Asia Press Agency

Tag: Arrests

  • CBI Arrests Suspects in Sandeshkhali Assault Case

    CBI Arrests Suspects in Sandeshkhali Assault Case

    On Saturday, March 16, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) made significant strides in the Sandeshkhali assault case by apprehending three suspects, including Sheikh Alomgir, the younger brother of expelled Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan. This development sheds light on the January 5 attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, who were conducting a raid at Shahjahan’s residence. Alongside Alomgir, the other two individuals detained are Mafaujar Molla and Sirajul Molla.

     

    This recent round of arrests follows earlier apprehensions made by the CBI on March 11, where three individuals identified as Didar Baksh Molla, Faruk Akunji, and Jiaudddin Molla (the Panchayat Pradhan of Sarberia Panchayat) were taken into custody. The investigative efforts signify a concerted push by law enforcement to unravel the circumstances surrounding the violent incident in Sandeshkhali.

     

    Earlier this month, responding to directives from the Calcutta High Court, the state police handed over Sheikh Shahjahan to the CBI for further investigation. The court’s intervention came with a mandate for the central agency to assume control of the case and probe the attack on ED officers, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

     

    According to a CBI official quoted by Hindustan Times, Alomgir and his associates were summoned to the agency’s office for questioning regarding their involvement in the violence on January 5. Subsequently, they were placed under arrest on Saturday evening, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.

     

    Sheikh Shahjahan, a prominent figure in the TMC, and his associates have been implicated in various criminal activities, including land grabbing, sexual offenses against local women, and extortion in Sandeshkhali, located in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. The TMC leader’s arrest came after he eluded law enforcement for 55 days, following a violent uprising by Sandeshkhali residents.

     

    In response to his arrest, the TMC suspended Sheikh Shahjahan from the party for a duration of six years, denouncing his alleged involvement in criminal activities. This move underscored the party’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability among its members, irrespective of their status or influence.

     

    The accusations against Sheikh Shahjahan extend to his alleged role in a multi-crore public distribution system (PDS) scam, which prompted the ED to conduct raids at his residence. In connection with this case, former food minister Jyotipriya Mallick was arrested by the ED on October 27 last year. The probe revealed that subsidized grains intended for ration shops were diverted to the open market and sold at exorbitant prices.

     

    Furthermore, local women have accused panchayat zilla parishad members Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar of engaging in corrupt practices. Both Hazra and Sardar are closely associated with Sheikh Shahjahan. Uttam Sardar was arrested by the police on February 10, while Shiba Prasad Hazra, who serves as the president of the TMC unit at Sandeshkhali-2 community block, was apprehended on February 17.

     

    The arrests made by the CBI in connection with the Sandeshkhali assault case underscore the agency’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims of criminal activities. As the investigation progresses, it is imperative for all stakeholders to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace and security in the region.

  • UP Police Constable Recruitment Exams

    UP Police Constable Recruitment Exams

    The Uttar Pradesh Police constable recruitment exams commenced on February 17th, with the state government aiming to bolster the police force by recruiting 60,244 constables. These examinations are being held across 2385 centers spread across all 75 districts of the state, with tests scheduled on both February 17th and 18th, conducted in two shifts.

     

    The sheer magnitude of the recruitment drive is reflected in the staggering number of candidates participating, totaling approximately 48,17,441, out of which 15,48,969 are female candidates. Notably, a significant portion of applications, over 6 lakh, originates from outside Uttar Pradesh, with Bihar alone contributing 2.5 lakh applications, as reported by NDTV.

     

    On the first day of the exams, a total of 12,04,360 candidates appeared in both shifts, with similar numbers expected for the subsequent day. The diversity of applicants is evident, with significant representation from neighboring states such as Bihar, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Punjab.

     

    However, logistical challenges have arisen due to the large influx of candidates, as reported by a candidate from Bihar who faced difficulties while commuting due to overcrowded trains. Videos shared on social media platforms like X depicted the hustle and bustle observed around railway stations.

     

    To facilitate the transportation of candidates, the Railway Administration arranged three special trains: the Ballia-Varanasi Exam Special Train (05113), the Gorakhpur-Bahraich Examination Special Train (05127), and the Gorakhpur-Varanasi City-Gorakhpur Examination Special Train (05129/05130).

     

    Despite efforts to ensure a smooth examination process, incidents of malpractice were reported on the first day. Over 120 individuals were apprehended across Uttar Pradesh for impersonating candidates and engaging in cheating during the police constable recruitment examination. These arrests were made by the state police, with specific cases ranging from the use of chits to impersonation and deceiving candidates.

