Latest news with #RTC
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Judge affirms De Lima acquittal in drug case
A Muntinlupa City court on Friday stood by its decision to acquit Mamamayang Liberal Representative-elect Leila de Lima and her former driver Ronnie Dayan of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading charges. The RTC's action came after the Court of Appeals Eighth Division in April voided the May 12, 2023 decision of the RTC and remanded the case for failure "to discuss the specific proven facts as well as the laws upon which [the judge's] pronouncement of acquittal was based." In response to the appellate court's order, Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204 Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara insisted that the recantation of former Bureau of Corrections chief Rafael Ragos' testimony was ''sufficient basis for the RTC to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed presumption of innocence.'' Ragos had claimed that he and aide Jovencio Ablen Jr. delivered P5 million in proceeds from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison to De Lima's house in Parañaque City in 2012. In May 2022, Ragos retracted his testimony against De Lima. ''To reiterate and emphasize, the testimony of witness Ragos is necessary to sustain any possible conviction. Without his testimony, the crucial link to establish conspiracy is shrouded with reasonable doubt,'' the revised decision stated. ''Thus, the undersigned presiding judge submits that the original decision already clearly and distinctly stated the facts and law upon which it was based.'' De Lima spent nearly seven years in detention before she was released on bail in November 2023. The last of her three drug-related cases was dismissed in June 2024. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Posing as HYDRAA: Duo threatens city family; booked by police, probe underway
HYDERABAD: The Narsingi police have booked two persons for allegedly threatening a family in Alkapur township in Neknampur, while falsely claiming association with HYDRAA. The incident occurred on June 23. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to the complaint, the accused - Miriyala Vedantham (22), a car driver from Karimnagar district, and Yelisetti Shoban Babu, a retired RTC employee from Puppalaguda - arrived at the property around 3.20 pm in a car. They reportedly entered the compound and began inspecting the premises. When Mallikarjun, a worker present at the house, questioned their presence, the duo allegedly claimed to be from HYDRAA and said they were collecting information. They also warned that the house would be demolished. When asked to speak with the homeowner, they quietly left. Police have since taken both men into custody and are investigating the motive behind the threats. In response, HYDRAA issued a statement distancing itself from the accused and condemning the misuse of its name. HYDRAA urged the public to report such incidents to the police and share any related details, including photos or videos, via WhatsApp at 8712406899.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Two booked for issuing threats in the name of HYDRAA
Two persons were taken into custody by the Narsingi police for issuing threats by invoking the name of Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA). The incident was reported on June 23 in Alkapur Township in Gandipet. The accused were identified as Miriyala Vedantham, 22, a driver residing in Alkapur Township and a native of Karimnagar district, and Yelisetti Shobhan Babu, a retired RTC employee residing in Esteem Residency in Puppalaguda, Manikonda. According to the police, the duo arrived in a black car and entered the property without permission. When confronted by Guntakal Mallikarjun, an employee at the house, they allegedly claimed to be from HYDRAA and threatened to demolish the property, stating they were collecting information. Mallikarjun said the men refused to speak with the property owner when advised to do so. Following the incident, HYDRAA issued a statement condemning any use of its name for fraudulent or threatening activities. It urged the public not to report such incidents to the police or HYDRAA. The organisation clarified that its employees, when conducting official investigations, will always present proper identification and provide full details. Citizens can report the cases via WhatsApp on 8712406899, by sending photographs and relevant information.
United News of India
2 days ago
- United News of India
Telangana: ACB seizes over Rs 2.70 lakh unaccounted amount
Hyderabad, June 26 (UNI) The sleuths of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) seized an unaccounted amount of over Rs 2.70 lakh during surprise checks conducted at various places across Telangana including RTC check posts, RTA offices and Sub Registrar offices today. During the searches, ACB conducted raids on Salabatpur RTA Check post, kamareddy District and RTC offices of Peddapalli, Tirumulgherry and Uppal. During the check, an unaccounted amount of Rs 1.81 lakh was seized and apart from that several irregularities were observed, ACB said in a release here. The ACB also conducted similar cheks at Sub-Registrar Offices at Burgum padu of Khammam District and Bheemdevara palli of Warangal District. During the check an unaccounted amount of Rs 91,000 was seized and several irregularities were noticed. Report will be sent to the government for taking necessary action, the release added. UNI KNR SSP
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Santa Cruz County Rail Project Could Cost $200 Million Per Mile
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Projections for a 22-mile passenger rail line through Santa Cruz County in California has placed the cost of construction at $4.3 billion, almost $200 million per mile. The rail plans, detailed in a draft executive summary released on June 6, propose converting a dormant freight corridor into an electric commuter rail system. Newsweek contacted the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission for more information via email. Why It Matters The 22-mile Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) route would require the full electrification of the existing rail corridor, replacement of 21 bridges, and construction of 15 stations and two train storage and maintenance facilities. The project also calls for upgrades to rail crossings and integration with existing transit networks. Images of a rail that could be used for the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) Project. Images of a rail that could be used for the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) Project. RTC What To Know The draft report said that construction of the rail route would cost $1.96 billion, while vehicle work, professional services and other improvements would cost another $1.04 billion. The budgeting also factored in $1.28 billion for contingency spending, bringing the predicted cost to about $4.28 billion. That means the proposal, which is being considered by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, could cost $194.5 million per mile of track. The ZEPRT is designed to provide service every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak times. The report projects annual ridership of 1.4 million by 2045, translating to about 5,300 daily boardings. The infrastructure would be built entirely within a 32-foot-wide existing right-of-way and aims to maintain the adjacent multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians. However, challenges remain. Parts of the route traverse unstable terrain and flood zones, requiring complex engineering solutions that have contributed to the soaring cost projections. The electric rail would run from Pajaro Junction near Watsonville in the south to the western edge of Santa Cruz County, terminating near the UC Santa Cruz campus area. Transfers to regional services, including Caltrain and future high-speed rail connections, are part of the long-term integration plan. What People Are Saying The Regional Transportation Commission, in the June 6 draft report: "The RTC thanks the Santa Cruz County community for its continued engagement and thoughtful feedback throughout the development of the Project Concept phase. "Residents, community groups, and local businesses of Santa Cruz County who participated in and provided feedback through the Project's many workshops, open houses, public meetings, and stakeholder briefings helped shape a Project Concept that reflects local community values, transportation needs, and a regional vision which supports a more connected and sustainable future." Jack Brown, executive director of Santa Cruz's Coastal Trail Conservancy, told SFGate: "The estimate still feels low. They've been trying to push back against a $5 billion price tag, but not convincingly. We need a practical, sustainable approach to addressing transit, congestion and housing. One that doesn't bankrupt future generations." What Happens Next The Santa Cruz County RTC is continuing to develop the environmental review and design phases of the project, which could take several years. A final funding plan is expected to be presented in 2026, with construction unlikely to begin before 2028.
