By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad Aug. 26: Public places of recreation and eateries are safe no more not only in Hyderabad but all over the country. A critical analysis of the intelligence agencies reveal that multiplexes, malls, and famous eateries like McDonalds and KFC are vulnerable to terror targets. According to a senior intelligence official, the intelligence agencies have been sending alerts at regulars intervals after a study by the IB on shifting strategies of various terror organisations in the last five years.
The official said, “After the blasts in Varanasi, Malegaon, Nanded and Jama Masjid to create communal disharmony had not the yielded result wanted by the terrorists, they have shifted their strategy and targeted public places including trains and buses to create terror among the public. As a result, serial blasts took place in the trains of Mumbai and Samjhota Express and other places in the country.” He said, “Likewise in the city they targetted the historic Mecca Masjid to create communal tensions. But the failed as the public united and exhibited communal harmony. Now they have targeted a park and an eatery.”
He said terrorists may further intensify attacks on busy public places to create panic. It is difficult to provide security at all places, he added. The official said, “We have decided to suggest that the State government issue an ordinance to make it compulsory for malls and multiplexes to install sophisticated security equipment. In case they fail to install the equipment, the management of these establishment will be held liable to pay compensation to victims.”
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Police busts D-gang racket
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad Aug. 25: The city police on Saturday unearthed an ISI-sponsored fake currency racket and seized spurious notes worth Rs 2.36 crores. Four persons were arrested in this connection including a native of the United Arab Emirates. It is believed that the Pakistan intelligence agency is pumping in fake currency through Dubai to destabilise the economy. City police commissioner Balwinder Singh said that his officers acted on a tip-off from the counter intelligence wing that a huge consignment of fake currency had been smuggled into the city a couple of days ago.
Sleuths laid a trap and apprehended one Alkaz Obaid Khamis Ali, 31, at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. On information given by Obaid, police teams arrested Khaled Bin Saleh alias Khalifa, 30, of Barkas, Mohammed Najath, 29, and Syed Ghouse Pasha, 47, and recovered loads of fake currency from them. The notes were in the denomination of Rs 500 and 1,000. Police sources said the currency was smuggled into the city in three consignments from April.
“The fake currency originated from Pakistan and reached India via the UAE in sea cargo,” said Mr Singh. The last consignment of Rs 1.83 crores was concealed as scrap paper and shipped to Mumbai from where it was brought in a truck and stored in a godown at Hashamabad in the Old City. Obaid planned the entire operation with help from Pakistan. He had been taken to Pakistan by Allah Baksh, a member of the Dawood Ibrahim gang, whom he met in Dubai.
He took Obaid to Pakistan three times, where he agreed to smuggle in fake currency. Obaid’s father is a UAE national and mother is a Hyderabadi. The arrested persons told the police that about 30 others were also involved in the currency smuggling racket. Two other consignments had been delivered in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Fake notes worth Rs 2.57 crores were brought to AP, of which Rs 17 lakhs is already in circulation. The Central Crime Station police is investigating the case.
Hyderabad Aug. 25: The city police on Saturday unearthed an ISI-sponsored fake currency racket and seized spurious notes worth Rs 2.36 crores. Four persons were arrested in this connection including a native of the United Arab Emirates. It is believed that the Pakistan intelligence agency is pumping in fake currency through Dubai to destabilise the economy. City police commissioner Balwinder Singh said that his officers acted on a tip-off from the counter intelligence wing that a huge consignment of fake currency had been smuggled into the city a couple of days ago.
Sleuths laid a trap and apprehended one Alkaz Obaid Khamis Ali, 31, at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. On information given by Obaid, police teams arrested Khaled Bin Saleh alias Khalifa, 30, of Barkas, Mohammed Najath, 29, and Syed Ghouse Pasha, 47, and recovered loads of fake currency from them. The notes were in the denomination of Rs 500 and 1,000. Police sources said the currency was smuggled into the city in three consignments from April.
“The fake currency originated from Pakistan and reached India via the UAE in sea cargo,” said Mr Singh. The last consignment of Rs 1.83 crores was concealed as scrap paper and shipped to Mumbai from where it was brought in a truck and stored in a godown at Hashamabad in the Old City. Obaid planned the entire operation with help from Pakistan. He had been taken to Pakistan by Allah Baksh, a member of the Dawood Ibrahim gang, whom he met in Dubai.
