Latest news with #Sanhita
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
FIR against eight, including son of revenue minister for burning Jairam Thakur's effigy
An FIR was registered against eight Congress leaders including Vikram Singh Negi, son of Revenue and Horticulture minister Jagat Singh Negi, for alleged unlawful assembly and burning the effigy of Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district on July 13. The FIR under Section 189 (2) (unlawful assembly) and Section 292 (punishment for public nuisance in cases not explicitly covered by other provisions of the Sanhita) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 was registered at Reckong Peo police station on Wednesday. Vikram is also an office bearer of the Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank. Other people named in the FIR include Nirmal Chand, Dr Surya Boras, Kulwant Negi, Man Chand Negi, Ram Mohan, Jai Kishan, and Rakesh Kumar — all residents of the Kalpa area. 'The charges applied in the FIR fall under the category of bailable offences. Notices are to be issued to the people against those mentioned in the FIR. The allegations are being verified,' a police officer said. The officer added that the case was registered following the complaint of a local BJP leader Yashwant Singh Negi, who is the BJP Kinnaur district president. Meanwhile, BJP state media incharge Karan Nanda said 'the incident occurred at the main chowk of Reckong Peo, where a group of Congress workers allegedly gathered without permission, raised anti-Jairam slogans, and publicly set his effigy ablaze'. The complaint alleged that the Congress workers, carrying party flags, assembled without prior approval from authorities, chanted derogatory slogans, and set the effigy on fire in full public view, in front of a police booth. Despite the presence of police personnel, no action was taken at the time, the complaint stated.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Air India Art Collection at NGMA Bengaluru carries a whiff of nostalgia
Once upon a time, there was a maharajah who flew around on his private jet, sharing glimpses of India with people all over the world. And whenever he returned to his country, he would come laden with tales of the many wonders he had seen during his travels. The Maharajah (for that was his name and title) has long been the mascot for Air India, the country's national carrier; though, over the years, his role has been diminished and he is rarely seen in public. For those who remember his glory days, or wish to relive the nobility of a bygone era, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru (NGMA-B) is displaying art from the Air India Collection. Titled Sanhita : A New Beginning for the Air India Collection, the exhibition showcases works of art that Air India collected over the years. The public rarely gets a chance to view these pieces, which were housed in the Air India offices in Mumbai. They were recently transferred to the NGMA and are on display for the first time in Bengaluru. According to Darshan Kumar YU, deputy curator at NGMA-B, Sanhita is an exceptional offering as it showcases important artworks, particularly from the Progressive Art Group (these were Indian artists who broke away from traditional art forms and established modern Indian styles), and offers insight into the culture and heritage of the times. Start of a repertoire Air India started collecting works of art and cultural assets in the early '60s — a time when modern Indian art needed the patronage, says Darshan, who not only curated the show but also conceptualised its design and display. The idea of creating such a collection began when artist B Prabha walked into the Air India office in Mumbai, following her graduation from the Sir JJ School of Art in the 1950s, to sell her artwork. Six of Prabha's paintings were purchased for 'a sum of 87 rupees and 8 annas each' and were later displayed at the Air India Booking Office in London, garnering a lot of attention. This prompted the start of a project to not only showcase Indian culture, but also give fillip to the airline's reputation and came to be known as the Maharaja Collection. 'These works of art would be displayed at official airline launches and other prestigious events where bhoota kunita and other cultural performances from different States would also be presented,' says Darshan. The collection built up over the years, and in some instances, a barter system was chalked out where artists would give the airline artworks in lieu of airfare. When artist Jitish Kallat had a show in London and the gallery could not afford his fare, Air India sponsored his travel. As a token of his gratitude, he created a painting which is on display at Sanhita, adds Darshan. The untitled piece of acrylic on canvas, was executed in 1998, and reflects Jitish's attention to detail, colour and texture, in his quest to capture contemporary life. Over time, the Air India Art Collection amassed over 10,000 pieces of art and artefacts that comprised paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and more, besides rare books and clocks, costumes and jewellery. The collection of six decades