01102024-TTC-01.qxd 10/1/2024 12:37 AM Page 1 13 CHANDIGARH | GURUGRAM | JALANDHAR | BATHINDA | VOL. 144 NO. 272 | 14 PAGES | ~5.00 | REGD. NO. CHD/0006/2024-2026 ESTABLISHED IN 1881 USHA SLAMS IOA PANEL FOR NOT HONOURING PARIS MEDALLISTS SPORT /thetribunechd KHARGE’S REMARK ON PM MODI TRIGGERS SLUGFEST NATION PALESTINIAN LEADERS SC PULLS UP BENGAL FOR KILLED AMID CALL FOR DELAY IN INSTALLING CEASEFIRE WORLD CCTVs BACK PAGE tuesday | 1 october 2024 /thetribunechd www.tribuneindia.com J&Kpolllastphase today, 415 in fray across 40 seats JAMMU: As many as 39.18 lakh voters will decide the fate of 415 candidates in the third and last phase of the J&K Assembly elections for 40 seats on Tuesday. Over 20,000 polling staff have been deployed at 5,060 stations across seven districts of the UT. INSIDE Wangchuk,others detained before entering Capital NEW DELHI: Around 120 persons from Ladakh, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had marched to Delhi demanding sixth schedule status for the UT, have been detained by the Delhi Police at the city’s border for violating prohibitory orders. — TNS DADASAHEB PHALKE FOR ACTOR MITHUN Mithun Chakraborty, veteran actor and star of films such as ‘Mrigayaa’, ‘Disco Dancer’ and ‘Prem Pratigya’, was on Monday named recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award We expect gods to be kept off politics: SC raps Chandrababu Modi dials Netanyahu, says terror has no place in world LADDU ROW Asks Andhra CM why second opinion not taken Tribune News Service Satya Prakash Tribune News Service NewDelhi, September 30 The Supreme Court today rapped Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for going public with allegations about use of adulterated ghee for preparing laddus offered as ‘prasadam’ at the famous Tirumala Tirupati Temple, saying it was inappropriate for him to make such a statement without waiting for the outcome of a probe ordered by the state. “At least, we expect the gods to be kept away from politics,” said a Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan as it sought to know if there was a need to make a public statement when a probe into the matter had already been ordered and the report was awaited. “We are prima facie of the view that when the investigation was under process, it was not appropriate for the high constitutional authority (Naidu) to make a statement which can affect the sentiments of crores of people,” the Bench said, seeking CONCERNS CRORES OF DEVOTEES When somebody gives a report, doesn’t prudence dictate you to take a second opinion? When you ordered the probe, what was the need for going public? This is a matter of the sentiments of crores of devotees. SC Bench ❝ assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to decide if the SIT set up by the Andhra Pradesh Government should continue or the probe should be assigned to an independent agency. Asking Mehta to seek instructions from the Centre on the issue, the Bench posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday (October 3). While hearing petitions seeking an independent probe into the alleged use of animal fat for preparing ‘prasadam’ at the temple, the top court sought to know what proof was there to indicate that contaminated ghee was used in making laddus. The petitioners included senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy; YV Subba Reddy, a Rajya Sabha member and former Chairman of Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam (TTD), which manages Tirupati Temple; historian Vikram Sampath, spiritual leader Dushyanth Sridhar and ‘Sudarshan News’ editor-in-chief Suresh Chavhanke. Mehta submitted that it was a matter of faith and if contaminated ghee was used in preparing laddus, it was unacceptable. On behalf of the TTD, senior counsel Siddharth Luthra said the ghee that was supplied in June and till July 4 was from the same supplier and was not sent for analysis. However, it was the ghee that was received in two tankers each on July 6 and July 12 that was sent to the NDDB (National Dairy Development Board). In all, four samples of ghee were found to be adulterated and the ghee in the samples supplied in June and till July 4 was used in preparing laddus, he said. “When you have ordered an investigation through an SIT, what was the necessity to go to the press? When you hold a constitutional office, we expect the gods to be kept away from the politics… You get the report in July. On September 18, you go public. Unless you are sure, how did you go public?” the Bench asked. Naidu had alleged that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in Andhra Pradesh, triggering a massive political row even as the YSR Congress Party accused Naidu of indulging in “heinous allegations” for political gains. Asserts India committed to supporting peace efforts New Delhi, September 30 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu about the recent developments in West Asia and asserted that terrorism had no place in the world. In a telephonic conversation, PM Modi expressed India’s commitment to supporting efforts for early restoration of peace and stability. “Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability,” Modi said on X. The Modi-Netanyahu conversation comes amid escalation of hostilities