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Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Chellanam residents intensify protest seeking permanent solution for sea erosion
Kochi: Hundreds of Chellanam residents took out two protest rallies on Friday demanding immediate measures to prevent sea erosion. Expressing solidarity with the people, priests from the Alappuzha and Kochi dioceses held a hunger strike near the Thoppumpady BOT bridge, demanding the construction of a sea wall from Kannamally to Fort Kochi as an immediate solution to the issue. As the monsoon showers intensified, Chellanam experienced the highest ever sea surge in recent years. As more than 500 houses were affected by sea surge, the residents of Kannamaly and Puthanthodu regions of the Chellanam panchayat held a protest on Monday. The protesters also staged a blockade on the Alappuzha-Fort Kochi state highway. The rallies and the hunger strike on Friday were the continuation of these protests under the banner of 'Care Chellanam' collective. The mass rallies that commenced at 3.30pm from Palluruthy and Thoppumpady Santhom Junction concluded at the venue of the hunger strike. While the hunger strike which began at 10am at the BOT Junction was inaugurated by Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council vice-president Joseph Jude, a rally by priests from St Sebastian Church, Thoppumpady, was inaugurated by Kripasanam director Joseph Valiyaveettil. Varapuzha archdiocese auxiliary bishop Rev Antony Valunkal spoke at the event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The sea wall in the panchayat's coastal areas was damaged in the 2017 cyclone Ockhi, accelerating the sea erosion. Following coastal residents' protests, the govt allocated Rs 340 crore for constructing a 12.5km sea wall from Chellanam fishing harbour towards the north, but only 7.35km was completed. The area from Puthenthode to Fort Kochi is currently experiencing intense sea erosion and construction has been completely halted. "Many homes here are either partially or completely destroyed, making them uninhabitable. We are expecting high waves next week as the sea becomes more powerful with the new moon. If authorities now send back people from relief camps to homes, they will have to return to the camp again next week. Since the temporary sandbags and geo bags were completely destroyed in the recent sea surge, the high waves expected during the new moon will severely affect the area," said general convenor of Chellanam-Kochi People's Forum V T Sebastian. Forum members also demanded that the govt should provide rental houses or pay rent for those living in damaged houses. The rallies were flagged off by KCBC secretary general Rev Thomas Tharayil and Kerala Latin Catholic Association state president Sherry J Thomas. The concluding meeting was inaugurated by Kottapuram diocese bishop Rev Ambrose Puthenveettil.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Shifted out of Karnataka Lokayukta post, IPS officer seeks anticipatory bail
Bengaluru: Senior IPS officer Srinath Mahadev Joshi approached the special court for Lokayukta cases Wednesday, seeking anticipatory bail, days after being transferred out of his post in the anti-corruption institution. His move comes in the wake of Lokayukta police pasting a notice at his residence, summoning him for questioning in a corruption investigation. The court has directed Lokayukta police to file its objections to the bail plea by Thursday. Joshi, who served as Lokayukta SP (city wing) for more than two years, was recently shifted out of the post. Around the same time, Lokayukta sleuths arrested dismissed police constable Ningappa G alias Ningappa Savant, 46, from Chitradurga, on allegations of making extortion calls to govt officials by posing as a representative of top Lokayukta officials. According to a Lokayukta press release, Ningappa allegedly routed the extorted money into 13 cryptocurrency wallets held in his name and in those of his relatives. Lokayukta police also stated they were examining reports that some officials within the institution may have colluded with Ningappa in targeting govt officers for extortion. "We will file our objections Thursday. Instead of approaching the court, he could have simply responded to the notice and appeared before us for the investigation," a senior Lokayukta officer said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Meanwhile, the high court Wednesday stayed the June 15 notice issued by Lokayukta police summoning Joshi. Justice SR Krishna Kumar granted the stay but allowed the investigation on the other accused to continue. Joshi, in his plea before HC, contended that the notice served on him lacked essential information, such as details of the FIR or reasons for summoning him. He alleged that the Lokayukta authorities acted in concert to curb his constitutional rights, prompting him to seek judicial relief. Joshi has maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the extortion case. In a related development, Justice Krishna Kumar also heard a petition filed by Chandrakala, wife of Ningappa, challenging the legality of her husband's arrest. The