Latest news with #ofPolice
Hans India
17 hours ago
- Hans India
Four children among 36 bonded labourers rescued
Nalgonda: In a major crackdown on bonded labour, a joint operation by the district police, revenue, child welfare, and other departments has rescued 36 individuals including four child labourers from illegal captivity in the Krishna River belt under the Devarakonda sub-division. For some time, certain fish traders in the region had been illegally trafficking people from other states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha, forcing them into bonded labour without pay. The victims were threatened, deprived of wages, and made to work under exploitative conditions in fishing operations. The authorities arrested eight individuals responsible for the crime that includes Vaddty Jawaharlal, Ramavath Ramesh; Mailapalli Shiva; Kare Simhachalam; Vanka Vishaka; Eripalli Babuji; Chapala Tata Rao; and Chapala Bangari. Multiple cases have been filed at the Neredugommu and Gudipally police stations under sections of the BNS, JJ Act, and Bonded Labour System Abolition Act (BLSA). Investigations revealed that agents from Hyderabad and Vijayawada identified as Raju, Jagan, Lokesh, and Venkanna lured migrants with false promises of Rs 15,000 monthly salary, two-hour workdays, free food, and alcohol. However, upon arrival at Mallepally in Devarakonda, the victims were held captive, their mobile phones confiscated, and made to fish in the Krishna River under abusive conditions. Only two meals a day were provided, and they were often beaten when demanding wages. Special teams are pursuing the absconding agents. Superintendent of Police warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found trafficking or exploiting workers. Citizens were urged to report child labor or bonded labor to Child Helpline 1098 or Women's Helpline 181. The operation was led by Devarakonda ASP Mounika with coordination from CIs, SIs of Gudipally, Neredugommu, and others. The SP praised officers including P Mahesh, R. Raju, VPO Prashant, and Y Narender Reddy for their effort. Nalgonda District SP Sharath Chandra Pawar disclosed the case details and produced the accused and rescued before the media in a press meet held at DPO office auditorium in Nalgonda.
News18
01-07-2025
- News18
Madras HC Slams Police Probe, Orders Fresh POCSO Investigation After DNA Test Clears Accused
Last Updated: The court clarified that the present accused was not exonerated and that his role should also be reassessed during the re-investigation The Madras High Court recently quashed the chargesheet against a man initially accused of impregnating a 13-year-old girl, after a DNA test conclusively ruled him out as the biological father. The court directed a fresh investigation—without arresting suspected individuals merely for DNA testing—to identify the real culprit. A bench of Justice K. Murali Shankar, while hearing a revision petition filed by the accused man, pointed out the glaring lapses in the police investigation, especially the fact that no DNA test was conducted before filing the final chargesheet despite the allegation involving pregnancy of a minor. The accused had been charged under Sections 5(l), 5(j)(ii), 5(n) read with 6 of the POCSO Act, along with Section 506(i) of the IPC, based on a complaint filed by the minor's mother in September 2020. The girl, a Class 10 student, was found to be six months pregnant, and named the accused—her cousin—as the person who allegedly lured and sexually assaulted her three times under the promise of marriage. A trial ensued, and after charges were framed, the accused moved the court seeking a DNA test to disprove paternity. The DNA report from the Forensic Sciences Department, dated February 28, 2022, clearly stated that he was excluded as the biological father. Despite this, the trial court declined his discharge petition under Section 227 CrPC. Challenging that, the accused approached the high court. Justice Shankar criticised the 'casual and mechanical" nature of the original investigation, observing that the police made no effort to identify who actually fathered the child. 'The prosecution proceeded as if the petitioner alone was the culprit. There is no explanation why a DNA test was not conducted before filing the chargesheet," the court said. While acknowledging that a negative DNA report alone does not absolve an accused if other evidence exists, the court emphasised the need for a thorough re-investigation, especially in view of the gravity of POCSO offences. It noted that either there were two different perpetrators (one who assaulted and one who impregnated the girl), or the sole accused may not have been involved at all. Crucially, invoking its powers under Section 482 CrPC, the court ordered the Pudukkottai Superintendent of Police to appoint a Deputy Superintendent-ranked officer to re-investigate the matter and submit a fresh final report within three months. The investigating officer has been permitted to conduct DNA tests on new suspects without arresting them, provided standard safeguards are followed. The court clarified that the present accused was not exonerated and that his role should also be reassessed during the re-investigation.
New Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
New Singapore law allows police to freeze bank access to stop scams
SINGAPORE: Singapore's new law, which enables the police to better protect individuals targeted by ongoing scams, will come into effect on Tuesday (July 1), according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Protection from Scams Act 2025, passed by Parliament on Jan 7, empowers police officers and commercial affairs officers appointed under Section 64 of the Police Force Act to issue Restriction Orders (ROs) to banks, restricting banking and credit facilities of an individual under certain circumstances. "The decision to issue an RO will be made by a police officer based on an assessment of the facts and circumstances of each case. "The police may consider relevant information provided by the individual or their family members in making the decision," MHA said in a statement on Monday, adding that it will be issued only as a last resort, after all other options to convince the individual have been exhausted. A police officer may issue an RO to a bank if there is reasonable belief that it is necessary to protect the individual, and that they may execute a money transfer to a scammer, withdraw money with the intention of giving it to a scammer, or apply for or draw down on any credit facility with the intention of benefiting a scammer. The RO will be issued by default to the seven major retail banks that manage most of the consumer deposits in Singapore: DBS Bank, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, United Overseas Bank, Citibank, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Malayan Banking Bhd, and Standard Chartered Bank. It can also be issued to other banks. Individuals subject to an RO can expect their banking facilities, including money transfers, ATM, and credit facilities such as credit card transactions and access to personal loan facilities, to be restricted. However, they will still be allowed access to their monies for legitimate needs, such as daily expenses and bill payments. Requests for access to funds will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, upon application to the police. Each RO will be valid for up to 30 days at a time and may be extended up to five times, with each extension lasting a maximum of 30 days. The order may also be revoked earlier if the individual is assessed to be no longer at risk of being scammed. Individuals or any joint account holder of the individual's bank account may appeal the RO decision to the Commissioner of Police. It will remain in effect pending the outcome of the appeal. "The decision of the Commissioner of Police is final," MHA said.— BERNAMA
The Sun
18-06-2025
- The Sun
Kelantan police chief raises alarm over rising misconduct, disciplinary cases in the force
KOTA BHARU: Kelantan Police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat has expressed deep concerns over a rise in disciplinary and misconduct cases involving police personnel in the state. Speaking after the Kelantan Police's monthly assembly today, Mohd Yusoff stressed that integrity issues within the force will not be tolerated under any circumstances. 'I want to highlight that from January to May this year, we opened 11 disciplinary inquiry papers and 30 investigation papers, which is a clear increase compared to the same period last year. 'Any police officer or personnel found involved in any of the eight identified forms of misconduct will face strict action without compromise, in line with our department's principles of justice and transparency,' he said. He also emphasised that maintaining public trust hinges on the unwavering integrity of the police force. Meanwhile, Mohd Yusoff reminded all police personnel to strictly adhere to the directives concerning the use and security of firearms, as outlined in Part A144 of the Inspector-General of Police's Standing Orders. He also underscored the need for regular psychological assessments, including certifications of both physical and mental fitness, to ensure police officers are free from excessive stress. His remarks came amid growing concern over the mental health of police personnel, following five suicide cases reported this year, none of which had prior records of psychological issues or counselling sessions. 'I urge every supervisor to be more vigilant. Even the slightest behavioural change should not be ignored. Take immediate action. Don't underestimate the early signs of stress or depression,' he cautioned. Mohd Yusoff also reiterated the importance of safeguarding the psychological well-being and basic welfare of all PDRM members to prevent prolonged occupational stress.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- The Sun
Kelantan police chief warns on rising disciplinary cases
KOTA BHARU: Kelantan Police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat has expressed deep concerns over a rise in disciplinary and misconduct cases involving police personnel in the state. Speaking after the Kelantan Police's monthly assembly today, Mohd Yusoff stressed that integrity issues within the force will not be tolerated under any circumstances. 'I want to highlight that from January to May this year, we opened 11 disciplinary inquiry papers and 30 investigation papers, which is a clear increase compared to the same period last year. 'Any police officer or personnel found involved in any of the eight identified forms of misconduct will face strict action without compromise, in line with our department's principles of justice and transparency,' he said. He also emphasised that maintaining public trust hinges on the unwavering integrity of the police force. Meanwhile, Mohd Yusoff reminded all police personnel to strictly adhere to the directives concerning the use and security of firearms, as outlined in Part A144 of the Inspector-General of Police's Standing Orders. He also underscored the need for regular psychological assessments, including certifications of both physical and mental fitness, to ensure police officers are free from excessive stress. His remarks came amid growing concern over the mental health of police personnel, following five suicide cases reported this year, none of which had prior records of psychological issues or counselling sessions. 'I urge every supervisor to be more vigilant. Even the slightest behavioural change should not be ignored. Take immediate action. Don't underestimate the early signs of stress or depression,' he cautioned. Mohd Yusoff also reiterated the importance of safeguarding the psychological well-being and basic welfare of all PDRM members to prevent prolonged occupational stress.
