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News18
01-07-2025
- News18
Mother-Son Duo Sold IAF Airstrip Used In 3 Wars In 1997. FIR Registered In 2025
Last Updated: A probe found that Usha Ansal and her son Naveen Chand faked ownership of the IAF land, sold it in 1997 using forged records—years after real owner Madan Mohan Lal had died in 1991 In a scam reminiscent of Natwarlal—India's most infamous conman who once claimed to have sold the Taj Mahal—a woman from Ferozepur, Punjab, stands accused of an audacious fraud involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) airstrip. Usha Ansal and her son Naveen Chand allegedly 'sold' the military airstrip, which played a crucial role in three major wars, back in 1997 with the help of local revenue officials. This airstrip, situated in Patti Fattuwala village near the Pakistan border, was acquired by the British administration on March 12, 1945 and played a significant role during the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971. According to a Times of India report, an investigation by the Vigilance Department, prompted by a reprimand from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, led to an FIR being registered against the duo on June 20, 2025, 28 years after the fraud. The charges include sections 419 (fraudulently impersonating), 420 (cheating), 465, 467 (forgery of valuable documents), 471 (use of forged documents), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. DSP Karan Sharma is spearheading the investigation to uncover those involved in the long-term suppression of this fraudulent land transaction. How Was The Fraud Committed? The Vigilance Department's investigation revealed that Usha and Naveen, residents of Dumni Wala village, falsely presented themselves as the landowners and sold the property by manipulating revenue records. The true owner, Madan Mohan Lal, had died in 1991, but the land was sold under his name in 1997. By the Jamabandi of 2009-10, individuals named Surjit Kaur, Manjit Kaur, Mukhtiar Singh, Jagir Singh, Dara Singh, Ramesh Kant, and Rakesh Kant were listed as owners, despite the Ministry of Defence never transferring the land. The scam came to light in 2021 when retired revenue officer Nishan Singh lodged a complaint but nothing happened in two years. Despite a letter from the Commandant of Halwara Air Force Station to the then DC demanding an inquiry, no action was taken until Singh approached the High Court. Justice Harjit Singh Brar criticised the Deputy Commissioner of Ferozepur's inaction, labelling it a serious threat to national security, and directed the chief of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau to personally investigate and report within four weeks. According to the Times of India report, the land was finally restored to the Ministry of Defence in May 2025, following intervention by the High Court. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Economic Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Pakistan may soon join an exclusive nuclear missile club and here's why the US is worried
TIL Creatives AI-generated image for representative purpose only According to U.S. intelligence assessments, Pakistan is reportedly pursuing the development of a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with the capability to reach the continental United States—a development that could alter regional and global power dynamics. The Foreign Affairs report indicates that Pakistan's ICBM programme intensified following Operation Sindoor in May. Whilst Pakistan officially states its nuclear arsenal serves solely as deterrence against India, U.S. authorities suspect the ICBM development aims to counter potential American military actions—whether preventive strikes on nuclear facilities or involvement in Indo-Pakistani conflicts. This represents a notable shift from Pakistan's earlier missile programme, which concentrated on regional intercontinental ballistic missile is a sophisticated weapons system that can deliver nuclear payloads across distances exceeding 5,500 kilometres. Contemporary ICBMs typically feature MIRVs (multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles), enabling multiple target strikes from a single are classified as strategic armaments owing to their extensive range and devastating potential. Although technically capable of carrying conventional or biological weapons, these systems are predominantly configured for nuclear warfare. The nations currently maintaining operational ICBM arsenals include the U.S., Russia, China, France, the U.K., India, Israel, and North Korea. Pakistan has been the sole nuclear-armed nation without ICBM capabilities until these reports prove accurate, Pakistan's ICBM development could necessitate a substantial revision of U.S. policy. Historically, Washington has not maintained alliances with nations capable of striking American territory. Officials suggest this development might require reclassifying Pakistan as a strategic nuclear amid increasing friction between the U.S. and nuclear-armed states including Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, Pakistan's inclusion would further complicate American diplomatic relations. The possibility of strategic coordination amongst these nations presents an especially concerning scenario for global stability. Pakistan's potential advancement into ICBM capability, whether influenced by Operation Sindoor, regional security concerns, or global power shifts, indicates a significant transformation in its nuclear strategy. This development requires the U.S. to address another critical challenge in an increasingly complex international landscape.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan may soon join an exclusive nuclear missile club and here's why the US is worried
