Connect with us
Monday,19-October-2026
Breaking News

Crime

‘Never visualized’, SC hints at CAG probe in fake Covid death claims

Published

on

The Supreme Court on Monday reiterated its concern regarding fake claims for Covid death compensation, and added it may direct a probe by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in this matter.

The top court suggested that inquiry into alleged fake death claims could be entrusted to the Auditor general office.

A bench comprising Justices M.R. Shah and B.V. Nagarathna said: “We never visualized that this kind of fake claims could come. It’s a pious world. We never thought this scheme could be misused”.

The bench added that if some officers are also involved in it, then it is “very serious”. Advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal pointed out at the Section 52 in the Disaster Management Act, which addresses such concerns. Justice Shah said: “we need somebody to file a complaint”.

A counsel suggested to do random examination of the compensation claims by the state legal services authorities. On the aspect of compensation to children, the top court clarified that ex gratia payment of Rs 50,000, ordered by it, is to be paid for each death due to Covid-19 and not to each child of the affected family.

On March 7, the Supreme Court expressed concern at doctors issuing fake medical certificates to people for claiming ex-gratia compensation for Covid deaths, and added that it might order a probe into the matter.

The Centre had submitted that an outer-limit may be fixed for submitting Covid death related claims, otherwise the process will become endless, and added that some state governments have come across fake medical certificates issued by doctors. Mehta also pointed out that the apex court’s order on ex-gratia compensation, through a doctor’s certificate, has been misused in certain cases.

Expressing concern on fake medical certificates, the bench said: “What is worrying is the fake certificate given by doctors… “. The bench added, “it is a very serious thing”.

The top court also agreed with Mehta’s submissions that there should be a time limit for registering Covid death claims. The bench said: “There must be some time-limit, otherwise the process will go endlessly….”.

The top court is hearing a plea filed by advocate Gaurav Bansal in connection with the disbursal of ex-gratia compensation by state governments to the families of Covid victims. The top court is monitoring the disbursal of Rs 50,000 ex-gratia for Covid-19 deaths by various state governments.

Crime

Suspicious passenger apprehended at Delhi Jama Masjid Metro Station after trying to flee during screening

Published

on

Alert personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) apprehended a passenger at Delhi’s Jama Masjid Metro Station after he allegedly attempted to flee when a suspicious object was detected during his baggage screening.

According to the CISF, the incident came to light when the passenger’s baggage was being screened through an X-ray Baggage Inspection System (XBIS). During the examination, personnel noticed a dense and suspicious object on the scanner screen.

Sensing something unusual, the security personnel attempted to examine the matter further. However, the passenger allegedly tried to escape from the screening area, according to CISF.

Displaying promptness and alertness, CISF personnel immediately chased him and apprehended him near the station’s exit gate before he could leave the premises.

A subsequent examination of his belongings led to the recovery of an unidentified semi-solid substance concealed inside a stitched portion of his undergarment, the CISF said.

According to reports, the passenger reportedly claimed to be a non-resident Indian (NRI) residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Following the recovery, the CISF handed over the passenger, along with his belongings and the suspected substance, to the police for further investigation.

The nature of the semi-solid substance and the reason behind its concealment remain unclear. Police are investigating the matter to establish the identity of the substance and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The CISF’s swift intervention prevented the passenger from leaving the station without further examination.

The force said its personnel remain alert during the screening of passengers and their baggage to ensure compliance with security protocols and prevent any potential threat to metro commuters. Further action in the case will depend on the findings of the investigation, said the police officials.

Continue Reading

Crime

Bihar MLC election: Three FIRs filed against Anant Singh, Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh

Published

on

Amid campaigning for the biennial elections for eight MLC seats on October 23 in Bihar, police have registered three FIRs in connection with alleged violation of election rules during a roadshow in the Mokama Assembly constituency of Patna district.

The roadshow was held on Sunday. The cases have been registered against local MLA Anant Singh and Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh, according to police sources.

Of the three cases, two were registered at Barh police station and one at Mokama police station in Patna district.

The police are investigating the alleged violations and examining the circumstances surrounding the roadshow.

According to police sources, the action followed complaints of violations of the Model Code of Conduct and other applicable regulations during the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) election-related event.

The allegations concern compliance with rules governing political roadshows and public campaigning.

However, the specific allegations against each leader and the legal sections invoked in the FIRs have not yet been independently confirmed.

The registration of the cases has triggered political discussions in the Mokama and Barh areas, where election-related activities have intensified.

During the MLC election period, candidates and political parties are required to comply with the Model Code of Conduct and applicable rules governing public meetings, roadshows, permissions and traffic management.

Authorities can initiate legal action when alleged violations are reported.

However, the filing of an FIR does not establish guilt. The allegations against Anant Singh and Anuj Singh will be subject to investigation and the due process of law.

Police said further action would be taken on the basis of the evidence collected and the findings of the investigation.

Additional details are awaited.

Anant Singh, the JD(U) MLA from Mokama in Patna district, has openly extended his support to Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh and is campaigning against his own party’s official nominee, Neeraj Kumar, in the upcoming MLC election.

Anant Singh said his decision to support Anuj Singh stemmed from a personal dispute with Neeraj Kumar. He clarified that his move had nothing to do with his political relationship with the JD(U).

The election for eight Legislative Council seats is scheduled to be held on October 23, with counting of votes and announcement of results set for October 27.

Continue Reading

Crime

Odisha: Jharsuguda police arrest wanted criminal after exchange of fire

Published

on

The police on Monday apprehended a dreaded criminal following an exchange of fire in the Amdarah forest under the Orient police station area in Odisha Jharsuguda district, said a senior police official.

The Jharsuguda police also informed the media that the incident took place early Monday morning. The notorious criminal was identified as Bunty Prasad, a resident in the Hanuman Nagar area under the limits of the Orient Police Station of Jharsuguda.

Bunty has reportedly been evading law enforcement and is allegedly wanted in connection with 17 pending serious criminal cases, including attempted murder and Arms Act cases registered at Brajrajnagar and Orient police stations.

According to police, a special team from the Orient police station received reliable intelligence at around 6:00 a.m. indicating that the wanted criminal was hiding out in the dense cover of the Amdarah forest.

“Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the police personnel cordoned off the perimeter and launched a meticulous combing operation. Trapped and realising he was cornered, Bunty Prasad attempted to shoot his way out, opening sudden fire on the advancing police party,” the police official added.

Exercising restraint and acting strictly in self-defence, the police team returned controlled fire. During the exchange, a bullet struck Bunty in his left leg, causing him to fall to the ground. The police overpowered and arrested him immediately at the scene. An illegal firearm was also recovered from his possession, and his motorcycle was seized by the police.

Bunty was first rushed to the Khaliakani Community Health Centre for initial medical attention and was later shifted to the Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for further treatment.

In a separate case, the Brajarajnagar police of Jharsuguda district also arrested another notorious criminal and seized two country-made pistols and some ammunition following a raid on Monday.

Odisha Police have launched a special drive to arrest habitual offenders and criminals to avoid incidents of violence during the ongoing festive season.

Continue Reading

Trending