Amid the controversy over Nashik Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) case, members of the Bajrang Dal on Friday held a protest in the Maharashtra district, demanding strict action against those involved in the case. Members of the Hindutva outfit gathered outside the district collector’s office and raised slogans condemning the incident, PTI reported. SIT formed to probe allegations Earlier this week, police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe complaints lodged by eight female employees of the multinational company, who alleged that senior colleagues had mentally and sexually harassed them, while the human resources department ignored their complaints. Eight arrested, one absconding Police have arrested eight TCS employees, including seven men and a female operations manager. Another female employee is absconding, according to investigators. Demand for strict punishment Protesting Bajrang Dal activists demanded strict punishment for those allegedly involved in the forced conversion and harassment racket at the company, according to PTI. TCS reiterates zero-tolerance policy TCS has asserted that it has long maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any kind. The employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at the Nashik office have been suspended. Chairman calls incident ‘gravely concerning’ Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran termed the incident “gravely concerning and anguishing” and announced that a thorough investigation is underway under the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Arathi Subramanian, to establish the facts and identify those responsible. Motorcycle rally held in protest Hindutva organisations also held a motorcycle rally on Thursday, which saw the participation of hundreds of women, girls, and boys. BJP MLA Devyani Pharande and other local leaders took part in the agitation. FIR does not mention any instance of forced religious conversion, says Nida Khan's lawyer Advocate Baba Sayyad, representing Nida Khan, one of the accused in the Nashik TCS case, has questioned the allegations against her, stating, "... If you look at the FIR, there are no mentions of forced religious conversion... I don't know why she's being portrayed as the mastermind when her involvement is only mentioned in one CR...", when he spoke to ANI. He argued that Khan is being unfairly portrayed as the mastermind despite her name appearing in only one complaint. According to him, the sole allegation against her pertains to hurting religious sentiments. Sayyad also clarified that Khan was not employed as an HR professional, but as a process associate, as mentioned in her suspension letter. He added that she risks immediate arrest if she comes forward, raising concerns about the narrative being built around her involvement. #WATCH | Nashik, Maharashtra | Advocate Baba Sayyad representing Nida Khan, one of the accused in the Nashik TCS case, says, "... If you look at the FIR, there are no mentions of forced religious conversion... I don't know why she's being portrayed as the mastermind when her… pic.twitter.com/ceLWv6pkNT — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026 (With PTI inputs)
17 April,2026 07:01 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentJailed self-styled godman Ashok Kharat’s wife and a close associate were killed while his son was injured after their car rammed into a stationary container truck on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district on Friday, police officials said. According to PTI, the deceased were identified as Jitendra Shelke (55) and his wife Anuradha (50), an official said, adding that their son sustained serious injuries in the accident. Link to godman Shelke was a close associate of Nashik-based godman Kharat, who has been arrested on charges of rape and fraud, among others. Shelke was Kharat’s business partner and also the vice-president of the Shivanika Trust set up by the ‘godman’, the official added. Accident near Dhotre village The accident took place at around 12 pm near Dhotre village under the jurisdiction of the Kopargaon Police Station in the western Maharashtra district, around 250 km from Mumbai, he said. Shelke, who was driving the car, was travelling with his wife and son from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to Thane via the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway. As the car reached Dhotre, he allegedly lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a container truck parked on the roadside, the official said. Declared dead on arrival All three suffered grievous injuries in the crash and were rushed to a local hospital, where Shelke and his wife were declared dead on arrival, he added. The couple’s son is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. Case registered, probe underway A case of accidental death has been registered at the Kopargaon Police Station. With the help of authorities such as the RTO and automobile experts, police will conduct a crash analysis to determine the cause of the fatal accident, said Somnath Gharge, Superintendent of Police, Ahilyanagar. ED conducts fresh raids in Maharashtra's Nashik Earlier today, Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out fresh searches in Nashik district as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving controversial self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, reported the PTI. Officials stated that a property linked to Kharat in Sharanpur town was raided, where documents and electronic devices are currently under scrutiny. This marks the second phase of action after initial searches on April 13 across residential and commercial premises tied to Kharat, his chartered accountant Prakash Pophale, family members, and several cooperative credit societies. During those operations, authorities seized Rs 42 lakh in cash and froze assets worth Rs 2.4 crore. The ownership of these assets remains unclear, according to the PTI. The ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on April 6, based on a Nashik police FIR. The charges include extortion, religious exploitation, and alleged drug-facilitated sexual assault involving multiple women, the news agency reported. (With PTI inputs)
