Delhi News Highlights: SC eases GRAP IV measures, asks Delhi govt to implement GRAP III provisions till AQI improves further

A Delhi court Thursday evening sent Aam Aadmi Party MLA Naresh Balyan to judicial custody for a day in connection with a case lodged against him under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The MLA, who was already in police custody in connection with an extortion case, was arrested on charges under MCOCA on Wednesday. That same evening, he was granted bail in the extortion case.

On Thursday, while the Delhi Police had requested the court for 10-day custody, Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Court said she needed time to go through the laws connected to the case in question and sent him to judicial custody for a day. Read more.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has decided to revoke Stage-IV and Stage-III of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect. GRAP Stages II and I to however remain in-force in the entire NCR.

Two members of the Bawana gang were arrested from south west Delhi, a Delhi police officer said on Thursday.

Rakesh (48) and Akhil (28) were arrested from Chanakya Palace area on Wednesday, he said.

The police recovered three country-made pistols, including a sophisticated firearm and four live cartridges, with their arrest, according to the officer.

Rakesh, a parole jumper in a murder case has been involved in eight criminal cases, including murder, robbery, and extortion, the officer said.

He initially took to crime to avenge his uncle's murder but later expanded his criminal activities for financial gain, the officer added.

Akhil, an associate of the gang, has a record of 12 offenses, including murder and robbery, the officer said.

(PTI)

A 24-year-old man was arrested after two months for allegedly stabbing a man to death and injuring his two friends in east Delhi, police said on Thursday.

Based on a tip-off a trap was laid in Mandoli area and the accused, Gopal, was arrested. During interrogation he confessed to his involvement in the crime, they said.

The incident took place on September 30 near Jhilmil metro station. Gopal along with his five accomplices stabbed -- Rinku, Anurag and Akash -- when the trio was returning from a club, the police said.

(PTI)

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Thursday met the family of the 12-year-old boy who died at a private school. She assured them of all possible help and a thorough investigation into the incident.

The chief minister said law and order has "broken down" in Delhi and it is affecting children as well.

Additional Sessions Judge Vandana Jain at Dwarka Court expressed frustration over the police's request to transfer AAP MLA Naresh Balyan's case to a Special MP/MLA Court.

The judge stated that "I do not have the power to transfer the case. Show me a precedent where this has been done."

Jain also criticized the police for their handling of the case, saying, " As a prosecutor, you should be very thorough. Are you maintaining the same stand as before or are you changing it?"

The police sought 10 days of custody for Balyan and the transfer of the case, but the judge said she would decide by 2:00 PM.

"It's a very happy day for AAP," says MLA Durgesh Pathak in his address on Thursday. He also stated "Today, Jitender Singh Shunty ji who is known as the 'Ambulance man of India' is joining our AAP family today. His work during COVID has been appreciated across the country and he has been awarded the Padmashree award for his contribution."

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jitender Singh Shunty from Shahdara will join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday in the presence of Arvind Kejriwal. He is likely to replace Ram Niwas Goel, who announced his retirement from the party this morning.

Following the resignation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Shahdara MLA and Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal expressed heartfelt sentiments on Thursday, saying, " Shri Ram Niwas Goyal's decision to leave electoral politics is an emotional moment for all of us. His guidance has shown us the right direction inside and outside the House for years. Due to his increasing age and health, he had recently expressed his desire to leave electoral politics just a few days ago. We respect his decision. Goyal sahab was, is and will always be the guardian of our family. The party will always need his experience and services in the future too."

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Shahdara MLA and Delhi Assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goel announces his retirement from active politics in a letter to AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

Studies on sources of air pollution, carried out under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), have been completed for Delhi, Ghaziabad, Alwar, and Noida while those for Meerut and Faridabad are in progress, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change was informed, it has been gathered.

The source apportionment study data for Delhi, Ghaziabad, Alwar, and Noida shows that dust from various sources was the major contributor to Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) pollution. PM10 particles can be easily inhaled through the nose and are 10 micrometres in diameter or smaller.

It has been gathered that senior officials of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEF) Wednesday informed members of the House panel about the study during a presentation. The officials made a presentation on steps taken by various government agencies to curb air and water pollution, with a special focus on curbing air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

MoEF informed the House panel that out of 131 cities, 97 cities have shown gradual improvement in air quality in terms of annual PM10 concentrations till FY 2023-24, compared to the FY 2017-18 baselines, sources said.

