Garuda Gang member escapes after dramatic police chase in Manipal, girlfriend taken into custody
Manipal: In a dramatic turn of events late Tuesday night, a member of the Garuda Gang, identified as Isaac, managed to escape after a high-speed police chase in Manipal. While he fled on foot after abandoning his car, police have taken his girlfriend into custody for questioning and have registered an FIR in connection with the incident.
The chase took place when the Nelamangala Rural Police, who had registered multiple cases against Isaac, received a tip-off about his presence in Manipal. A team of officers reached the town and alerted the Manipal Police, who joined the operation.
On Tuesday night, Isaac, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, attempted to evade arrest by speeding away in his vehicle. The Nelamangala Police pursued him along Deputy Commissioner Office Road, while the Manipal Police, acting on the alert, moved in from the opposite direction to block his escape.
The chase intensified near Mannapalla, where Isaac's car was forced to a stop after one of its tyres developed a puncture. Isaac abandoned his vehicle and managed to flee on foot, leaving behind his girlfriend, who was taken into police custody for questioning.
During the high-speed pursuit, several public vehicles, along with a police jeep, sustained damage. Udupi Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K confirmed that an FIR has been registered at Manipal Police Station and necessary legal action will follow. He also stated that a special police team has been formed to track down the absconding Isaac.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
