Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan. (Express Photo)Delhi News Live Updates (March 3, 2024): Delhi BJP MP Harsh Vardhan on Sunday quit politics, saying he is bowing out “to return” to his “roots.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the former health minister thanked the Bharatiya Janata Party, workers, fans and supporters for contributing to “this remarkable journey spanning over three decades.” His decision comes a day after the BJP released the first list of 195 Lok Sabha candidates, fielding Praveen Khandelwal from Chandni Chowk, the seat which Vardhan presently holds.
The BJP had on Saturday announced the names of candidates for five Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. The party dropped four of its sitting MPs for fresh faces who have risen through its organisational ranks, reposing confidence in the popularity of just one of the incumbents. Among theother new faces, the BJP has fielded Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri from South Delhi; late BJP stalwart Sushma Swaraj’s daughter Bansuri Swaraj from New Delhi; erstwhile South MCD Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat from West Delhi. Meanwhile, Manoj Tiwari has been fielded from Northeast Delhi for the third time.
Weather update today: After strong winds and light rainfall in Delhi till late Saturday evening, cloudy skies and drizzle are expected to persist on Sunday morning. The national capital received 4 mm of rain over the a period of 24 hours. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 25 and 13.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
NCPCR seeks action against app for distributing obscene content
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has sought action against an app for allegedly disseminating explicit and objectionable material, including content targeted at children. The move comes in response to a complaint filed with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) that raised serious concerns regarding the accessibility of explicit content through these apps, which lack stringent age-verification measures, the apex child rights body said in a letter to the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Specific shows within these apps are accused of depicting explicit sexual scenes and storylines — with screenshots submitted as evidence — showing disturbing portrayals of sexual intercourse involving schoolchildren, it said. The absence of proper Know Your Customer (KYC) or age-verification systems is deemed to violate Section 11 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, it observed. Read more here
Bansuri Swaraj hits back after AAP alleges she represented 'anti-national powers' in court
BJP Lok Sabha candidate from the New Delhi seat, Bansuri Swaraj, on Sunday hit back at the Aam Aadmi Party allegations that she represented "anti-national powers" in court, news agency PTI reported. Delhi Minister Atishi said at a press conference that Bansuri - daughter of the late Sushma Swaraj - should apologise to the people for taking up such cases. "She represented the Chandigarh mayor who was elected by cheating in the recent mayoral polls. She has represented Lalit Modi, a fugitive, from 2012 to 2014 in courts of law," PTI quoted Atishi as saying. Bansuri in return questioned the AAP candidate for the New Delhi seat, Somnath Bharti. "They have named a candidate who is not liked by his own party members. They can put allegations against us but people will give them a reply in the elections," she said.
3 killed, 4 injured as car rams into truck on the Badarpur flyover
Three people were killed and four others left injured after their car collided with a moving truck on the Badarpur flyover in southeast Delhi, news agency PTI quoted the police as saying. The accident took place Saturday night when the seven people were returning from a wedding function in Faridabad, Haryana. The police investigation further revealed that the driver of the car lost control and hit a divider, which led to the car landing on the opposite carriageway and colliding with the truck, the PTI report said.
Delhi MP and ex-health minister Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says ‘bow out to return to my roots’
Delhi MP and former health minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday quit politics, saying he is bowing out “to return” to his “roots.”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Union Minister thanked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), workers, fans and supporters for contributing to “this remarkable journey spanning over three decades.”
He will continue to pursue his “work against tobacco and substance abuse, against climate change and teaching simple and sustainable lifestyles,” Vardhan wrote.
Ponty Chadha’s farmhouse in Chhatarpur worth Rs 400 crore demolished: DDA
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has demolished the farmhouse of liquor baron late Ponty Chadha in Chhatarpur worth around Rs 400 crore, officials said on Saturday.
The demolition took place on Friday and Saturday, DDA officials said.
The ongoing demolition exercise claimed five acres of land on Friday. On Saturday, demolition of the main building over the remaining land of farmhouse was carried out, it said. Read more here.
Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi flags off Shakti Marathon
Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi on Sunday flagged off the Shakti Marathon in New Delhi.