He took Obaid to Pakistan three times, where he agreed to smuggle in fake currency. Obaid’s father is a UAE national and mother is a Hyderabadi. The arrested persons told the police that about 30 others were also involved in the currency smuggling racket. Two other consignments had been delivered in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Fake notes worth Rs 2.57 crores were brought to AP, of which Rs 17 lakhs is already in circulation. The Central Crime Station police is investigating the case.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Ratna Prabha gets seven days
| Hyderabad Aug. 10: A division bench of the central Administrative Tribunal on Friday directed the Central Government to grant seven days to senior IAS officer Ms Ratna Prabha to enable her to avail legal remedy. The division bench comprising Justice B. Lakshman Reddy and M. Jayaram, member, administration, dealing with petition filed by Ms Ratna Prabha passed the orders. The tribunal also directed the Central government to file an affidavit for the extension of her deputation. Ms Ratna Prabha, a Karnataka cadre IAS officer was in the State on deputation for the last three years. Her deputation came to an end in March this year and she sought extension for another two years. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh governments agreed to the extension , but the Central government did not agree to her request. The tribunal earlier directed the Centre to submit an affidavit in this case but there was no response. Meanwhile Ratna Prabha approached the tribunal with the apprehension that the Centre may transfer her without giving her time to avail legal remedy. However the tribunal directed the Centre that in such a case she may be given seven days to avail legal recourse. |
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HC: Don’t summon Ramoji firm depositors
| Hyderabad, Aug.10: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday directed the crime investigation department (CID) not to summon and secure deposit certificates of depositors of Margadarsi Financiers. Justice V. Eswaraiah passed interim orders after hearing the arguments on a writ petition filed by depositors of Margadarsi Financiers seeking a direction to restrain the CID from summoning them to record statements. The court granted three weeks to government to file a counter-affidavit. Advocate-general C.V. Mohan Reddy submitted to the court that the petition is not maintainable as the petitioner has no locus standi and the association itself was a fictitious one. The AG told the court that the government cannot give any undertaking not to summon the depositors. |
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Guntur SP called by rights panel
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad Aug. 8: The AP State Human Rights Commission on Tuesday summoned Guntur superintendent of police Mahesh Chandra Ladha to appear before the commission on August 10 at 11 am.
The commission has taken up a case of an illegal detention of a boy by thecircle inspector from July 30. Challa Moses, a retired employee and father of the boy sent a telegram to the commission stating that the boy was illegally detained and his legs were chained with iron rings connected to his neck.
The telegram was received by the commission on August 2 and the commission called an urgent report from the Guntur district police superintendent, but no report was sent to the commission according to a press release.
Hyderabad Aug. 8: The AP State Human Rights Commission on Tuesday summoned Guntur superintendent of police Mahesh Chandra Ladha to appear before the commission on August 10 at 11 am.
The commission has taken up a case of an illegal detention of a boy by thecircle inspector from July 30. Challa Moses, a retired employee and father of the boy sent a telegram to the commission stating that the boy was illegally detained and his legs were chained with iron rings connected to his neck.
The telegram was received by the commission on August 2 and the commission called an urgent report from the Guntur district police superintendent, but no report was sent to the commission according to a press release.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Parents can’t disown kids: HC
Parents can’t disown kids: HC
Hyderabad Aug. 6: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday refused to allow parents of a young woman to legally disown her for marrying a person against their wishes. While dealing with a habeas corpus petition filed by Binod Kumar, father of Bibechita, a division bench comprising Justice D.S.R. Verma and Justice D. Appa Rao said that the court had no jurisdiction to pass such orders.
Binod Kumar, a plumber, hails from Orissa and migrated to the city a few years ago. He lives in Anjaiahnagar of Alwal area. He has three children of which Bibechita is the eldest. She disappeared from her house on January 27. After failing to trace her, the deeply worried parents lodged a complaint with Alwal police station the next day.
However, Bibechita appeared before the police on January 31 and informed them that that she had married one Vara Prasad alias Sekhar of her own will and wanted to live with him. She informed the police that she was not a minor since she was born on January 17, 1988. She had been in love with Sekhar for the past four years. Alwal police then closed the case.
Binod Kumar and his wife Banitha Jena then went to State Human Rights Commission to get back their daughter. However, their daughter informed the SHRC that she will live with her husband.After that, the parents approached the HC. Alwal police produced the young woman before the court and Justice Verma asked her to meet her parents. But she refused to do so.
The division bench assured her that they would keep watch as she talked to her parents and would ensure that no harm came to her. After much persuasion, Bibechita spoke to her parents for about 15 minutes. Later she told the court that she wanted to live with the man she loved though she also loved her parents.
But the distraught parents alleged that their daughter was trapped in the love affair and wanted to severe all ties with her. “We are closing our doors on her,” said Binod Kumar. “We don’t want to see her again.” He added that he had another daughter of marriageable age and did not want her to come under the influence of Bibechita. “Kindly pass orders that we disown her.”
