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Fri, 03 January 2025
UK on high alert after spike in flu cases
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23:52 NIA chargesheets 4 Maoists for killing youth on suspicion of being police informer
The National Investigation Agency has chargesheeted four members of the banned CPI (Maoist) for the abduction and killing of a youth in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli for being a police informer and an RSS member, according to an official statement issued on Friday.
The accused -- identified as Doba Wadde, Ravi Pallo, Sattu Mahaka and Komati Mahaka -- have been accused of abduction and murder of Dinesh Pusu Gawde in November 2023, it said.
They had allegedly kidnapped and killed Gawde on suspicion of being a police informer and a member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said the statement issued by the NIA.
In its chargesheet filed before the NIA special court in Nagpur on Thursday, the agency said the accused were active members of CPI-Maoist and had committed the crime in furtherance of the outfit's conspiracy to spread terror in the minds of the local villagers.
Their act was also aimed at threatening villagers against sharing any information about Maoist activities/movements with the security forces, it said.
The case was initially registered at the Dhodraj police station by the Gadchiroli Police, which arrested the accused and seized a "Bharmar gun, along with explosives and incriminating materials at their instance".
The NIA took over the case in October 2024 and has now chargesheeted the accused, all residents of Gadchiroli district. -- PTI
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23:36 UK on high alert after spike in flu cases
Amid reports of a flu outbreak in China, Britain has reported sharp rise in flu cases and hospitals there saw four-fold admissions in the past one month, according to a BBC report.
About 5,000 virus-affected patients are under treatment in various hospitals in the country, said the report.
Pressure on hospitals is "unacceptably awful" and flu is pushing them to breaking point, said the report quoting the head of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.
For the past few days, reports of a massive flu outbreak in China have been circulating abroad, particularly in India and Indonesia.
Health officials, however, maintain the outbreak is an annual occurrence during the winter.
China is currently experiencing severe cold weather for the past few months. -- With PTI inputs
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23:02 Police deport 7 Bangladeshi immigrants staying illegally in Delhi
The Delhi police in two separate operations identified and deported seven illegal immigrants from Bangladesh who had been residing in the national capital, an official said on Friday.
The first operation took place on January 1, in which five individuals, identified as Sheikh Sofiul Alam Sabbir, Mohammad Takdirul Khan, Bijoyohmod Sahi, Habibur Rahman, and Mohammad Musa Miah Khan, were apprehended.
"These individuals had entered India last year under the guise of visiting the Bosnia Embassy to obtain work permits. However, their visas had long expired, rendering their stay illegal," said deputy commissioner of police (Southeast) Ravi Kumar Singh.
All five were subsequently presented before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office for deportation proceedings.
In the second operation, the police apprehended a couple who had been residing in the Safdarjung area of southwest Delhi, after their documents were scrutinised and found to be invalid.
The duo, identified as Liyacat (54) and his wife Nasreen (39), had been living in Delhi since 2012, the officer said.
"Acting on a tip-off, the team detained the couple on Thursday from Shamshan Ghat Road near Green Park. During interrogation, the duo revealed that they had been living at various locations in Delhi-NCR, most recently in Old Seelampur," said a senior police officer. -- PTI
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22:08 SP hurt as mob attacks his office in Manipur
A mob attacked the office of the superintendent of police in Manipur's Kangpokpi district over the officer's alleged failure to remove central force from Saibol village bordering Imphal East district on Friday evening, officials said.
Several people including SP Kangpokpi M Prabhakar, other police personnel and protesters were injured during the clash between security forces and attackers, they said.
Kuki organisations have been protesting against the alleged baton charge on women by security forces on December 31 in Saibol village.
The attackers on Friday evening threw stones and other projectiles towards the office to vent their anger over the continued deployment of central forces particularly the BSF and the CRPF in the village.
Vehicles of district police kept within the compound of the SP's office have been damaged in the attack.
Prabhakar who was injured after being hit on the forehead by some projectile was taken to a hospital, an official said.
Additional central forces were rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.
A large number of protesters started gathering in front of the SP's office since the afternoon demanding that central forces be removed from the village, the official added.
Last week, security forces had conducted operations at the village and its peripheral areas following gunfights between groups that led to injuries to four people including a police personnel. -- PTI
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22:02 2 Mumbai airport staffers among 4 held for smuggling gold worth Rs 4.84 cr
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence on Friday arrested four persons, including two airport staffers employed at a duty-free shop, for allegedly smuggling six kilograms of gold worth Rs 4.84 crore at the international airport in Mumbai, officials said.
The two staffers of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were involved in smuggling gold by retrieving it from the international transit terminal in small batches and delivering it outside the airport, an official said.
"The DRI officials had received specific information about a gold-smuggling syndicate involving the airport staff, following which the officials mounted surveillance on them," he said.
The Mumbai unit of the DRI intercepted two airport staff members when they were transporting the smuggled gold outside the airport, he said.
"After their interrogation, two receivers were also apprehended by the DRI officials," he said.
During their search, the DRI officials found five oval-shaped capsules and two packets of gold dust in wax form weighing 6.05 kilograms worth Rs 4.84 crore, the official said. -- PTI
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21:38 9 held for evicting shopkeepers citing waqf board order in Gujarat
A trustee of a mosque in Gujarat's Rajkot city and eight others have been arrested for allegedly evicting three shopkeepers by citing a Waqf Board order, the police said on Friday.
The shops, rented out by the trust to Hindu traders, are situated on the ground floor of Nawab Mosque in Danapith area.
