old Asaram be renamed.
"No one is above the Constitution, the law, and the public sentiments. It is a country where the name of Aurangzeb Road has also been changed. Soon, we will take appropriate action on this matter too," Chouhan said.
A court in Rajasthan today sentenced Asaram to life in jail for raping a minor girl.
Bhopal has two places named after Asaram -- a road crossing and a bus stand, both located near the godman's ashram near the Raja Bhoj Airport on the city outskirts.
Activist Rachna Dhingra, who works for the survivors of the 1984 Union Carbide disaster, made the demand in a video on social media.
'I am asking the chief minister who claims to be a big proponent and protector of girls' rights that the names of this crossing and bus stand be changed,' she said.
Another activist, Akshay Hunka, tagged the chief minister in his tweet and asked to spell out the government's stand on Dhingra's demand. Replying to it, Chouhan assured to take appropriate action. -- PTI
Nobody is above the law, Chouhan said and promised 'appropriate action' on an activist's demand that two places in Bhopal named after 77-year-old Asaram be renamed.
"No one is above the Constitution, the law, and the public sentiments. It is a country where the name of Aurangzeb Road has also been changed. Soon, we will take appropriate action on this matter too," Chouhan said.
A court in Rajasthan today sentenced Asaram to life in jail for raping a minor girl.
Bhopal has two places named after Asaram -- a road crossing and a bus stand, both located near the godman's ashram near the Raja Bhoj Airport on the city outskirts.
Activist Rachna Dhingra, who works for the survivors of the 1984 Union Carbide disaster, made the demand in a video on social media.
'I am asking the chief minister who claims to be a big proponent and protector of girls' rights that the names of this crossing and bus stand be changed,' she said.
Another activist, Akshay Hunka, tagged the chief minister in his tweet and asked to spell out the government's stand on Dhingra's demand. Replying to it, Chouhan assured to take appropriate action. -- PTI
18:59 PNB invites applications to hire detectives to locate borrowers
Fraud-hit Punjab National Bank has invited applications for empanelment of detective agencies to locate its untraceable borrowers as it looks to significantly supplement efforts to recover bad loans which surged to Rs 57,519 crore at December end.
In its efforts to recover NPAs, the PNB has also resorted to Gandhigiri wherein its staff hope to name and shame defaulting borrowers to recover up to Rs 150 crore worth bad loans every month.
The Delhi-headquartered bank has been at the receiving end of the over Rs 13,000 crore fraud involving diamond merchants Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.
PNB on Wednesday invited applications to empanel detective agencies with an aim to significantly supplement efforts of the field officials in recovering banks dues in NPA accounts by utilising services of the detective agencies, it said.
Interested parties have been asked to file applications and relevant documents by May 5. All NPA accounts (sub-standard, doubtful and loss category would be allocated to detective agencies for gathering information required by the bank.
18:49 Landmarks named after Asaram to be richristened
Following the conviction of Asaram in a rape case, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today the places named after the controversial godman would be rechristened.
Nobody is above the law, Chouhan said and promised "appropriate action" on an activist's demand that two places in Bhopal named after 77-year-old Asaram be renamed.
"No one is above the Constitution, the law, and the public sentiments. It is a country where the name of Aurangzeb Road has also been changed. Soon, we will take appropriate action on this matter too," Chouhan said.
A court in Rajasthan today sentenced Asaram to life in jail for raping a minor girl.
Bhopal has two places named after Asaram -- a road crossing and a bus stand, both located near the godman's ashram near the Raja Bhoj Airport on the city outskirts.
Activist Rachna Dhingra, who works for the survivors of the 1984 Union Carbide disaster, made the demand in a video on social media.
"I am asking the chief minister who claims to be a big proponent and protector of girls' rights that the names of this crossing and bus stand be changed," she said.
Another activist, Akshay Hunka, tagged the chief minister in his tweet and asked to spell out the government's stand on Dhingra's demand.
Replying to it, Chouhan assured to take appropriate action.
-- PTI
18:38 Rahul Gandhi to release Congress manifesto on Apr 27
Congress president Rahul Gandhi will release the party's manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka assembly polls on April 27 in Mangalore, sources said today.
During his two-day seventh leg of campaigning in the southern state, which starts tomorrow, Gandhi would also visit parts of Uttara Kannada like Ankola city, Mastikatte Circle (Kumta), Saraswati Circle (Honnavar) and hold a corner meeting at Bhatkal, the party said in a statement today.
"Rahulji will release the manifesto in Mangalore the day after tomorrow. It will be an all-encompassing document," a Congress leader said, requesting anonymity.
He refused to divulge more details, but added that the manifesto would have "something" for all sections of the society.
In the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka polls, Gandhi had asked the Congress leaders to prepare a "people's manifesto", after taking the feedback of all the stakeholders.
On Gandhi's campaigning, the Congress leader said the party workers wanted him to focus on the areas he was yet to visit.
So far, the Congress chief has held six rounds of campaigning in the southern state. The sixth phase of campaigning was on April 7-8.
The election to the 224-member Karnataka assembly will be held on May 12. The southern state is slated to witness a three-corner contest involving the ruling Congress, the BJP and the H D Deve Gowda-led JD-S. The result of the polls will be announced on May 15.
-- PTI
18:30 Dhawan, Smriti recommended for Arjuna awards
The BCCI today recommended India opener Shikhar Dhawan and women's team player Smriti Mandhana for the Arjuna award.
"We have nominated Shikhar Dhawan and Smriti Mandhana's names for Arjuna award," BCCI's acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary said.
Dhawan, 32, is presently playing in the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad and has been a regular across all three formats for India. Ever since a debut Test hundred against Australia in 2013, Dhawan has been a crucial cog in the Indian batting line-up.
The 21-year-old Mandhana had played a key role in India reaching the final of the ICC Women's World Cup in England last year. Her prolific run this year has seen her grab a career-high fourth position in the ICC women's rankings.
In nine innings, Mandhana amassed 531 runs including five half-centuries, in the recent home series against England.
-- PTI
18:13 Gorakhpur hospital tragedy accused granted bail
Dr Kafeel Khan, who was arrested in connection with the death of over 70 children at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College Hospital in September last year, was on Wednesday, granted bail by the Allahabad high court.
In August 2017, as many as 70 children died, allegedly due to lack of oxygen supply, followed by another 70 in just four days, 15 of which passed away due to Encephalitis. The hospital, as well as the government, had received flak over the negligence.
FIRs were registered against nine persons including the suspended principal of B.R.D. Medical College, Dr Rajiv Mishra, Dr Satish, in-charge of oxygen supply and head of the anaesthesia department, Dr Khan, in-charge of the 100-bed AES (acute encephalitis syndrome) ward and two officials from the oxygen supplying agency the Pushpa Sales Private Limited.