17 April,2026 05:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLeader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday criticised the proposed constitutional amendment bills, claiming they have little to do with women’s empowerment and are instead aimed at altering India’s electoral landscape. Speaking during a debate in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi argued that the bill does not genuinely focus on women’s reservation. He alleged that it is being presented under the guise of women’s empowerment while pursuing a different political objective, reported the PTI. Rahul Gandhi claimed the government is attempting to redraw the country’s electoral map by reducing representation from southern, northeastern, and smaller states. He described the move as unfair and warned that it could significantly impact political balance across regions. VIDEO | Parliament Session: Speaking in Lok Sabha during debate on Women's Reservation Bill, LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi), says “So, I want to assure my friends, brothers, and sisters across the country, especially those in the southern states, smaller states,… pic.twitter.com/rmetcM7Tb2 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2026 Call to implement Women's Reservation Act 2023 He urged the government to implement the Women's Reservation Act 2023 instead, stating that the opposition would support its immediate passage if brought forward in its original form, according to the PTI. The Congress leader accused the government of avoiding proper representation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He also alleged that efforts were being made to disconnect caste census data from political representation for the foreseeable future, the news agency reported. Rahul Gandhi said the proposed changes were driven by concerns over losing political ground. He accused the government of attempting to reshape India’s political map to maintain power, calling the move “nothing short of an anti-national act”, as per the PTI. Assurance to states According to the news agency, he assured southern, northeastern, and smaller states that the opposition would resist any attempt to reduce their representation in Parliament. During the debate, Gandhi also responded to objections from treasury benches regarding his remarks about past government decisions. He asserted that political parties should not equate themselves with the nation or the armed forces. Bills introduced in Parliament The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha following a division of votes. Additionally, two other bills — the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill — were tabled to facilitate implementation of the revised women’s quota provisions in Union Territories such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
17 April,2026 04:53 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Gujarat High Court (HC) on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by the Asaram Ashram Trust in a long-running land dispute in the Motera area in Ahmedabad. The court upheld its previous orders to resume the land and clear the way for the state government to take possession of more than 45,000 square metres of prime land, news agency IANS reported. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray affirmed an earlier judgment delivered by a single judge, which had upheld the Ahmedabad Collector’s order to take back the land on grounds of breach of allotment conditions and encroachment. The bench found that the Ashram had “repeatedly breached” government conditions and that “no question of regularisation of illegal occupation arises”, IANS reported. Ashram extended by 16,000 square metres, alleges state govt The land was originally allotted decades ago for limited religious purposes, measuring around 33,980 square metres. However, the Ashram expanded its actual possession to nearly 50,000 square metres, the state claimed. Government submissions relied on GPS-based and satellite mapping to demonstrate that the occupation extended onto adjoining government land as well as land forming part of the Sabarmati riverbed. In its observations, the court stated that the petitioner had engaged in persistent violations and held that “no equity lies in favour of the petitioner in the facts of the case”. The HC further made clear that river land “cannot be regularised under any circumstances". Appearing for the state, government advocate GH Virk submitted that the action to reclaim the land followed a detailed process involving notices, inspections and more than 20 hearings. Virk further told the court that applications filed by the Ashram seeking regularisation of unauthorised constructions amounted to an admission of such violations. Furthermore, he also informed the bench that fresh action would be initiated under Section 202 of the Land Revenue Code, with a new notice to be issued for taking back possession, IANS reported. The Ashram had sought a four-week stay on the operation of the order to enable it to approach the Supreme Court. The bench indicated that any interim relief would be conditional upon the filing of an undertaking to vacate the land. No stay was granted after the state assured the court of further statutory action to recover possession. The court’s decision follows a legal challenge mounted by the Ashram against the Collector’s order, which had earlier been upheld by the single judge in February. The matter had also been examined in proceedings before revenue authorities and the Gujarat Revenue Tribunal. (With inputs from IANS)
