2 BSF troopers among 3 arrested for weapon snatching in J&K
Srinagar, July 13: Two Border Security Force (BSF) troopers and a civilian have been arrested in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district after a foiled weapon snatching attempt, police said.
One, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, was arrested from Anantnag town after he tried to snatch away a private security guard's weapon late on Thursday from outside a protected Gujjar leader's house.
On Bhat's interrogation it was found that he was working with the troopers.
"The arrested civilian revealed that he is working as a source for the BSF and that he tried to snatch the weapon at the behest of two troopers who were waiting for him in a car outside," a police officer said.
"Acting swiftly, police was able to arrest the two BSF personnel. An FIR has been lodged and investigations started.
"The role of the arrested BSF personnel in the aborted weapon snatching attempt is being ascertained," the officer added.
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CPI(M) rebel Kunhikrishnan hopes for 5,000-vote win in Payyanur
Kannur (Kerala) (PTI): CPI(M) rebel candidate V Kunhikrishnan, who contested as a UDF-backed Independent from Payyanur here, on Saturday said he was hoping to win the Assembly election by a margin of 5,000 votes.
Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the CPI(M) earlier this year after raising allegations of corruption in the party’s martyrs’ fund against sitting MLA T I Madhusoodanan.
Speaking to a TV channel, Kunhikrishnan said he had announced his candidature as a mark of protest and not with expectations of victory.
However, he said the situation had changed drastically, with a strong undercurrent within CPI(M) votes favouring him.
"The undercurrent in CPI(M) votes cannot be measured. Now people are giving a response indicating victory with a margin of at least 5,000 votes," he said.
Payyanur is considered a CPI(M) stronghold, and a defeat for Madhusoodanan there would be a major setback for the party.
On political violence in Payyanur, Kunhikrishnan said he had been facing it since filing his nomination.
"The people leading this violence should think about how long they can continue it. It is the police which has to take the initiative to stop this violence as part of maintaining law and order. But the police are not intervening at the required level," he said.
Regarding his political future, Kunhikrishnan said efforts were underway to strengthen Left groups, and discussions were being held across Kerala in that regard.
"After discussing with others, a decision will be taken," he said.
Kunhikrishnan is among six former CPI(M) leaders who either exited the party or were suspended before contesting for the UDF in the April 9 Assembly elections.
Elections to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly were held on April 9, and the counting of votes will be held on May 4.
