18 laptops stolen from courier firm's godown in Thane; cops launch probe
Thane (PTI): As many as 18 laptops valued at Rs 12.6 lakh have allegedly been stolen from a courier company's godown in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said on Monday.
A consignment of laptops had been handed over to the courier company for delivery to Chennai and Bengaluru and kept at its warehouse in the Bhiwandi area.
Some persons allegedly broke open the sealed computer boxes and removed the laptops between September 11 and 25 last year. To conceal the theft, the boxes were refilled with dummy material, an official from Narpoli police station said.
The theft came to light after the consignment failed to reach the intended destinations and the boxes were later checked, he said.
"On verification, it was found that 18 laptops valued at Rs 12,61,730 were missing," the official said.
Based on a complaint by the warehouse manager, the police registered an FIR on January 30 against unidentified persons under relevant legal provisions.
"We are examining the role of the courier company staff involved in handling the shipment and checking transport and delivery records," the official said.
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Guv Gehlot wants hate speech and hate crimes bill shelved, says Minister Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday alleged that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has referred the Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill to the President Droupadi Murmu to dump it in cold storage.
According to the Bill, any expression which is made, published or circulated in words, either spoken or written or by signs or by visible representations or through electronic communication or otherwise, in public view, with an intention to cause injury, disharmony or feelings of enmity or hatred or ill-will against person alive or dead, class or group of persons or community, to meet any prejudicial interest, is hate speech.
The bill seeks at least seven years jail term and a maximum penalty of Rs one lakh.
The bill was passed by both the Houses during the winter session in Belagavi and was sent to Gehlot towards the end of December 2025.
Speaking to reporters here, Parameshwara said the Governor has questioned 28 points in bill and has referred it to the President.
"If the President sends back to us with her observations, then we will do something and send it again (for gubernatorial assent)," he said.
The minister explained that the bill was brought consciously and not just like that.
"We have freedom of speech, but that does not mean that one can say anything. We have to see how it impacts our society. Hence, the bill was introduced," he sought to know.
According to him, there were instances of hate speech, which made the government think of bringing a law.
Targeting the BJP, he said, "If you (BJP) still say that this is not proper, then what are your motives? Should it mean that anyone can abuse anyone? Should we allow any disturbance in society?"
He alleged that the Governor wants this bill is never implemented.
"In my opinion, the Governor has intentionally referred it to the President, so that it does not come into effect. He wants it to be shelved forever," Parameshwara said.
When reporters asked him that the same is happening in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, he said, "Let's see what happens in the coming days. I think things will improve."
