Quicktakes

Jha8217;s novel

LONDON: First time writer and Indian Express journalist, Rajkamal Jha8217;s novel Blue Bedspread is one of 11 books being considered for the Guardian8216;s First Book Award.

Hunt for Dara on

CUTTACK: A combined combing operation has been launched in tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts to nab Dara Singh and his gang suspected to be involved in Thursday8217;s killing of a Muslim youth at Padiabeda. Eyewitnesses and the police have confirmed Dara8217;s involvement in the killing. Chief Minister Girdhar Gamang is camping in the district with district officials.

Weapons seized

JALANDHAR:Alert Armymen seized arms and ammunition smuggled from Pakistan through Ferozepur sector last night. Three AK-56 assault rifles alongwith eight magazines and 484 bullets and two .30mm calibre pistols alongwith four magazines and 121 rounds of ammunition were seized when an Army patrol party in Dulchike village challenged a group of militants.

Prisoners escape

KOHIMA: Thirtyeight prisoners escaped from the Mokokchung district jail in Nagaland after they were not served lunch in time. The prisoners, mostly petty criminals and drug addicts, broke the main gate of the prison to escape after waiting for their lunch that was usually served at 1530 hrs.