Firozabad: BJP MLA says dengue death toll now 44; DM orders closure of schools
Firozabad (UP), Aug 31: BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad Manish Asija on Tuesday claimed that the death toll due to suspected dengue in the district has risen to 44.
"Last night (Monday) three deaths took place, while two deaths took place on Tuesday, taking the death toll to 44," Asija said, adding that camps have been put up in 25 affected places.
A team of 15 doctors has arrived here from Lucknow, and held a meeting with officials of the district administration and the health department. It also conducted tests in the affected areas of the district.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited some dengue patients in the district on Monday. Around 40 people, mostly children, have died in a week.
"Till now, 32 children and seven adults have died," the chief minister had said after the visit.
"The death of children will be probed by a team from King George's Medical University in Lucknow and a surveillance team so that the reasons can be ascertained," he had said.
The chief minister had also told reporters that the first case was detected on August 18.
Asija had on Sunday said that more than 40 children have died due to dengue in the district since August 22-23, and blamed the state health department and the local civic body for the "tragedy".
Meanwhile, District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh has ordered closure of all schools for classes 1 to 8 till September 6 due to the suspected outbreak.
In his order issued on Monday night, the district magistrate said it will be applicable to all government and non-government schools as well as coaching institutions.
He also warned of strict action against anyone disobeying the order.
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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.
