Asia Press Agency

Tag: investigation

  • Tragic Elevator Accident in Noida: Woman Dies

    Tragic Elevator Accident in Noida: Woman Dies

    A tragic incident unfolded in a housing complex in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, as a 73-year-old woman lost her life after the elevator she boarded experienced a free fall caused by a snapped cable. The incident occurred in a high-rise society located in Sector 137 on Thursday.

     

    The victim, identified as Sushila Devi, was the only person in the elevator at the time of the accident, according to news agency ANI. Although the lift did not hit the ground, it got stuck between some of the middle floors of the building.

     

    Sushila Devi had pressed the button from the eighth floor for the lift to go down. However, the lift was already called from an upper floor when she entered it, leading to the tragic event.

     

    She was immediately rushed to Felix Hospital for treatment but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries an hour later. Doctors at the hospital observed injuries on the back of her head and abrasions on her elbows, likely caused by the fall of the lift. The suddenness of the incident also suggested a possible cardiac arrest.

     

    Following the incident, hundreds of residents of Paras Tierra, the society where the accident occurred, came together to protest the incident and raise concerns about the maintenance and management of common services, including the lifts. Police forces were deployed to manage the situation.

     

    Interestingly, prior to this tragic event, another lift in one of the towers at Paras Tierra had also experienced a free fall earlier on the same day. However, it was empty at the time of the incident, as communicated through the society residents’ WhatsApp group.

     

    Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the cable snap and to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future. The incident has left the community shocked and grieving, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures and regular maintenance of elevators in high-rise buildings.

  • ED Raids Pawan Munjal Residence: Money Laundering Case

    ED Raids Pawan Munjal Residence: Money Laundering Case

    The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the residence of Hero MotoCorp Chairman Pawan Munjal and two company offices in Delhi and Gurugram on August 1, as part of an alleged money laundering investigation. The ED registered a case against Munjal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

     

    The investigation was initiated based on a complaint by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) against a person allegedly associated with Munjal. The individual in question was being investigated for carrying undeclared foreign currency. As part of the investigation, the Income Tax Department had previously conducted raids on Munjal and Hero MotoCorp in March last year, focusing on a tax evasion probe.

     

    Hero MotoCorp is the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer in terms of unit volume sales in a calendar year and has held this title for the past two decades. The company has a strong global presence with operations in 40 countries across Asia, Africa, South America, and Central America.

     

    Aside from being the Chairman and Director of Hero MotoCorp, Pawan Munjal is involved in several other business ventures and serves on the Board of Directors for various companies, including Munjal Acme Packaging Systems Private Limited, Pan Mining Private Limited, Bahadur Chand Investments Private Limited, Hero InvestCorp Private Limited, Indian School of Business, Hero Future Energies Global Limited, and Rockman Industries Limited.

     

    Pawan Munjal is the third child of Brijmohan Lall Munjal and Santosh Munjal. His father, Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, founded the Hero Group. The company started with a focus on providing basic transport through cycles and gradually expanded its operations, establishing strong networks with vendors, dealers, and employees, which play a crucial role in holding the Hero Group together.

     

    Following the ED’s actions, Hero MotoCorp’s stock experienced a significant drop during intraday trading, marking the worst stock fall in over a year. The company is cooperating with the agency during the ongoing investigation.

  • Tragic: Woman Found Dead After Being Stuck in Lift

    Tragic: Woman Found Dead After Being Stuck in Lift

    In a tragic incident in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a 32-year-old postwoman named Olga Leontyeva was found dead after being stuck in a lift for three days. The incident reportedly occurred on July 24 while she was delivering mail in the city. According to reports, the lift stopped working due to a power cut. However, the Regional Electricity Networks enterprise has denied any power cuts on the day of the incident, stating that the malfunction of the lift caused the tragic situation.

     

    Media reports suggested that Olga Leontyeva cried for help from the ninth-floor balcony of the building, but unfortunately, no one came to her aid. The Chinese-manufactured lift was reportedly in working order but had not been registered according to government rules. The lift had been experiencing regular technical issues, and breakdowns were common, as per the Tashkent General Prosecutor’s Office.

     

    An investigation into the incident has been launched by the prosecutor’s office, and a criminal case has been initiated. State investigators are examining the details surrounding the incident to determine the cause and potential negligence in lift maintenance.

     

    Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and adherence to safety regulations for elevators. Last week, a similar tragedy occurred in Palermo, Italy, where a 61-year-old woman died after getting trapped in a lift during a power cut, wherein she was found dead.

     

    The incident has left Olga Leontyeva’s six-year-old daughter without a mother, highlighting the devastating impact of such accidents on families and communities. Authorities are likely to emphasize the need for improved lift safety measures to prevent future occurrences of such heartbreaking incidents.