Khan was also reportedly accused of stealing oxygen cylinders for his private clinic from the BRD hospital.
-- ANI
17:55 CBI nabs woodcutter in Shimla rape-murder case
The CBI has arrested a 25-year-old woodcutter with a criminal past in connection with the rape-and-murder of a teenaged schoolgirl in the Kotkhai area of Shimla, after his DNA sample matched the genetic material found on the body of the victim and the crime scene, officials said today.
The findings of the agency will bring relief to the families of five people arrested earlier by the state police as the CBI has not found any evidence of their involvement in the gruesome rape-and-murder in July last year, which had become a rallying point against the then Congress government in Himachal Pradesh.
The investigation which went like a crime thriller involved a team of 40 CBI officials who camped in the area around the crime scene for nine months in extreme secrecy collecting intelligence from local people, digging records of people with criminal records and following various leads which took them to Kashmir and Uttarakhand as well.
The probe, which was taken over by the agency on July 22, 2017, on the orders of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, was monitored by the top brass of the agency.
"The Director (of) CBI has been monitoring the progress of the case from day one. He expressed the satisfaction at the work done by the investigative team and forensic experts of the CFSL of the CBI for solving a sensitive and difficult case," CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said today.
After ruling out involvement of five suspects arrested by the state police using call records analysis, narco-analysis, polygraph tests and corroboration of their alibi, the CBI had started the probe afresh, they said.
The agency started work on multiple fronts -- some teams worked to develop rapport with locals trying to get intelligence while others did combing operation of the forest area in concentric circles, the officials said.
The CBI officials spoke to over 1,000 people to get inputs and recorded statements of over 400 of them, they said. Meanwhile, some teams started collecting a DNA trail of people, history sheeters and families living in the area to do profiling by CFSL experts who used advance tests such as percentage match and lineage match. -- PTI
The findings of the agency will bring relief to the families of five people arrested earlier by the state police as the CBI has not found any evidence of their involvement in the gruesome rape-and-murder in July last year, which had become a rallying point against the then Congress government in Himachal Pradesh.
The investigation which went like a crime thriller involved a team of 40 CBI officials who camped in the area around the crime scene for nine months in extreme secrecy collecting intelligence from local people, digging records of people with criminal records and following various leads which took them to Kashmir and Uttarakhand as well.
The probe, which was taken over by the agency on July 22, 2017, on the orders of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, was monitored by the top brass of the agency.
"The Director (of) CBI has been monitoring the progress of the case from day one. He expressed the satisfaction at the work done by the investigative team and forensic experts of the CFSL of the CBI for solving a sensitive and difficult case," CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said today.
After ruling out involvement of five suspects arrested by the state police using call records analysis, narco-analysis, polygraph tests and corroboration of their alibi, the CBI had started the probe afresh, they said.
The agency started work on multiple fronts -- some teams worked to develop rapport with locals trying to get intelligence while others did combing operation of the forest area in concentric circles, the officials said.
The CBI officials spoke to over 1,000 people to get inputs and recorded statements of over 400 of them, they said. Meanwhile, some teams started collecting a DNA trail of people, history sheeters and families living in the area to do profiling by CFSL experts who used advance tests such as percentage match and lineage match. -- PTI
17:41 At least we have Trudeau!
For those who missed it, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau tweets this adorable picture. @JustinTrudeau Happy birthday to the wonderful wife and mom, whom I'm so lucky to call my best friend. Here's to another year of adventures together. xo
The Canadian PM is married to Sophie Grgoire.
The Canadian PM is married to Sophie Grgoire.
17:21 Amit Shah meets RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur
BJP president Amit Shah today visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters in Nagpur to meet Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat and other senior functionaries. Shah arrived at the RSS headquarters in the city's Mahal area around 12.20 pm and left at 4.40 pm. He met Bhagwat and RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi.
Earlier in the day, Union minister and senior BJP leader Uma Bharti also visited the Sangh headquarters and left around 1 pm. Newly elected Vishwa Hindu Parishad chief Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje also visited the RSS headquarters today. Amit Shah had last month also visited the RSS headquarters on March 4. PTI
Earlier in the day, Union minister and senior BJP leader Uma Bharti also visited the Sangh headquarters and left around 1 pm. Newly elected Vishwa Hindu Parishad chief Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje also visited the RSS headquarters today. Amit Shah had last month also visited the RSS headquarters on March 4. PTI
17:18 HC to resume hearing on pleas of Sohrabuddin's brother, CBI in June
The Bombay High Court will resume in June the hearing on revision petitions filed by Rubabuddin Sheikh and the CBI, challenging the discharge of some senior police officers in the alleged fake encounter of his brother and gangster Sohrabuddin Shaikh.
Three pleas filed by Rubabuddin Sheikh and another two petitions filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation were left partly heard when the assignments of some judges in the high court were changed suddenly in February this year.
However, a single bench of Justice Nitin Sambre took up the pleas today and said that a schedule to conclude the hearing on the revision petitions will be drawn up on June 20 this year.
Justice Sambre also refused to grant any urgent hearing to Rajkumar Pandian, former IPS officer and one of the discharged accused in the case, on his request seeking permission to travel to Canada next month for a training.
Three pleas filed by Rubabuddin Sheikh and another two petitions filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation were left partly heard when the assignments of some judges in the high court were changed suddenly in February this year.
However, a single bench of Justice Nitin Sambre took up the pleas today and said that a schedule to conclude the hearing on the revision petitions will be drawn up on June 20 this year.
Justice Sambre also refused to grant any urgent hearing to Rajkumar Pandian, former IPS officer and one of the discharged accused in the case, on his request seeking permission to travel to Canada next month for a training.
17:07 Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Patel shot dead in Kashmir
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Patel was shot dead by terrorists in South Kashmirs Rajpora area.
Patel was travelling in his car when he was attacked by the terrorists. Two of his Personal Security Officers were also injured in the attack. The terrorists fled with their service rifles after shooting Patel.
A police official said Patel, a resident of Shadimarg area, succumbed to injuries while being taken to a hospital. He added that both the injured policemen are being treated at the hospital and their condition is stated to be stable.
The security forces have cordoned off the area and a search has been launched to nab the attackers, the official said.
Patel was earlier with the Peoples Democratic Party. PDP leader and J&K Chief Minister expressed her condolence on Patels death. Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader, GN Patel who was killed by militants today in Rajpora. Such cowardly acts achieve nothing but leave one more family devastated, tweeted Mufti.
