Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy approaches HC seeking to quash FIR against him
Bengaluru, Nov 6: Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, along with his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy and associate Suresh Babu, has approached the Karnataka High Court to request the dismissal of a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Bengaluru police.
The petition, submitted by Kumaraswamy and his associates, contends that Inspector General of Police M Chandrashekhar's complaint was "malafide" and driven by "political motives."
In his complaint, Chandrashekhar charged that Union Steel and Heavy Industries Minister Kumaraswamy, had threatened him — a government servant — from discharging his duties.
The complainant noted that he was heading the Special Investigation Team probing a mining case in which Kumaraswamy is an accused.
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The probe against Kumaraswamy pertains to allegations that he illegally approved a 550-acre mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals (SSVM) in Ballari district in violation of the law, during his tenure as Karnataka chief minister from 2006 to 2008.
"The SIT, after preparing the investigation report and finding substantial evidence and material to prosecute the accused (Kumaraswamy), had written to His Excellency, the Governor of Karnataka, seeking sanction for prosecution against the accused Sh H D Kumaraswamy on 21/11/2023," Chandrashekhar said in his complaint lodged at Sanjay Nagar police station.
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Govt launches Haj Suvidha App 2.0 for ease of pilgrims
New Delhi, Nov 23: The Minority Affairs Ministry on Saturday launched the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 with the new version introducing key features such as air travel details, a navigation system with Mina maps, and medical history and health advisories for Indian pilgrims going on Haj.
The application was launched by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju after he inaugurated the Conference of Chairpersons of State and UT Haj Committees in the presence of Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian and Chairman of the Haj Committee of India Abdullahkutti, among others.
In his address, Rijiju noted that the Haj pilgrimage is the largest logistical operation undertaken annually by the government of India beyond its borders.
He emphasised that Haj has long been a cornerstone of the strong bilateral relationship between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Rijiju highlighted several significant reforms aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience, including the removal of the discretionary quota, the integration of technology through the Haj Suvidha App, and the provision of facilities for female pilgrims without Mehram.
Kurian spoke about the new measures being implemented for Haj 2025, designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of the Indian pilgrims.
Among the key initiatives, he mentioned the procurement of modern buildings with lifts not only in Aziziya but also in nearby areas close to the Haram.
Additionally, the latest model buses will be introduced for travel between Makkah, Madinah, and within the Mashaer region.
The conference, organised by the Haj Committee of India under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, also marked the launch of the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 by Rijiju.
Building on the success of the Haj Suvidha App 1.0 in 2024, the new version introduces key features such as the selection process, boarding pass and air travel details, a navigation system with Mina maps, and medical history and health advisories for Indian pilgrims.
The conference included discussions on stakeholder feedback, suggestions and preparations.
