Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora on Monday backed Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's recent remarks, stating that India has always "transformed crises into opportunities through unity". Speaking to the media on Monday, Deora said the PM's message reflects the country's strength in facing challenges collectively, news agency ANI reported. "India has always transformed crises into opportunities through its unity. This is the very message that PM Narendra Modi has conveyed to the nation," he further stated. Deora also urged the Opposition to adopt a constructive approach instead of politicising sensitive matters, ANI reported. "I believe it would be in the country's best interest if the Opposition, instead of politicising this issue, offered some constructive suggestions," the Shiv Sena MP added. His remarks come amid ongoing political discourse over the PM's recent statement on maintaining unity, with leaders from various parties reacting to the issue. Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi cornered PM Modi over the India-US interim trade agreement, alleging that the latter has "given away" the future of farmers and the country's energy security. The Congress leader accused PM Modi of opening India's agriculture sector to the international market and allowing the US to dictate its fuel procurement strategy to fulfil the country's energy needs. Addressing a public rally in Kottayam ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Keralam, Gandhi expressed concern that the US deal can negatively impact India's ability to navigate through the West Asia conflict. The Congress MP said, "Narendra Modi signed the US deal, whereby he gave away the future of India's farmers. He's the first PM in modern Indian history who has opened agriculture to the international market. He's the first PM of modern India who has given away our energy security. Today, India cannot buy oil, diesel, or petrol from whom it wants, as per ANI. As the West Asia conflict began, the US announced the 30-day waiver given to India to purchase Russian oil, which also sparked fresh allegations from Congress over the deal. However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had clarified that "national interest" would continue to guide India's energy-related decisions, underlining that the key drivers of the country's energy policy are "adequate availability, fair pricing and reliability of supply". (With inputs from ANI)
31 March,2026 04:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentEight people have died while eight others were injured in the Nalanda stampede on Tuesday, police confirmed. A stampede broke out during prayers at Mata Sheetla Temple in Nalanda. In a statement, the police said that earlier in the day, the situation at the Maa Sheetla Temple, located within the jurisdiction of the Deepnagar Police Station, "suddenly spiralled out of control due to severe overcrowding during worship rituals." "According to information received thus far, this unfortunate incident has resulted in the deaths of eight devotees and injuries to eight others," the police said. Upon learning about the incident, police officials, together with residents, hurried to the location and initiated relief and rescue efforts. Visuals from the scene depicted numerous devotees assembled within the temple grounds. The Nalanda District Police Administration reached the scene immediately to commence relief and rescue operations, officials said. The injured were admitted to nearby hospitals for advanced medical care, where they are currently receiving appropriate treatment. The site of the incident has been inspected by Animesh Kumar Parashar, Commissioner of the Patna Division, and other senior officials. Furthermore, Kundan Kumar, District Magistrate of Nalanda, Nalanda Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni, and Deputy Development Commissioner of Nalanda Shubham Kumar are present at the scene, supervising the relief and rescue operations and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place, the officials said. The situation is currently under control. The District Administration has initiated an inquiry into the incident, and necessary action is being taken. CCTV footage installed within the temple premises is currently being reviewed. "A scientific and thorough inspection of the incident site is being conducted by an FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) team," the police statement read. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic Nalanda stampede and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50 lakhs for those affected. 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.
