Israeli Cabinet approves cease-fire with Hamas that includes release of some 50 hostages
Jerusalem (AP/PTI): Israel's Cabinet on Wednesday approved a temporary cease-fire with the Hamas group that is expected to bring the first halt in fighting in a devastating six-week war and win freedom for dozens of hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip.
The deal calls for a four-day cease-fire, during which Israel will halt its military offensive in Gaza while Hamas frees "at least" 50 of the roughly 240 hostages it holding, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said. The first hostages to be released are women and children.
"The government of Israel is committed to bringing all of the hostages home. Tonight, the government approved the outline for the first stage of achieving this goal," the office said in a statement.
Media reports ahead of the vote said Israel would free some 150 Palestinian prisoners and allow additional humanitarian aid into Gaza as part of the deal, but the Israeli statement made no mention of either of these elements. It was not clear when the truce, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, would go into effect.
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Lokayukta books Udupi Excise DC in DA case, assets worth Rs 8.69 cr found
Udupi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Lokayukta police have registered a disproportionate assets case against Udupi Excise Deputy Commissioner T M Srinivas after searches at multiple locations allegedly revealed assets worth Rs 8.69 crore beyond his known sources of income, officials said on Friday.
Lokayukta officials conducted simultaneous raids on March 11 at 15 locations linked to the officer, including his residence, office and properties belonging to his relatives.
During the searches, investigators allegedly found immovable properties valued at Rs 6.90 crore, including 11 sites, six houses and about 31 acres of agricultural land reportedly owned by Srinivas and his family members, officials said.
The officials also seized movable assets estimated at Rs 2.66 crore. These include cash of Rs 3.95 lakh, gold jewellery valued at Rs 1.47 crore, vehicles worth Rs 17 lakh, bank deposits totalling Rs 25.75 lakh and other valuables estimated at Rs 72.68 lakh.
According to Lokayukta police, the total value of assets suspected to be disproportionate to Srinivas' legitimate income has been assessed at Rs 8.69 crore.
Authorities said the searches were carried out following credible information suggesting the officer had accumulated wealth beyond his known sources of income during his government service.
Documents and financial records seized during the raids are being scrutinised to determine the ownership and source of the assets.
A case has been registered, and further investigation is in progress.
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