On December 31, a mob led by mosque trustee Farooq Musani allegedly broke the locks and took possession of the shops by throwing out all the merchandise onto the road, a police official said.
When one of the shopkeepers, Virendra Kotecha, confronted Musani and others, they cited a Gujarat State Waqf Board order asking the mosque trust to take possession of the shops.
Kotecha told reporters that his family had been running the shop since 1962, and no prior notice was served to him by the trust.
Musani, on the other hand, told reporters before his arrest that the shopkeepers were evicted as per the Waqf Board's order, copies of which were given to them.
State waqf board member Asif Salot said it had indeed passed the order, but due procedure was not followed by the trust while taking possession of the shops for violating various norms.
Based on Kotecha's complaint, the Rajkot police registered a First Information Report on January 1 against Musani and others for alleged unlawful assembly, criminal trespass and criminal intimidation, said a police release.
Musani and eight others who were allegedly involved in vandalising the shops were arrested on Thursday, and the police handed over the possession of the shops back to the traders, said the release. -- PTI
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21:23 Govt issues draft digital data protection rules
The government has released the long-awaited draft of Digital Personal Data Protection Rules that do not mention any penal action for violations.
The draft rules, which have been published for public consultations, will be taken into consideration for making the final rule after February 18.
"Draft of rules proposed to be made by the central government in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 40 of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (22 of 2023), on or after the date of coming into force of the Act, are hereby published for the information of all persons likely to be affected thereby," the draft notification said.
The draft rules have laid out provisions related to consent processing of individuals, data processing bodies and the functioning of authorities under the Digital Data Protection Act, 2023.
"...notice is hereby given that the said draft rules shall be taken into consideration after 18th February, 2025," the notification said. -- PTI
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20:55 Sharad Pawar, Bhujbal share stage at Pune event
Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar chief Sharad Pawar and disgruntled NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday shared a stage in Pune to mark the birth anniversary of legendary educationist and social reformer Savitribai Phule.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhujbal said many were "surprised" at the two sharing a stage but asserted "we will always come together for great personalities like Mahatma Phule, Shahu Maharaj and Babasaheb Ambedkar".
The Nationalist Congress Party split in July 2023 after Ajit Pawar, Bhujbal and several others joined the Eknath Shinde government.
The NCP name and 'clock' symbol was given to the faction headed by Ajit Pawar, while the one under Sharad Pawar was christened NCP-SP.
The two parties have been bitter rivals since.
Bhujbal has been upset with his party, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, after he was not included in the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet.
In the days following the swearing-in ceremony on December 15, Bhujbal had lashed out at the deputy CM over his non-inclusion.
Speaking at the event organised at Chakan's Krushi Utpann Bazaar Samiti APMC, NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar slammed the Union government for imposing duty on onion exports, which was greatly distressing farmers.
"Long ago, Mahatma Phule had spoken about the pain of these farmers. The Central government should follow the example of Mahatma Phule while taking decisions concerning farmers," the former Union agriculture minister said.
Heaping praise on Mahatma Phule, Pawar said the social reformer promoted science and technology during his time and was a successful contractor who supplied building material for construction projects of the British government, including Pune's Khadakwasla dam. -- PTI
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20:43 NIA seizes land in J-K's Anantnag in terror case
The National Investigation Agency on Friday attached a property in Anantnag district under the UAPA in a terror-related case, officials said.
The NIA attached a 19-marla land parcel in Halpora area of Kokernag in the south Kashmir district, they said.
The property belongs to Halpora resident Mohammad Akbar Dar.
The action was taken under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act as part of an ongoing investigation into terror funding and related activities, NIA said.
The agency said the attachment is part of a broader effort to disrupt the financial networks supporting terrorism and "unlawful activities" in the Union Territory. -- PTI
Walmik Karad
20:11 Court rejects Walmik Karad's plea seeking assistant for auto-CPAP machine
A court in Maharashtra's Beed on Friday turned down the plea filed by Walmik Karad, arrested and jailed in an extortion case related to sarpanch's murder, seeking a trained person to operate an auto-CPAP machine as he is suffering from sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterised by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.
A continuous positive airway pressure machine is used in the treatment of sleep apnea.
It uses a hose connected to a mask or nosepiece to deliver constant and steady air pressure to help one breathe during sleep.
Karad was arrested by the Crime Investigation Department in Pune after he surrendered before it last week in connection with a Rs 2 crore extortion case linked to the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district last month.
During the CID custody, Karad had moved an application before a court at Kej in Beed to allow a trained person to operate an auto-CPAP machine that he uses as per the advice of the doctor, an official said.
As per Karad's plea, a consultant chest physician and a sleep specialist had advised him to use an auto-CPAP at a specific pressure.
The court rejected his petition, but directed the police to provide medical facilities to Karad as per the government rules and regulations.
It also asked the probe team to take care of Karad's health, the official said. Sarpanch Deshmukh was abducted and tortured to death on December 9.
Four persons have been arrested in the case. -- PTI
19:57 UP minister among charged in 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case
A special MP-MLA court in Muzaffarnagar on Friday framed charges against several BJP leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal, former Union minister Sanjeev Balyan and UP ex-minister Suresh Rana, Samajwadi Party MP Harender Malik and others in a 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots-related case, a lawyer said.
Special MP-MLA court judge Devender Singh Fauzdar framed charges against 19 accused.
Those charged also include VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi, ex-BJP MP Bhartendu Singh, controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand, ex-BJP MLAs Ashok Kansal and Umesh Malik and former UP minister Ashok Katari.
