Washim (Maharashtra) [India], March 3 (ANI): Washim Police in Maharashtra on Wednesday registered a non-cognizable offence against a few Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and activist Trupti Desai for allegedly defaming members of the Banjara community.
“Washim Police in Maharashtra has registered a non-cognizable offence under sections 500 and 501 against BJP leaders and women activist Trupti Desai for allegedly defaming deceased popular social media celebrity Pooja Chavan, her family and Banjara community,” read the statement by police in Marathi.
The persons named for the offence were National Banjara Council’s Washim district youth president Shyam Sardar Rathod, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP leaders including Pravin Darekar, Chitra Wagh and Ashish Shelar, the statement read.
The statement alleged that the former Chief Minister hindered the investigation process despite ordering an inquiry into the matter.
After Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Rathod resigned from the Maharashtra cabinet over his alleged involvement in the death case of 22-year-old girl Pooja Chavan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on February 28 said that everyone should get justice adding that the matter is under investigation.
On February 27, BJP District Women’s Front staged a “Rasta Roko” Andolan at Mumbai’s Goregaon, demanding a probe in the Pooja Chavan suicide case and the resignation of Maharashtra Forest Minister Sanjay Rathod, who is allegedly involved in the death of the 22-year-old woman.
On February 8, Chavan had allegedly jumped off a building to end her life. Hailing from Parli town in Beed, Pooja had gone to Pune for an English speaking course. She lived in Heaven Park society along with two persons, who are reported to be her brother and one of his friends.
A couple of days after her death, some of her audio clips went viral on social media which the opposition took up and pointed accusing fingers at the Maharashtra Forest Minister Sanjay Rathod, demanding an investigation into the case.
The BJP has alleged that Rathod is connected with the mysterious death of the woman in Pune. However, Rathod has denied all allegations.
As per procedure, an accidental death (AD) case was registered with the Wanawadi police station in Pune. No complaint has so far been registered by Chavan’s family. (ANI)

Patna (Bihar) [India], March 3 (ANI): After the Income Tax Department conducted raids at the properties of film director Anurag Kashyap and actor Taapsee Pannu in Mumbai on Wednesday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed the Centre saying “it is a political vendetta”.
“BJP misuses institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and IT Department for political benefits. It is a political vendetta. There is a dictator who does not want to listen to voices against him. He destroyed all institutions,” Yadav told ANI.
Earlier today, Income Tax officials conducted raids at the properties of film director Anurag Kashyap, film producer Vikas Bahl and actor Taapsee Pannu in Mumbai, sources said.
Offices and residences of Kashyap, Bahl and Pannu were searched in the raids, sources in the Income Tax Department added. (ANI)

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], March 3 (ANI): With an aim to boost the fitness level of youth and promoting sports activities in the Kashmir valley, Jammu and Kashmir police on Wednesday organized a ‘play for peace’ cricket tournament.
Speaking to ANI, District Inspector General of Central Kashmir Range, Amit Kumar told ANI: “The basic theme for carrying out this initiative is to do talent hunting and talent sporting. 3 teams from 6 were finalists. It includes winners and runner-ups. After evaluating the performance of players, the select committee will encourage these players to participate in cricket at the district and national levels. We have provided a different avenue for youth to showcase their talent.”

Afaan Ayoub, a player told ANI: “It is a great opportunity for youngsters like us. Under-19 cricket teams were playing these matches. Ganderbal, Balgam, Srinagar were the 3 districts that participated. Two teams each from three districts participated. I thank the Jammu and Kashmir police. We are happy.”
Shahnawaz, another player said, “I played for Gandherbal team. I thank the Ganderbal police. The matches were well organized. The cricket ground was well maintained. We enjoyed playing the match. We are working towards developing our physical fitness.”

Gowhar Hussain, a player told ANI: “Despite such heavy snowfall, the ground was well maintained. Also, these matches give us a chance to work upon our fitness. We enjoyed playing the match. I thank the efforts of the police.”
On November 24, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council with cricketer Suresh Raina to set up Cricket Academy in the Union Territory.
Speaking to the media, Raina, who had announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15 this year, said that the opening of the new academy was a good opportunity for youths to showcase their skills. (ANI)

