Lawyer files complaint with human rights panel about VIP darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja
Mumbai (PTI): A lawyer has filed a complaint with the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission against the special treatment given to VIPs visiting the famous Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh pandal in the city.
Advocate Ashish Rai, in his complaint on August 29, alleged that women, children, and senior citizens were subjected to "malicious behaviour" and their rights were violated.
Rai claimed that while VIPs were given special treatment during their visit to one of the most popular Ganesh pandals in the city, common citizens have to face misconduct and criminal activity, including theft of mobile phones and other valuables.
Lakhs of devotees, including celebrities and politicians, flock to the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh pandal during the 10-day festival. People often end up standing in long queues for hours to catch a glimpse of Ganesha.
The lawyer alleged that written complaints to the Mumbai police commissioner's office over the last two years have gone unanswered, leaving him no alternative but to approach the Commission.
The complainant sought a thorough investigation and strict directives to prevent such incidents, naming the Mumbai police commissioner and the Maharashtra state secretary as respondents.
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NIA registers case to probe recovery of 79 crude bombs in poll-bound West Bengal
New Delhi (PTI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday registered a case to probe recovery of 79 crude bombs in poll-bound West Bengal, officials said.
The move came following a directive by the Union Home Ministry in this regard, they said.
In pursuance to the home ministry's order, the anti-terror agency on Sunday registered a case, which was originally filed at Uttar Kashi police station, Bhangar division, Kolkata on Saturday, and took up the investigation, an NIA spokesperson said in a late night statement.
"The case pertains to recovery of 79 crude bombs and other incriminating materials by Kolkata police, which were being stored at a spot, thereby endangering human life and property," the spokesperson said.
Earlier in the day, the Election Commission had directed the West Bengal Police to launch a special drive to arrest those involved in illegal manufacturing of crude bombs in the poll-bound state, an official said.
It asserted that all cases related to the making of any such explosive would be probed by the National Investigation Agency, the official said.
The directive came after the police recovered a large number of crude bombs from the house of a person, allegedly a TMC worker, at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, days ahead of the second and final phase of the assembly polls in the state.
The explosives were recovered during a search at the residence of Rafikul Islam following specific inputs, the official said.
The poll panel also issued a warning to senior police officers across the state over any lapse in maintaining law and order before the April 29 polling.
The first phase of the assembly elections in West Bengal was held on April 23, while the second phase will take place on April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.
A record 93.19 per cent turnout has been recorded in the first round of polling. Bhangar will vote in the second phase.
