New Delhi, July 26: The Anti Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of Delhi Police’s East District on Sunday arrested an interstate bootlegger and seized 1,600 quarter bottles of illicit liquor being smuggled from Haryana to Delhi. The Police also impounded a car used to transport the contraband.

According to Delhi Police, the accused has been identified as Anand alias Kallu, 31, a resident of Karkardooma Village. The operation led to the recovery of 32 cartons containing 1,600 quarter bottles of liquor, all bearing the label “For Sale in Haryana Only.”

Police said the seizure is part of its ongoing drive to curb the illegal transportation and sale of liquor in the national capital and dismantle interstate smuggling networks. A case has been registered under Sections 33 and 58 of the Delhi Excise Act at Laxmi Nagar Police Station.

The team, on July 23, received specific intelligence that a large consignment of illicit liquor was being transported from Sonipat, Haryana, to Delhi in a car. Acting swiftly on the input, the police laid a trap near Noida Link Road, Shakarpur Bus Stand.

At around 10.30 p.m., the suspected vehicle was spotted approaching the location. When police signalled the driver to stop, he allegedly attempted to flee by speeding away. However, the team intercepted the vehicle after a brief chase and apprehended the driver.

During the search, officers recovered 32 cartons containing 1,600 quarter bottles of liquor from the rear seat and boot of the car. The seized consignment included 23 cartons of Race 7 Metro Liquor (180 ml) and nine cartons of Falcon’s Santra Desi Sharab (180 ml), all marked “For Sale in Haryana Only.”

The car used for transporting the liquor was also seized.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted that he had been transporting illicit liquor from Haryana for illegal distribution in Delhi to earn quick money.

Police said Anand has a previous criminal record and was earlier booked in FIR No. 332/2013 under Sections 379, 411 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code at Anand Vihar Police Station.

Investigators are now working to identify the source of the liquor, its intended recipients and other members of the interstate smuggling network. Further investigation into the case is underway.

Lucknow, July 26: A hoax bomb threat call triggered a major security operation at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow on Friday night, prompting multiple security agencies to conduct an extensive search of the airport premises before confirming that the alert was false, officials said on Sunday.

Police have since traced the mobile number used to make the call to Kanpur and booked 30-year-old Shyam Sundar, a resident of the Bidhuna area in Kanpur’s Jaisinghpur, for questioning.

According to airport sources, a bomb threat was reported through a call made to Dial 112 at around 11:45 p.m. on Friday, setting off an immediate response from security and emergency agencies.

Teams from the bomb disposal squad, dog squad, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the fire brigade rushed to the airport and launched a comprehensive search operation.

Following the alert, the entire airport complex, including the cargo terminal and all entry gates, was thoroughly inspected.

Security personnel also carried out detailed checks of passengers and their baggage between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. as part of the precautionary measures.

Despite the intensive hour-long search, no suspicious object or explosive material was found anywhere on the premises.

Officials said that when security agencies attempted to contact the person who had made the bomb threat, the mobile phone was found switched off.

After completing the search and verification process, authorities concluded that the threat call was a hoax, bringing relief to airport officials and security personnel.

Taking the matter seriously, police registered a non-cognisable report (NCR) at around 11 a.m. on Sunday based on the mobile number provided by Sub-Inspector Nishu Chaudhary of Sarojini Nagar police station.

The number was subsequently tracked through surveillance, which revealed its location in the Kanpur district.

Acting on the surveillance inputs, a police team detained Shyam Sundar.

The accused is currently being questioned by the police to ascertain the motive behind making the false bomb threat call and to determine the circumstances under which the fraudulent alert was issued.

New Delhi, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon citizens to participate enthusiastically in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign ahead of Independence Day, urging every household to proudly display the national flag with dignity and respect while remembering the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who secured India’s Independence.

During the 136th edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said the country would soon celebrate Independence Day, describing August 15 as a moment of immense pride and gratitude for every Indian.

“In just a few weeks, we will celebrate the grand festival of our Independence. August 15 is a day of pride for every Indian. It is a day to remember the countless heroes who dedicated their all for the freedom of ‘Bharat Mata’. It is because of their sacrifice and devotion that we hold the Tricolour in our hands today; this Tricolour embodies the ideals of our Constitution,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the growing public participation in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative over the past few years, the Prime Minister said the campaign has evolved into a nationwide celebration of patriotism, with the national flag becoming a common sight in homes and localities across the country.

“Over the past few years, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign has united the entire nation with a remarkable spirit. The celebration of the Tricolour is visible in every home and every street. This year too, we must carry forward the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign with great enthusiasm. We must display the Tricolour at our homes with the utmost respect,” he further said.

PM Modi also invited people to continue sharing their ideas and suggestions for the nation ahead of Independence Day through the MyGov platform, saying he looks forward to hearing from citizens every year.

“Every year before 15th of August, you send me myriad ideas and suggestions. This year as well, please do share your thoughts on MyGov. I look forward to your suggestions,” he added.

The Prime Minister also remembered former President and Bharat Ratna Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, noting that July 27 marks his death anniversary. Paying tribute to the late President, PM Modi said Dr Kalam’s greatest passion was teaching and inspiring young minds to dream big and contribute to the nation.

“Tomorrow, July 27, marks the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam ji. Dr Kalam’s personality embodied many inspiring facets, yet the role of a teacher was closest to his heart. He inspired children and the youth to dream big,” he said.

Referring to the upcoming celebration of Guru Purnima, the Prime Minister said the occasion provides an opportunity to express gratitude to teachers, mentors and parents, who play a vital role in shaping lives and guiding future generations.

“Coincidentally, this week we will also celebrate the pious festival of ‘Guru Purnima’. Our parents are our first teachers, while school teachers impart the knowledge of letters and learning. Guru Purnima is an occasion to express gratitude towards all such mentors. I offer my respectful Pranaam to all the teachers and mentors across the country,” he added.