They are accused of violating prohibitory orders and inciting communal tension.
All accused were present in court during the hearing.
The jude framed charges under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 341 (wrongfully restraining someone), and 353 (assault or use of criminal force against public servant on duty) of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code, along with provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 30, prosecution officer Niraj Singh said.
"Nineteen individuals are facing trial in connection with a case related to the Muzaffarnagar riots. They have been charged under Sections 153, 188, 353, and 341 of the IPC, as well as provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act," Singh said.
According to the prosecution, the accused participated in a panchayat meeting at Nagla Madore village on August 30, 2013.
During this meeting, they delivered speeches that incited violence and violated prohibitory orders, it was alleged. -- PTI
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19:35 China plays down flu outbreak, allays travel concerns
China on Friday played down reports of a massive outbreak of flu in the country overwhelming hospitals, saying that cases of the respiratory diseases which occur during the winter were less severe this year compared to last year.
The foreign ministry in Beijing said it is safe for foreigners to travel to China.
"Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media in Beijing in response to a question on the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases in China.
Videos circulating on social media show overcrowded hospitals.
"The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year," she said.
"Can assure you the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China," she said.
She also referred to guidelines issued by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of China regarding the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in the winter.
For the past few days, reports of a massive flu outbreak in China have been circulating abroad, particularly in India and Indonesia. -- PTI
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19:11 Defence lawyers in rape-murder case of 12-year-old withdraw citing public outrage
The lawyers of Sakshi Gawli, the co-accused in the rape and murder case of a 12-year-old girl from Kalyan in the district, on Friday withdrew from the case citing the people's anger over the crime.
Sakshi's husband Vishal Gawli is the main accused in the case.
Advocate Priyesh Singh announced in a video posted on social media that he and his colleague were returning the brief.
"While we took up this case as judicial duty, considering the strong social sentiment we believe it is not appropriate for us to continue representing Sakshi Gawli," Singh said, adding that the decision was voluntary and not taken under external pressure.
Vishal Gawli continues to be represented by his lawyers.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale, meanwhile, visited the victim's family at Kalyan on Friday.
"The culprits should be hanged," the minister said, talking to the media.
The government would provide financial assistance to the victim's family, and the municipal corporation would demolish the accused's house which has already been declared as hazardous, he said.
Vishal Gawli allegedly abducted the girl with the help of his wife from Chakki Naka area of Kalyan on December 23 when she was playing outside her house.
He allegedly raped and killed her.
The couple then took the body in an autorickshaw to Bapgaon on Kalyan-Padgha road and dumped it there, as per the police case. Both are currently in police custody. -- PTI
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18:55 GRAP 3 curbs back in Delhi-NCR amid rise in air pollution levels
The Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR's air quality on Friday brought back stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan amid a rise in air pollution levels owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions, according to an official order.
Delhi's air pollution levels showed an increasing trend and the 24-hour average air quality index stood at 371 at 4 pm.
According to forecasts from the India meteorological department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the air quality situation is predicted to deteriorate further owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions.
The Commission for Air Quality Management, responsible for strategising air pollution mitigation in Delhi-NCR, directed authorities in the region to immediately implement curbs prescribed under stage 3 to prevent further worsening of the situation.
GRAP Stage 3, which was lifted last Friday, entails a ban on non-essential construction work.
Classes up to grade V are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3.
Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available.
Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts.
Persons with disabilities are exempt.
Stage 3 also bans non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi. -- PTI
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18:35 Will do all for Kerala nurse on death row: Govt
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse who has been sentenced to death in Yemen.
"We are closely following the developments" said ministry of external affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal.
While addressing the weekly briefing on Friday , Jaiswal stated, "On Nimisha Priya case, we are closely following the developments... government is extending all possible help in the matter. We will see how this goes forward from here."
Earlier, MEA confirmed its awareness of the death sentence handed to Nimisha Priya and assured that the government is providing all possible assistance.
In response to media queries regarding the case of Nimisha Priya, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are aware of the sentencing of Ms. Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that the family of Ms. Priya is exploring relevant options. The government is extending all possible help in the matter."
Nimisha Priya, who is sentenced to death in Yemen, is a trained nurse and has worked in private hospitals in Yemen for a few years. -- ANI
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge pays tribute to former PM Dr Manmohan Singh during Akhand Path kept in his memory, at his residence in New Delhi on Friday/ANI Photo
18:21 Hamid Ansari, Sonia Gandhi, Kharge attend Manmohan Singh's prayer meeting
Several top dignitaries paid tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a prayer meet organised in his memory at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj in New Delhi.
Among the top leaders who attended the prayer meeting (Kirtan and Antim Ardas) included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.
Former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur, Leader of Opposition in Punjab assembly Pratap Bajwa and former deputy chairperson of the then Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia also attended the prayer.
Others who attended the ceremony included Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, former Union ministers Salman Khurshid and Ajay Maken, and Sukhjinder Randhawa.
BJP's Praneet Kaur and Manjinder Singh Sirsa were also present.
Earlier, former vice-president Hamid Ansari, Sonia Gandhi and Kharge were among the dignitaries who attended the 'Akhand Path' at the ex-prime minister's residence on Friday. -- PTI
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18:16 Actor Allu Arjun gets regular bail in stampede case
A court on Friday granted regular bail to top Telugu actor Allu Arjun, an accused in the case booked over the death of a woman in a stampede in Hyderabad during the premiere of his latest film Pushpa-2.