     

    Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar highlighted the widespread nature of these arrests, detailing the distribution across various districts. Additional Director General of the Special Task Force (STF) Amitabh Yash emphasized that those arrested were employing various tactics to cheat, underscoring the need for stringent measures to maintain the integrity of the recruitment process.

     

    As the examinations continue on the second day, heightened security measures have been implemented at examination centers to prevent further incidents of malpractice and ensure the fair conduct of the exams. The authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to uphold the sanctity of the recruitment process and safeguard the interests of genuine candidates.

  • Scuffle Between Communities Ahead of Ayodhya Ceremony

    Scuffle Between Communities Ahead of Ayodhya Ceremony

    The recent incident of a scuffle between two communities at Mira Road near Mumbai, just ahead of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha ceremony, has stirred concerns about communal harmony and law and order in the region. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis have provided updates on the situation, stating that 13 individuals have been arrested by the Maharashtra Police, and a detailed analysis of CCTV footage is underway to identify and apprehend others involved in the altercation.

     

    The dispute reportedly erupted around 11 pm on Sunday in Mira Road’s Naya Nagar area. Videos capturing the incident quickly went viral on social media platforms, showcasing a clash between members of the Hindu and Muslim communities. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Bajbale, the conflict originated when some individuals from the Hindu community were raising slogans in 3-4 vehicles in the Naya Nagar area. An argument ensued with members of the Muslim community, prompting the police to intervene swiftly and take several individuals into custody.

     

    In response to the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took to microblogging site X to share updates with the public. He confirmed that 13 individuals had been arrested so far, emphasizing that a thorough investigation is underway. Fadnavis asserted a policy of zero tolerance against anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands and disturb the law and order situation in Maharashtra.

     

    Security measures have been significantly intensified in the Mira Road area, with a collaborative effort involving local police, Mumbai Police, Palghar Police, Thane Rural Police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), Maharashtra Security Force (MSF), and State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). The coordinated deployment aims to prevent any further escalation of tensions and maintain peace in the region.

     

    The incident has raised concerns about the potential for communal tensions to flare up during significant events such as the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha ceremony. The situation remains under close scrutiny, with authorities taking proactive measures to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of residents in the area.

     

    In addition to the arrests made by the police, Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Bajbale mentioned that videos of the clash had gone viral on social media. One particular video featured a person named Abu Shaikh allegedly provoking people. The individual who posted this video has also been arrested, and the police have sought two days of custody for further investigation.

     

    As the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha ceremony approaches, tensions and sensitivities are heightened. Political leaders and law enforcement agencies are urging citizens to exercise restraint, uphold communal harmony, and avoid engaging in activities that could disrupt the peace.

     

    The incident in Mira Road serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive policing, community engagement, and preventive measures to curb potential communal clashes. The ongoing investigation, along with the commitment to maintaining law and order, will be essential in addressing the root causes and preventing any recurrence of such incidents in the future.

     

    The focus now turns to the collective responsibility of communities, leaders, and law enforcement agencies to foster understanding, tolerance, and respect for diversity. The upcoming days leading to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha ceremony will be crucial, and a collaborative effort is needed to ensure a peaceful and harmonious environment for all residents.

  • Police Arrests Notorious ‘Ullu Gang’ Involved in Nightly Heists

    Police Arrests Notorious ‘Ullu Gang’ Involved in Nightly Heists

    In a major breakthrough, the Noida Police successfully apprehended five members of the notorious ‘Ullu Gang,’ notorious for their audacious nighttime heists targeting tractor-trailers parked on the road. The gang, recognized for using a unique code phrase, ‘aaj raat ullu udega (tonight, the owl will fly),’ to activate its members, was intercepted as they prepared for their nightly heist. While five members are in custody, two others are currently on the run.

     

    The arrested individuals have been identified as Dilshad alias Dilshan alias Bihari, Anis alias Anisuddin, Shahzad, Varun, Bhupendra, Sansar, and Salman. According to police reports, Dilshad led the gang, with Varun assisting Anis and Shahzad in reconnaissance activities. The latter duo played a crucial role in identifying target locations, while Bhupendra was responsible for selling the stolen goods to customers brought in by Sansar and Salman.

     

    The gang adopted a strategic approach to its criminal activities, with each member assigned specific tasks. Despite their individual roles, all members would collaborate during the vehicle theft operations. The accused would deceive customers about the procurement of the stolen tractors, offering false explanations about the vehicles’ documentation. This elaborate scheme allowed them to operate under the radar for nearly five years, primarily targeting areas in the National Capital Region.