16:29 UP BJP MLA calls WB CM Mamata Banerjee 'Surpanakha'
Just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advice to partymen to refrain from making controversial statements, Surendra Singh, a BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh, targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling her 'Surpanakha' while comparing opposition Congress to 'Ravana'.
Surpanakha is the sister of demon king Ravana in Hindu epic 'Ramayana'.
The first-time MLA from Bairia, made the controversial remarks against Banerjee while raising questions over the law and order situation in West Bengal.
"All the terrorists belonging to BJP-ruled states have fled to West Bengal and if such a situation continues to prevail, Bengal will also turn into a Jammu and Kashmir one day...Mamata Banerjee has turned into Surpanakha and the Congress (into) Ravana," the MLA said at a zila panchayat programme.
He also made some comments about the safety of Hindus in the state and said terrorists from Bangladesh were infiltrating West Bengal.
"Mamata Banerjee is playing the role of Surpanakha. People are being killed and even though she is the chief minister, she is doing nothing," Surendra Singh said.
"Just as Hindus were thrown out of Jammu and Kashmir, they will be forced out of West Bengal... terrorists from Bangladesh have infiltrated into West Bengal and are troubling Hindus, but it is our good fortune that we have a leader like Narendra Modi...we will be able to remove foreign powers from West Bengal," Singh claimed, adding that 'Surpanakha' will be defeated by Modi and Amit Shah.
-- PTI
16:13 Gambhir steps down as Delhi Daredevils captain
Gautam Gambhir has stepped down as captain of Delhi Daredevils after team's dismal performance in the ongoing IPL season.
Shreyas Iyer now will lead the GMR-owned franchise.
Gambhir said that he couldn't handle the pressure.
Gambhir has been named skipper of the struggling Daredevils who -- coming off the 2017 IPL season in which they finished sixth on the points table with six wins from 14 games -- again face a very tough road ahead to qualify for the play-offs.
They currently languish at the bottom of the IPL 11 with one win from six matches.
Daredevils coach Ricky Ponting, CEO Hemant Dua, outgoing captain Gambhir held a press conference at the Feroz Shah Kotla to announce the new captain of the team.
15:25 Shocked Asaram collapses in court after sentencing
As a Jodhpur court today awarded the life sentence to self-styled godman Asaram after holding him guilty of raping a teenage girl in his ashram five years ago, the convict allegedly held his hands in his head and collapsed when he was sentenced.
However, an ABP report quoting sources also says that after the judgement was read, Asaram reacted telling a policeman, "khayenge, piyenge, mauj arenge kyunki ab yahi rehna hai (I will eat, drink and be merry since I have to spend all my life here)."
He was escorted to the barracks where he will now be treated as a convict and not as an under-trial.
His spokesperson Neelam Dubey said the verdict will be challenged in the higher court. Few minutes before the sentencing was announced, some of his supporters had to be evicted by police who had gathered outside Jodhpur Central Jail.
Asaram had complained of uneasiness during the hearing on the quantum of punishment inside the Jodhpur Jail where a court is set up. A team of doctors entered the jail in an ambulance to monitor the health condition of the spiritual guru.
Sources said Asaram was quite anxious and worried during the entire courtroom proceedings and was taken aback when the order came out terming him guilty. He reportedly stood for nearly one and a half hours which could also be a factor for his tiredness.
The spiritual gurus counsel had requested the court to take a lenient view while pronouncing the punishment citing the 77-year-old's old age and deteriorating health. On the other hand, the victims advocate had sought maximum punishment for him.
However, an ABP report quoting sources also says that after the judgement was read, Asaram reacted telling a policeman, "khayenge, piyenge, mauj arenge kyunki ab yahi rehna hai (I will eat, drink and be merry since I have to spend all my life here)."
He was escorted to the barracks where he will now be treated as a convict and not as an under-trial.
His spokesperson Neelam Dubey said the verdict will be challenged in the higher court. Few minutes before the sentencing was announced, some of his supporters had to be evicted by police who had gathered outside Jodhpur Central Jail.
Asaram had complained of uneasiness during the hearing on the quantum of punishment inside the Jodhpur Jail where a court is set up. A team of doctors entered the jail in an ambulance to monitor the health condition of the spiritual guru.
Sources said Asaram was quite anxious and worried during the entire courtroom proceedings and was taken aback when the order came out terming him guilty. He reportedly stood for nearly one and a half hours which could also be a factor for his tiredness.
The spiritual gurus counsel had requested the court to take a lenient view while pronouncing the punishment citing the 77-year-old's old age and deteriorating health. On the other hand, the victims advocate had sought maximum punishment for him.
15:09 Distinguish between real saints and frauds: Congress
Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Congress' national general secretary Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday appealed the people to distinguish between real saints and frauds as it creates a bad image of the country in the international arena.
The statement was made soon after self-styled godman Asaram Bapu was found guilty in a 2013 rape case earlier today.
"The time has come when people should be able to differentiate between the actual saints and the frauds, as this creates a bad image of the country in the international arena," Gehlot told the media. "There is no harm in believing in the 'babas' but blind faith is not good," he added.
In the case registered in Rajasthan, a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur of Uttar Pradesh had accused Asaram of raping her at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur on the night of 15 August 2013.
Asaram was arrested after the teenage girl had filed a complaint against him.The judgment in the case was pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail, keeping in view the law and order in a situation in Rajasthan and neighbouring states. ANI
The statement was made soon after self-styled godman Asaram Bapu was found guilty in a 2013 rape case earlier today.
"The time has come when people should be able to differentiate between the actual saints and the frauds, as this creates a bad image of the country in the international arena," Gehlot told the media. "There is no harm in believing in the 'babas' but blind faith is not good," he added.
In the case registered in Rajasthan, a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur of Uttar Pradesh had accused Asaram of raping her at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur on the night of 15 August 2013.
Asaram was arrested after the teenage girl had filed a complaint against him.The judgment in the case was pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail, keeping in view the law and order in a situation in Rajasthan and neighbouring states. ANI
14:40 Asaram sentenced to life term for 2013 rape
Just in: Asaram sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl in 2013. A life term is the maximum imprisonment under the Pocso Act.
Judge Madhusudhan Sharma of the court of SC/ST cases also sentenced the two other convicts Shilpi and Sharad to 20 years in jail.
Asaram started from a hut on the banks of the Sabarmati and created a Rs 10,000 crore empire with 400 ashrams in India and other parts of the world in four decades. Read the story of his rise and fall here.
The chargesheet against Asaram and the four other co-accused was filed by the police on November 6, 2013 under various sections of the POSCO (Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, the Juvenile Justice Act and the Indian Penal Code.