3 killed after car hits truck on Badarpur flyover
Three people died while they were coming back from a marriage in Faridabad after the driver lost control of the vehicle, hit the divider and went to the other side of the carriageway on Badarpur flyover and collided with a truck, on Sunday, a little after midnight.
Four other members of the family received injuries.
Generally cloudy skies, light rains likely in Delhi today
After strong winds and light rainfall in Delhi till late Saturday evening, cloudy skies and a drizzle are expected to persist on Sunday morning.
The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 25 and 14 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Father of infant mauled by stray dogs moves Delhi HC for compensation
The father of a one-and-a-half-year old girl mauled to death by stray dogs in Dhobi Ghat area of Tughlaq lane has moved the Delhi High Court seeking Rs 50 lakh compensation, news agency PTI reported. The plea is listed for hearing on March 4 before Justice Subramonium Prasad. The victim was near Dhobi Ghat’s gates in the evening when a pack of five dogs attacked her and dragged her 100 metres away, said her family members. The victim’s father, Rahul Kanojia, said he was on his way back from work when he received the news that his daughter had been severely injured in the attack.
At least 4 injured after truck 'rams' into vehicles in South Delhi's Mehrauli
At least four people were reported injured after a truck rammed into several bikes and autos in South Delhi's Mehrauli area.
DDA demolishes liquor baron Gurdeep Singh's Chhatarpur farmhouse worth Rs. 400 crore
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished high profile liquor baron, late Ponty Chaddha alias Gurdeep Singh's farmhouse, spread over about 10 acres in Chhatarpur, South Delhi, worth about Rs. 400 crore, L-G house officials confirmed. The exercise, which is still underway, claimed five acres of land yesterday, with the demolition of the main building over the remaining land continuing today.
HC sets aside Bank of Baroda order declaring businessman Ratul Puri as wilful defaulter
The Delhi High Court on Saturday set aside Bank of Baroda's order declaring businessman Ratul Puri as a wilful defaulter under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, news agency PTI reported. The court said the forensic audit report did not verify the source of funds invested in the subsidiaries of Moser Baer India Ltd, with which Puri was associated earlier, and therefore the bank could not have issued notice without establishing the source. The reliance placed by the bank on the forensic audit report to issue show cause notice of wilful default to the petitioner is clearly misplaced, PTI reported the court as saying.
Delhi court defers decision on Pocso case against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh
Nine months after the Delhi Police filed a cancellation report in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Delhi court deferred its decision on the report yet again. The matter will now be heard on April 23.
The court of Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Chhavi Kapoor had last September reserved October 6 as the date for taking a decision on the cancellation report filed by the police. In August 2023, the father of the minor complainant in the sexual harassment case had told the court during an in-chamber hearing that they were both satisfied with the police probe which found “no evidence” against the minister. Read more here
BJP fields candidates without considering their commitment to work for people: AAP on Gambhir's request
The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party fields candidates without considering their eligibility and commitment to work for the people, while citing East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir's request to be relieved of political duties, news agency PTI reported. Gambhir had earlier requested BJP chief J P Nadda to relieve him of his political duties so that he can focus on his upcoming cricket commitments. "It has become a trend and the BJP makes anyone its candidate, without considering their eligibility or commitment to work for the people. No elected representative of the BJP -- MP, MLA or councillor -- is visible in their constituency," PTI quoted Delhi Minister Atishi as saying.
Dog owner booked after pet bites, drags 7-year-old child at Jagatpuri
A dog owner in Shahdara was booked on Saturday after his pitbull bit and dragged a seven-year-old child at Jagatpuri on Saturday.
Day after blast at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe, Delhi police step up security in national capital
The Delhi Police stepped up security a day after a low-intensity blast at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe which left 10 people injured, news agency PTI reported quoting an official.
Districts police chiefs have been directed to increase vigil in crowded areas, especially in Delhi’s markets, the official said. Market associations have been asked to remain alert and approach their local police stations in case they find any suspicious activity.
Moreover, Delhi Police has asked its bomb disposal squads and bomb detection teams to stay on alert, another official informed PTI.