31 March,2026 03:58 PM IST | Nalanda | IANSFour women and a child were killed after a fire broke out in a three-storey house in Gujarat's Surat city on Tuesday morning, police said. The incident occurred in the Mithi Khadi locality under Limbayat police station area at around 10 am, when a family was busy packing sarees using foam sheets. Fire brigade teams and ambulances rushed to the spot soon after the blaze was reported and carried out a rescue operation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Kanan Desai said. According to Desai, the fire broke out in a three-storey house that the occupants used for saree packing work. "Since today is a holiday, they had brought a large amount of material for packing. After being alerted, the police, fire brigade and 108 emergency service personnel reached the spot immediately," she said. When emergency teams entered the premises, the entire room was filled with dense smoke, making it difficult to access the victims initially, the official said. "After the smoke was brought slightly under control, it was seen that the front room and the surrounding area were packed with foam sheets used for saree packing. Foam was also kept near the switchboard," she said. Preliminary investigation suggests the fire may have been triggered by an electric spark. "Based on our primary discussion with the fire brigade, we suspect that there might have been an electrical spark and resultant fire in the foam placed in front of the switchboard. Since this foam contains chemicals, it generated heavy smoke," the DCP said. The victims succumbed to suffocation caused by the toxic smoke, she said. "Due to the smoke and resulting suffocation, four women and a child were severely affected. They were shifted to Civil Hospital in serious condition and later died during treatment," Desai added. The victims have been identified as Shehnaz Begum Ansari (65), Husa Begam Ansari (18), Shabina Ansari (28), Parvin Abdul Ansari (19) and Subhan Ali Ansari (4), the official said. Eyewitness Yunus Khan claimed the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of highly inflammable materials. "There were sacks of foam and sarees lying inside. When they caught fire, the family members panicked and moved to a back room, thinking they would be safe. But the foam contained chemicals and produced toxic gas, which caused their death," he claimed. The victims came to Surat from Uttar Pradesh and were involved in saree packing work. While the women and a child were at home, the male members had gone out for work, Khan told reporters. 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
31 March,2026 03:21 PM IST | Surat | PTIThe Calcutta High Court on Tuesday dismissed a PIL challenging the transfer of administrative and police officers by the poll panel in West Bengal, stating that the petitioner failed to establish that the actions were arbitrary or had harmed public interest. The Election Commission had transferred several officers, including the state's chief secretary, the home secretary, and the DGP, following the announcement of the assembly poll schedule in the state. The petitioner claimed that these large-scale transfers would affect the functioning of the state administration and sought to have the poll panel's orders set aside. Dismissing the petition, a division bench presided over by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul held that the petitioner could not prove that the Election Commission of India had used its power to transfer officers in an arbitrary manner, resulting in any injury to public interest. "In the absence of establishing this elementary requirement to maintain a PIL, the petition cannot be entertained," the division bench, also comprising Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, said. The court observed, "The legality, validity, and propriety of transfer orders which have not caused any public injury cannot be gone into in a public interest litigation." It noted that the petitioner, Arka Kumar Nag, had tried to establish a nexus between certain senior politicians and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. However, the ECI's counsel, D.S. Naidu, submitted that no such persons against whom allegations of connivance or pressure tactics were made had been named. Holding that no allegation of malice could be entertained against the poll panel, the high court observed that "apart from bald pleadings, no material could be placed to establish any such nexus." The court said that merely because the ECI transferred a sizable number of officers, it cannot be said that the action was arbitrary, capricious, or mala fide—especially when a similar or larger number of transfers and postings had occurred nationwide. "Thus, we find no reason to hold that while shifting or transferring officers in West Bengal, the ECI engaged in any step-motherly treatment," the court added. It noted that the petitioner could not establish a case demonstrating with precision that the transfer orders would lead to administrative collapse or deprive the public of development schemes. The division bench further stated that a transfer is an incident of service, and if a transfer order violates any statutory provision, the aggrieved employee or officer can challenge it in appropriate proceedings. The court clarified that this judgment will not prevent individual officers from challenging their transfer orders in accordance with the law. Noting that the petitioner is a practicing lawyer, the bench said he cannot have a grievance over officer transfers unless such actions result in injury to public interest. Regarding the petitioner’s request to initiate impeachment proceedings against the CEC, the court said it saw no reason to address this issue in the present case. The bench also found "little substance" in the arguments made by the petitioner’s counsel, Kalyan Banerjee, and Advocate General Kishore Dutta, representing the West Bengal government, that the transfer of a large number of officers and staff had created a vacuum in the state. The court stated that when one officer is transferred, another occupies the position. "Thus, no vacuum has been created in the system or in the administrative arena," the bench said. The court further noted that the state of West Bengal, which supported the petitioner, is a respondent in the matter and "cannot enter into the shoes of the petitioner." Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases, on April 23 and 29, with votes to be counted on May 4. 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