The II additional metropolitan sessions judge had earlier reserved the order for Friday after hearing arguments from the lawyers of the actor and the police.
Ashok Reddy, advocate for Allu Arjun, said that the court directed the actor to furnish two sureties, who shall execute bond for Rs 50,000 each.
Allu Arjun has to appear before the investigating officer on Sunday, Reddy told reporters.
The actor was arrested on December 13 in connection with the incident and released from the jail on December 14 after the Telangana high court granted him interim bail for four weeks which would end on January 10.
Allu Arjun, who was named as accused no 11 in the case, had earlier filed the regular bail petition in court.
He appeared through video conference before the court on December 27.
A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was injured on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of Pushpa 2 movie. -- PTI
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17:57 History-sheeter killed, another injured in shooting by rival gang in Nagpur
A history-sheeter was killed, and his cousin sustained injuries after members of a rival gang opened fire at them in Maharashtra's Nagpur district, the police said on Friday.
The shooting occurred near Babulkheda village in Khaparkheda police station limits of Nagpur district on Thursday evening, an official said.
Pawan Hiranwar sustained a bullet injury to his head and died, while his cousin, Bunty Hiranwar, received a bullet wound to his face, he said.
According to the police, sharpshooters from the Sheikhu gang allegedly intercepted the victims who were travelling in a car with their associates.
Six sharpshooters on motorcycles ambushed the vehicle and opened fire.
The Sheikhu gang was involved in the murder of one Hemant Diyewar, a BYJM activist, 10 years ago.
The victim, Pawan Hiranwar, had been previously arrested under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act and was only recently released before being externed for two years.
His cousin, Bunty, was also externed.
The duo were involved in criminal activities and were booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act in 2018 for an attempted murder, police said.
One of the Hiranwars allegedly killed Sheikhu's brother, Saroj, in a road rage incident in 2022, they said.
The investigation is being led by SP (Rural) Harssh A Poddar, and three suspects have been detained for questioning, the official said, adding that the police are analysing technical evidence. -- PTI
17:20 Kashmir in winter? Consider it
If he wasn't the CM, Omar Abdullah should have been J-K's tourism minister. His posts and pictures on X are a love story to Kashmir. Omar tweets, "Pahalgam is lovely in the winter. It's a surreal beauty at night after the snow finally arrives."
17:11 Hamid Ansari pays his respects to Dr Singh
Former Vice President Hamid Ansari attends the Akhand Path kept at the residence of Dr Manmohan Singh today.
17:06 Won't respond to PM's abuse: Kejri on 'sheesh mahal'
The BJP-led Centre has not done any development work in Delhi or else, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not have had to spend 39 minutes of his 43-minute speech cursing the people of the capital and the government they elected with the largest mandate, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said here on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal, in response to Modi's remarks on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime in Delhi, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) only engages in "abusive politics" and "personal attacks".
"In his speech today, Modiji spent 39 minutes doing nothing but abusing the elected government and people of Delhi.
"Even two-three hours would be insufficient to list the work done by our government in the last 10 years. On the other hand, the BJP government has not done any work that Modiji could have talked about in his speech. If it had done any work, he would not have had to just abuse the people of Delhi. The party would not have had to try to win the election by abusing the residents of Delhi," the former chief minister said.
At an event at Ashok Vihar earlier in the day, Modi called the AAP an "aapda" (disaster) for Delhi, saying this "aapda" has taken the national capital in its grip in the last 10 years. The prime minister also exuded confidence that the BJP will emerge victorious in the Delhi Assembly polls due next month, defeating the AAP. -- PTI
17:03 Sensex, Nifty tank nearly 1% on sell-off
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty buckled under selling pressure to settle nearly 1 per cent lower on Friday as investors pared exposure to bank and IT stocks ahead of the earnings season starting next week.
A depreciating rupee against the US dollar further weighed on sentiment, traders said. The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 720.60 points or 0.90 per cent to close at 79,223.11 despite a positive beginning. During the day, it slumped 833.98 points or 1.04 per cent to 79,109.73.
The NSE Nifty tanked 183.90 points or 0.76 per cent to 24,004.75. From the Sensex pack, Zomato, HDFC Bank, Tech Mahindra, Adani Ports, Tata Consultancy Services, ICICI Bank, Sun Pharma, Larsen & Toubro, HCL Tech and ITC were the major laggards. On the other hand, Tata Motors, Nestle, Titan, Hindustan Unilever and Reliance Industries were among the gainers. -- PTI
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16:39 India protests China's counties in Ladakh
India lodges protest with China over the announcement of two new counties in Hotan prefecture as parts of these fall in the UT of Ladakh, says MEA. "We never accepted illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area. We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests," the MEA said on China's plan to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra.
Chhotu Baba
16:28 Meet the sadhu who hasn't bathed for 32 years!
Gangapuri Maharaj who has not taken a bath for 32 years has become the centre of attraction in Maha Kumbh Mela, Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. Gangapuri Maharaj is also know as Chhotu Baba is from Assam's Kamakhya Peeth.
"This is Milan Mela. Soul to soul should be connected and that's why I'm here," Baba told ANI on Friday. The 57-year-old has become the centre of attraction in Maha Kumbh Mela due to his height, which is three feet. "I am 3 feet 8 inches. I am 57 years old. I am very happy to come here. You people are also here I am happy in that also," he added.
Gangapuri Maharaj has not bathed for the last 32 years and said, "I do not take a bath because I have a wish which has not been fulfilled in the last 32 years. I will not take a bath in the Ganga."