Delhi HC calls for Army unit’s response over alleged clearing of green patch in Central Ridge
The Delhi High Court on Friday sought the response of the Army Unit present in the city’s Cantonment area where a green patch was allegedly cleared in the Central Ridge.
The high court further said that in the meantime it would be “advisable not to carry out any further steps which may result in deforestation” of the Central Ridge.
Narayan submitted that the Army be directed to “possibly carry out ameliorative measure” and measures for “afforestation with requisite kind of forest trees in the areas where such depletion has occurred”. Read more here.
Delhiites wake up to cloudy skies, rain this morning; hailstorm expected in a few places
Delhiites woke up to cloudy skies and rain Saturday morning.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied with strong winds of 40 to 50 kmph, and hailstorm are expected in the national capital today.
The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 22 and 18.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Delhi court directs Bloomberg to take down 'defamatory' article against Zee
A Delhi court Friday directed Bloomberg to take down a "defamatory" news article against Zee Entertainment, news agency PTI reported. Additional District Judge Harjyot Singh Bhalla was hearing a plea filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited against two private limited companies managing "The Bloomberg" portal for allegedly publishing a defamatory article against it on February 21. The court said the balance of convenience is in Zee's favour and irreparable loss and injury might be caused to the company if the injunction was not granted, as per the PTI report.
Thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity rain predicted over Delhi and adjoining areas
Thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity rain and winds with speed of 20-40 Km/h has been predicted over Delhi and some isolated places in adjoining areas of the capital, including Narela, Bawana, Kanjhawala, during next 2 hours, the IMD said. The weather department also forecast hail storms over adjoining areas of Delhi (Bawana), during the same period.
Delhi Economic Survey highlights: Forest dept planted over 82 lakh sapling in 2023
The Economic Survey presented by Finance Minister Atishi highlighted that the Delhi government's Department of Forests and Wildlife planted over 82 lakh saplings in 2023, news agency PTI reported. The report also said that the forest and tree cover area in the national capital has increased to 342 square km in 2021, adding that Delhi has the second-highest tree cover of the percentage of total geographical area of the states/UTs after Chandigarh.
Delhi Economic Survey: Study shows almost 100% households benefited from free electricity
According to the latest Economic Survey 2023-24 presented by Finance Minister Atishi, almost 100 percent of households in Delhi benefited from the free electricity scheme at some point during the year. Here are the other key highlights of the benefits that the national capital's households received through government schemes.
In a study of 3450 households conducted by the Department of Economics Statistics, it was found that:
? 76.1% benefited from free water
? 64.7% benefited from free treatment in government hospitals
? 58% benefited from free bus rides for women
? 43.7% benefited from free education
The report pointed out that Delhi gives free electricity, water, health, education, bus rides for women, teerth yatras for elderly and still has a growing economy with a revenue surplus.
Delhi Economic Survey highlights: Capital's inflation rate at 2.81%; revenue surplus of 14,457 cr in 2022-23
According to the latest Economic Survey presented by Finance Minister Atishi, the national capital recorded a revenue surplus of Rs. 14,457 Crores in 2022-23, which was an increase from Rs. 3,270 crores of surplus recorded in 2021-22. The national capital registered an inflation rate of 2.81% in (January to December 2023), while the national inflation rate was 5.65% for the same period. Delhi's unemployment rate in 2020-21 (post Covid) was 6.3%, which came down to 1.9% in 2022-23. The capital's tax collection also witnessed an 18% growth during 2022-23.
Delhi Waqf board case: Court dismisses AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan's anticipatory bail plea
A Delhi court on Friday dismissed AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan's anticipatory bail plea in the Waqf board case, which is currently being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate. It has been alleged that the accused acquired “huge proceeds of crime” in cash through illegal recruitment of staff and invested the amount to purchase immovable assets in the name of his aides. The ED had also summoned Khan to appear before it on February 19.
Delhi GSDP has seen a 9.1% growth: Finance minister Atishi
While tabling the Economic Survey, Finance Minister Atishi said, "Despite their (the BJP's) hurdles and conspiracies, the Kejriwal government did not let the work stop. Delhi GSDP has seen a 9.1% growth... Within 2 years, Delhi's per capita income has increased 22 percent. Delhi government provides free education, health treatment, teerth yatra to senior citizens, and electricity. Despite this, Delhi Government is running in profit. Surplus is good."