in West Asia. CONVERSATION AMID RISE IN HOSTILITIES The Modi-Netanyahu conversation comes amid escalation of hostilities in West Asia. “It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages,” the PM said. While PM Modi did not mention any specific incident, Israeli strikes in Lebanon last week killed seven high-ranking commanders and officials of the Hezbollah militant group, including the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah had been firing rockets and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas’ October 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked a war there. In October last year, Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas after hundreds of Hamas terrorists burst into Israeli borders, killing over 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, out of which 100 continue to be in captivity. The Israeli PM, meanwhile, addressed the people of Iran in a new video, saying that the Iranian regime “plunges our region deeper into darkness and deeper into war”. “There is nowhere in the Middle East, Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere, we will not go to protect our people and protect our country,” said Netanyahu in the video he posted on X. Cliffhanger in Ladwa as Cong’s Mewa gives tough fight to Saini Pradeep Sharma Tribune News Service ED books K’taka CM Punjab’s anti-drug force yields for money laundering 85-kg heroin in its first month Tribune News Service New Delhi, September 30 The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has booked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathy and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. While taking cognisance of a recent state Lokayukta FIR, the central agency filed an enforcement case information report (ECIR) in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah, along with his wife BM Parvathi, brother-inlaw Mallikarjuna Swamy and Devaraju — who reportedly sold land to Swamy, which was later allegedly gifted to Parvathi — have been named in an FIR registered by the Mysuru-based Lokayukta police on September 27. The FIR was registered after a special court in Bengaluru last week directed a Lokayukta police investigation against the Chief Minister. The instructions from the special court came a day after the High Court upheld the sanction authorised by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct a probe against the Chief Minister on the allegations of illegalities in HC STAYS PROBE AGAINST SITHARAMAN 2nd highest seizure this year|908 held, 661 FIRs lodged Jupinderjit Singh ■ The Karnataka HC on Mon- Tribune News Service day stayed the probe against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others over alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped electoral bond scheme ■ Justice M Nagaprasanna passed the interim order on a petition filed by BJP leader Nalin Kumar Kateel ■ The matter will be next heard on Oct 22 BACK PAGE Chandigarh, September 30 Since the formation of the Anti-Drug Task Force (ADTF) about a month ago, the Punjab Police have seized nearly 85 kg of heroin, the second highest monthly recovery of the narcotic so far this year. The task force was launched on August 29 to mark the mid-term of the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government. It is the the allotment of 14 locations to his wife by the MUDA. The probe agency has invoked sections of the PMLA to book Siddaramaiah in its ECIR, the equivalent of a police FIR. As per procedure, the ED is authorised to summon the accused for questioning and may attach their assets. Siddaramaiah has termed the MUDA case as a conspiracy against him, and has reiterated he would not resign despite the court’s order for an investigation. In the MUDA site-allotment case, it is alleged that compensatory sites, located in a more valuable area of Mysuru, were allotted to his wife in exchange for land “acquired” by MUDA. reformed version of the Special Task Force (STF) against drugs. The ADTF has got more funds, intelligence units and personnel to deal with the drug menace. As many as 908 suspects were arrested and 661 FIRs were lodged in September. On an average, nearly 30 drug smugglers were caught and 22 FIRs were lodged daily. The police had seized 119 kg of heroin in April, the highest in a month so far this year. Drug smuggling has been a burning issue in the state for over a decade. Since June this year, when 14 youths died due to alleged drug overdose, the AAP government has been under pressure to rein in the menace. Besides busting a number of gangs, the police have booked a DSP for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 45 lakh for letting off suspects in an NDPS case. Kuldip Singh, continued on page 8 Ladwa (Kurukshetra), Sept 30 It’s no cakewalk for caretaker CM Nayab Singh Saini, who is locked in a tough electoral battle with Congress’ outgoing MLA Mewa Singh in the Ladwa Assembly segment of Kurukshetra district. Political observers feel Saini’s electoral fortunes hinge on the performance of “votecutter” Sapna Barshami of the INLD-BSP who may add , a twist to the otherwise direct BJP-Congress fight. Several lingering issues are set to make a dent in the BJP’s vote share. These included legal MSP guarantee, unemployment, drug