The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years and a huge turnout of devotees is expected in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. To prevent mishaps, the district administration has been taking important steps to ensure the safety of the devotees, especially for crowd management and avoiding fire incidents. -- ANI
16:11 Remembering Dr Singh
Sonia Gandhi attends the Akhand Path at the residence of Dr Manmohan Singh and pays tribute.
15:38 Kya baat hai! Sena (UBT) praises Fadnavis!
The Shiv Sena (UBT), in a rare instance since the undivided Shiv Sena's fall out with the BJP in 2019, praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday for his efforts to turn Naxal-hit Gadchiroli district into a steel city.
In an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', the party referred to Fadnavis as 'Deva bhau' and said he visited Gadchiroli, the farthest district of Maharashtra in Vidarbha, on New Year's Eve and started a chapter on development.
Located on Maharashtra's eastern border, Gadchiroli is often referred to as the last district of the state. During his visit to Gadchiroli two days ago, the chief minister said Maharashtra will soon become free of Naxal menace given the rise in the number of Maoists laying down their arms and the movement failing to attract recruits.
He inaugurated the 32-km-long Gatta-Gardewada-Wangeturi road and bus services of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on the Wangeturi-Gardewada-Gatta-Aheri route in the district. He also inaugurated the steel plant of 'Llyods Metals and Energy Ltd.
The Sena (UBT), in its editorial, said it appeared that Fadnavis would do something new in the district and bring a positive change in the lives of tribals there. It further said to fulfil the assurance of beginning a new chapter of development in the district, Fadnavis has to translate the roadmap into reality.
The rare praise comes nearly two weeks after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray met the chief minister in Nagpur. Ties between the two leaders had hit nadir after the alliance between the undivided Shiv Sena and BJP broke in 2019.
"If what the chief minister has said turns out to be true, it is a positive development for Maharashtra," the editorial said. The party said that "Deva bhau" (Fadnavis) needs to show that the steps for Gadchiroli's development are for the betterment of common people and poor tribals, not for any mining baron.
"Guns rule Beed. Still, if there is a rule of the Constitution in Gadchiroli, CM Fadnavis is eligible for praise," it added. Asked about the Sena UBT's rare praise, Fadnavis said, "It's good. Thank you." -- PTI
15:08 Mumbai police sabse best: Rajan henchman nabbed
The henchman of infamous gangster Chhota Rajan, wanted for murder, kidnapping, and illegal possession of weapons, has been arrested by the Mumbai Police, officials said.
The accused had been on the run for the last 32 years.
According to the police, the arrested accused who has been absconding for decades has been identified as Raju Vikanya alias Vilas Balram Pawar. Pawar was arrested after Mumbai Police received information about his whereabouts.
The police said that he was spotted in the Chembur area of Mumbai on Thursday. As soon as the police received the information, they went to Chembur and arrested him. Many cases of murder, ransom kidnapping, and illegal possession of weapons are registered against the accused in different police stations in Mumbai.
He was to be presented in a sessions court in the metropolitan. Earlier in October, The Bombay High Court granted bail to gangster Chhota Rajan in the 2001 Jaya Shetty murder casey.
Earlier, he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for this crime. The divisional bench, led by Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan, set bail at Rs 1 lakh. In 2023, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court acquitted Rajan of orchestrating the high-profile murder of renowned Mumbai trade union leader Dr Datta Samant, who was shot dead in 1997.
However, Chhota Rajan is not likely to be released from jail anytime soon, as he is facing trial in several other cases in various cities. -- ANI
14:45 When Manmohan Singh confided in Kalam about...
Economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia on Friday spoke of the efforts former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took to convince the opposition parties during his second term for the Indo-US nuclear deal. Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, said that Dr Singh had to confide with then-President APJ Abdul Kalam, asking him to have a conversation with then-Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh who was opposing the nuclear deal with the left parties. The left parties had taken a vote of confidence and wanted to vote the government out of power,
Ahluwalia said. "Manmohan Singh had to undertake the Indo-US nuclear deal while going against the opposition from within his party, strong opposition from the left. He had to do a lot of political maneuvering since the left had a vote of confidence and they wanted to vote the government out of power. He was able to avoid the problem because he brought in President APJ Abdul Kalam to persuade Mulayam Singh as a scientist. Mulayam Singh agreed after talking to President Kalam and ended up supporting the government," Ahluwalia told ANI in an exclusive interview.
Ahluwalia said that for Manmohan Singh, India's forward movement could only happen if the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) restrictions were lifted and that was possible because of the relationship the former Prime Minister shared with then-US President George Bush, which ensured the removal of the NSG restrictions. -- ANI
14:33 'Extreme Poverty reduced to minimal in India'
As the poverty rates in the country declined below 5 per cent in 2024, a research study by State Bank of India (SBI) also highlighted that the extreme poverty in the country has reduced to minimal.
It said "At an aggregate level, we believe poverty rates in India could now be in the range of 4-4.5 per cent with almost minimal existence of extreme poverty" The report also highlighted significant improvements in rural and urban poverty levels over the years, supported by data from the government's Consumption Expenditure Survey.
According to the survey, rural poverty is estimated at 4.86 per cent in FY24, a sharp decline from 7.2 per cent in FY23 and 25.7 per cent in FY12. Similarly, urban poverty has dropped to 4.09 per cent in FY24, compared to 4.6 per cent in FY23 and 13.7 per cent in FY12. -- ANI
14:04 PM: Could have built sheesh mahal for myself but I...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 1,675 newly constructed flats for the dwellers of JJ clusters and also handed over keys to eligible beneficiaries at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar, Delhi.