Excise Policy case: Delhi Court allows Raghav Magunta to turn approver in the CBI case
Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has allowed Magunta Raghava Reddy, the son of YSRCP MP from Ongole Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, to turn approver in the CBI case related to Delhi's now-scrapped excise policy.
Special Judge MK Nagpal in an order passed on Thursday allowed Raghav's application moved under 306 CrPC and granted pardon to him in the case.
Recently, the court had granted Magunta anticipatory bail.
AAP minister tables Economic Survey in Delhi Assembly
Delhi's finance minister tables Delhi Economic Survey in the assembly. The budget for the fiscal year will be presented on March 4.
" want to raise some of these issues that happened in Delhi. Several schemes and works have been stopped. Farishtey scheme, salaries to doctors in Mohalla clinic, medicines in hospital...have also been stopped by the LG," the minister said.
AAP to release economic survey for financial year 2023-24 today
The Economic Survey for financial year 2023-24 is likely to be presented by Delhi's AAP government today.
Parliament Security Breach case: Court extends judicial custody of all accused till March 11
The Court extended the judicial custody of all the accused till March 11.
The application alleging torture was not heard as all the accused have opted for a new lawyer and their new Counsel is unaware about the application's contents.
Earlier, five accused were represented by LAC Umakant Kataria and Neelam Azad was represented by Advocate Suresh Chaudhary.
6 accused in Parliament Security Breach case produced in Patiala House court
Six people accused in the Parliament Security Breach case were produced in Patiala House Court. The Court will shortly hear the applications filed by 5 accused alleging that they were tortured, given electric shocks and were forced to sign 70 odd blank pages.
JNU students injured after clash breaks out over election of committee members
Students were injured at the Jawaharlal Nehru University after a clash broke out between two groups over the selection of election committee members at the School of Languages on Thursday night. An official of the university said some students have been admitted to the Safdarjung Hospital, reported PTI.
DCP (Southwest) Rohit Meena said a PCR call was received at 1:30 AM regarding scuffle at GBM at JNU. Multiple complaints have been received and same are being verified.
Lok Sabha elections: BJP to seek suggestions from people for polls manifesto
For the betterment and prosperity of Delhi, BJP workers will seek suggestions from people of all sections for the party's Lok Sabha poll manifesto, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva. Delhiites can give their suggestions through a number, 9090902024, and also through the NaMo app.
Based on suggestions received from the public, BJP will release the Sankalp Patra for Delhiites, and our goal will be to fulfill the promises made in the manifesto within half the term, Leader of Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said.
DDA's two-day flower festival 'Palaash' to kick off from March 2
A two-day festival presenting a stunning array of flowers, plants, and floral arrangements is set to begin here from March 2, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) said. The festival will be inaugurated by Deli Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, news agency PTI reported, citing officials.
"With a goal towards a cleaner and greener Delhi and raise awareness about ecological development, DDA's two-day flower festival 'Palaash' is all set to be held on March 2 and 3 at DDA Greens - Shivaji Marg, Rohtak Road," the DDA said in a statement on Thursday.
The agency had hosted the inaugural flower festival of 'Palaash' at Swarn Jayanti Park in the Rohini area in February 2023.
This year's festival will let visitors explore different varieties of flowers from indigenous to exotic ones, beautifully arranged to create captivating display patterns, the officials said.
Cordelia Cruise case: Delhi High Court partly sets aside CAT’s decision on action against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede
While partly allowing the Centre’s plea, the Delhi High Court set aside the direction of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on “passing a reasoned and speaking order” before deciding to initiate action against Sameer Wankhede, the former Mumbai zone chief of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in connection with the 2021 Cordelia Cruise drug bust case.
In the February 27 order, a division bench of Justice Rekha Palli and Justice Girish Kathpalia, however, said it does not find “any infirmity” in CAT’s direction which said Wankhede will be “granted an opportunity of personal hearing” before authorities decide to initiate any action against him.