He mother also broke down and said she had observed fast in the Chandeswara Temple at their hometown for her daughter’s safe return. “But she has no love for us and she is dead as far as I am concerned,” said Banitha. The judges, however, refused to pass the orders. “You may all come together after a while,” they said.
Hyderabad Aug. 6: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday refused to allow parents of a young woman to legally disown her for marrying a person against their wishes. While dealing with a habeas corpus petition filed by Binod Kumar, father of Bibechita, a division bench comprising Justice D.S.R. Verma and Justice D. Appa Rao said that the court had no jurisdiction to pass such orders.
Binod Kumar, a plumber, hails from Orissa and migrated to the city a few years ago. He lives in Anjaiahnagar of Alwal area. He has three children of which Bibechita is the eldest. She disappeared from her house on January 27. After failing to trace her, the deeply worried parents lodged a complaint with Alwal police station the next day.
However, Bibechita appeared before the police on January 31 and informed them that that she had married one Vara Prasad alias Sekhar of her own will and wanted to live with him. She informed the police that she was not a minor since she was born on January 17, 1988. She had been in love with Sekhar for the past four years. Alwal police then closed the case.
Binod Kumar and his wife Banitha Jena then went to State Human Rights Commission to get back their daughter. However, their daughter informed the SHRC that she will live with her husband.After that, the parents approached the HC. Alwal police produced the young woman before the court and Justice Verma asked her to meet her parents. But she refused to do so.
The division bench assured her that they would keep watch as she talked to her parents and would ensure that no harm came to her. After much persuasion, Bibechita spoke to her parents for about 15 minutes. Later she told the court that she wanted to live with the man she loved though she also loved her parents.
But the distraught parents alleged that their daughter was trapped in the love affair and wanted to severe all ties with her. “We are closing our doors on her,” said Binod Kumar. “We don’t want to see her again.” He added that he had another daughter of marriageable age and did not want her to come under the influence of Bibechita. “Kindly pass orders that we disown her.”
He mother also broke down and said she had observed fast in the Chandeswara Temple at their hometown for her daughter’s safe return. “But she has no love for us and she is dead as far as I am concerned,” said Banitha. The judges, however, refused to pass the orders. “You may all come together after a while,” they said.
Encroachers are eagles’
Encroachers are eagles’
Hyderabad Aug. 6: The AP High Court on Monday took objection to the unauthorised construction of places of worship on vacant government land in urban areas. A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy observed that "occupying open places and constructing temples and places of worship in urban areas is one of the stepping stones to politics for persons who are involved in this type of activities."
Justice Singhvi said, "the court cannot term the constructions as religious constructions. The court terms them as illegal." The court said the encroachers were "eagles" not leaders. "They are constructing those structures not for peace but for creating violence," the court observed. To a question, the municipal administration counsel said that about 116 acres was encroached in cities and towns and the government had cleared 1.62 acres. The case was posted to August .
Hyderabad Aug. 6: The AP High Court on Monday took objection to the unauthorised construction of places of worship on vacant government land in urban areas. A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy observed that "occupying open places and constructing temples and places of worship in urban areas is one of the stepping stones to politics for persons who are involved in this type of activities."
Justice Singhvi said, "the court cannot term the constructions as religious constructions. The court terms them as illegal." The court said the encroachers were "eagles" not leaders. "They are constructing those structures not for peace but for creating violence," the court observed. To a question, the municipal administration counsel said that about 116 acres was encroached in cities and towns and the government had cleared 1.62 acres. The case was posted to August .
HC tells parties to join case on firing
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug. 7: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday sharply criticised political parties which organised the bandh which resulted in the Mudigonda police firing and asked them to implead in the case relating to the incident.
In all, seven persons had died after police opened fire at activists of Left parties who were agitating at Mudigonda village of Khammam district on July 28 as part of a State-wide bandh.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice Nagarjuna Reddy admitted the writ petition on the issue filed by Telugu Desam secretary P.N.V. Prasad observing that it involved larger public interest. While admitting the writ, the judges mused whether political parties which organised the bandh could be asked to compensate the families of the firing victims under Article 19(1) (d) and Article 21 of the Constitution.
Significantly, the Telugu Desam too gave the bandh call along with the Left parties. The BJP also supported the bandh. The court directed the TD secretary to implead all those political parties which had organised the bandh in the case.
“Every party which is mandated by the people to sit in the Opposition is organising strikes and bandhs and provoking violence which at times result in the death of innocent citizens,” said the bench.
The Chief Justice also wanted to know whether a political party can exhort others to take law into their own hands and forcibly occupy government lands or adopt violent means to compel the government to allot lands. “What is the accountability of those who organise bandhs and strikes and disrupt normal life?” asked the judges.
