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Hindi Daily Journalist Gunned Down in Bihar’s Araria

Journalist shot dead in Bihar’s Araria district. Witness in brother’s murder case. Investigation underway. Concerns over press safety.

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Hindi Daily Journalist Gunned Down in Bihar's Araria
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Patna: In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves throughout Bihar, Vimal Kumar, a prominent journalist associated with a leading Hindi daily, was fatally shot by unidentified armed criminals on Friday morning in Araria district.

Preliminary reports indicate that the horrifying incident unfolded around 5:30 am in the vicinity of Prem Nagar, situated within the jurisdiction of the Raniganj police station. The 40-year-old journalist’s home became the scene of the crime, as two assailants on a motorbike pulled up to his residence. In a disturbing act, they fired at close range, striking him on the right side of his chest. Tragically, Vimal Kumar succumbed to his injuries on the spot. The perpetrators promptly fled the scene on their motorbike, leaving an air of terror in their wake.

Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar of Araria provided insights into the situation, indicating that the deceased’s body has been dispatched for post-mortem analysis. A team of forensic experts, along with sniffer dogs, swiftly arrived at the site, intensifying investigative efforts.

Ashok Kumar asserted, “We are actively pursuing the apprehension of the individuals responsible for this heinous act.” The law enforcement agency is meticulously reviewing the situation from every angle, particularly given that initial investigations suggest that Vimal Kumar had played a crucial role as a key witness in his younger brother Shashibhushan’s murder case back in 2019. Family members have reported that he faced grave threats due to his involvement in pursuing justice for his brother’s death. The next hearing for the case was scheduled for August 19.

Sources within the police department have confirmed their commitment to expedite the investigation, aiming to provide resolution within the next 24 hours. “We are dedicated to resolving this case swiftly,” the Superintendent of Police affirmed during a phone conversation with a TNIE reporter.

The tragic event has triggered alarm and concern among journalists across the entire state. Just the day before, Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar refuted claims of an increase in criminal activities within the state over the past few months. “While isolated incidents of crime occur, they do not reflect an overall decline in law and order in our state,” he addressed the media upon his return from New Delhi.

The distressing incident evokes memories of a similar tragedy in 2016 when another journalist, Rajdeo Ranjan, was fatally shot by armed attackers in Siwan. The national outrage that followed forced the state government to hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Since then, Bihar has sadly witnessed the deaths of at least five journalists under various circumstances.

Adding to this grim list, the most recent incident occurred in Rohtas district, where Dharmendra Kumar Singh fell victim to alleged stone-crushing mafia. Gaya district had previously witnessed the killing of another journalist, Mithilesh Pandey.

This incident is a distressing reminder of the challenges that journalists in Bihar and elsewhere face while striving to uncover the truth and hold those in power accountable for their actions. It underscores the importance of maintaining a secure environment for journalists to carry out their essential work in a free society.

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Tamil Nadu to Host 1,000 Daily Fever Camps, Intensifies Mosquito Control

The Tamil Nadu health department has compiled lists for villages and cities, instructing districts to implement disease-prevention measures accordingly.

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Tamil Nadu to Host 1,000 Daily Fever Camps, Intensifies Mosquito Control
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In response to the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases, the government of Tamil Nadu has taken decisive measures to safeguard public health. Starting this Sunday, the state will establish 1,000 fever clinics daily to address this pressing concern.

To combat the mosquito menace, the government is intensifying its mosquito control initiatives. These efforts include increased fogging operations, the recruitment of additional workers for mosquito control tasks, and a heightened focus on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

In addition to these actions, the Tamil Nadu government is launching comprehensive awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases.

According to reports in The Hindu, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine in Tamil Nadu has issued guidelines specifying that fever clinics should be established in areas with either three or more cases of fever with cough or confirmed positive cases of diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, and seasonal flu. Furthermore, the government has initiated door-to-door campaigns to identify and isolate such cases.

The Tamil Nadu health department has undertaken meticulous planning, compiling lists of affected villages and cities to facilitate targeted disease prevention efforts. Officials have affirmed their dedication to eradicating mosquitoes, raising awareness, identifying fever cases, and promptly implementing preventive measures where needed.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian disclosed that over 23,000 temporary workers have been enlisted across the state to support mosquito control operations. Moreover, government hospitals have been directed to maintain ample supplies of life-saving drugs, blood test kits, blood components, and the necessary blood reserves for treating various diseases.