Ahead of the inauguration, PM Modi also inspected newly constructed flats for the dwellers of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project.
"I fulfilled dreams of 4 crore people by providing houses, never built house for myself; I could also have built 'Sheesh Mahal'. Pucca houses, instead of slums, symbolise self-respect, new hope," the PM said after inaugurating the flats.
13:15 Manmohan pulled 138 mn people out of BPL: Montek
Economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia praised former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his efforts to bring 138 million people out of the 'below poverty line (BPL)'.
Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, said that India grew faster in terms of economic growth during Singh's tenure than it had ever done.
"People forget that when you are Prime Minister you are not running an individual department. You have to be judged by how the country performs. So if you put that criterion, during his tenure, India grew faster than it had ever done before and it grew faster than it has grown since. In his period, 138 million people were pulled above the poverty line for the first time. Before that, the percentage of people below the poverty line was falling, but the population was expanding and so did the number of people below the poverty line," Montek told ANI in an exclusive interview.
Montek further said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's tenure must be judged in its entirety. The Indo-US nuclear deal that freed India from nuclear restrictions was the most important achievement during his second term, he added.
"If you judge him as the Prime Minister and look at the total effect, it was good. Another important achievement at that time was the Indo-US nuclear deal that freed India from nuclear restrictions," the renowned economist said.
When asked whether Manmohan Singh was a better FM or PM, Montek explained that the two jobs are different since his achievements as the Finance Minister remain "historic" and during his tenure as the Prime Minister the country had achieved the highest growth.
"The two jobs are very different. What he achieved as Finance Minister was historic because he turned around policies we have been following for the last 30 years. As Prime Minister, he was heading an economy that had already undergone some reforms. You couldn't expect him to do the same thing (as the PM). The challenges before a Prime Minister are very different. In the middle of a crisis, when you are the FM, with the backing of the PM you could get things done. When the economy is not in crisis, it is working well, you need to build a consensus. He did many things during his second term," Montek said. -- ANI
13:05 Ex-CPI-M MLA gets 5-yr jail in Periya twin murder
A CBI court in Kochi on Friday sentenced 10 persons to double life imprisonment, while four others, including a former CPI(M) MLA, were sentenced to five years in prison for the murder of two Youth Congress workers at Periya in the Kasaragod district of Kerala five years ago.
The court had found them guilty last Saturday.
The case pertains to the murder of Youth Congress workers Kripesh, 19, and Sarath Lal P K, 24, allegedly by CPI(M) workers on 17 February 2019. The convicts include former MLA and CPI(M) district leader K V Kunhiraman, Kanhangad block panchayat president K Manikandan, former CPI(M) Periya local committee member A Peethambaran, and former Pakkam local secretary Raghavan Velutholi. According to the prosecution, the twin murders were carried out following politically motivated attacks and counterattacks between CPI(M) and Congress workers in the area. PTI
12:25 Trump blames Biden for 'violent SCUM' entering US
US President-Elect Donald Trump on Friday criticised US President Joe Biden's administration for alleged failure to seal borders.
Trump said that the administration was busy attacking him, rather than doing their job, and called for the Central Intelligence Agency to get 'involved'.
In a post on X, Trump said, "Our Country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World! This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership. The DOJ, FBI, and Democrat state and local prosecutors have not done their job. They are incompetent and corrupt, having spent all of their waking hours unlawfully attacking their political opponent, ME, rather than focusing on protecting Americans from the outside and inside violent SCUM that has infiltrated all aspects of our government, and our Nation itself."
Trump alleged that the US is 'breaking down' and the security is eroding from the nation.
"Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen to our Country. The CIA must get involved, NOW, before it is too late. The USA is breaking down - A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation. Only strength and powerful leadership will stop it. See you on January 20th. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" he added.
Trump criticised Biden's 'Open Border's Policy' and said that whatever his administration has done will never be forgotten.
"With the Biden "Open Border's Policy" I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined. Joe Biden is the WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA, A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER. What he and his group of Election Interfering "thugs" have done to our Country will not soon be forgotten! MAGA," he said. -- ANI
12:05 We are with students in their fight: Rahul amid BPSC row
Amid the ongoing protests by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants, seeking a re-examination of the 70th BPSC prelims, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed his solidarity with the protesting students.
The Congress MP vowed to stand with the students in the fight for their rights. The protesting students in Patna are demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP is "cutting the thumb of the youth of India just like Ekalavya, destroying their future." -- ANI
15 people were mowed down in the New Orleans attack
12:00 New Orleans redux: Car rams into people in Jaipur
An SUV rammed into a religious procession, injuring four people in Jaipur. People angered by the incident vandalised the vehicle, police said on Friday.
The driver, a minor, was detained by police after the incident near Panchvati Circle at the Rajapark area where a Nagar Kirtan was being held by members of the Sikh community on Thursday night, they said. According to police, the car had a MLA sticker pasted on the windshield, which is being verified.
Six challans have been issued for overspeeding. Policemen stationed there signalled the SUV coming at high speed to stop but the driver allegedly accelerated, ACP Lakshmi Suthar said. Police said the driver allegedly did not stop the car even after hitting people.
About 100 metres ahead, the crowd stopped the car. Four boys got down and started running, but people caught the driver. Three other youths present in the car managed to escape, police said. A woman and a girl were among those injured in the incident. Adarsh Nagar Police has registered a case in the matter and is investigating the case further. -- PTI
A woman pays homage at a memorial. Pic: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
11:38 'Son had biggest heart': The victims of New Orleans
Matthew Tenedorio, 25, had a superpower: He could make people laugh, one of his cousins said.