addiction and illegal immigration. The lack of development, especially non-construction of a bypass in Sunit Dhawan TURNCOAT FACTOR Tribune News Service Rohtak, September 30 Independent candidates, who have on several occasions played the role of kingmakers by helping different parties form the government in Haryana, are making the headlines this time even before the elections. As many as 462 such candidates are contesting from 90 constituencies across the state. Many of them are Congress and BJP leaders, who revolted Tribune News Service ■ BJP ex-leader Savitri Jindal giving sleepless nights to Cong, BJP nominees in Hisar ■ In Uchana Kalan, Cong rebel Virender Ghogharian may play spoilsport for Brijendra (Cong), Dushyant Chautala (JJP) and Devender Atri (BJP) ■ Former minister Ranjit Singh Rajesh Joon, an Independent candidate from Bahadurgarh seat. against their parties on being denied the ticket. Referring to them as “vote- CAN’T BE LEFT IN LURCH “We cannot allow such a young talented boy to go away. A talented student like the petitioner cannot be left in the lurch. He is a Dalit boy being made to run from pillar to post, he is the son of a daily wager,” said a CJI-led Bench. << Atul Kumar speaks to the media after the SC order. PTI out... we direct that the candidate is granted admission to IIT-Dhanbad,” a Bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud said. INLD-BSP NOMINEE MAY CUT CONG VOTES ■ Issues like unemployment, drug addiction, lack of development set to make a dent in BJP’s vote share ■ Analysts opine caste dynamics as witnessed in Ladwa to decongest traffic, also weighs heavy on the people’s minds. “Saini has been the CM for 2014 and 2019 are missing in these elections ■ But say Nayab Saini’s fate depends on performance of ‘vote-cutter’ Sapna Barshami of INLD-BSP over six months. He was Kurukshetra MP during 2019-24 and yet development continued on page 8 Rebels may upset Haryana poll arithmetic After election panel nod, cutters”, both parties are urging voters not to vote for them. “Acknowledging the threat” in fray as Ind from Rania posed by rebel candidates, Home Minister Amit Shah at a continued on page 8 SC tells IIT-Dhanbad to admit Dalit student who failed to deposit fee NewDelhi, September 30 The Supreme Court on Monday came to the rescue of a Dalit student, who could not secure admission in IITDhanbad after missing the deadline to deposit fee as it ordered the institute to admit him to a BTech course. “We are of the view that a talented student... who belongs to a marginalised group… who did all to secure admission should not be left Haryana CM Nayab Saini’s wife Suman campaigns in Ladwa. Invoking Article 142 of the Constitution, which empowers the Supreme Court to pass any orders to do complete jus- tice, the Bench ordered that a supernumerary post be created to accommodate him so that the admission of no other student was disturbed. “All the best! Achha kariye (do well),” the CJI told Kumar after passing the order. As the counsel appearing for the IIT Seat Allocation Authority opposed Atul Kumar’s petition, the Bench asked, “Why are you opposing so much? You should see if something could be done.” It said, “The only thing that stopped him was the inability to pay and as the Supreme Court, we need to see that.” Kumar (18) hails from a BPL c m y b family in Titora village of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. He cleared the JEEAdvanced in his second and last attempt. Having secured 1,455th rank in the Scheduled Castes category, he got a seat at IIT-Dhanbad for BTech in Electrical Engineering. However, his parents failed to deposit Rs 17,500 as the acceptance fee by the June 24 deadline for blocking the seat. He would have lost the opportunity but for the top court’s intervention. dera chief Ram Rahim all set for 20-day parole Geetanjali Gayatri Tribune News Service Chandigarh, September 30 Rape and murder convict and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh could be out on a 20-day parole ahead of polling for the October 5 Assembly elections. The Election Commission on Monday evening gave permission to the Haryana Government to “consider” Ram Rahim’s application within half an hour or so of the application being forwarded to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for his approval. Within hours, the Home Department forwarded the CEO’s permission to caretaker CM Nayab Singh Saini for his approval. And thus, the exercise to release Ram Rahim, which began with his application to the jail superintendent, gathered pace. Once the CM’s approval comes through, the Divisional Commissioner, Rohtak, will seek a report from the district administration where the dera chief has decided to stay Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh when he is released on parole. The CEO’s permission to the government has come with the riders that Ram Rahim will not enter Haryana during his parole. He has been specifically asked not to address any political gatherings or deliver speeches or be part of any political activity, failing which his parole would be cancelled. If and when he is released this time, it will be the dera chief’s 11th parole or furlough since his conviction in 2017. He had last come continued on page 8