Hyderabad, Aug. 7: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday sharply criticised political parties which organised the bandh which resulted in the Mudigonda police firing and asked them to implead in the case relating to the incident.
In all, seven persons had died after police opened fire at activists of Left parties who were agitating at Mudigonda village of Khammam district on July 28 as part of a State-wide bandh.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice Nagarjuna Reddy admitted the writ petition on the issue filed by Telugu Desam secretary P.N.V. Prasad observing that it involved larger public interest. While admitting the writ, the judges mused whether political parties which organised the bandh could be asked to compensate the families of the firing victims under Article 19(1) (d) and Article 21 of the Constitution.
Significantly, the Telugu Desam too gave the bandh call along with the Left parties. The BJP also supported the bandh. The court directed the TD secretary to implead all those political parties which had organised the bandh in the case.
“Every party which is mandated by the people to sit in the Opposition is organising strikes and bandhs and provoking violence which at times result in the death of innocent citizens,” said the bench.
The Chief Justice also wanted to know whether a political party can exhort others to take law into their own hands and forcibly occupy government lands or adopt violent means to compel the government to allot lands. “What is the accountability of those who organise bandhs and strikes and disrupt normal life?” asked the judges.
AP High Court gets CBI reports
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug 7: The CBI submitted two preliminary reports to the AP High Court on alleged deviations to the Outer Ring Road to benefit a few persons. Advocate-General Moh-an Reddy gave an action taken report on a preliminary report submitted earlier by the CBI.
The CBI has reportedly recommended action against Huda officials for violation of rules in acquiring land for ORR and other projects. A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy opened the sealed covers. After glancing through the reports, Justice Singhvi told petitioners’ counsel S. Ramchandra Rao that his apprehension on the independent functioning of the CBI was not correct.
The Chief Justice indicated that names of the officers on whom the petitioners had made allegations were in the report. Mr Rao said that his apprehension was only about politicians, not the CBI. TD leaders N. Janardhan Reddy and Kadiam Srihari had filed the writ alleging that the alignment of ORR had been changed at the behest of ruling party members. The government subsequently ordered a judicial inquiry and a CBI probe. The case was posted to September 6.
Hyderabad, Aug 7: The CBI submitted two preliminary reports to the AP High Court on alleged deviations to the Outer Ring Road to benefit a few persons. Advocate-General Moh-an Reddy gave an action taken report on a preliminary report submitted earlier by the CBI.
The CBI has reportedly recommended action against Huda officials for violation of rules in acquiring land for ORR and other projects. A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy opened the sealed covers. After glancing through the reports, Justice Singhvi told petitioners’ counsel S. Ramchandra Rao that his apprehension on the independent functioning of the CBI was not correct.
The Chief Justice indicated that names of the officers on whom the petitioners had made allegations were in the report. Mr Rao said that his apprehension was only about politicians, not the CBI. TD leaders N. Janardhan Reddy and Kadiam Srihari had filed the writ alleging that the alignment of ORR had been changed at the behest of ruling party members. The government subsequently ordered a judicial inquiry and a CBI probe. The case was posted to September 6.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Ramesh’s phone calls to be tracked
Hyderabad Aug. 4: The State intelligence agency is tracking the telephone calls of CPI(M) leader and former Maoist Bandi Ramesh following reports that he instigated people at Mudigonda to attack policemen which led to firing in which seven people were killed.
Sources in the intelligence department told this correspondent that they had received information that Mr Ramesh had made several calls to a State level CPI(M) leader minutes before the incident took place and soon after the police firing. Basing on this information, police suspects that Mr Ramesh and his followers had hatched a plan to instigate violence in the village.Sources alleged taht soon after the police stopped firing Mr Ramesh made a call and said "Anna manam anukunnatte ain-di" (things went as per our plan)". Police reportedly gathered this information from one of his close associates
Sources in the intelligence department told this correspondent that they had received information that Mr Ramesh had made several calls to a State level CPI(M) leader minutes before the incident took place and soon after the police firing. Basing on this information, police suspects that Mr Ramesh and his followers had hatched a plan to instigate violence in the village.Sources alleged taht soon after the police stopped firing Mr Ramesh made a call and said "Anna manam anukunnatte ain-di" (things went as per our plan)". Police reportedly gathered this information from one of his close associates
Maoist bounty hiked
Hyderabad Aug. 4: The government has enhanced the reward for the heads of Maoists, announcing Rs 10 lakhs each on 27 members of the Maoists State committee. The money is given to the Maoists if they surrendered. If they are killed or captured, the persons responsible will share the reward.