The government’s current focus revolves around combating diseases like dengue, diarrhea, typhoid, and fever. In the state capital of Chennai, Minister Subramanian revealed that a formidable workforce comprising 318 medical officers, 635 nurses, 954 permanent mosquito control workers, and 2,324 contract workers is diligently working to contain these diseases and curtail the spread of mosquitoes.

The minister also detailed the impressive inventory of equipment available in Chennai, including 424 sprayers, 120 power sprayers, 300 battery-operated sprayers, 324 hand fumigation machines, one small fumigation machine, and 68 vehicle-mounted fumigation machines, all geared towards combatting the mosquito population. These comprehensive efforts reflect the Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens in the face of mosquito-borne diseases.

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Jaipur Communal Tensions Following Biker’s Tragic Death

Biker fatally beaten in confrontation after motorcycle accident, succumbing to injuries.

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Jaipur Communal Tensions Following Biker's Tragic Death
Photo: S Grab | X-Twitter:@thefirstindia

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Communal tensions flared up in the Ramganj area and its vicinity in Jaipur, Rajasthan on Saturday, stemming from a tragic incident involving a motorcycle collision that led to a man’s demise.

According to the police, the unfortunate incident occurred at the Subhash Chowk locality in Jaipur. It was reported that after a collision between two motorcycles, a group of men allegedly assaulted one of the riders, resulting in his untimely death.

Late on Friday night, the collision transpired within the Subhash Chowk area, whereupon a group of men accompanying one of the motorcycle riders reportedly subjected the other rider, identified as Iqbal, to a brutal assault. Iqbal sustained severe injuries and was promptly rushed to the SMS Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.

In the aftermath of this distressing incident, numerous shops in the predominantly Muslim-populated areas have been shuttered. Family members of the deceased, along with local residents, have congregated and are now demanding justice and punitive action against those responsible for the attack, as reported by PTI.

To quell the escalating tensions, additional police forces have been deployed in the region, and concerted efforts are underway to defuse the volatile situation, according to statements from the police to PTI.

A purported video of the incident has surfaced on social media platforms, although its authenticity cannot be independently verified at this time.

In a significant development, six individuals have been apprehended in connection with the case. Additionally, authorities have announced compensatory measures for the family of the deceased, as reported by India Today. The publication quoted the Jaipur Administration as stating, “A compensation of Rs 50 lakh, along with employment opportunities and a dairy booth, has been announced for Iqbal’s family. According to police sources, six individuals have been detained in connection with the case.”

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Father of Ujjain Rape Suspect Calls for Son’s Execution

People who didn’t aid the raped, injured, and naked 12-year-old girl may face child sex abuse law charges, A senior officer of the state police said.

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Father of Ujjain Rape Suspect Calls for Son's Execution
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Ujjain: The father of the man arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Ujjain on Friday has called for his son to receive the death penalty. Meanwhile, the local bar association has appealed to lawyers not to defend the accused in court. The victim, a 12-year-old girl, was discovered walking on the city streets in a wounded condition, desperately seeking assistance from passersby who unfortunately turned her away.

The injured girl is currently receiving treatment at the Government Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar Women’s Hospital in Indore, where she underwent a major surgical procedure on Wednesday. A senior state police official has indicated that individuals who failed to assist the young girl when she went from door to door seeking help after the assault, which left her naked and bleeding, could potentially face charges under child sexual abuse laws. Such individuals may be charged under the POCSO Act for failing to report or register the commission of a crime, according to an NDTV report.

Bharat Soni, an auto-rickshaw driver, was taken into custody in connection with the case on Thursday. His father expressed his deep shame over the incident, stating, “It is a disgraceful act. I have not visited the hospital to see him, nor will I go to the police station or court. My son has committed a crime, and he should face the ultimate punishment, which is hanging,” as he conveyed his sentiments to reporters. It should be noted that Soni sustained injuries while allegedly attempting to flee during the investigation, according to the police’s statement on Thursday.

The Congress party has criticized the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, where assembly elections are scheduled by year-end. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate alleged that the state’s law-and-order situation had significantly deteriorated under the leadership of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

“In Madhya Pradesh, being a Dalit, tribal, or woman has seemingly become a crime. The state ranks highest in cases of minor rape. During Chouhan’s 18-year tenure, there have been 58,000 reported rape cases and 68,000 reported kidnapping cases. Yet, the country’s prime minister, home minister, and all BJP leaders remain conspicuously silent,” Shrinate conveyed to reporters in Delhi.

The distressing incident, captured by a CCTV camera, depicts the 12-year-old girl, partially undressed and bleeding following the assault, desperately seeking assistance from neighbors who callously refused her aid. Furthermore, in a shocking display of heartlessness, one individual can be seen shooing her away as she approaches him for help.

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