Union Budget ignores Kerala, CPI(M) to observe Feb 3 as 'Black Day'
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The ruling CPI(M) on Monday called for observing February 3 as a 'Black Day' across Kerala, protesting what it described as the Centre's "severe neglect" of the state in the Union Budget.
In a press statement, the party state secretariat said the Budget was presented as if Kerala did not exist on the map of India.
It pointed out that Kerala had placed 29 demands before Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of the Budget, but none of them were accepted.
The state did not receive a single long-pending project, the CPI(M) said.
The party criticised the Centre for once again ignoring Kerala's demand for an AIIMS, and for excluding the state from the seven high-speed rail corridors announced for railway development.
It also said no special package was approved for the Vizhinjam port, while Kerala was denied an Ayurveda AIIMS despite being known as the cradle of Ayurveda.
The state was also left out of inland water transport projects.
The CPI(M) said the Budget failed to protect traditional industries in Kerala and did not include the state in announcements on universities and townships.
There was no provision for a rubber price stabilisation fund, nor any mention of the proposed railway coach factory, the party said.
It also accused the Centre of ignoring NRI welfare and scheme workers, including ASHA workers.
The party alleged that the Budget favoured corporate interests, noting that corporate taxes were not increased and the alternate minimum tax for big companies was reduced.
It also criticised cuts in the employment guarantee scheme, saying it would badly affect Kerala.
"There has been no move to strengthen welfare schemes. By completely neglecting the poor, the Budget has delivered yet another blow to Kerala," the CPI(M) said.
As part of the protest, the party said black flags would be hoisted at all booths on February 3 and urged people to participate in demonstrations against what it called an anti-people Budget.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