The teenager had said in her complaint that Asaram had called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013.
The young girl from Shahajanpur in Uttar Pradesh was studying at Asaram's ashram in Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. "We had complete faith in the judiciary and are happy that we got justice," her father told journalists after the verdict came in.
The family, he said, had been living in constant terror and their business was hit. Ahead of the verdict, security was stepped up in Jodhpur where prohibitory orders were imposed.
Judge Madhusudhan Sharma of the court of SC/ST cases also sentenced the two other convicts Shilpi and Sharad to 20 years in jail.
Asaram started from a hut on the banks of the Sabarmati and created a Rs 10,000 crore empire with 400 ashrams in India and other parts of the world in four decades. Read the story of his rise and fall here.
The chargesheet against Asaram and the four other co-accused was filed by the police on November 6, 2013 under various sections of the POSCO (Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, the Juvenile Justice Act and the Indian Penal Code.
The teenager had said in her complaint that Asaram had called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013.
The young girl from Shahajanpur in Uttar Pradesh was studying at Asaram's ashram in Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. "We had complete faith in the judiciary and are happy that we got justice," her father told journalists after the verdict came in.
The family, he said, had been living in constant terror and their business was hit. Ahead of the verdict, security was stepped up in Jodhpur where prohibitory orders were imposed.
14:14 BJP has no strategy in K'taka except communal clashes: Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah upped the ante on Wednesday by dubbing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath as 'north Indians', who have reduced BJP's CM face BS Yeddyurappa to a dummy in the battle for Karnataka.
In a tweet, the chief minister attacked the BJP for making the polls a fight between "outsider" north Indians versus local Kannadigas.
@BJP4Karnataka by waiting for North Indian imports like PM Modi, UPCM Adityanath is admiting they have no leaders in the state. They have reduced their CM face @BSYBJP to a dummy. PM may come & go.
In an interview to news agency ANI, Siddaramaiah rubbished exit polls' verdict saying there will be no hung assembly. "I am very clear about it. Therefore this question doesn't arise at all. I will 100% win in both Badami and Chamundeshwari. I don't have any strong opponent in these two places."
When asked about the possibility of a coalition, he said he hoped secular minded parties would come together and defeat communal forces.
He said BJP president Amit Shah was not a good strategist. "What strategy has he got in Karnataka? Except for communal clashes nothing else. The youth in Karnataka like Rahul Gandhi, his campaigning in the state has had a big impact on the youth. Victory in Karnataka will be a stepping stone for Congress for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls."
He said the people in Karnataka were happy with the development programmes he had introduced in the state. "I am just a symbolic head of the Govt. People are happy with us, we have fulfilled promises."
In a tweet, the chief minister attacked the BJP for making the polls a fight between "outsider" north Indians versus local Kannadigas.
@BJP4Karnataka by waiting for North Indian imports like PM Modi, UPCM Adityanath is admiting they have no leaders in the state. They have reduced their CM face @BSYBJP to a dummy. PM may come & go.
In an interview to news agency ANI, Siddaramaiah rubbished exit polls' verdict saying there will be no hung assembly. "I am very clear about it. Therefore this question doesn't arise at all. I will 100% win in both Badami and Chamundeshwari. I don't have any strong opponent in these two places."
When asked about the possibility of a coalition, he said he hoped secular minded parties would come together and defeat communal forces.
He said BJP president Amit Shah was not a good strategist. "What strategy has he got in Karnataka? Except for communal clashes nothing else. The youth in Karnataka like Rahul Gandhi, his campaigning in the state has had a big impact on the youth. Victory in Karnataka will be a stepping stone for Congress for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls."
He said the people in Karnataka were happy with the development programmes he had introduced in the state. "I am just a symbolic head of the Govt. People are happy with us, we have fulfilled promises."
13:39 Imran Khan's marriage on the rocks?
Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan's third wife Bushra Manek has reportedly returned back to her maternal home following a domestic dispute over the ex-cricketer's pet dogs.
As per a report by Times of Islamabad , Imran Khan's pet dogs, who had earlier been thrown out from his palatial house on the direction of Manek, have returned and are seen wandering around the house. Though Imran Khan had negated rumours about kicking out his dog 'Sheru', saying the dog had died a few years ago.
The presence of dogs reportedly interfered in the religious activities of Manek due to which she wanted the expulsion of the dogs from the house.
Further Manek's child from her previous marriage was living at Imran's Bani Gala residence from a long time which flouted a said rule between them that no family member of Manek shall be living at Imran's residence for a long period.
It has also been reported that Imran's sisters were living at Bani Gala and were actively taking part in its renovation work which was not appreciated by Manek.
Khan, last month, secretly married his spiritual mentor Bushra Maneka, a divorcee, amid the media frenzy over his third marriage. -- ANI
As per a report by Times of Islamabad , Imran Khan's pet dogs, who had earlier been thrown out from his palatial house on the direction of Manek, have returned and are seen wandering around the house. Though Imran Khan had negated rumours about kicking out his dog 'Sheru', saying the dog had died a few years ago.
The presence of dogs reportedly interfered in the religious activities of Manek due to which she wanted the expulsion of the dogs from the house.
Further Manek's child from her previous marriage was living at Imran's Bani Gala residence from a long time which flouted a said rule between them that no family member of Manek shall be living at Imran's residence for a long period.
It has also been reported that Imran's sisters were living at Bani Gala and were actively taking part in its renovation work which was not appreciated by Manek.
Khan, last month, secretly married his spiritual mentor Bushra Maneka, a divorcee, amid the media frenzy over his third marriage. -- ANI
13:25 Asaram case" Rape victim's father happy to get justice
The father of the teenager raped by Asaram today expressed satisfaction over the Jodhpur court verdict convicting the self-styled godman and thanked the judiciary and the media for it.
"I am happy to get justice," the rape victim's father said after Asaram's conviction by a Jodhpur court. "We had complete faith in the judiciary and are happy that we got justice," he told mediapersons soon after the court verdict.
"For the past four months, our family members had not been coming out (of our house)... it is satisfying that the verdict has gone against him," he said.
"We were living in constant terror, our business was adversely hit," he said.
The Jodhpur court found 77-year-old Asaram guilty of raping a teenager five years ago. The teenager from Shahajanpur in Uttar Pradesh was studying at the self-styled godman's ashram at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh.
The victim had alleged that Asaram had called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013. Ahead of the pronouncement of the judgement, the district administration had extended security to the victim's family.