31 March,2026 03:13 PM IST | Kolkata | PTITamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami during an election campaign meeting in Tiruvannamalai. Addressing a large gathering, Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised Palaniswami, stating, "We have seen aggressive devotees and aggressive party workers, but Edappadi Palaniswami stands as an aggressive slave of the BJP." He further alleged that the AIADMK leader has become subservient to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is attempting to bring the BJP into Tamil Nadu. The campaign meeting was held near the Thiruvalluvar statue in the Tiruvannamalai Assembly constituency in support of DMK candidate and Public Works Minister E.V. Velu. Thousands of party workers and members of alliance parties, including Congress, MDMK, DMDK, VCK, CPI(M), and CPI, participated in the event. Udhayanidhi Stalin arrived in an open vehicle and sought votes for the DMK's Rising Sun symbol. During his speech, he praised E.V. Velu, highlighting his administrative capability and experience. He noted that both former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and current Chief Minister M.K. Stalin have recognised Velu's efficiency. He also recalled that Velu had previously won the constituency with a margin of 95,000 votes and urged voters to increase the margin to one lakh in the upcoming election. Highlighting development works in the constituency, Udhayanidhi listed projects completed over the past five years, including bus stand upgrades, road expansions into four-lane highways, integrated education offices, Rs56 crore government model school buildings, canal renovation works, improved hospital infrastructure, sanitation projects, public grievance centers, concrete roads around temples, and tourism infrastructure such as an international auditorium. He also outlined the DMK government's welfare initiatives, including free bus travel for women, the breakfast scheme for school students, the Pudhumai Penn scheme for girls, financial assistance schemes for youth, employment generation, free laptops for students, and financial aid for women. He accused opposition parties of attempting to block financial assistance schemes through legal means but said the state government ensured payments to beneficiaries. Looking ahead, he announced key promises under the "Dravidian Model 2.0," including increasing women's financial assistance to Rs2000, expanding the breakfast scheme up to Class 8, raising monthly assistance for youth and women, enhancing pensions, providing free laptops to 35 lakh students, collateral-free loans for women self-help groups, housing for 10 lakh families, and Rs8000 household appliance coupons. Reiterating his criticism, Udhayanidhi said Palaniswami is aligning with Modi and attempting to pave the way for the BJP in the state. He concluded by framing the election as a contest between Tamil Nadu and Delhi, urging voters to support the DMK to safeguard the state's rights. Following the meeting, Udhayanidhi Stalin continued his campaign in neighbouring constituencies. 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
31 March,2026 03:12 PM IST | Tiruvannamalai | ANIShiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Tuesday expressed confidence that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will return to power, predicting a fourth consecutive term for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the upcoming Assembly elections, reported news agency IANS. ‘Strong Public Connect Will Ensure Victory’ Speaking ahead of the high-stakes polls, Chaturvedi said the political atmosphere in West Bengal indicates continued public support for Banerjee. She argued that despite the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) aggressive campaign, the ruling TMC retains a strong connection with voters, reported IANS. According to her, issues raised by the BJP - including allegations around infiltration and electoral processes - have not resonated with the electorate. She maintained that the opposition party has struggled to gain the trust of the people in the state, reported IANS. BJP’s Campaign Faces Resistance, Says Chaturvedi Chaturvedi also criticised the BJP’s campaign strategy, suggesting that narratives around divisive issues and voter-related concerns have failed to influence public opinion significantly. She claimed that voters in West Bengal remain focused on leadership and governance rather than political rhetoric, reported IANS. Her remarks come at a time when the BJP has intensified its campaign, positioning itself as the primary challenger to the TMC government. Congress Signals Comeback Attempt Amid the ongoing political contest, the Congress has also indicated its intent to regain relevance in the state. Party leader Surendra Rajput raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral process, including claims related to voter verification exercises, reported IANS. Rajput expressed optimism about a political shift, stating that the people of West Bengal are aware and capable of bringing change through the ballot. Multi-Cornered Contest Takes Shape The upcoming Assembly elections are shaping into a multi-cornered contest, with the TMC aiming to retain power, the BJP seeking to expand its footprint, and the Congress attempting a revival. The political narrative in the state has revolved around governance, welfare schemes, identity politics, and allegations of electoral irregularities, making the contest increasingly intense. Polling in Two Phases, Results on May 4 West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4, as per the Election Commission of India. With campaigning gathering momentum, all major parties are working to consolidate their support bases, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral battle in one of India’s most politically significant states. (With inputs from IANS)
