ANTCC Campaign Committee chairman TSG Bhasker lodges complaint over ‘missing’ NH-4 in Andaman Island
Port Blair: In a strange turn of events, the Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), TSG Bhasker, has lodged complaints at Baratang and Rangat police stations, alleging that a major portion of National Highway-4 (NH-4), the main road connecting the Middle and North Andaman regions, has “gone missing.”
The NH-4 is a vital lifeline for island residents, facilitating the transport of goods, daily commuting, and access to emergency medical services. Bhasker urged the authorities to trace the “missing” portions of the highway and identify officials responsible for any negligence or irregularities in its construction and maintenance.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati, Bhasker said, “My NH-4 is missing. Either find NH-4 or return the ₹3,500 crore spent on it.”
He added that similar complaints will be submitted at the Kadamtala and Mayabander police stations. “The police told us that the matter falls under the local anti-corruption unit. I doubt they will register an FIR, but I have received an acknowledgement receipt for my complaint,” Bhasker said.
The Congress leader also criticised the transfer of road projects to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), saying it has adversely affected local employment. “Handing over road construction to NHIDCL has destroyed job opportunities for local workers. If these funds had been used within our local jurisdiction, it would have boosted the local economy,” he stated.
Bhasker further alleged that two more road projects, one in Nicobar and another in Hut Bay, are being handed over to NHIDCL even though the NH-4 project remains incomplete. “This sets a dangerous precedent. Once the PWD divisions shut down, hundreds of local workers will lose their livelihood,” he warned.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka Muslim Convention to be held as scheduled on May 16, say organisers
Bengaluru: Organisers of the ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ have clarified that the programme will be held as scheduled on Saturday, May 16, at 10.30 am at Town Hall in Bengaluru, and urged the public not to pay attention to rumours regarding any change in the event.
In a joint statement, convention coordinators Suhail Ahmed Maroor, Tanveer Ahmed and Yahya Damudi said there is no change whatsoever in the programme and that all preparations are in the final stage.
The convention is being organised by the Karnataka Rajya Muslim Sanghatanegala Okkoota.
According to the organisers, more than 45 Muslim organisations, associations and jamaats from different parts of Karnataka have extended support to the event and have assured active participation.
The organisers said the state government has withdrawn the restriction on hijab, but noted that nine other major demands of the Muslim community are still pending.
They said the convention is being held to urge the government to fulfil these constitutional demands without further delay.