The administration had also stepped up vigil at Asaram's ashram at Rudrapur, about two km away. Asaram was arrested in Indore and brought to Jodhpur on September 1, 2013. He is under judicial custody since September 2, 2013. PTI
"I am happy to get justice," the rape victim's father said after Asaram's conviction by a Jodhpur court. "We had complete faith in the judiciary and are happy that we got justice," he told mediapersons soon after the court verdict.
"For the past four months, our family members had not been coming out (of our house)... it is satisfying that the verdict has gone against him," he said.
"We were living in constant terror, our business was adversely hit," he said.
The Jodhpur court found 77-year-old Asaram guilty of raping a teenager five years ago. The teenager from Shahajanpur in Uttar Pradesh was studying at the self-styled godman's ashram at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh.
The victim had alleged that Asaram had called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013. Ahead of the pronouncement of the judgement, the district administration had extended security to the victim's family.
The administration had also stepped up vigil at Asaram's ashram at Rudrapur, about two km away. Asaram was arrested in Indore and brought to Jodhpur on September 1, 2013. He is under judicial custody since September 2, 2013. PTI
12:53 Two arrested for attempting to molest Indore model
Two people have been arrested by Madhya Pradesh police on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to molest a model. The model alleged that the two men tried to pull her skirt while she was driving a two-wheeler at a busy stretch of road on April 22.
According to reports, the two, co-workers at a readymade store in the city, were tracked down with the help of CCTV footage.
The model further took to social media to narrate her ordeal and posted photographs of her bruised legs.
She said, "The motorbike-borne men demanded to know what was under my skirt and reached to pull it. When I tried to stop them, I lost control over my Activa and fell to the ground".
Following her post most people urged her to approach the police.
A day after the incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan responded to the woman on Twitter by applauded her courage and promised to ensure that the culprits will be punished.
"Me and the government will ensure that the culprits are caught and that you get justice. You will have to help the police in identify them," he said on Twitter.
Even, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Indore Police, Hari Narayan Chari Mishra came out in support and said "We have taken cognizance and we are willing to help. Indore police will come to her aid as soon as she contacts us".
According to reports, the two, co-workers at a readymade store in the city, were tracked down with the help of CCTV footage.
The model further took to social media to narrate her ordeal and posted photographs of her bruised legs.
She said, "The motorbike-borne men demanded to know what was under my skirt and reached to pull it. When I tried to stop them, I lost control over my Activa and fell to the ground".
Following her post most people urged her to approach the police.
A day after the incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan responded to the woman on Twitter by applauded her courage and promised to ensure that the culprits will be punished.
"Me and the government will ensure that the culprits are caught and that you get justice. You will have to help the police in identify them," he said on Twitter.
Even, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Indore Police, Hari Narayan Chari Mishra came out in support and said "We have taken cognizance and we are willing to help. Indore police will come to her aid as soon as she contacts us".
12:39 Quantum of punishment for Asaram likely today
Quantum of punishment for Asaram likely to be pronounced today. The self-styled godman was found guilty in the 2013 rape case by the Jodhpur Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Court, on Wednesday.
He has been convicted for raping a minor girl in Manai village near Jodhpur on August 15, 2013.
He is lodged in Jodhpur Central jail.
Asaram's spokesperson Neelam Dubey said they will talk to their legal team and decide future course of action."We will discuss with our legal team and then decide our future course of action. We have confidence in our judiciary," Dubey said.
Earlier in the day, people were seen offering prayers at the godman's ashram in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, Gujarat's Ahmedabad and Punjab's Ludhiana for his acquittal.A follower of Asaram even reached the jail with a garland in the morning. He, however, was detained by police.The judgement in the case was pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail, keeping in view the law and order in situation in Rajasthan and neighbouring states. Asaram is also facing a trial in Gujarat for raping two Surat-based sisters. His son, Narayan Sai, is also an accused in the case. -- ANI
He has been convicted for raping a minor girl in Manai village near Jodhpur on August 15, 2013.
He is lodged in Jodhpur Central jail.
Asaram's spokesperson Neelam Dubey said they will talk to their legal team and decide future course of action."We will discuss with our legal team and then decide our future course of action. We have confidence in our judiciary," Dubey said.
Earlier in the day, people were seen offering prayers at the godman's ashram in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, Gujarat's Ahmedabad and Punjab's Ludhiana for his acquittal.A follower of Asaram even reached the jail with a garland in the morning. He, however, was detained by police.The judgement in the case was pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail, keeping in view the law and order in situation in Rajasthan and neighbouring states. Asaram is also facing a trial in Gujarat for raping two Surat-based sisters. His son, Narayan Sai, is also an accused in the case. -- ANI
12:13 Finance Secretary calls meeting amid high-profile bank frauds
In the wake of an increase in bank frauds, the Centre has nudged law enforcement agencies to scrutinise the red flag raised on financial transactions and detect irregularities.
According to sources, central probe agencies are failing to adhere to the information-sharing protocol formulated by the finance ministry.
To address this issue, Finance Secretary Hasmukh Adhia on Tuesday called an urgent meeting of the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau. The aim of this meeting was to put out measures to arrest the lack of coordination among probe agencies.
The CEIB is the nodal agency under the Ministry of Finance for coordinating financial and economic data. It is responsible for ensuring effective interaction across probe agencies engaged in dealing with economic offences. Officials attending the meeting were briefed on improving information flow.
Sources said the finance ministry was upset with the probe agencies' approach and handling of tip-offs. "The ministry asked them to make it mandatory to share findings and evidence in all major investigations being done by each agency," another official said.
The official said in the Punjab National Bank case, the central bank claimed it had alerted banks thrice on potential malicious use of the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) infrastructure since August 2016. But the banks did not communicate the issue to other agencies.
Similarly, the income tax Department conducted a search on Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi'" the two prime accused in the case in January 2017, but did not share details with other agencies.
The CBI registered a preliminary enquiry after it received complaints from a whistle-blower that Videocon, which had borrowed funds from ICICI Bank, invested in NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by ICICI Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Chanda Kochhar's husband. The other agencies took action after the CBI began the probe in the alleged quid pro quo deal among Videocon, ICICI Bank, and NuPower Renewables.
-- Shrimi Choudhary/Business Standard
According to sources, central probe agencies are failing to adhere to the information-sharing protocol formulated by the finance ministry.
To address this issue, Finance Secretary Hasmukh Adhia on Tuesday called an urgent meeting of the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau. The aim of this meeting was to put out measures to arrest the lack of coordination among probe agencies.
The CEIB is the nodal agency under the Ministry of Finance for coordinating financial and economic data. It is responsible for ensuring effective interaction across probe agencies engaged in dealing with economic offences. Officials attending the meeting were briefed on improving information flow.
