Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui wins 'Bigg Boss 17'
Mumbai: Popular stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui on Sunday was announced as the winner of the reality show ''Bigg Boss'' season 17, beating actor Abhishek Kumar through live voting.
Besides Faruqui and Kumar, the other three contestants who were competing for the trophy in the finale were actors Mannara Chopra, Ankita Lokhande, and social media personality Arun Mahashetty. Superstar Ajay Devgn served as the special guest on the last episode of he latest season that aired on Colors channel. The first contestant to be evicted in the finale from the ''Bigg Boss'' house was Arun. He was followed by Ankita and Mannara.
''Bigg Boss'' host and superstar Salman Khan announced Faruqui as the winner, who took home a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh and a car.
Many had predicted Faruqui's win on social media. The comedian first made headlines in 2021 when he was jailed for over a month for making remarks on Hindu deities during a stand-up show and allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
In 2022, he won another reality TV show, ''Lock Upp'' season one, which was hosted by actor Kangana Ranaut.
During his stint on ''Bigg Boss'' season 17, Faruqui entertained fellow housemates and viewers with his wit and charm. His personal life also remained a topic of discussion throughout the show. The latest season of ''Bigg Boss'' premiered on October 15, 2023 with 17 contestants, including Vicky Jain, Ayesha Khan, Anurag Dobhal, Aishwarya Sharma, Neil Bhatt, Isha Malviya, Jigna Vora, Firoza Khan aka Khanzaadi, and Rinku Dhawan.
Congratulations @munawar0018 for this victory. Your journey truly inspired many. 🥳🏆#BB17 #BiggBoss17 #BiggBoss @BeingSalmanKhan #GrandFinale #BiggBoss17Finale pic.twitter.com/DjKBQCXvcv
— ColorsTV (@ColorsTV) January 28, 2024
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Karnataka: Home Department asks motorists to drive on highways with caution to avoid robbery
Belagavi: The Home Department has advised motorists to stay alert while travelling on national and state highways, warning that gangs involved in robbery and extortion have been active in several stretches. It said people should be extra cautious if anyone tries to stop their vehicle in isolated areas.
Replying to an unstarred question on Thursday, the department said Karnataka has recorded 403 highway robbery cases in the past three years. According to the data, national highways saw 81 extortion and 23 robbery cases in 2023, followed by 66 extortion and 16 robbery cases in 2024. Until November 15 this year, 51 extortion and 14 robbery cases have been reported.
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On state highways, 39 extortion and 17 robberies were reported in 2023, while 2024 saw 35 extortion and 22 robbery cases. In 2025 so far, 20 extortion and 19 robbery cases have taken place. The department noted that curbing highway robberies remains a major challenge for the police.
To tackle the issue, police stations have been directed to set up regular checkpoints on stretches of highways passing through their limits. Suspicious individuals and vehicles are being checked. Two-wheelers have been allocated to every station for night patrol, and staff have been instructed to conduct night rounds using vehicles fitted with sirens and red lights.