On stubble burning, which has been under the Supreme Court’s lens, members of the panel were informed that there have been an 84 per cent reduction in stubble fire events in Punjab between 2021 and 2024. In 2021, Punjab had recorded 71,304 stubble-burning events and up till November 30 this year, the state recorded 10,909 events. continue reading...

Delhi residents woke up to cleaner air on Thursday as the city’s air quality index (AQI) improved significantly, offering a much-needed respite from the persistent pollution that had gripped the capital for weeks. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 161 at 9 am, marking a shift to the ‘moderate’ category.

Services on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro, between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar, experienced delays on Thursday due to cable theft, according to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The issue is expected to be resolved by the end of operational hours tonight. Meanwhile, trains will operate at reduced speeds on the affected section throughout the day, potentially leading to further delays in services, DMRC stated.

The BJP on Wednesday slammed Punjab's AAP government over an attack on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple and questioned its ability to protect the state's common people.

In a press conference, the BJP's New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj also slammed AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, asking if the issue of safety was just an "election gimmick" for them.

Kejriwal-led AAP has been trying to corner the BJP ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, due in February, alleging "rampant" crimes and deteriorating law and order in the national capital.--PTI

In a heated assembly session, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched an attack on the BJP, accusing its leadership of enabling the influx of drugs into the national capital through Gujarat's Mundra port.

Alleging deterioration of law and order situation in Delhi, Kejriwal vowed to continue questioning the authorities on issues affecting the city's residents.

"I will keep asking questions on the law and order situation in the national capital," Kejriwal said, adding, "People are calling me to different areas to expose the horrors of drugs-related terror prevalent in Delhi." Kejriwal alleged that drugs entering Gujarat's Mundra port, controlled by industrialist Gautam Adani, were being transported to states like Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. "Can this happen without the involvement of the top political powers of the country?" he questioned, directly implicating the BJP in his address.--PTI

A couple's wedding anniversary turned into a tragic event when they along with their daughter were allegedly found stabbed to death inside their home in South Delhi's Neb Sarai area on Wednesday morning.

The incident has left the neighbourhood in shock, with several residents expressing deep concerns about safety in the capital.

The victims were identified as Rajesh Kumar (51), his wife Komal (46), and their daughter Kavita (23). Their bodies were discovered by the couple's son, Arjun, upon his return from a morning walk, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Ankit Singh.

It was their 27th wedding anniversary, said Satish Kumar, Komal's brother.

"I was devastated when I saw my sister, brother-in-law and niece lying lifeless. I received a call from my nephew around 7.30 am about the incident. I froze upon hearing the news,” Kumar said.

He further stated that the family had no prior disputes or enemies who might have wanted to harm them.--PTI

Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested AAP MLA Naresh Balyan in a case related to an alleged organised crime, while he was granted bail by a court here in a separate case related to alleged extortion.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Paras Dalal granted relief to the accused on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and one surety of like amount.

The judge clarified that Balyan was arrested on Wednesday in the second case while he was in police custody.

Earlier in the day, police moved an application before the court seeking its permission to arrest Balyan in the case lodged under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The judge, however, dismissed the application, calling it "not maintainable" and said, "whichever agency wants can arrest him (Balyan) as per the law".

In the extortion case, the police told the court that the accused was not required for further custodial interrogation and sought his 14-day judicial custody.--PTI

A 12-year old boy was apprehended Wednesday in connection with the death of a student at a Delhi school informed, DCP South-West, Surendra Choudhary. Cops have said he allegedly strangled the boy and pushed him to the wall.

The Class 6 student, who died in an alleged scuffle between students was rushed to Fortis Hospital on Tuesday where doctors declared him dead. The police are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of his death.

While the incident has sparked anxiety among teachers, parents and students, healthy discussions are also being encouraged in several schools to sensitise everyone.

The Class 6 student was rushed to Fortis Hospital on Tuesday where doctors declared him dead. The police are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of his death.

A Delhi court on Wednesday took cognisance of a chargesheet against six accused persons in a case related to the death of three UPSC aspirants in July due to rainwater flooding.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Nishant Garg said there was sufficient evidence to proceed against the accused persons and summoned the six accused persons, including Rau's IAS Study Circle then CEO Abhishek Gupta and coordinator, Deshpal Singh, on December 20.

"Cognisance taken against all 6 accused. Summoning them for December 20," the judge said.