31 March,2026 03:11 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the Election Commission of India, alleging a serious conspiracy to manipulate electoral rolls in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, reported news agency ANI. Claims of ‘Fraudulent Voter Inclusion’ In her communication to the Chief Election Commissioner, Banerjee alleged that agents linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were attempting to add non-residents to the voter list through fraudulent means. She claimed that large numbers of Form 6 applications—used for voter registration—were being submitted in bulk at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal, reported ANI. Describing the alleged move as “voter hijacking,” Banerjee said it was an attempt to influence the outcome of the upcoming elections by including outsiders in the state’s electoral rolls, reported ANI. Allegations of Administrative Irregularities The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo also raised concerns over the handling of genuine voter applications. She claimed that over 60 lakh legitimate applications remain pending, while authorities were allegedly fast-tracking questionable submissions, reported ANI. Banerjee further alleged that the process lacked transparency and may violate established legal norms. She described the situation as a direct challenge to free and fair elections in the state. Demands Immediate EC Intervention In her letter, Banerjee urged the Election Commission to immediately halt what she termed an “undemocratic exercise.” She called for strict adherence to guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and demanded that no new or suspicious entries be added after the publication of the final electoral roll on February 28, 2026, reported ANI. She emphasised that safeguarding electoral integrity was critical and warned against any attempt to compromise democratic rights. Concerns Over Non-Resident Voters Banerjee also pointed to reports suggesting that some of the applications may relate to individuals with no legitimate connection to West Bengal. She alleged that similar patterns had been observed in elections in other states, raising concerns about a broader strategy, reported ANI. She stated that if proven true, such actions would be unconstitutional and undermine public trust in democratic institutions. Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2026 Elections The latest allegations come amid intensifying political rivalry between the ruling TMC and the BJP in the run-up to the Assembly elections. Banerjee recently accused the BJP of attempting to polarise voters and disrupt social harmony as part of its campaign strategy. With the election season approaching, the issue of electoral rolls and voter inclusion is likely to remain a key flashpoint between the two parties, further heightening political tensions in the state. (With inputs from ANI)
31 March,2026 03:01 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentMunicipal authorities in Hyderabad on Tuesday seized a residential house of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J. Jayalalithaa, over property tax arrears. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials sealed the G plus 4 structure belonging to the late leader in Srinagar colony under the limits of circle 38 in Yousufguda area. According to officials, the property bearing house number 8-3-1099 A is registered in the name of Jayalalithaa. The GHMC took the action as the property tax arrears mounted to over Rs.82 lakh. According to officials, property tax arrears related to this building had been accumulating since 2017. Deputy Commissioner Suresh issued notices last month to individuals associated with the property. As the concerned individuals failed to respond, GHMC officials sealed the house. According to officials, after accounting for applicable rebates under the OTS (One-Time Settlement) scheme, the outstanding tax arrears amount to Rs 82,91,822. As the OTS will remain valid only till March 31, the arrears are likely to increase further. The building was assessed under the commercial category as it was being used as a private office. This led to higher tax liability. Jayalalitha’s nephew, Deepak Jayakumar, had approached the GHMC, seeking reclassification of the property from commercial to residential. Jayakumar, a resident of Chennai, had conveyed to municipal authorities the building had been used for residential purposes since 2017. As the dues remained unpaid, the municipal officials sealed the property. Jayalalithaa had reportedly acquired the building in 1967 for Rs.50,000. The market value of the property in 2015 was assessed at Rs 5 crore. The late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had a close association with Hyderabad since she started acting in movies. She used to frequently visit the city. The AIADMK leader had acquired a few properties here, including a house in Secunderabad, and a farmhouse at Medchal on the city's outskirts. 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.
31 March,2026 02:47 PM IST | Hyderabad | IANSCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the Smart Cities Mission, alleging that the scheme failed to deliver on its promises and was presented as a “half-baked” vision of urban transformation, reported news agency PTI. ‘Grand Announcements, Zero Accountability’ Gandhi criticised the government’s approach, claiming that the Smart Cities Mission reflected a pattern of making ambitious announcements without ensuring accountability. He said the scheme was heavily promoted as a transformative initiative but fell short in delivering meaningful improvements on the ground, reported PTI. According to him, the government focused more on publicity rather than measurable outcomes, leaving citizens questioning the real impact of the programme. Questions Raised Over Definition of ‘Smart City’ The Congress leader said he had raised several questions in Parliament regarding the mission, including how a “Smart City” is defined and what criteria were used to measure success. He also sought clarity on how many cities had actually undergone significant transformation and what tangible benefits citizens received, reported PTI. However, Gandhi claimed that no clear answers were provided, adding that the lack of transparency raises concerns about the effectiveness of the scheme. Claims of Ground Reality Contradicting Official Data Highlighting discrepancies, Gandhi pointed out that while the government reported high completion rates of projects, the situation on the ground tells a different story. He alleged that issues such as contaminated water, unsafe infrastructure, and poor civic conditions continue to persist in several cities, reported PTI. He argued that if the majority of projects have indeed been completed, citizens should be able to clearly see improvements in their daily lives. Government Cites High Fund Utilisation and Project Completion Responding to queries in Parliament, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu stated that a significant portion of allocated funds has been utilised under the mission, reported PTI. As per official data, out of the Centre’s allocation of Rs 48,000 crore, about 99 per cent has been released to selected cities, with nearly 98 per cent of the funds reportedly utilised. A total of over 8,000 projects were taken up, of which around 97 per cent have been completed. Area-Based Development Model Defended The government maintained that the Smart Cities Mission was not intended to transform entire cities but to focus on area-based development through retrofitting, redevelopment, and greenfield projects. The aim, it said, was to create replicable models for broader urban development, reported PTI. It also cited an evaluation by NITI Aayog, which concluded that the mission aligns with India’s urban development priorities and broader sustainability goals. Political Debate Intensifies Over Urban Development Gandhi’s remarks come amid ongoing political debate over the effectiveness of flagship government schemes. He urged citizens to assess the situation in their own cities and question whether the promised transformation has truly materialised. With the Smart Cities Mission nearing its conclusion, the issue is likely to remain a key point of contention between the government and the opposition in the coming months. (With inputs from PTI)