17 April,2026 04:43 PM IST | Gujarat | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of attempting to include names of alleged infiltrators in electoral rolls, sparking a fresh political row, reported the PTI. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, CM Fadnavis questioned why the TMC was opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. He claimed that individuals whose names were removed for “valid reasons” had not raised objections. Fadnavis stated that the Special Intensive Revision exercise includes constitutional safeguards, allowing individuals to seek corrections or appeal if they believe they have been wrongly excluded. He also referred to observations made by the Supreme Court of India, noting that while the court commented on the process, it did not halt it. He added that such revisions should ideally be conducted every ten years to remove names of deceased, relocated, or ineligible voters. Allegations against TMC The Chief Minister alleged that the TMC’s opposition to the revision exercise was politically motivated, claiming the party aimed to gain an advantage in upcoming assembly elections through “fraudulent means”, according to the PTI. Addressing TMC’s claims of attacks on Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states, including Maharashtra, Fadnavis denied the allegations. However, he said it was important to examine why many people from West Bengal were moving to other states in search of employment. CM Fadnavis remarked that it reflected poorly on the state government if people had to leave for all types of jobs, not just high-skilled roles. He suggested that the issue pointed to shortcomings in employment opportunities. Bengali communities in Maharashtra He also highlighted the presence of large Bengali communities in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. According to him, these communities celebrate festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja on a grand scale, with arrangements comparable to those in Kolkata. Over 2,900 candidates in fray for WB polls The Election Commission of India (ECI) earlier this week announced that a total of 2,926 candidates will contest the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Voting will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results scheduled to be declared on May 4. According to the official statement, the ECI said that in the Phase 1, 1,478 candidates across 152 constituencies are in fray whereas in Phase 2, 1,448 candidates across 142 constituencies were contesting, the news agency reported. The deadline for filing nominations for Phase 2 was April 9 and the scrutiny was completed on April 10. The candidates were allowed to withdraw until April 13, officials said. High-stakes political contest The elections are expected to see an intense contest between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is seeking a fourth consecutive term. Meanwhile, the BJP is aiming to form the government after improving its performance in the previous election. (with PTI inputs)
17 April,2026 04:30 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the state government is confident of dismantling the alleged organised network involved in a case of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at a unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik, reported the PTI. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, CM Fadnavis stated that the multinational company had taken the matter seriously and initiated necessary steps to support the investigation. He added that the authorities are receiving cooperation from the firm as the probe progresses. According to the ANI, Fadnavis said, "The incident which has occurred in Nashik TCS is a very serious matter. I would like to thank TCS for taking cognisance of the matter." #WATCH | Kolkata | On the Nashik TCS case, Maharashtra CM & BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis says, "The incident which has occurred in Nashik TCS is a very serious matter. I would like to thank TCS for taking cognisance of the matter. The TCS chief has condemned it, and they are… pic.twitter.com/tNGFz23UTL — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026 Case under probe The Chief Minister described the case as a “serious issue” involving a coordinated group. He said the government, along with central agencies, is working to uncover and dismantle the entire network behind the alleged acts, according to the PTI. CM Fadnavis made it clear that no individual involved in the case would be shielded, stressing that strict action would be taken against all those found responsible. Multiple arrests made According to earlier reports citing police sources, the investigation suggests that seven male accused operated as an organised gang targeting women employees. So far, seven employees — including six men and one woman HR manager — have been arrested, as per the PTI. Police have registered nine cases in connection with the allegations. One female accused remains absconding, and efforts are underway to trace her. Campaign visit to West Bengal Fadnavis is currently in West Bengal, where he is campaigning for BJP candidates. Fadnavis accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of attempting to include names of alleged infiltrators in electoral rolls, sparking a fresh political row, reported the PTI. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, CM Fadnavis questioned why the TMC was opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. He claimed that individuals whose names were removed for “valid reasons” had not raised objections. Fadnavis stated that the Special Intensive Revision exercise includes constitutional safeguards, allowing individuals to seek corrections or appeal if they believe they have been wrongly excluded. He also referred to observations made by the Supreme Court of India, noting that while the court commented on the process, it did not halt it. He added that such revisions should ideally be conducted every ten years to remove names of deceased, relocated, or ineligible voters. Allegations against TMC The Chief Minister alleged that the TMC’s opposition to the revision exercise was politically motivated, claiming the party aimed to gain an advantage in upcoming assembly elections through “fraudulent means”, according to the PTI. Addressing TMC’s claims of attacks on Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states, including Maharashtra, Fadnavis denied the allegations. However, he said it was important to examine why many people from West Bengal were moving to other states in search of employment. CM Fadnavis remarked that it reflected poorly on the state government if people had to leave for all types of jobs, not just high-skilled roles. He suggested that the issue pointed to shortcomings in employment opportunities. (with PTI and ANI inputs)
17 April,2026 04:28 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentThe Vice President, CP Radhakrishnan, is set to embark on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka beginning April 19, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by the Vice President to the island nation. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday, CP Radhakrishnan will visit the island nation from April 19 to April 20. During the visit, the Vice President will call on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and also hold discussions with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, along with other senior dignitaries and representatives of the Indian diaspora, reported ANI. "During his visit, Hon'ble Vice President will call on the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka. He will also meet Hon'ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, as well as other dignitaries and Indian diaspora leaders," the statement read. India reaffirms strong ties with Sri Lanka, highlights vision MAHASAGAR and neighbourhood first policy According to ANI, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that Sri Lanka remains a key partner in India's Vision MAHASAGAR and the Neighbourhood First policy and added that the visit comes in continuation of recent high-level engagements between the two countries and is expected to further strengthen longstanding civilisational ties. "The visit of the Hon'ble Vice President to Sri Lanka follows recent high-level engagements between the two nations and will further reinforce the millennia-old people-to-people ties that bind India and Sri Lanka," the statement noted. India and Sri Lanka share a civilisational relationship spanning more than 2,500 years, underpinned by deep historical, cultural and people-to-people linkages. According to the MEA, over the decades, bilateral ties have evolved into a mature and diversified partnership, covering areas such as trade, defence cooperation, development assistance, connectivity, education, culture, and energy security. The relationship is further strengthened by extensive interactions between the people of both countries, which continue to serve as the foundation for a multifaceted and resilient partnership, reported ANI. India reaffirms energy support to neighbours, supplies fuel to Sri Lanka In recent engagements, India has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting neighbouring countries in meeting their developmental and energy needs. During an inter-ministerial briefing on developments in West Asia last week, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India continues to extend assistance to partner countries, including Sri Lanka, reported ANI. "Even as we work to strengthen our own energy security, we are also providing support to neighbouring countries, at their request, to meet their energy needs. We supplied 38 metric tonnes of petroleum products to Sri Lanka two weeks ago," he said. The statement highlights India's continued role as a reliable regional partner, particularly in ensuring energy stability and addressing supply requirements in the Indian Ocean neighbourhood, reported ANI. (Inputs from ANI)