They include Shakamuri Appa Rao, Patel Sudhakar Reddy and Modem Balakrishna who is Andhra Orissa border committee secretary. Soon after renewing the ban on Maoists the government also issued an order enhancing the reward money on the head of Maoists. Police officials denied that the reward had been enhanced. They said that they had brought the senior leaders under the category of Rs 10 lakhs as their position was elevated in the Maoists ranks after the death of State committee leaders including Madhav, Matta Ravi Kumar, Sande Raja Mouli, Wadkapur Chandra Mouli.
However, Appa Rao, Balakrishna and Sudhakar Reddy have been members of the State committee for five years. The earlier re-ward was Rs 8 lakhs. Maoist secretary Muppala Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapathy and 12 other Central committee members carry a reward of Rs 12 lakh each.According to the government order, 13 members of the Maoist Central committee including the secretary will carry a reward of Rs 12 lakh each, members of the State committee, North Telangana special zonal committee, Dandakarnya special zonal and Andhra-Orissa Border committee carry Rs 10 lakhs each.
They include Shakamuri Appa Rao, Patel Sudhakar Reddy and Modem Balakrishna who is Andhra Orissa border committee secretary. Soon after renewing the ban on Maoists the government also issued an order enhancing the reward money on the head of Maoists. Police officials denied that the reward had been enhanced. They said that they had brought the senior leaders under the category of Rs 10 lakhs as their position was elevated in the Maoists ranks after the death of State committee leaders including Madhav, Matta Ravi Kumar, Sande Raja Mouli, Wadkapur Chandra Mouli.
However, Appa Rao, Balakrishna and Sudhakar Reddy have been members of the State committee for five years. The earlier re-ward was Rs 8 lakhs. Maoist secretary Muppala Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapathy and 12 other Central committee members carry a reward of Rs 12 lakh each.According to the government order, 13 members of the Maoist Central committee including the secretary will carry a reward of Rs 12 lakh each, members of the State committee, North Telangana special zonal committee, Dandakarnya special zonal and Andhra-Orissa Border committee carry Rs 10 lakhs each.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
| Nagarjuna official gets jail |
| Hyderabad, Aug. 3: The AP High Court on Friday sentenced K.S. Raju, promoter-director of Nagarjuna Finance Limited, to six months imprisonment for contempt of court. Justice Anand Reddy pronounced the judgment and directed that Raju undergo six months of civil imprisonment and pay Rs 2,000 as fine for wilfully disobeying the orders of the court. The court directed that he should bear all expenses including the cost of food while serving the term. The sentence came on a contempt petition filed by one Edupuganti Bapanaiah of Kolluru village in Guntur district against Mr Raju and Mr N. Selvaraj, president of Nagarjuna Finance Limited and Nagarjuna Finance limited. Mr Bapanaiah stated that the respondents had disobeyed orders passed by the Company Law Board, Chennai, on February 29, 2000, and had committed breach of affidavit filed in the AP High Court in April 2001. Based on the petition, the court passed orders twice and served a contempt notice asking the respondent to appear before the court. Raju failed to appear before the court on July 13 and his counsel filed an affidavit on August 1 to condone his absence. However, the court passed the orders sentencing Raju to imprisonment and gave him two weeks to make an appeal. 3 member Kolleru team The AP High Court appointed a three-member advocate commission to inspect the Kolleru lake restoration works. A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy passed the orders responding to a letter on the restoration works in the lake after the SC guidelines. Check schoolbus overload The AP High Court on Friday directed joint commissioner of transport C.L.N. Gandhi to conduct surprise checks to check overloading of schoolbuses in twin cities and to implement SC guidelines for the maintenance of schoolbuses. A division bench directed Mr Gandhi to ensure that news of the surprise checks did not leak out and asked for a report within two weeks. |
Court favours arrest of inciters
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug 3:The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday observed that political parties should be held accountable for violence during agitations such as dharnas and bandhs.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy said this while hearing arguments on a writ petition filed by Telugu Desam secretary P.N.V. Prasad on Mudigonda police firing.
The division bench also remarked that political leaders who instigated agitators should be arrested. Advocate-General C.V. Mohan Reddy informed the court that the State government had asked a commission headed by Justice I. Panduranaga Rao to probe the firing incident and submitted a copy of its terms of reference.
However, the petitioner’s counsel S. Ramachandra Rao said that Justice Panduranga Rao was a “courtesan judge,” and was heading around nine judicial commissions till date. This evoked a sharp reaction from the Chief Justice who asked the counsel not to make adverse comments since Justice Panduranga Rao was not a party to the case.
The Chief Justice went on to ask the AG how many commissions he was heading. However, the AG said he did not know the exact number. He also asked the AG why the police did not use rubber bullets in Mudigonda and sought to know whether the district collector and the superintendent of police visited the firing spot soon after the incident.