hearing has been adjourned to Thursday. The counsel for Lokayukta police submitted that the grounds for Ningappa's arrest were indeed provided, though no acknowledgement was obtained. They also claimed that the petitioner, Chandrakala, was present during the arrest. However, Chandrakala's counsel argued that CCTV footage would reveal the true sequence of events. He claimed that Chandrakala had visited the Lokayukta office on June 2 and met inspector general Subramanyeshwara Rao. "She even entered her name in the visitors' register and it should be visible on CCTV footage. At the time, Ningappa was inside the office, but she was not allowed to meet him," the counsel said. At this point, the judge noted that the court had not yet reviewed the CCTV footage submitted by the petitioner. Before adjourning the hearing, Justice Kumar remarked orally that if the allegations are proven true, it might warrant invoking the Supreme Court's ruling in the Vihan case, which could lead to an order for Ningappa's release.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
How kidnap plan to cover up fraud lifted the veil off international betting racket
NOIDA: A routine investigation into a kidnapping complaint last week has led cops to an international betting operation worth crores. The discovery came after a father from Alwar in Rajasthan frantically reported his son's kidnapping, unknowingly setting in motion a probe that would expose the gambling syndicate with roots in Thailand and Dubai. It was on June 12 that Subhash Chandra reported the alleged kidnapping of his son Bhim Singh (22) and nephew Narayan (25). The kidnappers, he claimed, had demanded Rs 7 lakh for the duo's release. DCP Saad Miya Khan said he initiated an investigation to track the kidnappers, combining electronic surveillance with ground intelligence. The trail led the cops to White Orchid Apartments in Gaur City area. Although they did not find the kidnapped duo there, the cops stumbled upon an illegal betting ring running from a flat. "We found four youths who were linked to Bhim, the man we were trying to trace. They had two laptops, around a dozen mobile phones, several illegal SIM cards, forged Aadhaar cards and other such IDs. When we questioned them hard, we learnt they were engaged in a betting racket through an app called Rudra Cric Live," Khan said. The four youths at White Orchid led police to an 18th-floor flat at Radha Sky Garden in Greater Noida. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "Here, we found Bhim, his cousin Narayan, and two others named Himanshu and Sukhdev. They admitted to placing bets on real-time cricket events, such as run totals, wicket falls, and match outcomes, through the Rudra Cric Live app," the DCP said. Bhim and Narayan were among eight persons - aged between 19 and 31 years - arrested in connection with the betting racket from the two flats. The syndicate's sophistication was evident in its structure. Operating through WhatsApp numbers advertised on their app, the accused assigned unique IDs to users betting on live cricket matches. The daily proceeds, around Rs 30 lakh, were channelled to handlers in Thailand and Dubai through a network of transactions. The probe also lifted the veil off the gang's marketing strategy, which included partnering with social media influencers to promote their app, despite it being banned in India. The algorithm was designed to let users win initially, luring them into bigger bets and eventual losses. "We've identified around 20 branches of this syndicate operating in Delhi-NCR alone. This investigation has helped us shut down three branches, but we're pursuing the entire network," said Dharmendra Shukla, the SHO of Kasna police station. DCP Khan said that summons would be issued to the social media influencers involved in promoting Rudra Cric Live. Police, he said, are now scanning electronic devices and bank accounts of the accused to map the extent of the operation, which had been active for almost six months. But what about the 'kidnapping' complaint and ransom call? Cops said, it was an elaborate ruse orchestrated by the 'victims' themselves. Bhim and Narayan, who had allegedly misappropriated funds from the gambling operation, planned their own abduction to cover up the fraud and recover money from their families. "Bhim admitted he and his cousin used up around Rs 10 lakh. So, to make up for the losses, they created a fake kidnapping scenario, thinking it would scare their families into sending money. Their relatives in Rajasthan did pay some amount and arrived in Noida to pursue the matter with police," Khan said.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pati Patni Aur Panga: Avika Gor-Milind Chandwani make their first appearances together after engagement