     

    The breakthrough in dismantling the Ullu Gang came after the Noida Police initiated an investigation following the theft of a tractor on December 7. Utilizing CCTV footage and forming three teams comprising 17 personnel, the police launched an intensive tracking operation. The decisive moment arrived when the accused were en route to sell a stolen tractor from Sector 24.

     

    The police successfully seized eight stolen tractor-trailers, three firearms, and four cartridges from the possession of the arrested gang members. Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Manish Kumar Mishra shed light on the gang’s distinctive code phrase, ‘aaj raat ullu udega,’ which served as a rallying call for executing their plans. The phrase was used to signal each other when it was time to embark on their criminal activities.

     

    Mr. Mishra highlighted that the gang members carried firearms for protection, deploying them only if the situation demanded. The police are actively working to apprehend the two missing gang members and dismantle the broader network associated with the Ullu Gang. The arrests mark a significant achievement for law enforcement in curbing the activities of this notorious criminal group known for its nighttime heists and strategic operations in the National Capital Region.

     

    The successful operation by the Noida Police underscores their commitment to tackling organized crime and ensuring the safety and security of the region. As investigations progress, additional insights may emerge, shedding light on the intricate workings of the Ullu Gang and its impact on criminal activities in the area. The arrests send a strong message about the authorities’ resolve to clamp down on such criminal enterprises and uphold the rule of law.

  • Saudi Arabia: Pakistani Beggars Disguised as Pilgrims Arrested

    Saudi Arabia: Pakistani Beggars Disguised as Pilgrims Arrested

    Sixteen individuals, including one child, 11 women, and four men, were arrested and offloaded from a Saudi Arabia-bound flight in Pakistan’s Multan area of Punjab province after they confessed to their intention to seek alms in Saudi Arabia. The group had obtained Umrah visas, which are typically used for Islamic pilgrimages to Mecca, but they had disguised themselves as pilgrims while planning to engage in begging activities in Saudi Arabia.

     

    The incident occurred two days ago when immigration authorities questioned the group during their pre-flight procedures. The group openly admitted their purpose was to engage in begging once they arrived in Saudi Arabia.

     

    According to local media reports, the individuals also revealed that a portion of their earnings from begging would be given to the agents responsible for arranging their travel to Saudi Arabia. It was their plan to return to Pakistan once their Umrah visas expired.

     

    Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike the Hajj, which has specific dates in the Islamic calendar.

     

    The group was subsequently deplaned and detained by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Multan circle for further investigation and legal action.

     

    These arrests come shortly after officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development informed the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that a significant number of beggars from Pakistan are trafficked abroad through illegal channels. According to the ministry, a startling 90% of beggars apprehended in foreign countries are of Pakistani origin.

     

    Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Zeeshan Khanzada stated that many Pakistani beggars travel to the Middle East under the pretext of pilgrimage, particularly on Umrah visas, and then engage in begging-related activities once abroad. This revelation sheds light on the role of human trafficking networks in facilitating the movement of individuals for the purpose of begging in foreign countries.

     

    Begging-related activities have been a concern in various parts of the world, and governments and law enforcement agencies are taking measures to combat the issue. In many cases, individuals are exploited and forced into begging by human trafficking networks, and they often face harsh living conditions and exploitation while abroad.

     

    The arrests of the 16 individuals in Pakistan underscore the need for increased vigilance and enforcement to curb human trafficking and begging-related activities, particularly in the context of religious pilgrimages. Authorities in both Pakistan and other countries are working to address these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals who may fall victim to such exploitation.

  • Desecration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in Goa

    Desecration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in Goa

    In a disheartening incident, a statue paying homage to the esteemed Marathi ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was subjected to desecration in the serene village of Karaswada, nestled near the bustling Mapusa town in North Goa. The sacrilege of this revered icon has stirred a maelstrom of outrage among the populace, culminating in the apprehension of three individuals who played a role in this condemnable act of vandalism.

     

    Responding promptly to the incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jivba Dalvi, spearheaded a dedicated team to the affected village. With a commitment to justice, the team extended assurance to the community of a meticulous investigation into the appalling act. This tenacious pursuit yielded results, leading to the apprehension of three suspects, namely Nigesl Joaquim Fonceca, Alex Fernandes, and Lawrence Mendes, all residents of Mapusa, on a Tuesday marked by decisive action.

     

    This audacious act of desecration echoed through the public conscience, fomenting a collective outcry that manifested in hundreds of individuals congregating outside the precincts of the Mapusa police station. The impassioned demand for swift accountability resonated, underscoring the significance of preserving revered symbols and values. In a gesture of resilience and determination, the marred statue was swiftly replaced by an untarnished rendition, a ceremony graced by the presence of state social welfare minister Subhash Phal Desai on the evening of a somber Monday.

