Zakir Hussain in critical condition; Family issues clarification after reports of his demise
San Francisco: Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, renowned for his extraordinary talent, is in critical condition at a hospital in the United States due to severe heart-related ailments. His manager, Nirmala Bachani, confirmed his hospitalisation in San Francisco.
Amidst widespread reports of his demise, Hussain's family issued a clarification, stating that he is alive but critically ill. "He is still breathing, but very critical. Please pray for him," said his sister, Khurshid Aulia.
Earlier, several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers mistakenly paid tributes to the legendary percussionist on X (formerly Twitter). The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also had to delete its condolence post after the clarification. Hussain’s nephew, Ameer Aulia, also appealed on X, urging people to avoid spreading misinformation and to pray for his recovery.
Born in Bombay as the eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain began his illustrious career at the age of 13. Over the decades, he collaborated with global icons, blending Indian classical music with jazz through pioneering projects like Shakti in 1973.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee has enthralled audiences worldwide with his virtuosity and innovative artistry, earning a place among India’s most celebrated classical musicians.
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Navy information leak to Pakistan: Udupi police arrest another accused Hirendra Kumar from Gujarat
Udupi: The Udupi police have arrested another accused in connection with a case involving employees of a Malpe–Cochin Shipyard limited allegedly sharing confidential information related to the Indian Navy with Pakistan in exchange for money.
The arrested accused has been identified as Hirendra Kumar, alias Bharat Kumar Khadayata (34), a resident of Kailas Nagar in Ananda taluk of Gujarat.
With this arrest, the total number of accused arrested in the case has risen to three. Earlier, on November 21, police arrested Rohit and Santri, both hailing from Uttar Pradesh. They are currently in judicial custody.
According to the police, Rohit and Santri were working in a joint venture company operating at the Malpe Shipyard.
A case was registered at the Malpe Police Station after it was found that confidential details, including a list of Indian Navy ship numbers and other sensitive information, were allegedly shared with Pakistan through WhatsApp, leading to illegal monetary gains.
Hirendra Kumar was arrested on December 21 by a team led by Karkala Sub-Division Assistant Superintendent of Police Harsha Priyamvada, the investigating officer in the case. Police stated that the accused had allegedly procured a mobile SIM card in his name for a fee and handed it over to the other accused for use in the illegal activity.
He was produced before the court, and further investigation is underway, police officials said.