Mr Reddy said he had to ascertain whether rubber bullets were available with the police and added that the additional SP was present at the time of the incident. The AG argued that the petition was politically motivated and urged the court to dismiss it. However, the Chief Justice said the petition was maintainable.
Hyderabad, Aug 3:The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday observed that political parties should be held accountable for violence during agitations such as dharnas and bandhs.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy said this while hearing arguments on a writ petition filed by Telugu Desam secretary P.N.V. Prasad on Mudigonda police firing.
The division bench also remarked that political leaders who instigated agitators should be arrested. Advocate-General C.V. Mohan Reddy informed the court that the State government had asked a commission headed by Justice I. Panduranaga Rao to probe the firing incident and submitted a copy of its terms of reference.
However, the petitioner’s counsel S. Ramachandra Rao said that Justice Panduranga Rao was a “courtesan judge,” and was heading around nine judicial commissions till date. This evoked a sharp reaction from the Chief Justice who asked the counsel not to make adverse comments since Justice Panduranga Rao was not a party to the case.
The Chief Justice went on to ask the AG how many commissions he was heading. However, the AG said he did not know the exact number. He also asked the AG why the police did not use rubber bullets in Mudigonda and sought to know whether the district collector and the superintendent of police visited the firing spot soon after the incident.
Mr Reddy said he had to ascertain whether rubber bullets were available with the police and added that the additional SP was present at the time of the incident. The AG argued that the petition was politically motivated and urged the court to dismiss it. However, the Chief Justice said the petition was maintainable.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Left leader ignited fire: Judge
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad Aug.1:Khammam District Sessions Judge Jagannath Reddy has said, quoting eyewitnesses, that the Mudigonda police firing was provoked by CPI-M leader Bandi Ramesh. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had asked the sessions judge to conduct an inquiry into the firing of July 28 which claimed seven lives.
Mr Jagannath Reddy submitted the report to the High Court after visiting the spot and recording statements of eyewitness. One witness told the judge that the incident occurred because of the “adamant attitude of Bandi Ramesh who is aspiring to become a State leader.” According to him, Bandi Ramesh urged the crowd to “revolt against the police” when cops were trying to disperse them. “The entire episode was triggered by the provocative speech of Bandi Ramesh,” the judge quoted another eyewitness as saying.
Mr Jagannath Reddy criticised the police for exceeding limits by firing even towards the first floor of a shopping complex. “They should have resorted to lathicharge and should have fired below the knee,” said the report. “But instead, they aimed directly at the mob.” Police did not seek permission from the Mudigonda Tahsildar before opening fire, said the judge.
He also quoted another eyewitness as saying that the Additional Superintendent of Police reached the spot in a drunken state and ordered the cops to fire. Mr Jagannath Reddy examined 13 witnesses and took photographs of the scene of offence. He also found many empty cartridges and bullet shards in the area.
The report states that people became restive when Rayala Venkateswarlu, president of the Rythu Sangham, was beaten by police. “The stone pelting was spontaneous and police opened fire perceiving a threat to their lives,” it says. Meanwhile, the State government has told the State Human Rights Commission that police had not made proper arrangements to tackle the agitation and this led to the firing.
District Collector Sasibhushan Kumar informed the SHRC that police did not bring water cannons and teargas shells to Mudigonda and were under the impression that this was going to be an ordinary agitation. When things got out of hand, they had to resort to firing. The collector has also accused Bandi Ramesh and his followers of provoking the police with his speech. Police have booked two cases against Ramesh and his followers as per the complaints of Circle Inspector Surender Reddy and Sub-Inspector Venkat Reddy.
Hyderabad Aug.1:Khammam District Sessions Judge Jagannath Reddy has said, quoting eyewitnesses, that the Mudigonda police firing was provoked by CPI-M leader Bandi Ramesh. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had asked the sessions judge to conduct an inquiry into the firing of July 28 which claimed seven lives.
Mr Jagannath Reddy submitted the report to the High Court after visiting the spot and recording statements of eyewitness. One witness told the judge that the incident occurred because of the “adamant attitude of Bandi Ramesh who is aspiring to become a State leader.” According to him, Bandi Ramesh urged the crowd to “revolt against the police” when cops were trying to disperse them. “The entire episode was triggered by the provocative speech of Bandi Ramesh,” the judge quoted another eyewitness as saying.
Mr Jagannath Reddy criticised the police for exceeding limits by firing even towards the first floor of a shopping complex. “They should have resorted to lathicharge and should have fired below the knee,” said the report. “But instead, they aimed directly at the mob.” Police did not seek permission from the Mudigonda Tahsildar before opening fire, said the judge.
He also quoted another eyewitness as saying that the Additional Superintendent of Police reached the spot in a drunken state and ordered the cops to fire. Mr Jagannath Reddy examined 13 witnesses and took photographs of the scene of offence. He also found many empty cartridges and bullet shards in the area.
