Hindu Mahasabha leader arrested for businessman's murder, sent to jail
Aligarh (PTI): All India Hindu Mahasabha national general secretary Pooja Shakun Pandey has been arrested in connection with the murder of local businessman Abhishek Gupta, police said on Saturday.
She was produced in court and sent to jail on Saturday.
Pandey was arrested near Lodha bypass on Agra-Jaipur highway in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district late on Friday night, police said.
This is the fourth arrest made in the case.
Earlier, police had arrested Pooja's husband Ashok Pandey and sharp shooters Mohammad Fazal and Asif, who carried out the killing on the couple's instructions.
Gupta was shot dead on September 26, while boarding a bus along with his father and a relative at the main Khereshwar Mandir crossing on the outskirts of Aligarh city. He was rushed to the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
According to investigators, the murder was a contract killing, allegedly ordered by the Pandey couple following a monetary dispute with Gupta. The couple is said to have been harassing the businessman for a long time.
Police said both the hired shooters were familiar with the Pandey couple and had been regular visitors at their residence.
Confirming the arrest, Aligarh Senior Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar said all the key accused in the case have been held now and a detailed charge sheet will be filed soon.
Pooja Pandey carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on her arrest, he added.
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J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