is testament to both, traditional and modern Indian art history. Change of hands Needless to say, the transfer of this collection from Air India's treasure troves to NGMA's archives was a time-consuming process taking the the better part of five years, and was completed late last year. Darshan says, 'The Air India building in Mumbai housed a huge collection built over a period of time with works from so many artists; there were many formalities that had to be taken care of, especially in terms of documentation, before they were moved to NGMA Delhi.' Sanhita comprises as many as 180 works by iconic Indian artists such as MF Husain, KH Ara, FN Souza, B Vital, Kanchan Chandra, Arpana Caur, Pillo Puchkanwala and Achuthan Kudallur, alongside sculptures by Janaki Ram, Bhadri Narayan and S Nandagopal, among others. A statement by NGMA-B reads, 'The transfer of Air India's collection to NGMA symbolises the enduring connection between Indian art and institutional treasures, ensuring that the legacy of Air India's art collection remains a vital part of our artistic heritage. This collaboration has been instrumental in preserving and promoting India's cultural history.' Royal welcome A passageway in deep red and cream welcomes visitors to Sanhita — starting with a mirror ensconced in a jharokha frame reminiscent of the airline's windows. Illustrations by celebrated cartoonist Mario Miranda line the corridor throwing humorous light on the workings of the industry. 'The purpose of placing a mirror there was to look inwards and associate yourself with the journey of Air India. Not only is it about the art, but also the airline as a cultural asset. At its peak, Air India was a luxurious airline with journals and magazines of its own, crafting souvenirs to hand out to privileged passengers and of course, the use of the Maharaja as their ambassador,' says Darshan. A statuette of the Maharaja welcomes visitors, while brightly-coloured illustrations and souvenirs draw in visitors who may not be art lovers in the classical sense. Posters, postcards and other memorabilia depicting the Maharaja, as a debonair ambassador of all things Indian and his experiences in far off lands, make the showcase imminently relatable, especially a set of coasters designed by cartoonist RK Lakshman in his trademark style. A hand fan with a map of India cobbled together with different tourist attractions, and pages from the Maharaja's Book of Fairy Tales lining a wall, beckons visitors to participate in this immersive exhibition. Pages of an early inflight magazine, blown up and displayed on the wall, shed light on India's culture and heritage. 'These small-format stories make the show interesting and inclusive for visitors of all ages,' says Darshan. 'Besides, there is a clever play of words in The Book of Air, which offer a metaphorical understanding of Air India,' he adds, indicating the sepia-tinted pages which show the Maharajah at the salon in 'Hair-India' or in a rickshaw as 'Fresh-Air-India' or his head as a hot air balloon in 'Lighter-than-Air-India'. According to Darshan, it was not thoughtfulness or gimmickry alone that prompted Air India to bring out souvenirs and miniatures or postcards celebrating '100 Years of Bombay' or a particular wildlife species. 'They were keen on crafting items that were engaging and utilitarian as well. In an age where our entire lives revolve around our phones and laptops, the charm of those days remain unmatched.' Wonder walk While the entire collection includes rare works, a must-see is a piece by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali. 'The artist was commissioned by the airline to create a souvenir and he crafted an unusual ashtray. From one side it resembles a swan, but when viewed from another angle, one can see two swans and an elephant. If turned upside down, a swan and two elephant heads are visible,' says Darshan. As many as 600 editions of this piece crafted out of glazed bisque porcelain in two iterations — a blue or green serpent forming the rim of the ashtray. For his efforts, Dali requested a baby elephant as payment and the ashtray is part of an immersive and interactive display at Sanhita. 'It is interesting to see a proficient and internationally known artist in contrast with India's art scene at the time. It also captivates viewers' interest on how versatile artists can be.' he says. Among the other works, look out for art by husband-wife duo B Vital and B Prabha, Pilloo Pochkhanawala, tantric artist GR Santosh, a set of small format works by VS Gaitonde, an eight work cluster by Badri Narayan, and a huge canvas from MF Husain's Horses series. 'Anjolie Ela Menon's window works are also on display. Painted on windows, they have a 3D feel and have been beautifully incorporated into the space. With NGMA-B being a 100-year old building, her art offers a different connect,' he says. With over 180 works on display to marvel at, plan to spend the better of your day soaking in the spirit of these masters. It is a chance that may not come by in a while. Sanhita: A New Beginning for the Air India Collection will be on display at NGMA Bengaluru till August 31, 2025, with the possibility of an extension. Call 08022342338 for details.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Time of India