17 April,2026 03:56 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentEuropean countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands and France, have the capacity to conduct mine-clearing operations to help secure vital shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Friday, according to the French TV Station TF1. Vautrin told TF1 that European states could provide "fully supported escort services" or vessels transiting from a strategically important waterway. According to TF1, Vautrin also said that efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would be discussed in talks scheduled later in Paris on Friday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to host a virtual meeting of world leaders to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure vital shipping routes, CNN reported. Leaders from around 40 countries are expected to participate in the summit, focusing on supporting the fragile ceasefire involving Iran and ensuring safe passage through the key maritime corridor, as reported by CNN. According to a statement from the British Prime Minister's Office, discussions will include plans to establish an international mission aimed at reopening the strait. The proposed initiative would be strictly defensive in nature and involve a combined military effort to be deployed once conditions permit, as per CNN. The summit will also deliberate on supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization to enhance the safety of vessels and crew navigating the region, CNN reported. According to CNN, Starmer is scheduled to arrive in Paris on Friday to co-host the meeting with Macron. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to attend, according to a German government official. "The unconditional and immediate reopening of the strait is a global responsibility and we need to act to get global energy and trade flowing freely again," Starmer is expected to tell the summit, as per CNN. He is also likely to emphasise the need to reassure commercial shipping and support mine-clearance operations to stabilise maritime activity, CNN reported. A German official said Berlin is prepared to contribute to ensuring safe navigation through the strait, provided there is a clear legal framework in place, as reported by CNN. As per CNN, the contribution could include mine-clearance vessels or maritime surveillance capabilities, areas where the German armed forces have significant expertise, the official added. Earlier on April 11, the US Central Command said that two of its ships had begun setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and the claim was denied immediately by Iran, Al Jazeera reported. CENTCOM said that USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. "Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage, and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, as quoted by the statement. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 April,2026 03:04 PM IST | Paris (France) | ANIAmid rising temperatures and elevated ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels across Kerala, Health Minister Veena George has issued a statewide heatwave alert, urging residents to adopt strict precautions against heat-related illnesses, reported the IANS. The Health Department has highlighted that the UV index is particularly severe between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., making direct sun exposure during these hours especially dangerous. Prolonged exposure may lead to conditions such as sunstroke and heat exhaustion, with authorities emphasising that prevention remains the most effective safeguard, the news agency reported. Advisory for vulnerable groups According to the IANS, special caution has been advised for high-risk groups, including children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. These groups are strongly encouraged to remain indoors during peak sunlight hours. In response to the intensifying heat, the state government has activated its Heat Health Action Plan. Dedicated heatstroke clinics have been established in major hospitals, equipped with cooling facilities and essential medicines. Surveillance of heat-related illnesses has also been stepped up to ensure timely intervention. Health risks of UV exposure Medical experts warn that excessive UV exposure can result in skin and eye damage, suppress immune function, and, in severe cases, elevate cancer risk due to damage to cellular DNA. Preventive Guidelines Officials said that the residents are advised to take practical protective measures, including the use of umbrellas, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured cotton clothing is also recommended to minimise heat absorption, reported the IANS. Dehydration remains a significant concern, particularly as fluid loss can occur without obvious thirst. Authorities recommend regular consumption of water and traditional cooling beverages such as buttermilk, salted rice gruel, and lemon water. Sugary and fizzy drinks should be avoided or consumed sparingly. Individuals experiencing symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, nausea, excessive sweating, or reduced urination are urged to seek immediate medical attention. Officials have also cautioned against leaving children or elderly individuals inside parked vehicles and stressed the importance of proper indoor ventilation, the news agency reported. With summer intensifying, George pointed out that public vigilance and timely precautions will be crucial in preventing heat related health emergencies. (with IANS inputs)
17 April,2026 02:50 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | mid-day online correspondentCongress MPs on Friday accused the Centre of misleading the House on the Women's Reservation Bill and opposed its linkage with the proposed Delimitation Bill, demanding an all-party meeting before voting. Congress MP Mallu Ravi alleged the Prime Minister was making "misleading statements" on the floor of the House and added that the party had sought an all-party meeting ahead of the vote. "Prime minister is giving misleading statements on the floor of the house. He knows that the Congress party is very serious about passing the bill... They have linked it with the delimitation. That is why we are opposing the bill... We made a request to call for all party meetings before the voting. But they are not calling it... They are saying that if anybody opposes it, they will have to pay a penalty, and they will lose their