New Delhi [India], March 3 (ANI): President Kovind, along with several Union Ministers, leaders, and famous personalities, received their first shots of the COVID-19 vaccine on the third day of the second phase of the world’s largest vaccination drive.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday received his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Army hospital (Research and Referral) in New Delhi. The President administered the first shot as the country’s vaccination campaign has been widened to include people above age 60, and those who are 45 or more and suffering from certain medical conditions.
He had earlier said it was a matter of immense pride that India is conducting the world’s largest vaccination programme. “Both the vaccines rolled out under this programme are produced indigenously,” he had said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also took the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine at a COVID-19 vaccination centre at the District Medical Office in Thiruvananthapuram.
“COVID-19 vaccination was a good experience. I experienced no pain of even the needle going inside the body. One can barely know when the vaccination is over,” he said.
“Unlike other vaccinations, there is no pain of the medicine going into the body,” he added. The Chief Minister also appealed to all eligible people to come forward and get themselves vaccinated.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was administered the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine at a Primary Health Center (PHC) in Sanquelim. He further appealed to all eligible people to come forward and get themselves vaccinated.
“Received the first dose for COVI-19 vaccine today at PHC Sankhali. I once again appeal to all those eligible to come forward and get vaccinated. Let us together eradicate COVID-19 from Goa,” Goa CM tweeted.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and his wife Lakshmi Puri took their first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital in Kaushambi.
“Prevention is better than cure. Lakshmi and I became part of the world’s largest vaccination drive. Got vaccinated at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital in Kaushambi,” Puri tweeted.
His wife, Lakshmi Puri, tweeted, “Elated to be part of India’s historic COVID-19 vaccine drive. Harbinger of India’s liberation from fear of contagion and disease, from social isolation and economic disruption. Look forward to family reunions too!”
Governor of Sikkim Ganga Prasad and his wife also received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine at STNM Hospital in Gangtok today.
Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan also received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Fortis Escorts hospital in Okhl in New Delhi.
Former Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayansami was administered his first dose of COVID-19 at GH, Puducherry.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at JIPMER hospital in Puducherry on the third day of the second phase.
“Thank you doctors, nurses, health workers and, administrators for successfully implementing the largest vaccination drive and urge all eligible citizens to get vaccinated,” he tweeted.
World Cup-winning captain and former India all-rounder Kapil Dev also received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Kapil, 62, took the vaccine at the Fortis Hospital Heart Institute under the supervision of his cardiologist Dr Atul Mathur, Director of Cardiology. (ANI)

Patna (Bihar) [India], March 3 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said that everyone knows that imposing emergency in the country was wrong.
“Everyone knows who imposed emergency in the country. Everyone knows that imposing an emergency in the country was a wrong move. During the emergency, many arrests were made all over the country and many fundamental rights of the people were violated. Everyone knows about it. If Rahul Gandhi is talking about all these things, then he should think before speaking on such matters”, the chief minister said addressing reporters here.
The Congress leader and the party’s former president Rahul Gandhi who participated in a webinar organised by a US university on Tuesday said that the Emergency imposed in the country during the tenure of his grandmother, the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was wrong. (ANI)

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 3 (ANI): Expelled AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran on Wednesday said he tried his best to persuade his aunt VK Sasikala from “stepping aside” from politics.
In a statement, earlier today, expelled AIADMK leader Sasikala said she is “stepping aside” from politics and urged the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam cadres to stand united and ensure the defeat of rival DMK in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
“I tried my best to persuade Sasikala out of the decision. I delayed half an hour but she decided on her decision. Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) will continue contesting this election under my leadership,” he said while addressing media outside Sasikala’s residence in Chennai.
Dhinakaran said he met Sasikala earlier in the day to discuss her stand in the upcoming elections. “However when I went home, I was told that she was breaking the news about stepping down. So I came back rushing,” he added.
“I don’t speak for her. All she wanted to convey is there in this letter. I don’t influence her, she is AIADMK’s General secretary. What she thinks is that Amma’s cadres should be work together,” Dhinakaran said further.
He added that his party, AMMK is accepting applications of candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, and a possible alliance for election is also in process. “We will announce candidates list on March 10,’ he added.
Earlier, Sasikala in a statement said “I set myself apart from politics and pray for the golden rule of my Goddess Akka (Jayalalithaa). I will continue to pray for her vision always.”
The former aide of Jayalalithaa said, “I have neither desired for the position nor for authority.”
“We should work diligently to ensure that DMK does not come into power. I am thankful to caders and the people of Tamil Nadu who have given due respect and concern towards me. I would like to continue my life, as I was executing the vision of Jayalalithaa,” she said.
The AIADMK has so far ruled out accommodating her or her nephew TTV Dhinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam in the party or in the alliance led by it.
The development comes a month ahead of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu on April 6.
Sasikala had been staying at her niece J Krishnapriya’s residence in Chennai’s T Nagar area after returning to the city in February following the completion of her four-year prison sentence in a disproportionate assets case.
The former AIADMK leader was discharged on January 31 from Bengaluru’s Victoria hospital where she was undergoing COVID-19 treatment. She was officially released from judicial custody on January 27 after completing her four-year prison sentence in a disproportionate assets case.
In 2019, the Income Tax Department had attached properties worth Rs 1,600 crores belonging to her under the provisions of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act.
After the demise of Jayalalithaa in December 2016, Sasikala was elected General Secretary of the AIADMK. She had handed over the control of the party to nephew Dhinkaran after being convicted in the disproportionate assets case in February 2017.
Edappadi Palaniswami was made Chief Minister with her backing but Sasikala was removed after rival faction led by O Panneerselvam, who had rebelled against Sasikala merged with the Palaniswami faction. Both Sasikala and Dhinakaran were removed in September 2017. (ANI)