Around town

Deaths at Asha Kiran tragic: Dikshit
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday described the recent deaths at government-run observation home for the mentally challenged,Asha Kiran,as “very tragic”. She said: “It is very tragic. We are taking measures to ensure proper care of the inmates.” Dikshit also admitted lapses on the part of authorities and said over 700 inmates were staying at the home against the sanctioned strength of 300. The home is maintained by the Social Welfare department. The Chief Minister has convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday to chalk out a plan to improve infrastructure at the observation home.

HC rejects Sajjan’s early-hearing plea
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to grant early hearing to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar’s plea for anticipatory bail in 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases. Kumar,facing the threat of arrest for his alleged involvement in riot cases,approached the High Court contending that his plea for anticipatory bail should be urgently heard in view of the proceedings in trial court that will begin from Wednesday.

But a Bench headed by acting Chief Justice M B Lokur turned down his plea and said his petition would be taken up in normal course.

Blueline crushes man
A man died after he was hit by a Blueline bus while crossing a road in in Madanpur Khadar,Southeast Delhi,on Tuesday. The victim,identified as Nishant Sehgal,worked as a medical representative. The driver is absconding.