seats..."," he told ANI. Ravi also targeted BJP MP Tejasvi Surya over his remarks during a discussion on delimitation in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. "Tejasvi Surya, an MP from Karnataka, made very derogatory statements against Telangana... He said that the separation of Telangana and Andhra is like India and Pakistan... Yesterday, in the house, Kishan Reddy supported his statement. We are going to hold a protest against these two people and demand their apology openly," Ravi added, reported ANI. Surya’s Delimitation remarks draw criticism; Opposition questions govt’s intent on Women’s Bill According to ANI, addressing the Lower House of Parliament, Surya had said, "Why are Opposition parties and some regional parties of the South, led by the DMK, making so much noise? The tears they are shedding are crocodile tears. I thank heaven that in 2026, when the country undertakes delimitation, the BJP-led Centre will carry it out. The Congress government divided Andhra Pradesh into two parts, and they did worse than the British in partitioning the country." His remarks sparked widespread criticism from Telangana leaders. Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh questioned the government's intent on the Women's Reservation Bill. "The government doesn't want to pass the bill. If it wanted to pass the bill, it would have called an all-party meeting. It would have talked to the opposition parties, sought the Congress party's opinion, and then passed the bill," he told ANI. Citing Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, Singh added, "Yesterday, Priyanka Gandhi said if you want, you can take all the credit, but what's the problem in providing 33% reservation out of 543?" Opposition demands caste census, detailed debate as govt assures on Delimitation Additionally, Congress MP Imran Masood called for a caste census before moving ahead. "I don't understand what the hurry is that you don't want to wait for the census. Let the caste census happen, and talk about giving rights to those who should get the rights," Masood told ANI. He said the proposed increase in seats required a detailed discussion. "This isn't some program; it's a very big issue, and it needs detailed discussion. If seats need to be increased, there should be a detailed discussion," he added, reported ANI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier sought to allay apprehension of opposition parties over the delimitation of constituencies and the "proportionate increase" in the strength of the Lok Sabha to implement the Women's Reservation Act from the 2029 polls. Lok Sabha is continuing its discussion and vote on the passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and State Assemblies, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) bill, 2026 extending it to Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, and the Delimitation Bill, which is set to increase and redraw Lok Sabha constituencies, increasing them to 850. Earlier on Thursday, the Lok Sabha held a marathon 12-hour session to discuss the amendments to the women's reservation bill, which removes the need to implement the bill only after the census is conducted, reported ANI. (Inputs from ANI)
17 April,2026 02:50 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra State Minority Commission chief Pyare Khan on Friday accused BJP MP Navneet Rana of deliberately trying to incite a communal conflict in Amravati in the wake of a case involving the circulation of obscene video clips of minor girls on social media. Khan demanded Rana's expulsion from the BJP over her allegation on Thursday that all victims in the case were Hindus, while the accused belonged to the Muslim community. The political statement comes after a 19-year-old teenager was arrested in the Amravati district of Maharashtra for allegedly sexually exploiting at least 180 minor girls and recording hundreds of obscene videos. Eight arrested in Amravati for circulating obscene videos of minor girls As reported by PTI, eight people have been arrested in connection with the circulation of obscene video clips and photographs of minor girls on social media sites. The probe began after videos were noticed on some websites on April 11. While no victims have come forward with complaints, the police registered an FIR and made the arrests. Pyare Khan, while talking to the media, alleged that the Amravati MP was deliberately trying to incite a Hindu-Muslim conflict in the district and demanded that strict action be taken against leaders spreading rumours. The state minority commission chief further stated that he has spoken to Amravati Police Commissioner Rakesh Ola in this regard. He said, "There is no need for leaders like Navneet Rana in the BJP, which follows the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. Hence, she should be expelled from the party," as per PTI. Pyare Khan also added that he will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah with this demand. Khan also highlighted that he met the parents of some of the victims and claimed that they had demanded action against Rana under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused, Mohammad Ayan, a resident of Paratwada in Amravati, has been remanded to seven days of police custody, officials said, adding that a detailed probe has been launched into the entire case, the news agency reported. Investigators said the accused allegedly targeted minor girls through a so-called 'love trap', luring them via social media platforms. (With inputs from PTI)
17 April,2026 02:33 PM IST | Amravati | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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