Sources said the finance ministry was upset with the probe agencies' approach and handling of tip-offs. "The ministry asked them to make it mandatory to share findings and evidence in all major investigations being done by each agency," another official said.
The official said in the Punjab National Bank case, the central bank claimed it had alerted banks thrice on potential malicious use of the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) infrastructure since August 2016. But the banks did not communicate the issue to other agencies.
Similarly, the income tax Department conducted a search on Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi'" the two prime accused in the case in January 2017, but did not share details with other agencies.
The CBI registered a preliminary enquiry after it received complaints from a whistle-blower that Videocon, which had borrowed funds from ICICI Bank, invested in NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by ICICI Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Chanda Kochhar's husband. The other agencies took action after the CBI began the probe in the alleged quid pro quo deal among Videocon, ICICI Bank, and NuPower Renewables.
-- Shrimi Choudhary/Business Standard
12:03 The rise and fall of Asaram
If we go by figures, Asaram can surely give top businessmen a run for their money as the jailed self-styled godman created an empire of Rs 10,000 crore within four decades, starting from a humble hut on the banks of the Sabarmati river in the early 70s to over 400 ashrams across the country and the world.
The scrutiny of documents seized by the police from Asaram's ashram in Motera area in Ahmedabad following his arrest in the rape case in 2013 had revealed that the 77-year-old Asaram has amassed wealth of around 10,000 crore, which is excluding the market value of vast track of lands that he holds. He may be still have many followers, but after rape allegations, he was accused of other crimes like land grabbing and practice of black magic in his ashrams.
As per a short documentary available on his official website, Asaram was born in 1941 as Asumal Sirumalani in Berani village of Sindh province in Pakistan. After partition in 1947, Asumal came to Ahmedabad with his parents and studied only till the fourth standard at a school in Maninagar area, as he was forced to leave his studies after the death of his father Thaumal when he was 10. After doing some odd jobs during his early youth, Asumal embarked on a "spiritual quest" towards Himalayas, where he met his Guru, Lilashah Bapu, the documentary claimed. It was that Guru who gave him the name 'Asaram' in 1964 and "commanded him to carve his own path and guide people".
Asaram came to Ahmedabad in the early 70s and started doing penance on the banks of Sabarmati near Motera area. His true journey as a spiritual leader started in 1972 when he set up 'Moksha Kutir', a humble hut, on the banks of river.
Over the years, his popularity as 'Sant Asaramji Bapu' started soaring high and that 'humble hut' converted into a full fledged Ashram. Within a span of four decades, he added around 400 ashrams in India and abroad.
Even today, the Motera Ashram is flocked by followers, who are still in denial mode and maintain that their 'guru' has been jailed on false charges.
Asaram is married to Laxmi Devi and they have two children - son Narayan Sai, who is also behind bars, and daughter Bharti Devi. Asaram ran into troubled waters for the first time in 2008, when two cousins - Dipesh and Abhishek Vaghela- who used to stay at the Gurukul of Asaram's Ashram in the Motera area were found dead under mysterious circumstances on the riverbed near the ashram in 2008.
The state CID had in 2009 booked seven followers of Asaram in the death case. Parents of two cousins had alleged that they were killed in the Asarma's ashram as they practice black magic.
However, his real fall started in 2013, after he was arrested for a minor's rape in Rajasthan. After that, two Surat-based sisters had come out to speak about their alleged sexual exploitation at the hand of Asaram and his son Narayan Sai.
Surat Police had on October 6, 2013, registered complaints filed by two sisters - one against Asaram and another against his son Narayan Sai - of rape, sexual assault, illegal confinement and other charges.
The case is going on againt Asaram in Gandhinagar court. He was accused of land grabbing for building his ashrams in Surat and Ahmedabad. His followers were held for threatening and assaulting witnesses in rape cases against him and his son after they were arrested. PTI
The scrutiny of documents seized by the police from Asaram's ashram in Motera area in Ahmedabad following his arrest in the rape case in 2013 had revealed that the 77-year-old Asaram has amassed wealth of around 10,000 crore, which is excluding the market value of vast track of lands that he holds. He may be still have many followers, but after rape allegations, he was accused of other crimes like land grabbing and practice of black magic in his ashrams.
As per a short documentary available on his official website, Asaram was born in 1941 as Asumal Sirumalani in Berani village of Sindh province in Pakistan. After partition in 1947, Asumal came to Ahmedabad with his parents and studied only till the fourth standard at a school in Maninagar area, as he was forced to leave his studies after the death of his father Thaumal when he was 10. After doing some odd jobs during his early youth, Asumal embarked on a "spiritual quest" towards Himalayas, where he met his Guru, Lilashah Bapu, the documentary claimed. It was that Guru who gave him the name 'Asaram' in 1964 and "commanded him to carve his own path and guide people".
Asaram came to Ahmedabad in the early 70s and started doing penance on the banks of Sabarmati near Motera area. His true journey as a spiritual leader started in 1972 when he set up 'Moksha Kutir', a humble hut, on the banks of river.
Over the years, his popularity as 'Sant Asaramji Bapu' started soaring high and that 'humble hut' converted into a full fledged Ashram. Within a span of four decades, he added around 400 ashrams in India and abroad.
Even today, the Motera Ashram is flocked by followers, who are still in denial mode and maintain that their 'guru' has been jailed on false charges.
Asaram is married to Laxmi Devi and they have two children - son Narayan Sai, who is also behind bars, and daughter Bharti Devi. Asaram ran into troubled waters for the first time in 2008, when two cousins - Dipesh and Abhishek Vaghela- who used to stay at the Gurukul of Asaram's Ashram in the Motera area were found dead under mysterious circumstances on the riverbed near the ashram in 2008.
The state CID had in 2009 booked seven followers of Asaram in the death case. Parents of two cousins had alleged that they were killed in the Asarma's ashram as they practice black magic.
However, his real fall started in 2013, after he was arrested for a minor's rape in Rajasthan. After that, two Surat-based sisters had come out to speak about their alleged sexual exploitation at the hand of Asaram and his son Narayan Sai.
Surat Police had on October 6, 2013, registered complaints filed by two sisters - one against Asaram and another against his son Narayan Sai - of rape, sexual assault, illegal confinement and other charges.
The case is going on againt Asaram in Gandhinagar court. He was accused of land grabbing for building his ashrams in Surat and Ahmedabad. His followers were held for threatening and assaulting witnesses in rape cases against him and his son after they were arrested. PTI
11:26 My life is under threat, Asaram's former aide wants security upped
Asaram Bapu's former aide and a key witness in the case, Mahendra Chawla today requested the Centre for additional security as he believed his life, like other witnesses, is constantly under threat.