The report states that people became restive when Rayala Venkateswarlu, president of the Rythu Sangham, was beaten by police. “The stone pelting was spontaneous and police opened fire perceiving a threat to their lives,” it says. Meanwhile, the State government has told the State Human Rights Commission that police had not made proper arrangements to tackle the agitation and this led to the firing.
District Collector Sasibhushan Kumar informed the SHRC that police did not bring water cannons and teargas shells to Mudigonda and were under the impression that this was going to be an ordinary agitation. When things got out of hand, they had to resort to firing. The collector has also accused Bandi Ramesh and his followers of provoking the police with his speech. Police have booked two cases against Ramesh and his followers as per the complaints of Circle Inspector Surender Reddy and Sub-Inspector Venkat Reddy.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
List judicial probe terms
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, July 31: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday directed that the State government place before it on Thursday the terms and references of the judicial commission which is yet to be constituted to probe into the Mudigonda police firing.
A division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, while dealing with a writ petition filed by Telugu Desam secretary P.N.V. Prasad on Mudigonda police firing in which seven people were killed and seven others injured, asked the State government to submit the terms and references of the probe.
The Chief Justice pointed out "why did not you (State government) arrest leaders of the movement to prevent this (firing), when the agitation for lands (Bhoo Poratam) had been going on for more than two months". After studying the reports of Khammam district session judge Jagannath Reddy and Director-General of Police M.A. Basith, the Chief Justice observed that prima facie the firing was unjustified.
At this stage, Advocate-General C.V. Mohan Reddy pointed out that the court can not make these observation till the completion of hearing and the court can express its opinion during the hearing. The Justice said "we are expressing only our opinion". The AG said even if it is an opinion it will hit the headlines tomorrow. The Chief Justice said "Press has freedom on what to and what not to report. Even some times they publish the orders which are not passed by the court".
Petitioner's counsel and senior advocate S Ramachandra Rao urged the court to put some sort of pressure on the police and the State government to prevent them from "killing innocent people". He wanted the court to withdraw from the police the power to shoot for some.
Hyderabad, July 31: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday directed that the State government place before it on Thursday the terms and references of the judicial commission which is yet to be constituted to probe into the Mudigonda police firing.
A division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, while dealing with a writ petition filed by Telugu Desam secretary P.N.V. Prasad on Mudigonda police firing in which seven people were killed and seven others injured, asked the State government to submit the terms and references of the probe.
The Chief Justice pointed out "why did not you (State government) arrest leaders of the movement to prevent this (firing), when the agitation for lands (Bhoo Poratam) had been going on for more than two months". After studying the reports of Khammam district session judge Jagannath Reddy and Director-General of Police M.A. Basith, the Chief Justice observed that prima facie the firing was unjustified.
At this stage, Advocate-General C.V. Mohan Reddy pointed out that the court can not make these observation till the completion of hearing and the court can express its opinion during the hearing. The Justice said "we are expressing only our opinion". The AG said even if it is an opinion it will hit the headlines tomorrow. The Chief Justice said "Press has freedom on what to and what not to report. Even some times they publish the orders which are not passed by the court".
Petitioner's counsel and senior advocate S Ramachandra Rao urged the court to put some sort of pressure on the police and the State government to prevent them from "killing innocent people". He wanted the court to withdraw from the police the power to shoot for some.
Raze video hoardings: HC
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad July 31: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to stop video advertising on the streets within its jurisdiction with immediate effect.� A division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy gave this order while dealing with petition against Light Emitting Diode (LED) advertisements on the city streets.
The Chief Justice observed that that GHMC seemed to be deliberately inviting accidents by erecting such LED hoardings in streets. GHMC�s counsel Ramachandra Reddy, too, admitted that some such LED hoardings had caused road accidents.
"Since you have admitted it, take remedial action," said the judges. "We cannot compromise on public safety. They are posing a threat to the safety of the man walking on the street. We are not going to allow you to keep them even for a day."� The bench remarked that a three-member advocates committee has found that GHMC had violated a resolution passed by the standing committee of the erstwhile MCH while allowing LED hoardings.
The judges also said that the case should not come in the way of payment of ex-gratia to the family of a person who was killed in a hoarding collapse".
Hyderabad July 31: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to stop video advertising on the streets within its jurisdiction with immediate effect.� A division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy gave this order while dealing with petition against Light Emitting Diode (LED) advertisements on the city streets.
The Chief Justice observed that that GHMC seemed to be deliberately inviting accidents by erecting such LED hoardings in streets. GHMC�s counsel Ramachandra Reddy, too, admitted that some such LED hoardings had caused road accidents.