31 March,2026 02:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSpokesperson of the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday said the country's armed forces will respond strongly by using the term "cutting off legs" of any "aggressor" trying to invade the country, according to the Iranian state media Press TV. Khatam Al-Anbia HQ spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, was cited by Press TV as saying that, "Iran armed forces will cut off legs of any aggressor invading the country." Press TV, citing reports, stated that the Russian Chechen units are ready to be deployed to Iran in the event of a "US ground invasion". Earlier as per a report in the Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump was considering ending the US military campaign in Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. He indicated to aides that he is prepared to wind down military operations against Iran within a four-to-six-week timeline, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. This decision would likely extend Tehran's control over the vital waterway, shifting the focus to diplomatic efforts to reopen it. Trump has expressed willingness to wind down hostilities, having achieved key objectives like weakening Iran's navy and missile capabilities. According to administration officials, the President believes the US can declare victory by achieving its "core" military goals without being bogged down in a protracted maritime clearance mission, reported The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, Iran's Parliament Security Committee on Monday (local time) approved the Strait of Hormuz Management Plan, which includes measures to impose tolls on vessels passing through the strategic waterway, as reported by Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). According to the IRIB, a member of the National Security Commission announced that the plan was formally approved, detailing key areas of focus, including security arrangements for the Strait, ship safety, environmental protection, financial arrangements, and the implementation of a rial-based toll system. The plan also explicitly bans passage for American and Israeli vessels, reinforces the sovereign role of Iran and its armed forces, and outlines cooperation with Oman in establishing the legal framework for the Strait. Additionally, it prohibits passage for countries participating in unilateral sanctions against Iran, as reported by IRIB. The approved measures come amid ongoing conflict in West Asia between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition, currently in its second month, and reflect Tehran's efforts to assert control over one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments transit. Earlier, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, accused the US of "secretly plotting a ground invasion" and assured that Tehran is prepared for it. He also warned the Gulf countries, which are allowing the US to launch an attack from their soil, vowing to "punish" the regional partners. "The enemy sends messages of friendship openly, while secretly plotting a ground invasion. We are waiting for their arrival; we will set them ablaze and punish their regional partners forever." Ghalibaf said. 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
31 March,2026 02:08 PM IST | Tehran | ANIA Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor was shot dead in broad daylight by unidentified assailants in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district on Tuesday, a police officer said. The councillor has been identified as Kallu Kushwaha, and he was shot near the Seondha Chungi area around 9 am in the district. Datia Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Akansha Jain said, "We received information at around 9 am this morning that a murder incident occurred near the Seondha Chungi area. Acting on it, we reached the spot and learned that the deceased has been identified as Kallu Kushwaha. Thereafter, we sent the body to the district hospital for postmortem and collected evidence from the spot." The police began an investigation into the matter, and efforts are on to nab the unknown accused, the officer added. According to information, Kushwaha was returning home after offering prayers at a Hanuman temple in the area and during this, some unknown armed miscreants surrounded him and opened fire. The accused fired multiple gunshot wounds on the councillor, resulting in him dying on the spot. Meanwhile, BJP Spokesperson Ashish Agarwal said that there is a zero-tolerance government in the state and no criminals will be spared at any cost, stressing that strict action will be taken against those involved in the incident. "The tragic incident has come to our notice, and I would like to say that Madhya Pradesh has a zero-tolerance government under the BJP, and no criminal has been spared in the past, nor will any be spared in the future. Strict action will be taken in this matter," Agarwal said. On the contrary, Congress spokesperson Manak Agarwal slammed the state government accusing the law and order in the state has collapsed and the Chief Minister who also holds home minister post should immediately resign from the post. "The way the BJP councillor was murdered in Datia suggests that law and order in Madhya Pradesh has completely collapsed. The Chief Minister himself also holds the Home Minister post, and despite that, such a situation prevails in the state that even a member of his own party has been killed. Even after this, the government has not yet come into action. The Chief Minister should step forward and resign, stating that he is unable to handle the law and order situation," the Congress spokesperson said. 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
31 March,2026 02:07 PM IST | Datia | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1774948657517_d.png "Late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J. Jayalalithaa. File Pic")