"Though I have security, I request Centre for additional security, my life like other witnesses is constantly under threat," Chawla said.
Speaking to ANI before Asaram was convicted, Chawla said he hoped the judiciary would hang rapists like Asaram. "Trust judiciary and am confident that Asaram will be convicted. I request judiciary that such rapists should be hanged," he said.
Nearly five years after rape charges were levelled against the self-styled godman, the Jodhpur SC ST court pronounced its verdict today.
People were seen offering prayers at the godman's ashram in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, Gujarat's Ahmedabad and Punjab's Ludhiana for his acquittal ahead of the verdict today.
Earlier in the day, a follower of Asaram who had reached Jodhpur Central Jail with a garland was detained by police. Security has also been beefed up at Jodhpur jail. The judgement in the case was pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail.
Asaram's involvement was probed in two separate cases - one from Rajasthan and the other from Gujarat. In the case registered in Rajasthan, a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur of Uttar Pradesh had accused Asaram of raping her at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur on the night of August 15, 2013, while in Gujarat, two Surat-based sisters lodged separate complaints against the self-styled godman and his son Narayan Sai, accusing them of rape. The Gujarat case verdict is yet to be delivered.
"Though I have security, I request Centre for additional security, my life like other witnesses is constantly under threat," Chawla said.
Speaking to ANI before Asaram was convicted, Chawla said he hoped the judiciary would hang rapists like Asaram. "Trust judiciary and am confident that Asaram will be convicted. I request judiciary that such rapists should be hanged," he said.
Nearly five years after rape charges were levelled against the self-styled godman, the Jodhpur SC ST court pronounced its verdict today.
People were seen offering prayers at the godman's ashram in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, Gujarat's Ahmedabad and Punjab's Ludhiana for his acquittal ahead of the verdict today.
Earlier in the day, a follower of Asaram who had reached Jodhpur Central Jail with a garland was detained by police. Security has also been beefed up at Jodhpur jail. The judgement in the case was pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail.
Asaram's involvement was probed in two separate cases - one from Rajasthan and the other from Gujarat. In the case registered in Rajasthan, a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur of Uttar Pradesh had accused Asaram of raping her at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur on the night of August 15, 2013, while in Gujarat, two Surat-based sisters lodged separate complaints against the self-styled godman and his son Narayan Sai, accusing them of rape. The Gujarat case verdict is yet to be delivered.
11:14
Asaram is also facing a rape case in Surat in Gujarat in which the Supreme Court earlier this month gave five weeks time to the prosecution to complete the trial. Asaram unsuccessfully moved 12 bail applications, of which six were rejected by the trial court, three by the Rajasthan high court and three by the Supreme Court.
11:10 Victim's father: Hope witnesses who were murdered get justice
Just in: Asaram is convicted, we have got justice. I want to thank everyone who supported us in this fight. Now I hope he will get strict punishment. I also hope the witnesses who were murdered or kidnapped get justice: Father of the Shahjahanpur victim Asaram case verdict.
10:56 Asaram convicted for raping minor girl
Just in: Self-styled godman Asaram has been convicted for the rape of a minor girl. Three co-accused have been held guilty, two have been acquitted by the court.
Asaram is accused of raping a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, who was studying at the godman's ashram at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. Asaram has denied the rape charges. The victim had alleged that Asaram called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013.
Asaram faces 10 years in jail, but the quantum of punishment has not been announced today. Asaram has been in jail since 2013.
Neelam Dubey, Asaram's spokesperson said, "We will discuss with our legal team and then decide our future course of action. We have confidence in our judiciary."
Asaram is accused of raping a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, who was studying at the godman's ashram at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. Asaram has denied the rape charges. The victim had alleged that Asaram called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013.
Asaram faces 10 years in jail, but the quantum of punishment has not been announced today. Asaram has been in jail since 2013.
Neelam Dubey, Asaram's spokesperson said, "We will discuss with our legal team and then decide our future course of action. We have confidence in our judiciary."
10:14 Asaram rape case proceedings underway at Jodhpur jail
Proceedings are underway in the Jodhpur Central Jail premises where a trial court judge is set to pronounce today its verdict in the rape case of a teenager by self-styled godman Asaram.
As per the directions of the Rajasthan High Court, the trial court will deliver its verdict in the Jodhpur Central Jail premises where Asaram has been lodged for the past over four years.
Special Judge SC/ST Court Madhusudhan Sharma is in the jail premises to deliver the verdict. A tight security cordon has been thrown around the jail in Jodhpur where prohibitory orders have already been clamped.
Apprehending a threat to law and order, the Centre had yesterday asked Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana governments to tighten security and deploy additional forces as the three states have a large number of followers of the 77-year-old Asaram.
In a communication, the Union Home Ministry told the three states to beef up security and ensure that no violence takes place after the judgment tomorrow. The three states were also told to deploy additional forces in sensitive places, a Home Ministry official said.
Asaram is accused of raping a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, who was studying at the godman's ashram at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. Asaram has denied the rape charges. The victim had alleged that Asaram called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013.
Security was also stepped up around the victim's house in Shahajahanpur. The Union Home Ministry's advisory was sent in view of the fact that large-scale violence was witnessed in Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh after a special court in Mohali convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim last year.
Final arguments in the Asaram case had been completed by the special court for SC/ST cases on April 7 and the court had kept the order reserved for April 25. Asaram was arrested in Indore and brought to Jodhpur on September 1, 2013.
He is under judicial custody since September 2, 2013. The chargesheet against Asaram and four other co-accused Shiva, Shilpi, Sharad and Prakash was filed by the police on November 6, 2013 under various sections of the POSCO Act, Juvenile Justice Act and IPC. If convicted, Asaram could be jailed for a minimum of 10 years or awarded a maximum life term, according to prosecution lawyers. -- PTI
As per the directions of the Rajasthan High Court, the trial court will deliver its verdict in the Jodhpur Central Jail premises where Asaram has been lodged for the past over four years.
Special Judge SC/ST Court Madhusudhan Sharma is in the jail premises to deliver the verdict. A tight security cordon has been thrown around the jail in Jodhpur where prohibitory orders have already been clamped.
Apprehending a threat to law and order, the Centre had yesterday asked Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana governments to tighten security and deploy additional forces as the three states have a large number of followers of the 77-year-old Asaram.
In a communication, the Union Home Ministry told the three states to beef up security and ensure that no violence takes place after the judgment tomorrow. The three states were also told to deploy additional forces in sensitive places, a Home Ministry official said.
Asaram is accused of raping a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, who was studying at the godman's ashram at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. Asaram has denied the rape charges. The victim had alleged that Asaram called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013.
