
14,000 men receive payout under Ladki Bahin scheme, Ajit Pawar vows action
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The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Madras High Court orders CBI probe into former BJP Yuva Morcha functionary's murder in Puducherry
The Madras High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of former Yuva Morcha (youth wing) leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Puducherry unit, K. Uma Shankar. He was brutally hacked to death near Paris Mahal in Lawspet, Puducherry, on April 26, 2025. Justice P. Velmurugan directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Puducherry, to hand over the investigation to the Deputy Director of the CBI forthwith. The judge mandated that the CBI conduct a free and fair investigation into the murder and file a final report within six months. The orders were passed on a petition filed by Ezhumalai alias V.C. Kasilingam, the father of the deceased on whose complaint the local police had registered a First Information Report (FIR). The petitioner said he had lost faith in the police and alleged they were attempting to shield the real offenders. His counsel R. Sankarasubbu told the court the murder had taken place due to a land-grabbing dispute in Kuil Thoppu, involving two Members of the Legislative Assembly. Though the names of the suspects were well known, the police had filed the FIR without naming them in the report, he said. The counsel accused the local police of attempting to let the real suspects escape from prosecution due to political pressure. On the other hand, Puducherry Public Prosecutor K.S. Mohandass denied the allegations and said, the investigation was almost complete and a final report would be filed soon. After hearing both sides, the judge wrote: 'Considering the facts and circumstances and taking note of the submissions, this court is of view that since the prime accused, who are involved in the alleged crime, have not been named as accused in the FIR, if the second respondent police is allowed to continue the investigation, the real culprits will escape from the clutches of law.' Therefore, he directed the local police to hand over the investigaiton to the CBI forthwith.


New Indian Express
4 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Ignored for ministerial post as I am from Maratha community: NCP MLA
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Maharashtra NCP MLA Prakash Solanke has claimed he has been ignored for a ministerial berth in the state government as he belongs to the Maratha community. Speaking to reporters in Beed on Sunday, the four-time MLA from Majalgaon also claimed Marathas have been the Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) strength in Beed district, but they are ignored when it comes to giving a cabinet or guardian minister post to a member from the community. He was responding to a question on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar on Friday saying party leader and former minister Dhananjay Munde will be given an "opportunity" if he is absolved in an "inquiry" against him. Pawar was apparently referring to the last year's Beed sarpanch murder case following which Munde, the MLA from Parli in Beed, had to quit the Devendra Fadnavis government in March this year. Notably, Marathas, under the leadership of activist Manoj Jarange, have been agitating for reservation in government jobs and education under the Other Backwards Classes (OBC) quota. Asked about the speculation of Munde's return to the cabinet, Solanke claimed, "Leaders like (NCP-SP chief) Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar have always given priority to the OBC community in Beed district. The Maratha community has been an NCP supporter in Beed. But OBCs and backward communities were given preference in Beed district in the past 45 years." This is due to the party's policy of following the ideology of (social reformers) Jyotirao Phule, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and BR Ambedkar, he said.


Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak's ‘Annu' steps into darker territory in Mandala Murders
Vaibhav Raj Gupta is showing audiences that he's far more than Gullak's affable Annu. In Netflix's gripping crime thriller Mandala Murders, he takes on a starkly contrasting role as a suspended cop caught in a maze of serial murders and haunting pasts. His powerful performance is being lauded for breaking type and revealing a darker, more intense facet of his talent. If you don't know who he is, we have got you covered. Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak actor now in Mandala Murders Vaibhav Raj Gupta, born on January 19, 1991, in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, began his career in theatre before moving into film and television. He gained widespread acclaim for his role as Anand 'Annu' Mishra in the popular web series Gullak (2019–2024), where his relatable performance resonated with audiences throughout its run. Before his breakout role, he featured in projects like Noor (2017) and Good Bad Girl (2022), steadily establishing himself as a performer committed to strong storytelling and nuanced characters. Vaibhav Raj Gupta in Mandala Murders In Netflix's thriller Mandala Murders, Vaibhav steps into a much darker role as Vikram Singh, a suspended police officer haunted by his past. He joins forces with CBI officer Rea Thomas (played by Vaani Kapoor) to investigate a string of ritualistic killings in the fictional town of Charandaspur, Uttar Pradesh. His powerful performance in the series has drawn praise from critics, who have commended his ability to shed the affable image of 'Annu' and embrace a more intense, emotionally layered character, highlighting his remarkable versatility as an actor. Vaibhav Raj Gupta talks about the success of Gullak As per The New Indian Express, reflecting on the moment he knew the show was a success, Vaibhav Raj Gupta recounted how deeply moved he was by the reactions of his family especially his parents, grandmother, and aunt after watching the first season. Seeing the happiness in their eyes made him feel confident that the show had truly connected with its audience. He credited the show's success to its thoughtful writing and well-developed characters, noting that even the best actors can't salvage a poorly written script. Vaibhav also praised the dedication of the entire team, from directors and writers to actors and crew and admitted that Gullak holds a special place in his heart as his favourite project to date.