According to U.S. intelligence assessments, Pakistan is reportedly pursuing the development of a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with the capability to reach the continental United States—a development that could alter regional and global power dynamics. The Foreign Affairs report indicates that Pakistan's ICBM programme intensified following Operation Sindoor in May. Whilst Pakistan officially states its nuclear arsenal serves solely as deterrence against India, U.S. authorities suspect the ICBM development aims to counter potential American military actions—whether preventive strikes on nuclear facilities or involvement in Indo-Pakistani conflicts . This represents a notable shift from Pakistan's earlier missile programme, which concentrated on regional concerns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Prince William & Kate Met Princess Diana's Secret Daughter. Plays Star Undo Whar are ICBMs? An intercontinental ballistic missile is a sophisticated weapons system that can deliver nuclear payloads across distances exceeding 5,500 kilometres. Contemporary ICBMs typically feature MIRVs (multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles), enabling multiple target strikes from a single launch. ICBMs are classified as strategic armaments owing to their extensive range and devastating potential. Although technically capable of carrying conventional or biological weapons, these systems are predominantly configured for nuclear warfare. Live Events The nations currently maintaining operational ICBM arsenals include the U.S., Russia, China, France, the U.K., India, Israel, and North Korea. Pakistan has been the sole nuclear-armed nation without ICBM capabilities until now. Should these reports prove accurate, Pakistan's ICBM development could necessitate a substantial revision of U.S. policy. Historically, Washington has not maintained alliances with nations capable of striking American territory. Officials suggest this development might require reclassifying Pakistan as a strategic nuclear threat. Additionally, amid increasing friction between the U.S. and nuclear-armed states including Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran , Pakistan's inclusion would further complicate American diplomatic relations. The possibility of strategic coordination amongst these nations presents an especially concerning scenario for global stability. Pakistan's potential advancement into ICBM capability, whether influenced by Operation Sindoor, regional security concerns, or global power shifts, indicates a significant transformation in its nuclear strategy. This development requires the U.S. to address another critical challenge in an increasingly complex international landscape.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hania Aamir starring in Sardaar Ji 3 as India release blocked
Listen to article Pakistani actor Hania Aamir's Indian film debut, Sardaar Ji 3, will not see a theatrical release in India following renewed tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. The film, co-starring Indian singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, is scheduled to release overseas on June 27, but will not hit cinemas in India. Hania Aamir's casting was confirmed following speculation that she had been dropped amid backlash from Indian film bodies and right-wing groups. Read: Hania Aamir may be replaced in Sardaar Ji 3: reports The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Film Federation of India had reportedly urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film's release due to her involvement. The pressure followed the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead and reignited bans on Pakistani celebrities in Indian media. While neither Hania nor Diljit publicly addressed the rumours at that time, fans speculated about her continued involvement after she was missing from early posters and teasers. A behind-the-scenes photo shared by Dosanjh sparked renewed curiosity, and the official trailer released this weekend confirmed her leading role as a ghostbuster. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply in May, Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian jets in retaliation for missile strikes on its territory. The conflict also disrupted several Indo-Pakistani film projects. Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, faced a ban. Posters featuring Pakistani stars Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane were also removed from Bollywood movie posters on streaming platforms. Read more: Spotify India, OTT platforms pull Pakistani music after govt ban Instagram restricted access in India to the accounts of several Pakistani celebrities including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar following a legal request citing content regulation. Read more: 'Ro Doongi': Hania Aamir reacts to Indian fans dodging ban Indian users attempting to view their profiles received a message stating: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.' Photo: ScreenGrab Hania received strong support from peers and fans. Celebrities including Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas and Yasir Hussain praised her perseverance. Photo: ScreenGrab Yasir Hussain noted the film holds 'historic value' due to Aamir's presence despite diplomatic tensions.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Vijay Rupani's death in Ahmedabad plane crash brings back Indo-Pak war memories when Gujarat lost another CM to the skies