“However, the directions of the learned Tribunal requiring the respondent no. 1 (Ministry of Finance) and 5 (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) to pass a reasoned and speaking order before taking a decision to initiate action against the applicant (Wankhede) is wholly unsustainable and is required to be set aside,” the bench said.
Minor girl raped by online friend, found bleeding near Metro station, say police
A minor girl was allegedly raped by a boy she met through social media in Southwest Delhi and was found unconscious near a Metro station in West Delhi, police said Wednesday.
The accused, also a minor, and his friend have been apprehended. According to DCP (Southwest) Rohit Meena, the girl had gone to a coaching centre to attend classes, after which she went to meet the accused, whom she had met through Instagram and had been talking to since October.
An officer said, “He took her to a friend’s house, where he raped her… no one else was present in the house at the time and the accused had its keys.”
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Capital sees cleanest February in 9 years, AQI below 200 on most days
Delhi recorded the best February air quality in nine years, with the air quality index remaining below 200 on most days, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated. The national capital also experienced 32.5 mm of rainfall in February this year, the highest in the month since 2013, reported PTI.
Delhi Riots 2020 Larger Conspiracy case: Umar Khalid moves court seeking bail
Umar Khalid has moved Delhi's Karkardooma Court, seeking regular bail in the Delhi Riots 2020 Larger Conspiracy case. He has been in custody since September 2020. Earlier in February, Khalid withdrew his bail petition from the Supreme Court citing "change of circumstances". The matter has been listed for hearing on March 11.
Delhi live updates: Missing teacher's body recovered from closed shop in Narela school
The dead body of a woman was found inside a closed shop of the school where she taught in Outer Delhi's Narela, a week after she went missing. One of her friends, the suspect, is currently absconding, said police.
Delhi live updates: LG writes open letter to CM Arvind Kejriwal
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena wrote an open letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in which he raised objection to a recently adopted "unanimous resolution" in the Delhi Assembly that stated that the ruling "BJP exercises direct control over the LG". He said that the statement was "unacceptable".
Delhi live updates: Man hit by moving metro train on Yellow Line, dies
An unidentified man died after he was hit by a moving train at a Yellow Line metro station on Wednesday, news ageny PTI reported, citing officials. Services were delayed for about 20 minute on the corridor after the incident that took place at Udyog Bhawan Metro Station, a senior DMRC official said.
Police have found recovered from the man's pocket a mobile number written on a piece of paper. Further probe is on, they said.
The incident took place around 11.30 am and the train was going towards Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station, the Delhi Metro official added.
Delhi LG stalling implementation of Solar Policy: Atishi
Delhi Power Minister Atishi on Wednesday alleged that Lt Governor V K Saxena is obstructing the AAP dispensation's Solar Policy to ensure that it is not notified before the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls.
"First, the Lt Governor sat on the file. I asked the LG office personally about the policy file. When the file came back with several objections, it went from one officer to another. There is only one objective and that is to stop the policy from getting notified before the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls kicks in," Atishi said.
"Today, LG sir, despite sitting on a constitutional post, is batting from the BJP's side," she alleged during a press conference.
"It is an excellent policy and will lead to reduction in pollution. Please do not make efforts to delay it," she said.
Delhi AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal convicted in abetment of suicide case
A Delhi court on Wednesday convicted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Prakash Jarwal in an abetment of suicide case against him and his aides in connection with the death of a South Delhi-based doctor in 2020.
The matter was being heard in Special Judge M K Nagpal’s court in Rouse Avenue. A different Delhi court had in November 2021 framed charges against Jarwal in the case.
On April 18, 2020, Dr Rajender Singh (52) had died by suicide at his residence. The police said a purported suicide note was recovered from the spot in which he allegedly blamed Jarwal and his aide for “harassing” him and his family over his water supply business. In the purported note, he held them responsible for his death and accused Jarwal of extortion, the police said. (Read More)
Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, two daughters granted bail in land-for-jobs case
Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court granted regular bail to former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, and her daughters Misa Bharati and Hema Yadav in an alleged money laundering case concerning the 'land for jobs scam'.