Avika Gor and Milind Chandwani, who took fans by surprise with their engagement announcement on June 11, are now gearing up for their first project together as a couple. The pair shared stunning pictures from the special occasion, revealing that their engagement took place in a private, intimate ceremony. A day after announcing their engagement, Avika Gor and Milind Chandwani made their first public appearance together. The couple was spotted at the shooting of their new show, Pati Patni Aur Panga. Avika and Milind are one of the confirmed celebrity couples, participating in the show. Avika grabbed attention in a striking red mini dress with a deep neckline, styled with a wide black and gold belt at the waist. She completed her outfit with knee-high black boots and loose wavy hair, giving off a confident and stylish vibe. Milind looked sharp beside her in a rust-brown suit worn over a dark teal shirt, topped off with a pocket square. Their outfits perfectly balanced bold and classy. The couple happily posed for the paparazzi and even had a light chat with them. Milind joked that taking a 'panga' with Avika wouldn't be easy, which made her blush and respond with a sweet 'awww.' Their bond was clearly visible — they smiled at each other, held hands, and exchanged sweet looks that showed their happiness for this new phase. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo It was their first appearance together after getting engaged and also the start of a new journey together on screen. Sharing her excitement about the show, Avika had earlier said in a statement, 'Coming back to the channel honestly feels like coming home. Balika Vadhu was the beginning of everything for me. It gave me love, recognition, and a lifetime of memories. And now, years later, I return not as a character but as myself, and with Milind by my side. He has been such a grounding force in my life, and saying yes to him was the easiest and most beautiful decision I've ever made. Now, saying yes to sharing our story with the world feels just as special. I can't wait for the family, who have always embraced me with open arms, to meet the person who makes my world feel complete. This show is a celebration of us, and I truly hope it resonates with everyone who believes in love in all its real, messy, magical glory.' Avika Gor Engaged to MTV Roadies Star Milind Chandwani | Stunning Photos & Love Story
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Grounds over guns: Tendulkar bats for sports facilities in 50 Bastar villages for CG's kids
Raipur: As Maoist activity sharply declines across Chhattisgarh's tribal heartland, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, in collaboration with CM Vishnu Deo Sai's govt, is launching a bold initiative - constructing playgrounds across 50 villages in the tribal Bastar region. These grounds—once barren land—will host nine sports disciplines, with a strong focus on athletics and Olympic-style training. The project aims to empower over 10,000 tribal youths and foster community development. The nine sports introduced include football, volleyball, kho-kho, long jump, running track with hurdles, shot put, discus throw, slackline, and a jungle gym featuring elements such as pyramid logs, vertical and horizontal ladders, pull-up bars, double bars, flying sloping walls, zig-zag balance/jumping logs, tyre runs, and tyre swings. For most children, this will be their first participation in organised sports competitions. Dantewada District Collector Kunal Dudawat told TOI, "Athleticism among Bastar's youth is high. These sports facilities, funded by the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF), will be a boon. We will have adequate infrastructure in place for the Bastar Olympics. Mann Deshi Foundation is preparing trainers to provide quality coaching." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The administration selected villages where community enthusiasm and support were strongest. At a cost of just Rs 3–3.5 lakh per ground, the initiative is receiving overwhelming public backing, Dudawat added. Once upon a time, young people here used to enjoy cockfights at the weekly 'haat bazar,' but now that scenario is fast changing with the development of sports facilities. Foundation spokesperson Prabhat Sinha noted that this is India's first community-driven movement to build playgrounds for children in rural areas. "Dantewada and Bastar will emerge as hubs for climbing and skateboarding, rather than symbols of Naxalism," he said, underscoring the villagers' contributions. He also thanked Sachin Tendulkar, his wife Anjali, and daughter Sara Tendulkar for their vital support. "Where silence once prevailed, laughter now rings out! Thanks to the Maidan Cup, 50 villages in Dantewada have transformed into playground havens for over 10,000 children to play, grow, and dream. More than just fields, they symbolise a hopeful future—especially for girls, who are now stepping onto the field in greater numbers," according to the STF spokesperson. "Bastar is on the path of change and the end of Naxalism is imminent. Bastar doesn't lack talent—our mission is to identify and promote it," Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai told TOI. He praised govt efforts in education, healthcare, employment, and infrastructure, and highlighted the transformative impact of events like the Bastar Olympics and Pandum festival in uplifting youth. Dantewada's Maidaan Cup, he added, "It isn't just about sports—it's a celebration of youth energy, confidence, and Bastar's cultural identity. "