6 arrested for ‘kidnap-murder' of man in Imphal West
Imphal: Manipur Police have arrested six people in connection with the "kidnap and murder" of Chesam Abdul Kadir, a resident of Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district. He went missing during the intervening night of June 10-11. The arrests were made on Monday. Kadir's body was found at the residence of Heikrujam Prafulo Singh (35) at Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai a couple of days after he had gone missing. Prafulo was arrested and remanded to custody until June 23. His detention led to the arrest of five others, including three members of the Arambai Tenggol organisation in the connection. The arrested Arambai Tenggol members were identified as Longjam Henson, alias Naocha Meitei (24), Thounaojam Ashok Singh (20), and Huidrom Shyamsunder Singh (30). Two civilians — Heikrujam Premchand Puremba (28) and Sapam Dayani Devi (42) — were also arrested. All six suspects appeared before a magistrate and were remanded to police custody until June 23. So far, nine people — six Arambai Tenggol members and three civilians — have been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities have also seized five vehicles during the investigation, including three cars, one pickup truck, and one scooter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo The probe into Kadir's disappearance and subsequent discovery of his body at a residence near Mayai Lambi College Gate in Imphal West district is still ongoing. The United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur, has strongly condemned the killing of Abdul Kadir, demanding justice, capital punishment for the accused, and the transfer of the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Describing the crime as an "inexcusable violation of the right to life, dignity, and protection of vulnerable citizens" under the Constitution, UMPC expressed outrage over the killing of Kadir, a mentally challenged civilian. "While we appreciate the prompt action of the Manipur Police in apprehending several individuals, including members of the so-called vigilante group Arambai Tenggol, it is imperative that justice be delivered swiftly and firmly," UMPC stated in a press statement. It urged the authorities to immediately arrest all remaining perpetrators and charge them under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). It also demanded that the case be fast-tracked through a special court to ensure a speedy trial and justice, and that the state govt provide immediate ex-gratia relief and rehabilitation support to the victim's family. Additionally, it called for a complete ban and legal scrutiny of unlawful armed vigilante groups, transparency in the investigation and judicial proceedings to restore public trust, and enhanced community policing and protective measures for mentally challenged, differently-abled, and marginalised individuals in the state. While appealing for solidarity and justice for Abdul Kadir, UMPC reiterated its unwavering stance against violence, lawlessness, and human rights violations. The organisation pledged to stand by the victim's family in their fight for justice. In light of the potentially volatile situation, MLA Wangoi AC, Kh Loken, has urged the public to maintain peace and assured them that strict action will be taken against the culprits. The Manipur Federal Organisation also condemned the killing and pledged support for any movement launched by the joint action committee formed in connection with the case. Imphal: Manipur Police have arrested six people in connection with the "kidnap and murder" of Chesam Abdul Kadir, a resident of Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district. He went missing during the intervening night of June 10-11. The arrests were made on Monday. Kadir's body was found at the residence of Heikrujam Prafulo Singh (35) at Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai a couple of days after he had gone missing. Prafulo was arrested and remanded to custody until June 23. His detention led to the arrest of five others, including three members of the Arambai Tenggol organisation in the connection. The arrested Arambai Tenggol members were identified as Longjam Henson, alias Naocha Meitei (24), Thounaojam Ashok Singh (20), and Huidrom Shyamsunder Singh (30). Two civilians — Heikrujam Premchand Puremba (28) and Sapam Dayani Devi (42) — were also arrested. All six suspects appeared before a magistrate and were remanded to police custody until June 23. So far, nine people — six Arambai Tenggol members and three civilians — have been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities have also seized five vehicles during the investigation, including three cars, one pickup truck, and one scooter. The probe into Kadir's disappearance and subsequent discovery of his body at a residence near Mayai Lambi College Gate in Imphal West district is still ongoing. The United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur, has strongly condemned the killing of Abdul Kadir, demanding justice, capital