  • Terror Links and Funding Cases: NIA and CIK

    Terror Links and Funding Cases: NIA and CIK

    In recent times, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Counter Intelligence of Kashmir (CIK) have escalated their efforts to combat terror links and terror-funding cases in the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir, with a particular focus on the Pulwama district. The latest raids conducted by these agencies form part of a comprehensive investigation into two cases registered in 2021 and 2022 by NIA’s Delhi and Jammu branches. The primary objective behind these investigations is to thwart the sinister plans of proscribed terrorist organizations seeking to unleash violent attacks in the region, employing dangerous methods like sticky bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and small arms.

     

    The NIA’s probe concentrates on neutralizing newly formed terrorist groups, which pose a significant threat to the peace and security of Jammu and Kashmir. The Resistance Front, United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir, Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind, Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters, Kashmir Tigers, and PAAF are among the high-priority targets. Additionally, the investigation closely scrutinizes well-established terrorist outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Al-Badr, Al-Qaeda, and their associated organizations.

     

    Prior raids have been targeted at the residences of suspects and Overground Workers (OWGs) linked to banned outfits operating in the region. Notably, on December 23, 2022, a significant operation was conducted where 14 locations spanning various districts were subjected to searches.

     

    The ongoing series of raids and investigations reflects the unwavering determination of the authorities to dismantle terrorist links and networks and disrupt terror funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA and CIK remain resolute and vigilant in their pursuit of safeguarding the security and peace in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, these sustained efforts underscore the dedication and resolve of the law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. Such relentless action is vital to protect innocent lives and preserve the integrity of the region, as it strives for a future free from the specter of terrorism.

  • San Francisco Launches Investigation into Elon Musk’s “X” Sign

    San Francisco Launches Investigation into Elon Musk’s “X” Sign

    San Francisco city officials have raised concerns and launched an investigation into a large “X” sign recently installed on top of a downtown building, previously known as the Twitter headquarters, by Elon Musk. The sign is part of Musk’s efforts to rebrand the social media platform.

     

    City authorities have pointed out that any modifications to letters or symbols on buildings, including the addition of signs on top, require a permit to ensure compliance with design and safety regulations, as reported by AP.

     

    San Francisco police intervened on Monday when workers tried to remove the iconic bird and logo of Twitter from the building’s side. The police cited safety concerns as the workers had not taken the necessary precautions, like taping off the sidewalk, to protect pedestrians from potential falling objects.

     

    Patrick Hannan, the spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, emphasized the city’s requirement for a permit before installing any replacement letters or symbols. He stressed that such permits are essential to preserve the historical integrity of the building and ensure the secure attachment of new additions to the sign.

     

    Hannan also clarified that a permit is mandatory for erecting a sign on top of a building. He further explained that the installation of the “X” sign would require planning review and approval. Consequently, the city has initiated a complaint and launched an investigation in response to the matter.

     

    Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter for $44 billion last year, introduced the new “X” logo to replace the iconic blue bird. The “X” logo has started appearing on the desktop version of Twitter. Musk, also the CEO of Tesla, has a fascination with the letter “X” and renamed Twitter’s corporate name to X Corp. His child is known by a name comprising letters and symbols. On Friday, a worker made adjustments to the sign before leaving.

  • Central Bureau of Investigation Takes Over Manipur Violence

    Central Bureau of Investigation Takes Over Manipur Violence

    The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken up the responsibility of investigating the disturbing incident depicted in the widely circulated video from Manipur. The video captured the appalling sight of two women being paraded naked by a group of Meitei men. The graphic nature of the video, which spread rapidly on social media platforms, drew swift reactions from both the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India. In response to the shocking visuals, the Manipur police had initially registered a case against unidentified armed individuals, charging them with heinous crimes, including abduction, gang rape, and murder. This incident was reported at the Nongpol Sekmai police station in Thoubal district on May 18. Following standard procedures, the Central Bureau of Investigation has now taken over the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Manipur Police.

     

    To conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation has already deployed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Manipur, with a DIG-rank officer leading the efforts. The federal agency is no stranger to handling complex cases of violence in the northeastern state, as it is currently overseeing six other such cases. In an effort to ensure comprehensive examination and expert analysis, the CBI plans to augment the team with additional women officers and forensic experts.

     

    The gravity of the situation prompted Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh to make a formal request on July 26 for the CBI to take over the investigation into the sexual assault case. His plea received prompt approval from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 27, giving the CBI the mandate to lead the inquiry.

     

    In a parallel move, the central government has approached the Supreme Court to seek the transfer of the trial for the Manipur violence case outside of Manipur. The government’s plea includes a request for the completion of the trial for the entire case, encompassing the gang-rape incident, within a period of six months. Such a transfer of trial venue is intended to ensure an impartial and fair trial, free from any potential influence that may arise from local circumstances.