"Since you have admitted it, take remedial action," said the judges. "We cannot compromise on public safety. They are posing a threat to the safety of the man walking on the street. We are not going to allow you to keep them even for a day."� The bench remarked that a three-member advocates committee has found that GHMC had violated a resolution passed by the standing committee of the erstwhile MCH while allowing LED hoardings.
The judges also said that the case should not come in the way of payment of ex-gratia to the family of a person who was killed in a hoarding collapse".
Law on bandh damage soon
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad July 30:The State government on Monday submitted to the High Court that the government is contemplating bringing a legislation, AP Public Property (prevention of damage and recover of loss) Bill 2007, to recover loss due to damage of public property caused by political parties and other organisations during agitations.
The government has informed the court that the Bill was circulated to the Centre to get approval. Principal secretary (home) P.V. Naidu and principal secretary (transport, roads and building) T. Chatterjee submitted their affidavits to the court. On July 7, the High Court had questioned the government role while dealing with a PIL on the April 4 bandh call given by political parties to protest the Supreme Court decision on reservations to OBCs.
The court had asked the government to explain the legal provisions for withdrawing bus services and the names of the parties which had called the bandh. The government told the court that the APSRTC did not withdraw services on April 4, it covered 22.82 lakh kilometres as against normal service of 68 lakh kilometres per day on April 4.
The government said that the Congress, TD, CPI(M), CPI, TRS , BJP and BC organisations had organised the bandh. From April 10 to till date, 194 bandhs and dharnas have been organised, the government said.
Hyderabad July 30:The State government on Monday submitted to the High Court that the government is contemplating bringing a legislation, AP Public Property (prevention of damage and recover of loss) Bill 2007, to recover loss due to damage of public property caused by political parties and other organisations during agitations.
The government has informed the court that the Bill was circulated to the Centre to get approval. Principal secretary (home) P.V. Naidu and principal secretary (transport, roads and building) T. Chatterjee submitted their affidavits to the court. On July 7, the High Court had questioned the government role while dealing with a PIL on the April 4 bandh call given by political parties to protest the Supreme Court decision on reservations to OBCs.
The court had asked the government to explain the legal provisions for withdrawing bus services and the names of the parties which had called the bandh. The government told the court that the APSRTC did not withdraw services on April 4, it covered 22.82 lakh kilometres as against normal service of 68 lakh kilometres per day on April 4.
The government said that the Congress, TD, CPI(M), CPI, TRS , BJP and BC organisations had organised the bandh. From April 10 to till date, 194 bandhs and dharnas have been organised, the government said.
Mudigonda firing : Ex-Naxal incited riot
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad July 30:Former Naxalite Bandi Ramesh, who joined the CPI (M), instigated the agitators at Mudigonda to hurl stones at private vehicles and police on Saturday, leading to the firing that killed six persons and injured several others, according to the preliminary findings of senior IPS officer and Additional Director General of Police (Co-ordination) Lokendra Sharma, who is conducting a departmental probe into the incident.
Sources in the State police headquarters told this newspaper that Mr Sharma, who is camping in Khammam, informed the findings to DGP M.A. Basith and additional Director General of Police (Law & Order ) A.K. Mohanty on Monday over phone.
Mr Sharma also informed that the district administration had failed to make proper bandobust, despite prior information that Ramesh was planning to create disturbance, the sources said.
Mr Sharma has reportedly questioned the officers and police personnel at the firing spot and recorded their statements. The police personnel reportedly told Mr Sharma that when the agitating mob turned violent, the situation had gone beyond control and additional superintendent of police M. Ramesh Babu reached the spot along with some policemen in plainclothes and ordered firing.
Hyderabad July 30:Former Naxalite Bandi Ramesh, who joined the CPI (M), instigated the agitators at Mudigonda to hurl stones at private vehicles and police on Saturday, leading to the firing that killed six persons and injured several others, according to the preliminary findings of senior IPS officer and Additional Director General of Police (Co-ordination) Lokendra Sharma, who is conducting a departmental probe into the incident.
Sources in the State police headquarters told this newspaper that Mr Sharma, who is camping in Khammam, informed the findings to DGP M.A. Basith and additional Director General of Police (Law & Order ) A.K. Mohanty on Monday over phone.
Mr Sharma also informed that the district administration had failed to make proper bandobust, despite prior information that Ramesh was planning to create disturbance, the sources said.
Mr Sharma has reportedly questioned the officers and police personnel at the firing spot and recorded their statements. The police personnel reportedly told Mr Sharma that when the agitating mob turned violent, the situation had gone beyond control and additional superintendent of police M. Ramesh Babu reached the spot along with some policemen in plainclothes and ordered firing.
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