punishment for the accused, and the transfer of the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Describing the crime as an "inexcusable violation of the right to life, dignity, and protection of vulnerable citizens" under the Constitution, UMPC expressed outrage over the killing of Kadir, a mentally challenged civilian. "While we appreciate the prompt action of the Manipur Police in apprehending several individuals, including members of the so-called vigilante group Arambai Tenggol, it is imperative that justice be delivered swiftly and firmly," UMPC stated in a press statement. It urged the authorities to immediately arrest all remaining perpetrators and charge them under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). It also demanded that the case be fast-tracked through a special court to ensure a speedy trial and justice, and that the state govt provide immediate ex-gratia relief and rehabilitation support to the victim's family. Additionally, it called for a complete ban and legal scrutiny of unlawful armed vigilante groups, transparency in the investigation and judicial proceedings to restore public trust, and enhanced community policing and protective measures for mentally challenged, differently-abled, and marginalised individuals in the state. While appealing for solidarity and justice for Abdul Kadir, UMPC reiterated its unwavering stance against violence, lawlessness, and human rights violations. The organisation pledged to stand by the victim's family in their fight for justice. In light of the potentially volatile situation, MLA Wangoi AC, Kh Loken, has urged the public to maintain peace and assured them that strict action will be taken against the culprits. The Manipur Federal Organisation also condemned the killing and pledged support for any movement launched by the joint action committee formed in connection with the case.
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- The Hindu
Madras High Court lays down guidelines to prevent harassment complaints against T.N. police personnel
The Madras High Court has issued guidelines for Tamil Nadu police personnel to prevent complaints of harassment during the investigation of criminal cases. Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan has ordered that henceforth, the police must summon any individual for inquiry only by issuing a written notice under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The judge ordered that the written summons/notice must specify the date and time when the individual concerned — be it a suspect or witness — must appear before the police officer concerned for inquiry. Further, the minutes of the inquiry should be recorded in the general diary/station diary/daily diary of the police station concerned and personnel must refrain from meting out any kind of ill-treatment to the suspect/witness, he ordered. The judge also ordered that the police must scrupulously follow the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in 2014, in the famous Lalita Kumari's case, with respect to procedures to be followed during preliminary inquiry and registration of First Information Report (FIR). The orders were passed while disposing of a petition filed by M. Raji to restrain an Inspector of Police attached to the Avadi Central Crime Branch from harassing the petitioner and his family members in connection with an immovable property dispute. The petitioner's counsel M.T. Arunan told the court that the police have no authority to interfere with a civil dispute and hence, they must be restrained from harassing individuals in connection with such disputes. Observing that numerous petitions were being filed in the High Court to restrain police personnel from harassing litigants, the judge said, courts would generally not interfere with investigations conducted by the police but it could also not turn a blind eye to complaints of harassment. An enquiry into a non-cognisable offence or a cognisable offence falls within the unfettered powers conferred on the investigating officers, as long as the power to investigate/conduct inquiry into these offences were legitimately exercised within the framework of Chapter XIII of the BNSS, 2023. 'Though the Sanhita empowers the Judicial Magistrates to be a guardian in all the stages of the police investigation, there is no power envisaging the Magistrates to interfere with the actual investigation or the mode of investigation. It is in this background that numerous petitions complaining of harassment are being filed before this court,' the judge wrote. He went to state that the term 'harassment' by itself had a very broad meaning and hence, what could be harassment to the petitioner may not be so for the police officer. Therefore, it was necessary to frame certain guidelines for the police personnel on this issue, the judge added.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
From victim to defender: Call for empowering citizens against terror