Couple arrested for ‘Bunty Aur Babli’ style car theft in Delhi’s Janakpuri
The Delhi Police in Janakpuri have arrested a couple for allegedly stealing a car in a style reminiscent of the characters of the 2005 movie Bunty Aur Babli.
The police recovered the stolen car and a laptop from the accused, Sandeep alias Munna and Reena, both 27 and residents of Palam.
According to the complainant, he offered a lift to a couple at C-2 Block in Janakpuri on February 22. Officials said after the trio moved around different places in Delhi, they seized the opportunity to drive away with his car and laptop when he momentarily stepped away from his vehicle to relieve himself. (Read More)
Cooler morning in Delhi after downpour, min temp 2 notches below
Delhiites woke up to a cooler morning on Wednesday with the minimum temperature settling at 10.7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal.
It was mainly clear sky in the national capital, parts of which received light rainfall on Tuesday that brought the mercury down.
There was a considerable drop in the level of AQI which remained in the 'moderate' category at 131. The city recorded an AQI of 173 on Tuesday.
Delhi LG has stopped revised Solar Policy 2024, alleges AAP government
The Delhi Government on Wednesday alleged that the LG has stopped the revised "Solar Policy 2024."
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in January unveiled Delhi’s new solar power policy, which gave people the option to install rooftop solar panels and get compensated for the power they produce. This may allow some to even get zero power bills, the CM had stated.
(Click here to read more about Delhi's solar policy)
Centre, L-G impeding water bill settlement scheme, says Bharadwaj
Delhi’s Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has accused officers and the central government of impeding the one-time settlement policy, proposed by the state government, for those who have received inflated water bills.
Sources, however, said that Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar wrote a letter to Bharadwaj on Tuesday, saying that the delay was due to the current Water Minister, Atishi, not clearing the minutes of the meeting regarding the scheme. (Read More)
Woke up early, checked portal, picked targets: How Zipnet accused duped 900 families of missing kids
Every day from November last year, Shyamsunder Chauhan (28) used to wake up early and open ZIPNET — a database meant for interstate police coordination — on his desktop and browse through the day’s missing children records. He would then pull up the contact details of their families, call them up and pretend to be from the ‘Missing Persons’ Cell’ of ‘Police’. However, in exchange for “information”, he demanded a hefty sum to cover his expenses — ‘filling petrol’ or for ‘snacks’.
A little over a month later, the BCA graduate had allegedly duped at least 904 families who were desperately searching for their children — all from the comfort of his room at his home in UP’s Mau, the Delhi Police are learnt to have said in their 200-page chargesheet filed in the case on February 4. Chauhan was arrested last December; four of his bail pleas have been denied and he is currently in judicial custody, said officers. (Arnabjit Sur writes)
Girl mauled to death by stray dogs: NHRC issues notice to Delhi govt, police chief
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports detailing the tragic death of a one-and-a-half-year-old girl after she was mauled by a pack of stray dogs in Central Delhi’s Tughlak Lane area on February 24. It directed the Chief Secretary, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, the NDMC Commissioner and Delhi Police chief to submit a detailed report in six weeks.
The victim, Divyanshi, was near Dhobi Ghat’s gates when a pack of five dogs attacked her and dragged her 100 metres away, her family members had alleged.
The NHRC noted that the incident follows a similar attack on another child from the same family a few months ago, despite multiple complaints lodged by residents regarding the growing menace of stray dogs in the area. (Read More)
Air no longer ‘poor’: Curbs to tackle pollution withdrawn in Delhi
With Delhi’s air quality being recorded in the ‘moderate’ range for the past six days, all measures to control pollution in Delhi-NCR, as per the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), have now been withdrawn.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body responsible for forming air pollution reduction strategies for the region and overseeing the implementation, said its sub-committee has made this decision during a meeting convened to review the air pollution situation. CAQM looked at the overall air quality of Delhi over the past few days, and said that since it has remained below the 200-mark or the “poor” range, the measures can be withdrawn.
The measures had been in place since October 2023, and were upgraded or downgraded based on the air quality index (AQI) of the region. (Read More)