Tenedorio leaves behind two loving older brothers, his parents and many devastated cousins, said Zach Colgan, one of those cousins. Tenedorio is among the 14 people tragically killed when a rented pickup truck plowed into a crowd celebrating the New Year in New Orleans during Wednesday's early hours.
Growing up together, Colgan told CNN he can't stop replaying years of memories in his head.
"He liked telling stories. When he told stories, he pretty much painted the picture for you as if you were there," Colgan said.
"He walked into a room and he would light the room up."
On Thursday, the FBI confirmed that 14 people were killed in the New Year's attack on Bourbon Street. The attacker is also dead. The New Orleans coroner previously announced 15 deaths but did not provide any identifying information about the deceased.
Authorities have yet to release the names of the victims, but some have been identified by their relatives and people close to them.
Read the full story on CNN here.
File pic
11:08 Dense fog delays over 100 flights delayed in Delhi
More than 100 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport on Friday morning due to bad weather conditions, an official said. The national capital witnessed dense fog resulting in low visibility. The official said over 100 flights have been delayed but there are no diversions so far.
"While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a post on X at 6.35 am.
CAT III facility allows aircraft to operate in low visibility conditions. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), operated by DIAL, handles around 1,300 flight movements daily. -- PTI
10:49 Man killed for complaining about loud music on Jan 1
A quarrel over loud music during New Year celebrations turned deadly for a 40-year-old man, identified as Dharmendra, who was beaten to death by his neighbours on January 1, in the south Rohini area, police said, adding that two persons identified as Piyush Tiwari (21) and Kapil Tiwari (26), both brothers and neighbours of the deceased, have been arrested.
In the early hours of January 1, the police received a call about a fight, which broke out between two neighbours at around 1:00 AM.
According to the police, the scuffle between the two parties started when Dharmendra, father of three children, complained to his neighbours over loud music being played at the New Year's party.
The verbal spat turned into a physical fight during which the 40-year-old sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar (BSA) hospital, where he was declared dead.
The police arrested the accused - Piyush and Kapil - soon after the incident. Piyush works as a delivery boy, while Kapil, who is pursuing his Master's degree, holds a position as an expense head at a company in Mangolpuri, officials said.
The police confirmed that the deceased has been survived by a wife and three children. Dharmendra used to work as a sales boy in a local shop. According to the police, the deceased succumbed to injuries after being beaten up by the two brothers. The deceased and his brother had asked the accused to lower the volume, which led to the quarrel.
A case was registered under relevant sections and further investigation was being carried out. Both the accused persons have been arrested in the case. -- ANI
10:28 Rupee falls 3 paise to 85.78 against US dollar
The rupee depreciated 3 paise to 85.78 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, weighed down by the strength of the American currency in the overseas market and a muted trend in domestic equities.
Forex traders said the US dollar gained against most currencies during 2024 and continued to remain on a strong footing this year. Moreover, the market will keep its focus on Donald Trump's policies which could boost growth but could also increase price pressures and this would keep the US FED on a hold for longer on interest rate cuts.
10:20 'No, Rahul did not tear up ordinance'
Rajdeep Sardesai tweets on his show: "Clarification: Reference to my comments on the recent Neta Nagri show on @TheLallantop paying tribute to Dr Manmohan Singh where I referred to @RahulGandhi 'tearing up' UPA 2 government ordinance on convicted legislators. At a press meet in 2013, Rahul Gandhi called the UPA government ordinance 'complete nonsense' that should be 'torn and thrown out'. He was against the ordinance and made his public displeasure amply clear. But there is no video of Mr Gandhi physically tearing up the ordinance. An unrelated image of Rahul Gandhi tearing up a paper in a public rally in 2012 was made viral much later and falsely used to suggest he had 'torn' the ordinance (the correct sequence of what exactly happened has been written in my 2014 election book) My apologies and thank you to those who pointed this out including @dubeyamitabh @mukeshbudharwi and @rasheedkidwai for pointing this out."
Modi gifted the a lab grown 7.5 carat green diamond
10:13 PM gifted a $20,000 diamond to this foreign dignitary
As US President Joe Biden's term nears an end, this is what he and his family were given as gifts from foreign leaders in 2023, reports AP.
Jill Biden received the single most expensive present: a USD 20,000 diamond from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 7.5-carat diamond from Modi was easily the most costly gift presented to any member of the first family in 2023. She also received a brooch valued at USD 14,063 from the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States and a bracelet, brooch and photograph album worth USD 4,510 from the president and first lady of Egypt.
PM Modi's diamond was retained for official use in the White House East Wing, while the other gifts to the president and first lady were sent to the archives.
10:10 'Atishi's words just like a terrorist'
Union Minister of State Sanjay Seth on Friday launched a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Atishi over her recent statement on Union Agricultural Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, calling her words "those of a terrorist."
Seth condemned Atishi's remarks against the Union Agricultural Minister, stating that it was inappropriate for a leader of her stature to use such language.
"The words used by the Chief Minister of Delhi yesterday were those of a terrorist. Using bad words against a senior leader like Shivraj Singh Chouhan is not a good sign for this democracy. She is the CM, and she should use words in the right manner," Seth said, adding that calling someone a terrorist reflects poorly on the individual's mentality.
Seth emphasised that such language and behaviour were reflective of one's character and style.