The CBI filed the case for various alleged offences, including criminal negligence, dereliction of duties and corrupt practices indulged in by any person, including officials of the local authorities.--PTI

Seeking bail, AAP MLA Naresh Balyan's counsel argued today that his judicial custody is not needed anymore.

"He has won assembly elections twice. This means he's a popular face...how can an extortionist win elections twice?, asked Senior Advocate Manish Vashisht. Order on his bail plea has been reserved for now. Delhi Police didn't seek further custody for Balyan in today's hearing.

With inputs from Nirbhay Thakur

While the hearing for AAP MLA Naresh Balyan's bail plea took place today, involving his arrest in an extortion case, Delhi police said he would be arrested for a separate Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) case. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP), Akhand Pratap Singh said, "We will be arresting Naresh Balyan in a different MCOCA FIR. We will be arresting him right now."

Balyan's custody was extended by a day yesterday after requests made by the Delhi police to the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal.

With inputs from Nirbhay Thakur

The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea challenging Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu's claims about alternative remedies aiding his wife's battle with stage 4 cancer. The court emphasized the right to freedom of speech, noting that Sidhu was merely expressing his opinion. The petitioner, the court said, was also free to counter these claims. (Inputs from PTI)

BJP leader Pravesh Ratan, who unsuccessfully contested the Patel Nagar reserved constituency in the 2020 Delhi Assembly polls, joined the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday.

Ratan, who belongs to the Jatav community, joined the AAP in the presence of senior leaders Manish Sisodia and Durgesh Pathak at the party's headquarters here.

Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, was stopped at the Ghazipur border on Wednesday, stated that he was ready to go to Sambhal alone with the police but was not allowed. "As the leader of the opposition, it is my constitutional right. I should have been allowed," he said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MP from Wayanad, who was accompanying him, remarked, "Rahul ji holds a constitutional post and has the constitutional right. He should be allowed to meet the victims' families." With prohibitory orders in place in Sambhal, Rahul Gandhi was stopped at the Ghazipur border on his way to the district.

Rahul ji is on constitutional post, has constitutional right; he should be allowed to meet Sambhal victims' families: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (PTI)

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, and BRS leader K Kavitha to respond to the ED's plea challenging a trial court's order. The trial court had directed the ED to supply "unrelied documents" to those accused in the alleged money laundering case connected to the Delhi excise policy. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri issued notices to all 40 accused in the case, including Kejriwal, AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, and several businessmen. The high court also listed the matter for further hearing on January 30 next year. (Inputs from PTI)

MP KC Venugopal said in a post on X, "Our delegation headed to Sambhal led by LOP Shri@RahulGandhiji and Smt.@priyankagandhi ji has been stopped at the UP border in Ghaziabad. What is the reason behind the UP Government stopping the Lok Sabha LOP from visiting the families of those who lost their lives in the violence? It is basic humanity to stand by someone who has suffered such grief and loss. Rahul ji’s motto has been ‘Nafrat ke bazaar mein mohabbat ki dukaan’. And when the ruling regime has created an atmosphere of hatred, it is our duty as the opposition to bring compassion, empathy and love. We are determined to meet the victims’ families in the interest of peace and communal harmony in our country, the UP government must allow the delegation to visit Sambhal."

Delhi HC seeks replies of AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia on ED's plea in money laundering case related to excise policy 'scam'- PTI Alert

A major traffic jam occurred on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway at the Ghazipur border as Congress workers gathered, defying heavy barricades set up ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh Police had deployed barricades and were checking vehicles to prevent any potential disturbances.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Swatantra Kumar Singh confirmed they had received intelligence about the gathering and had increased security measures to prevent any incidents.

Due to prohibitory orders in Sambhal, police officials stated that Rahul Gandhi would be stopped at the UP gate in Ghaziabad on his way to the district. The curbs, which were initially set to expire on Sunday, have now been extended until December 31.

Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra made it clear that Rahul Gandhi would not be permitted to enter Sambhal due to these prohibitory orders.

The Congress delegation, led by Gandhi, is scheduled to visit Sambhal on Wednesday. It will include five other Congress MPs from Uttar Pradesh, and possibly Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the newly-elected MP from Wayanad.

Tensions in Sambhal have been rising since November 19, following a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque amid claims that it had been built on the site of a former Harihar temple. The situation escalated on November 24, when violence broke out during a second survey, resulting in clashes between protesters and security personnel. Four people were killed, and many others were injured. (PTI)

BJP leader Pravesh Ratn joins Aam Aadmi Party in the presence of former minister Manish Sisodia in Delhi- PTI