     

    The legal wheels of justice commenced their motion as the three detainees faced a court’s judgement. Six days of police custody were ordered for Nigesl Joaquim Fonceca, Alex Fernandes, and Lawrence Mendes. These individuals now face charges under sections 295-A (outraging religious feelings), 153-A (promoting enmity between groups), and 427-A (committing mischief and causing loss) of the Indian Penal Code, an embodiment of society’s intolerance for such acts.

     

    Carlos Ferreira, a prominent MLA representing Aldona in North Goa, emerged as a vocal critic of the reprehensible act of desecration. A steadfast advocate of unity and cultural heritage, he extended his unwavering support to the followers of the 17th-century Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In a proclamation of resilience, Ferreira revealed the ongoing preparations to install a new statue at the very location, an embodiment of resilience and a testament to the enduring reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that resides within the hearts of the people.In a disheartening incident, a statue paying homage to the esteemed Marathi ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was subjected to desecration in the serene village of Karaswada, nestled near the bustling Mapusa town in North Goa. The sacrilege of this revered icon has stirred a maelstrom of outrage among the populace, culminating in the apprehension of three individuals who played a role in this condemnable act of vandalism.

     

    Responding promptly to the incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jivba Dalvi, spearheaded a dedicated team to the affected village. With a commitment to justice, the team extended assurance to the community of a meticulous investigation into the appalling act. This tenacious pursuit yielded results, leading to the apprehension of three suspects, namely Nigesl Joaquim Fonceca, Alex Fernandes, and Lawrence Mendes, all residents of Mapusa, on a Tuesday marked by decisive action.

     

    This audacious act of desecration echoed through the public conscience, fomenting a collective outcry that manifested in hundreds of individuals congregating outside the precincts of the Mapusa police station. The impassioned demand for swift accountability resonated, underscoring the significance of preserving revered symbols and values. In a gesture of resilience and determination, the marred statue was swiftly replaced by an untarnished rendition, a ceremony graced by the presence of state social welfare minister Subhash Phal Desai on the evening of a somber Monday.

     

    The legal wheels of justice commenced their motion as the three detainees faced a court’s judgement. Six days of police custody were ordered for Nigesl Joaquim Fonceca, Alex Fernandes, and Lawrence Mendes. These individuals now face charges under sections 295-A (outraging religious feelings), 153-A (promoting enmity between groups), and 427-A (committing mischief and causing loss) of the Indian Penal Code, an embodiment of society’s intolerance for such acts.

     

    Carlos Ferreira, a prominent MLA representing Aldona in North Goa, emerged as a vocal critic of the reprehensible act of desecration. A steadfast advocate of unity and cultural heritage, he extended his unwavering support to the followers of the 17th-century Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In a proclamation of resilience, Ferreira revealed the ongoing preparations to install a new statue at the very location, an embodiment of resilience and a testament to the enduring reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that resides within the hearts of the people.

  • N Biren Singh Addresses Calls for Resignation Amid Backlash

    N Biren Singh Addresses Calls for Resignation Amid Backlash

    Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh is facing strong criticism for the state’s law and order situation. Opposition parties have repeatedly called for his resignation, a demand that was also echoed in Parliament. However, N Biren Singh has made it clear that he does not want to discuss the question of resignation and is focused on restoring peace to the state.

     

    When asked about the calls for his resignation, the Chief Minister responded, “I don’t want to entertain that discussion. My priority is to establish peace in the state. Miscreants exist in every society, but we will not spare them.” Speaking about the arrests made in the shocking incident where women were paraded naked, he informed that four individuals have been arrested so far, and the police operation is ongoing to apprehend all the culprits, assuring that no one will be spared.

     

    N Biren Singh emphasized that the people of Manipur stand united against crimes against women, and there have been widespread protests demanding the harshest punishment for the accused. The Chief Minister stated, “People across the state are protesting over the incident and seeking stringent action against the culprits. The first accused, who was previously arrested, had his house burnt by women yesterday. Manipur’s society strongly condemns crimes against women and regards women as their mothers. This protest supports the government’s efforts to punish those responsible.”

     

    The incident in question occurred in May, but it only gained significant attention when the video went viral on July 19, leading to widespread outrage on social media. Thoubal Superintendent of Police, Sachidananda, explained that the police were unable to take action earlier due to a lack of evidence. However, they are now actively investigating the matter.

     

     

    Despite the backlash and criticism, N Biren Singh remains committed to restoring peace and ensuring justice for the victims of the appalling incident. The state government is determined to take swift action against the accused to maintain law and order and protect the safety and dignity of women in Manipur.