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Sindhutai Sapkal laid to rest in Pune with full state honours

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Renowned social worker Sindhutai Sapkal, revered as “Mother of thousands of Orphans”, who passed away late on Tuesday night, was laid to rest with full state honours in Pune on Wednesday afternoon.

Sapkal, 74, who had undergone surgery and was hospitalised for over a month, breathed her last following a cardiac arrest at Galaxy Hospital on Tuesday night.

Conferred the Padma Shri last November, she is survived by her sole biological daughter Mamta besides over 1,500 orphans she had @adopted” and who loved her as their Maai.

This morning, her mortal remains draped in the National Tricolour were taken to Manjari village near Hadapsar on the outskirts of the city where people, including many of her foster children, paid their last respects at the Bal Sadan.

Hundreds of her beloved children – many now settled in different professions or businesses in India and elsewhere in the world – turned up with moist eyes for a final glimpse of their “Mother” and expressed silent gratitude to her for giving them a purpose in their orphaned lives.

Later, the body was taken in a solemn procession with a police contingent, accorded a gun salute, the Indian flag taken off ceremonially and she was buried at the Thosarpaga crematorium, said a grieving family friend.

As her body was lowered in the grave, cries of “Maai Amar Rahe”, “Sindhutai Zindabad” rent the air with many seen breaking down.

National and state leaders and commoners grieved and paid rich tributes to Sindhutai Sapkal

“The life of Dr. Sindhutai Sapkal was an inspiring saga of courage, dedication, and service. She loved and served orphaned, tribals, and marginalised people. Conferred with Padma Shri in 2021, she scripted her own story with incredible grit,” President Ram Nath Kovind said in a message.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “pained by the demise of Sindhutai Sapkal” who will be remembered for her noble services to society.

“Due to her efforts, many children could lead a better quality of life. She also did a lot of work among marginalised communities,” the PM said.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari said with the demise of the “mother of thousands of orphans”, many will now again be rendered motherless.

“I am deeply saddened by Sindhutai Sapkal’s passing. I pray to the Lord to give strength to all her children to endure this ordeal.” he said in a message.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said she like a Godmother to thousands of orphans on whom she showered a mother’s love and affection for years

“In her untimely demise, we have lost an inspiring personality who selflessly supported the destitute kids, especially the girls, and helped them become self-reliant in life,” he said.

Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, state party chief Jayant Patil, Congress state President Nana Patole, ministers Dilip Walse-Patil, Nawab Malik, Ashok Chavan, Balasaheb Thorat, Shiv Sena leader Kishore Tiwari, Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis, MP Supriya Sule and other prominent dignitaries recalled her services to society.

Crime

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

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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.

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Crime

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

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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.

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Crime

Odisha: Jharsuguda police arrest wanted criminal after exchange of fire

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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.

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