     

    The state of Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The shocking video that emerged just ahead of the monsoon session of parliament sparked intense outrage in the legislative body, leading the opposition to demand an official statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter. The incident has shone a spotlight on the urgent need to address violence against women and promote the safety and security of all citizens in the region.

  • Thawarchand Gehlot: Air Asia Investigates Departure Issue

    Thawarchand Gehlot: Air Asia Investigates Departure Issue

    The incident involving Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot and Air Asia on 28th July has raised concerns and prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the flight’s departure without the Governor on board. Air Asia promptly responded to the incident by expressing regret and vowing to conduct a thorough investigation. The airline’s senior leadership team engaged with the Governor’s Office to ensure that appropriate action would be taken in response to the situation.

     

    According to the available information, Thawarchand Gehlot was waiting at the airport lounge, anticipating his departure on Air Asia flight I15972 to Hyderabad for an important event. However, to his surprise, the flight took off without him on board. The Governor’s Office promptly filed a complaint at the airport police station, citing the incident as a breach of protocol.

     

    The complaint details the Governor’s travel plans, indicating that he was scheduled to fly to Hyderabad on flight I5 972 departing at 2.05 pm from Terminal-2. As per the records, the Governor left Raj Bhavan at 1.10 pm and reached the VIP Lounge of Terminal-1 by 1.35 pm. It was during this time that the luggage assigned to the Governor was loaded onto the plane. The protocol officer, accompanied by Airport Guest Relations Assistant Sanskriti, made all necessary arrangements for the Governor’s boarding, and the ADC to the Governor was informed to be present at Terminal-2. However, when Thawarchand Gehlot reached the ladder of the plane at 2.06 pm, he discovered that the flight had already departed.

     

    Despite the unfortunate inconvenience caused by the incident, the Governor managed to make alternative arrangements and boarded another flight to Hyderabad after a wait of 90 minutes at the airport.

     

    Air Asia remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding professionalism and adhering to strict protocols. The airline is diligently investigating the matter to identify the cause of the oversight and ensure that necessary corrective measures are implemented. The aim is to prevent any recurrence of such incidents and maintain the airline’s valued relationship with the Governor’s Office and all its esteemed passengers.

  • Illegal Entry: Seema Haider Arrested in India

    Illegal Entry: Seema Haider Arrested in India

    During a two-day interrogation by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (UP ATS), Seema Haider, a resident of Pakistan, came under scrutiny, leading to the recovery of five Pakistan-authorised passports, an unused passport, and an identity card, among other items. The UP director general of police (DGP) office stated that the investigation is ongoing regarding these documents, as well as the four mobile phones and two video cassettes found in Seema’s possession. The accused are currently out on bail, while the district police take necessary legal action concerning her illegal entry into India.

     

    Authorities are exploring the espionage angle, as it is suspected that Seema, aged 27, crossed the Nepal border to enter India. The UP ATS is investigating along with her Indian husband, Sachin Meena (aged 22), and his father, Netrapal Singh, to ascertain whether Seema has any connections to espionage activities.

     

    The Gautam Buddha Nagar police have reached out to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and UP ATS to conduct further investigations based on the evidence gathered thus far.

     

    The note provided details of the route Seema Haider took to enter India. On March 10, she departed from Pakistan’s Karachi airport and arrived at Sharjah airport (UAE), then traveled to Kathmandu airport, Nepal, on a 15-day tourist visa. On March 17, she returned to Pakistan through the same route. Sachin Meena, on the other hand, reached Gorakhpur on March 8, proceeded to the Sonauli border on March 9, and left for Kathmandu. On March 10, he picked up Seema from the airport, and they both stayed at the New Vinayak Hotel in Kathmandu until March 17.

     

    Seema Haider later left Pakistan for the second time on May 10, again on a 15-day tourist visa. She traveled with four of her children, starting from Karachi to Dubai and then to Kathmandu. The note indicated that she took a public transport van to Pokhara, Nepal, where she stayed in a hotel for one night. On March 12, she crossed the Rupandehi-Khunwa border in Siddharthnagar district, entering India. Seema reached Gautam Buddha Nagar via Lucknow and Agra, eventually staying with Sachin Meena in Rabupura (Greater Noida), where he had previously rented a room.

     

    Their acquaintance began in 2020 through the gaming platform PUBG, and after approximately 15 days of playing together, they exchanged phone numbers and started communicating on WhatsApp.

     

    On July 4, Seema Haider, Sachin Meena, and his father, Netrapal Singh, were arrested for illegal entry into India and providing shelter to Seema. They were charged under various sections of the Foreigners Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Passport Act. After 14 days of judicial custody, they were granted bail on July 7.