Chennai, Oct 15: Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran paid tribute to former President late A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary on Thursday, recalling his contributions to India’s scientific development and his enduring influence on generations of young people.

Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam became one of India’s most admired public figures, earning recognition as a scientist, the country’s ‘Missile Man’ and a leader who encouraged students to pursue ambitious goals.

His birthday is observed by the Tamil Nadu government as Youth Renaissance Day, reflecting his close association with young people and his emphasis on education, scientific curiosity and national development.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Nagendran described Kalam as a distinguished scientist whose life and ideas continued to inspire the country’s youth.

“Today marks the birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s former President, the Missile Man and a great scientist who inspired young people,” the BJP leader said.

Nagendran said Kalam had made significant contributions to India’s progress in science and technology while encouraging young people to dream, develop their abilities and strive for achievement.

He said the former President’s message went beyond aspirations, urging people to translate their dreams into sustained effort and meaningful accomplishments.

Recalling Kalam’s call to dream and work towards realising those dreams, Nagendran said the message would remain deeply embedded in the minds of Indians.

He urged people to remember Kalam’s lofty ideals and the work he had undertaken for the nation’s advancement, and to honour his memory on his birth anniversary.

The tribute highlighted two closely connected aspects of Kalam’s public life: His role in strengthening India’s scientific capabilities and his commitment to motivating young people to contribute to the country’s future.

His journey from Rameswaram to the presidency remains central to the admiration he commands, particularly among students who associate his name with perseverance, learning and the pursuit of excellence.

Political leaders and public figures also remembered Kalam on the occasion, paying homage to his achievements and recalling the values he championed.

The annual observance of Youth Renaissance Day in Tamil Nadu places particular emphasis on that legacy, linking the remembrance of the former President with the aspirations of younger generations and the importance of turning individual ambition into contributions to society and national progress.

New Delhi, Oct 15: A man was allegedly stabbed to death by a group of assailants in southeast Delhi’s Kalindi Kunj area in a suspected revenge killing linked to a past rivalry in jail, police said. Three accused have been arrested so far, and further investigation is underway.

The deceased, Shahid Hussain, a resident of Abul Fazal Enclave-II in Shaheen Bagh, was taken to Apollo Hospital by Constable Avdesh of Kalindi Kunj police station. A medico-legal certificate issued at 5.32 p.m. by the hospital stated that Hussain had been brought dead.

Police reached Shriram Chowk after Head Constable Manish informed the duty officer about the stabbing. An abandoned scooter was found at the scene, with bloodstains nearby.

According to the preliminary account shared with the police, Hussain had gone to meet Shabid Malik alias Monu, a resident of Madanpur Khadar, in Basantpur, Haryana. The two allegedly met at a restaurant and consumed beer. While Hussain was returning on his scooter, four men riding a black Splendor motorcycle with silver stripes allegedly intercepted him and stabbed him before fleeing.

Shabid Malik was detained for questioning. Police later apprehended Karan alias Karam Shah, 21, a resident of JJ Colony in Madanpur Khadar, near Samosa Chowk. Investigators were informed that Karan had been riding the motorcycle and had sustained a stab injury to his left leg during the attack, according to the police account.

During questioning, Karan allegedly told investigators that the murder was planned to avenge an earlier rivalry between Hussain, also known as Chhota Chor, and Tarun alias Ranjan, who had allegedly been injured by Hussain while in jail. Tarun reportedly feared that Hussain might target him after his release.

Police said Tarun and Shabid allegedly planned to lure Hussain to a beer party and attack him on his return journey. The police account also names Gaurav Gumma, Aman and Raja as alleged participants in the conspiracy. Abuzar alias Sonu, 27, allegedly provided his newly purchased Splendor motorcycle for the crime.

Police said three accused have been arrested and will be produced before a judicial magistrate. Investigators will seek four days of police custody remand. Further investigation is underway.

Kochi, Oct 15: In a major relief to former Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Tomin J. Thachankary, the Kerala High Court on Thursday suspended the sentence awarded to him in a disproportionate assets case, nearly a month after he was sent to jail in a historic first involving a retired DGP-rank officer in the state.

Thachankary had been in jail since September 18, when the Kottayam Vigilance Court sentenced him to four years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 30.84 lakh.

His conviction marked an unprecedented moment in Kerala’s policing history, with a former police chief ranked officer being sent to prison following a corruption conviction.

The High Court’s decision to suspend the sentence offers immediate legal relief to the former senior IPS officer.

However, it does not amount to an acquittal, and his challenge to the conviction remains to be decided.

The dramatic turn in Thachankary’s fortunes comes after a long career marked by power, influence and political connections.

At the height of his career, he was widely regarded as a close aide of the then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

He also had good links with former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, giving him access to political circles across party lines.

But his fortunes took a sharp turn on September 18, when he was sent to prison following the Vigilance Court verdict.

The case, which had remained under investigation and trial for years, finally resulted in his conviction after a prolonged legal battle.

The case relates to allegations that Thachankary accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income between January 2003 and July 2007, when he was serving as a senior police officer.

The court rejected his explanation regarding the source of funds used to purchase several properties, leading to his conviction under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Thachankary challenged the conviction before the High Court, arguing that the trial court had misread the evidence and relied on incorrect calculations.

He also contended that income and assets linked to his wife had not been properly considered.

The suspension of his sentence marks a significant development in the case.

The final outcome will depend on the High Court’s consideration of his appeal against the conviction.