In India, applying for a gun license under the Arms Act of 1959 and the Arms Rules of 2016 is a statutory right for self-defence. However, cumbersome procedures make obtaining a license a complex process, often involving extensive background checks, references, and delays. While the right to bear fire arms is not explicitly listed in the Indian Constitution, the right to self-defence, as guaranteed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, implicitly acknowledges the need for citizens to possess arms. S.35 of the Sanhita assures every person has the right of private defence of body. From Mumbai 2008 to Pahalgam 2025, innocent Indians are facing bullets of terrorists at public places and losing lives to senseless violence. We often end up blaming security forces or the government for the attacks. No security force can be omnipresent. Crimes, often committed in mere minutes, do not afford victims the luxury of making calls to police helplines. Even if called, police cannot appear instantly. This harsh truth highlights the need for individuals to be empowered, to be equipped with the means to defend themselves. A Naval officer, an IAF corporal, an IB officer, and a Railway officer were among the 26 persons who tragically lost their lives in Pahalgam. All of them faced gunfire without any resistance, as they were unarmed and empty-handed. Could some lives have been saved if one of the tourists had carried a revolver in their purse? Imagine how people could respond in such a scenario in the United States. In 2022, a tragic shooting unfolded at a mall in Indiana. Douglas Sapirman, the assailant, opened fire in the mall, killing three people and injuring many. A young man, Elisjsha Dicken—a legally armed bystander—took swift action. Within moments, Dicken intervened and shot the gunman, fatally wounding him and bringing the active shooting situation to an end. His decisive response is credited with preventing further loss of life. The U.S. Second Amendment, which grants citizens the right to keep and bear arms, has been upheld as a fundamental individual right. In India, applying for a gun license under the Arms Act of 1959 and the Arms Rules of 2016 is a statutory right for self-defence. However, cumbersome procedures make obtaining a license a complex process, often involving extensive background checks, references, and delays. While the right to bear fire arms is not explicitly listed in the Indian Constitution, the right to self-defence, as guaranteed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, implicitly acknowledges the need for citizens to possess arms. S.35 of the Sanhita assures every person has the right of private defence of body. S.38 extends the right of private defence 'to the voluntary causing of death or of any other harm to the assailant' to defend against an assault with potential to cause grievous hurt or 'an assault with the intention of committing rape.' The Ordnance Factory in Kanpur developed a lightweight revolver designed for women. Known as 'Nidar,' this handgun was pitched as the country's first gun for women, offering a robust and handy self-defence weapon (0.22' Revolver Nidar is priced at Rs. 49,500 and 0.32' Revolver Nishank at Rs. 79,750; both can be ordered online). Civilians should attend 'firearms training' offered by state police academies. Mysuru City Civilian Rifle Association, a unit of the Mysuru city police, can be cited as a best practice. Apart from basics of firearm safety, this training can also facilitate a career in sports, if started early. Manu Bhaker started shooting at the age of 14 when she joined a shooting range in her village in Haryana. In 2023, Bal Krishan, a cloth shop owner from Dangri, a village in Jammu, used his licensed but previously unused rifle to confront militants. As soon as he opened fire, the militants fled. If not for his quick thinking, the casualties could have been far worse. Breaking away from a victim mindset involves shifting from helplessness to empowerment. How many Indians carry pepper spray, a simple yet effective tool for self-defence and personal security? Armed self-defence training can be a powerful tool, providing common citizens with the means to protect themselves and reclaim their sense of security. Cultivating the belief that common people can defend themselves is crucial to fostering attitude change. Even if only a few actually carry firearms, the mere possibility of it can instil a chilling deterrent effect among criminals. The police cannot bear the entire burden of protecting every individual, 24x7. Instead, they should adopt proactive measures to impart armed self-defence training to women, sending a strong message to criminals. The Union Home Ministry may consider an advisory to states to implement such training programmes. As a beginning, defence and security personnel with firearm training should be proactively licensed and authorized to carry firearms, even when not on active duty, unless they opt out. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, during the debate on the Arms Act in 1959, argued that the right to bear arms is an inviolable and sacred right of every free citizen. Atal ji's demand for 'responsible gun ownership' resonates today. Moving away from a victim mentality requires a transformation from vulnerability to empowerment. (The writer is a Transparency and Equality Advocate and Author of many books)