"If you address any person as a terrorist, it shows your mentality... We all say that democracy is strong; now if someone says something, it is their mentality, their language, their style, their character, their face. We all are dedicated to the service of Mother India and the resolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a developed India in 2047," the Union Minister of State added.
This came in the wake of Atishi's counterattack on the BJP government, where she stated that the condition of farmers has never been "as bad as" it was during BJP's rule after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused the AAP government of denying the benefits of central schemes to the farmers of the national capital. -- ANI
09:27 Israeli delegation to visit Qatar today for hostage negotiations
Israel is set to send a delegation to Qatar's capital Doha today to resume negotiations regarding a hostage agreement in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported.
The delegation will include officials from Mossad, the country's intelligence agency; Shin Bet or the Israeli Security Agency, the intelligence, technological, and operational organisation of Israel; and Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
On Thursday, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office had announced that the Prime Minister had approved the delegation's visit to Qatar to discuss a potential hostage-ceasefire arrangement.
In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said, "Netanyahu authorised a working-level delegation from the Mossad, Shin Bet and IDF to continue negotiations in Doha."
Meanwhile, The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a civil, volunteer-based organisation, representing the families of the hostages, welcomed the decision by Netanyahu and said that 'window of opportunity' cannot be missed.
In a rough translation of the post on X, the organisation said, 'The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomes the decision to send the Israeli delegation to Qatar. We must not miss the window of opportunity! We demand that the prime minister give the negotiating team a mandate to reach an agreement that will see the return of every last hostage -- the living to rehabilitation and the murdered for an honorable burial.' -- ANI
08:38 Blinkit starts 10 minute ambulance service in Gurugram
Rishabh Sharma/Business Standard
Quick commerce platform Blinkit on Thursday announced the launch of its ambulance in 10 minutes service in select areas in Gurugram, calling it the beginning of its efforts to enhance emergency medical access.
Quick commerce platform Blinkit on Thursday announced the launch of its ambulance in 10 minutes service in select areas in Gurugram, calling it the beginning of its efforts to enhance emergency medical access.
In a post on X, Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa said the company launched its first five ambulances in Gurugram on Thursday.
'As we expand the service to more areas, you will start seeing an option to book a Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance through the @letsblinkit app,' he said.
The ambulances are equipped with essential life-saving equipment such as oxygen cylinders, AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), stretchers, monitors, suction machines, and emergency medicines. Each vehicle will be staffed with a paramedic, an assistant, and a trained driver to ensure timely, high-quality service during emergencies.
'Profit is not our goal; providing affordable and efficient emergency services is our primary focus,' said Dhindsa.
The company plans to scale up the service gradually and expand to more cities over the next two years.
'Let's do our bit and make way for an ambulance always. You never know
when you may save a life,' Dhindsa said.
Blinkit is owned by Zomato. Zomato acquired Blinkit (formerly Grofers) in 2021, strengthening its presence in the quick-commerce space by offering a wider range of services, including grocery delivery.
01:46 Prayer meet for Manmohan Singh today
Leaders from across the political spectrum will pay their tributes to former prime minister Manmohan Singh at a prayer meeting on Friday.
The 'Shabad Kirtan and Antim Ardas' of Dr Singh would be held at the Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib at 3 pm.
Before the prayer meet, the family of the former PM would also hold a 'bhog' of the 'Akhand Path' kept in the memory of Singh at their 3, Motilal Nehru Marg residence.
Singh, who steered the country as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, was considered the architect of India's economic reforms in the 1990s.
He died at AIIMS Delhi December 26. He was 92. -- PTI
01:13 Kota coaching student found dead on railway track; police say fell off train
An eighteen-year-old coaching student from Maharashtra fell off a passenger train and died, police on Thursday said.
The body of Keshav Das Amol was found on the Delhi-Mumbai railway track in Bundi district Wednesday morning with a wound to the head.
Amol carried no papers on him nor anything in the way of a suicide note, the police said.
They said it was likely that the youth fell off a train and hurt himself.
His body was collected by his father on Thursday after a postmortem, they said.
Amol came from the Sangli district in Maharashtra and had been living with his mother in Kota.
"His father was too shocked to give a statement," assistant sub-inspector Babulal Nagar, posted at Lakehri Police Station, said.
It was learnt that Amol had left his room without his mobile phone on Tuesday evening, he said.
On Wednesday morning, the police received a memo from the station master about a body lying on tracks at the Papdi Railway Gate near Lakheri Railway Station, he said.
The police rushed the injured youth to a local hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Since the body had no identity papers, a picture of it was circulated locally. -- PTI
00:23 K'taka: Wife murders man, cuts body into 2 pieces
A woman was arrested for killing her drunkard husband in Karnataka's Belagavi, said the police on Thursday.
She allegedly strangled him first, then smashed his face with a stone and cut his body into two pieces to haul it far away from her house, they said.
According to Belagavi superintendent of police Bhimashankar Guled, the pieces of the body of 40-year-old Srimantha Itnali were found on December 10 in Umarani village, Chikkodi taluk of Belagavi.
"A three-member team led by the deputy superintendent of police camped in the village and investigated the case," said the SP, addressing a press meet on Thursday.
After a false start, they zeroed in on the wife, Savithri, and she was brought to the station for questioning.
"Initially, she didn't agree but later she confessed to her crime," added the SP.
According to him, the incident took place on December 8.
The man, a drunkard, often used to abuse his wife for money, said the police.
On the day of the murder, he was fighting with her over a piece of land she owned. -- PTI
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