Gujarat plunged into mourning on Thursday as former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was confirmed dead in the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI-171 , rekindling the state's painful memory of losing another sitting Chief Minister, Balwantrai Mehta , in an aviation tragedy during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner had just taken off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when it plummeted into the Meghani Nagar locality, barely five minutes into its ascent. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, exploded into a fireball, engulfing homes and sending thick smoke billowing into the city's skyline. Eyewitnesses reported a deafening boom and a wave of panic as emergency crews raced to contain the fire and comb through the wreckage for survivors. Among the confirmed dead was 68-year-old Vijay Rupani, a senior BJP leader who had served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021. He was flying Business Class, reportedly listed as passenger number 12 on the manifest. His death stunned political corridors and left the Rajkot West constituency — which he long represented — reeling with grief. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Reduza custos logísticos Sistema TMS embarcador Saiba Mais Undo A Personal Loss Beyond Politics Rupani is survived by his wife and two children. His family had already endured deep sorrow years earlier when his youngest son, Pujit, died in an accident. That loss led to the establishment of the Pujit Rupani Memorial Trust, a philanthropic foundation that worked quietly but persistently across Gujarat on charitable initiatives. His untimely death cuts short the life of a leader remembered for his grounded demeanour, administrative continuity, and efforts to strengthen urban infrastructure during his term as CM. His calm presence in Gujarat's political landscape will be deeply missed. You Might Also Like: Ahmedabad plane crash: Who were the only 2 survivors of the 1988 Indian Airlines flight tragedy in which over 100 passengers died? Echoes from the Past: The Balwantrai Mehta Tragedy The devastating loss of Vijay Rupani reopens a painful chapter in Gujarat's history — the death of Chief Minister Balwantrai Mehta during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Mehta, often hailed as the 'Architect of Panchayati Raj' for his pioneering work on democratic decentralisation, was a towering figure in post-independence Indian politics. He had been a freedom fighter, imprisoned multiple times during British rule, and later served as a Lok Sabha MP and member of the Congress Working Committee under Jawaharlal Nehru. On 19 September 1965, while flying from Mithapur to the Kutch border in a civilian Beechcraft aircraft piloted by former Indian Air Force officer Jahangir Engineer, Mehta's plane was mistakenly shot down by the Pakistan Air Force. The Pakistani pilot, Qais Hussain, assumed the aircraft to be on a reconnaissance mission and acted on orders to engage. The tragic incident claimed the lives of Mehta, his wife, three staff members, a journalist, and two crew members. In a deeply symbolic gesture decades later, Qais Hussain wrote a letter to Engineer's daughter, apologizing for the fatal mistake — an extraordinary footnote in the annals of wartime aviation and diplomacy. You Might Also Like: Ahmedabad plane crash victim's final 'Goodbye India' post is now a haunting reminder of life's uncertainty Investigation Underway As news of Rupani's death spread, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and state officials, assuring full central support for the ongoing investigation and rescue operations. Aviation experts suggested that the aircraft's full international fuel load likely intensified the blaze, hampering recovery and identification efforts. A formal probe by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is underway, with technical assistance expected from Boeing engineers. As the nation grieves, political observers and citizens alike are struck by the symbolism — how the skies, vehicles of progress and connectivity, have twice snatched away Gujarat's leadership. A Tragic Pattern That Haunts Indian Politics Rupani's death adds his name to a somber list of Indian political figures lost to air accidents . From Madhavrao Scindia and Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to Dorjee Khandu and O.P. Jindal, the recurring theme of political journeys cut short by aviation disasters continues to haunt India's democratic narrative. For Gujarat, this is not just the death of a former Chief Minister — it is a haunting repetition, a tragic déjà vu, and a reminder of how leadership, even at its highest echelons, remains vulnerable to the cruel whims of fate. You Might Also Like: Ahmedabad airport crash flashback: 37 years ago, Indian Airlines Flight 113 accident killed over 100 people
