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Mumbai: Court Denies Anticipatory Bail To Student Accused Of Extorting ₹1.5 Crore From Advocate

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Mumbai: The Dindoshi sessions court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of 27-year-old student Parul Rana, accused of extorting Rs 1.50 crore from a city-based advocate. The complainant, known for representing India internationally, alleged that Rana threatened to make compromising photographs viral if he failed to pay. The court, while dismissing the plea, observed that sexual relations between consenting adults are not an offence in India.

It noted that partial receipt of money through online transactions was undisputed and that specific allegations of extortion existed. The FIR prima facie showed that Rana possessed compromising photographs and threatened to make them public. According to the complainant, he met Rana in May 2024 through a mutual friend and stayed in touch. On June 6, while attending a conference in Geneva, Rana allegedly sought financial help for a medical emergency, prompting him to transfer Rs 2.5 lakh.

He paid another Rs 2.5 lakh in July and Rs 5 lakh from a friend’s account on July 9. The two travelled to Bali later that month, with expenses borne by him, during which Rana allegedly demanded Rs 20 lakh. Suspecting deceit, he began distancing himself. The advocate further alleged that on July 31, Rana and her sister stayed at his house, taking Rs 10 lakh while leaving. He claimed to have given Rana Rs 1.50 crore in cash and Rs 50 lakh online. As he withdrew from the relationship, Rana allegedly threatened to implicate him in a false rape case and make his photographs viral.

He also reported threats from Rana and her family to him and his wife, leading to a complaint at Goregaon police station. Rana denied receiving Rs 1.50 crore and argued that no cheating offence was established. She claimed inadequate time to attend a police summons due to residing in another state. However, the court noted her refusal to appear, citing fear of arrest in another case, and concluded that her conduct showed unwillingness to cooperate. Citing her criminal antecedents and role as the prime accused, the court refused anticipatory bail, stating her absence could impede the investigation.

National News

‘Those behind conspiracy will be brought to justice’: PM Modi after meeting Delhi blast survivors

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New Delhi, Nov 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited LNJP Hospital in Delhi, where he met the Red Fort blast survivors, and said that those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice.

Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Went to LNJP Hospital and met those injured during the blast in Delhi. Praying for everyone’s quick recovery. Those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice.”

PM Modi arrived in the national capital on Wednesday afternoon after concluding his two-day visit to Bhutan. After landing, he went straight to LNJP Hospital, where he met and interacted with the injured, wishing them a speedy recovery.

The Prime Minister was also briefed by doctors and senior officials about the condition of the patients and the ongoing treatment.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his remarks at Changlimethang Ground in Thimphu, assured action against the conspirators behind the deadly car blast in Delhi. He stated that Indian agencies will get to the bottom of the conspiracy and assured that those behind the blast “will not be spared”.

“Today, I come here with a very heavy heart. The horrific incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has deeply saddened everyone. I understand the grief of the affected families. Today, the entire nation stands with them. I was in touch with all the agencies investigating this incident throughout last night…Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice,” he had said.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) formed a special team of 10 officers to investigate the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station.

The 10-member special team will be led by NIA ADG Vijay Sakhare and will include an IG, two DIGs, three SPs, and the rest DSP-level officers, sources said.

The blast occurred on the evening of November 10 when a Haryana-registered car parked near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station exploded, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens.

More than 1,000 CCTV footage clips are being scanned by investigative agencies, which suspect that the car explosion could have been a suicide attack aimed at causing maximum damage, Delhi Police sources said.

High alerts have been issued in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mumbai, with security around crowded public places and religious sites enhanced.

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National News

Bihar polls: Tejashwi rejects exit polls, says Grand Alliance will take oath on Nov 18

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Patna, Nov 12: Grand Alliance chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav said on Wednesday that the Mahagathbandhan will form the government in Bihar after the November 14 results, and dismissed exit poll projections that favour the NDA.

Addressing a press conference at his official residence-cum-office in Patna, Tejashwi said turnout in this election rose sharply compared with 2020, with more than 72 lakh additional voters exercising their franchise.

“This is a massive number of voters. The polling percentage is almost 10 percentage points higher than the last election, about 72 lakh more voters. That means roughly 29,000 extra votes at every polling booth, and these votes were cast to change the government,” he said.

Tejashwi said ground feedback indicates even better performance than 1995, and predicted a decisive victory for the Grand Alliance.

“The change will happen in Bihar — people have voted for change. The BJP leaders are uneasy because they know they are facing a big defeat. The Grand Alliance is sweeping this election, and we will take the oath on November 18,” he said.

Rejecting exit polls released on Tuesday, Tejashwi questioned their methodology and accused several news channels of bias.

“What is the relevance of these exit polls? What was their sample size? I believe they were instructed by Amit Shah to favour the NDA. Many channels previously gave the NDA over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha and predicted results in West Bengal and Jharkhand that did not materialise,” he said, adding that such polls create pressure on officials.

He warned his team would remain vigilant from strong rooms to counting centres.

“Your tricks will not work in Bihar, the land of democracy. We are alert and will not allow vote rigging,” he said.

Tejashwi also criticised the deployment of central security forces, alleging that the Central government used flag marches to create pressure on officers in Bihar.

“They staged flag marches here — actions they would not take in Delhi after the blast — only to apply pressure on officers here,” he claimed.

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Business

Adani Ports becomes India’s first Integrated Transport Utility to embrace TNFD framework

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Ahmedabad, Nov 12: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) on Wednesday said it has become India’s first Integrated Transport Utility to embrace the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework, setting a new benchmark for nature-positive infrastructure development.

With this, APSEZ joins a select league of global port operators championing biodiversity, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems through science-based, transparent environmental disclosures.

As a TNFD adopter, the company said it is committed to implementing TNFD-aligned reporting on nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities.

The TNFD is a global, science-based initiative founded by a coalition including the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Global Canopy, to guide companies in identifying, assessing, managing, and disclosing nature-related risks and opportunities.

“We firmly believe responsible business practices drive long-term success. Our adoption of the TNFD framework demonstrates support for nature-related corporate reporting at COP30. We see nature-related issues as a strategic risk management priority. The TNFD framework provides robust support for integrating nature into our decision-making processes and enhancing our contribution to biodiversity conservation,” said Ashwani Gupta, Whole-Time Director and CEO of APSEZ.

This step further strengthens APSEZ’s dedication to nature-positive business practices and positions it as a leader in sustainable maritime logistics.

As part of this commitment, Adani Ports will further enhance disclosure standards to ensure alignment with the TNFD recommendations in its corporate reporting, starting FY26.

The company has already institutionalised climate risk assessment and disclosure practices that align with globally recognised frameworks and continues to set standards in environmental stewardship, having afforested over 4,200 hectares of mangroves and actively conserving an additional 3,000 hectares — making it the largest private sector contributor to mangrove ecosystem restoration in India.

The new initiative is a key component of APSEZ’s broader ESG strategy and reflects a proactive approach in assessing and addressing nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities.

The company operates a comprehensive ecosystem of 15 strategically located ports and terminals across India’s west, south, and east coasts, combined with a diversified marine fleet of 127 vessels.

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