Speculation of joining Congress fake news: Shivpal Yadav
Etawah (UP), Aug 19: Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party-Lohia president Shivpal Singh Yadav on Friday denied the rumours about him joining the Congress and called it "fake news".
The socialist leader had recently parted ways with his nephew and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, months after both leaders came together for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.
In a conversation with reporters when asked about speculations that he may join the Congress, the leader denied the possibility. It is "fake news", he said.
The leader also claimed that he is trying to unite the opposition for the 2024 general election.
About his alliance with the Samajwadi Party, he said, "When we were not considered as an alliance partner, we parted ways. Now, we are trying to grow our party. The responsibility has been given to the youth in the party."
Shivpal Yadav is the uncle of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and younger brother of Mulayam Singh Yadav. The differences had cropped up between Shivpal Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav in 2016, after which they had parted ways.
Shivpal formed the Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party-Lohia in 2018 but before the 2022 assembly elections, both leaders came together.
Shivpal Yadav contested from the Jaswantnagar assembly constituency on the SP ticket.
However, just after the election results, the differences between the two leaders surfaced again, with the veteran socialist leader opposing Akhilesh Yadav's choice Yashwant Sinha in the presidential elections.
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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.