Security was also stepped up around the victim's house in Shahajahanpur. The Union Home Ministry's advisory was sent in view of the fact that large-scale violence was witnessed in Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh after a special court in Mohali convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim last year.
Final arguments in the Asaram case had been completed by the special court for SC/ST cases on April 7 and the court had kept the order reserved for April 25. Asaram was arrested in Indore and brought to Jodhpur on September 1, 2013.
He is under judicial custody since September 2, 2013. The chargesheet against Asaram and four other co-accused Shiva, Shilpi, Sharad and Prakash was filed by the police on November 6, 2013 under various sections of the POSCO Act, Juvenile Justice Act and IPC. If convicted, Asaram could be jailed for a minimum of 10 years or awarded a maximum life term, according to prosecution lawyers. -- PTI
09:59 Asaram's devotees pray ahead of court verdict
In Ahmedabad followers of Asaram Bapu pray ahead of the court verdict. As per the directions of the Rajasthan High Court, the trial court will today deliver its verdict in the Jodhpur Central Jail premises where Asaram has been lodged for the past over four years. Asaram is accused of raping a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, who was studying at the godman's ashram at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. Asaram has denied the rape charges. The victim had alleged that Asaram called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013. Security has also been stepped up around the victim's house in Shahajahanpur.
09:29 North Korea must get rid of its nukes: Trump
North Korea must get rid of its nukes, United States President Donald Trump has said and expressed hope that the US would be able to deal in a very open and honourable fashion with the reclusive nation over the issue.
Trump's remarks came during a joint news conference with the French President Emanuel Macron at the White House.
Trump said his administration had made no concession to North Korea.
"A lot of concessions have already been made. We have made no concessions, despite some of the media saying that I've made concessions. I haven't even discussed a concession. Other than the fact that meeting is a great thing," Trump told reporters.
Trump said he believed in complete denuclearization.
"It means they get rid of their nukes. Very simple, they get rid of their nukes and nobody else would say it. It'd be very easy for me to make a simple deal and claim victory, I don't want to do that. I want them to get rid of their nukes," he said in response to a question.
Trump has agreed to meet the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The venue of the meeting has not been decided yet, but it would not be in the United States.
"I hope that we will be able to deal in a very open and honorable fashion with North Korea. I started a process, and when I did everybody thought I was doing it absolutely wrong," he said.
The United States, he said, put the strongest sanctions on a country that it ever has had. China supported the US effort, he said, as he praised Chinese President Xi Jinping. -- PTI
09:20 Asaram rape case: Judge reaches Jodhpur Central jail, verdict shortly
The judge has reached Jodhpur Central Jail, where he will pronounced verdict shortly in the rape case against self-styled godman Asaram.
Meanwhile, a supporter of Asaram was detained today outside the Central Jail in Jodhpur where prohibitory orders have been clamped.
Asaram's supporter reached near the jail and tried to put a garland on his poster, but the policemen nabbed him.
The poster was put on a wall of a corridor outside the jail boundary where the family members of prisoners wait.
The supporter managed to reach there despite high-security arrangements.
Both the roads towards the Central jail where Asaram is lodged have been sealed and only mediapersons are allowed outside the jail.
Apprehending a threat to law and order, the Centre has asked Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana governments to tighten security and deploy additional forces as the three states have a large number of followers of the 77-year-old Asaram who faces a minimum term of 10 years if convicted.
As per the directions of the Rajasthan high court, the trial court will today deliver its verdict in the Jodhpur Central Jail premises where Asaram has been lodged for the past over four years.-- PTI
08:52
Security outside Jodhpur jail ahead of Asaram Bapu rape case verdict.
08:32 Asaram rape case verdict today amid tight security
A Jodhpur trial court will pronounce its verdict in the alleged rape of a teenager by self-styled godman Asaram who faces a minimum term of 10 years if convicted.
Apprehending a threat to law and order, the Centre asked Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana governments to tighten security and deploy additional forces as the three states have a large number of followers of the 77-year-old Asaram.
Jodhpur, where Asaram has been jailed since 2013, has been converted to a fortress to prevent any reprisals from his followers.
Similar precautions have been taken in Shahjahanpur of Uttar Pradesh, where the young woman and her family now stay.
In a communication, the Union home ministry told the three states to beef up security and ensure that no violence takes place after the judgment.
The three states were also told to deploy additional forces in sensitive places.
Asaram is accused of raping a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, who was studying at the godman's ashram at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. Asaram has denied the rape charges.
The victim had alleged that Asaram called her to his ashram in Manai area near Jodhpur and raped her on the night of August 15, 2013.
00:21 Trump calls North Korea's Kim 'very honorable'
United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un, calling him a 'very honorable' person, and expressed hope that they would hold a meeting 'very soon'.
The praise for the North Korean leader is a dramatic shift for the US, which has long criticised the Kim family dynasty for brutality and deceit.
Trump himself last year derided Kim as 'Little Rocket Man' and threatened North Korea with an overwhelming military strike, promising 'fire and fury' and vowing to 'destroy' North Korea if provoked.
For his part, Kim mocked Trump as a 'mentally deranged US dotard', and Pyongyang has also threatened to strike American soil.
"We have been told directly that they would like to have the meeting as soon as possible. We think that's a great thing for the world," Trump told reporters in a joint media appearance with the French President Emanuel Macron.
"He (Kim Jong-un) really has been very open and I think very honorable from everything we're seeing. Now a lot of promises have been made by North Korea over the years but they have never been in this position," Trump said.
Trump said that he was willing to walk away from talks that are not fruitful.
"Unlike past administrations, I will leave the table. But I think we have the chance to do something very special," said the US President. -- PTI
The praise for the North Korean leader is a dramatic shift for the US, which has long criticised the Kim family dynasty for brutality and deceit.
Trump himself last year derided Kim as 'Little Rocket Man' and threatened North Korea with an overwhelming military strike, promising 'fire and fury' and vowing to 'destroy' North Korea if provoked.
For his part, Kim mocked Trump as a 'mentally deranged US dotard', and Pyongyang has also threatened to strike American soil.
"We have been told directly that they would like to have the meeting as soon as possible. We think that's a great thing for the world," Trump told reporters in a joint media appearance with the French President Emanuel Macron.
"He (Kim Jong-un) really has been very open and I think very honorable from everything we're seeing. Now a lot of promises have been made by North Korea over the years but they have never been in this position," Trump said.
Trump said that he was willing to walk away from talks that are not fruitful.
"Unlike past administrations, I will leave the table. But I think we have the chance to do something very special," said the US President. -- PTI
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