The Centre will hold a meeting with Punjab's protesting farmers on February 14 in Chandigarh to discuss their demands, thus ending a stalemate over the resumption of a dialogue with the agitators, who have been demanding a legal guarantee on the MSP for crops. Following the announcement of the proposed meeting, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose fast-unto-death entered the 54th day on Saturday, agreed to take medical aid. However, he will not end his indefinite fast till a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops is given, said farmer leader Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande. Later, pictures showing Dallewal taking medical aid with an intravenous drip were released by the farmers. The breakthrough came after a delegation of officials from the Union agriculture ministry, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met Dallewal and held a meeting with the representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), which are spearheading the agitation for the last 11 months. Following the announcement of the meeting on February 14, farmer leaders appealed to Dallewal to take medical aid so that he can participate in the proposed deliberations. The Centre's delegation also urged Dallewal to take medical aid so that he can participate in the proposed meeting, which will take place at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration at Chandigarh at 5 pm on February 14. Talking to reporters at the Khanauri protest site, Ranjan said a high-level delegation was sent by the Centre, keeping in mind the deteriorating health of Dallewal. "We enquired about his health and held a meeting with the representatives (of the protesting farmer bodies)," he said. Ranjan said the meeting will be held in Chandigarh on February 14. "We urged him (Dallewal) to break his fast and take medical aid, so that he can participate in the meeting," he said. A letter addressed to Dallewal, SKM (Non-Political) and KMM read: "This is in continuation of the previous meeting with the leaders of SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), which was held on February 15, 2024 at Chandigarh. "A meeting with the ministers of the government of India and the Punjab government regarding the demands of the farmers' unions has been convened on February 14, 2025 (5 pm) at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration Punjab (MGSIPA), Sector-26, Chandigarh. You are cordially invited to the meeting, please attend at the scheduled time. We hope that Dallewal will soon end his fast, recover and join the discussion," said the letter written by Ranjan. Four rounds of meetings had taken place between Union ministers and the protesting farmers on February 8, 12, 15 and 18 last year, but the talks remained inconclusive. Earlier in the day, the farmers protesting at the Khanauri and Shambhu border points between Punjab and Haryana said they have received a proposal from the central government which they will discuss. The Centre's delegation held meetings with the representatives of both the forums. A Punjab government team led by retired additional director general of police Jaskaran Singh and former deputy inspector general of police Narinder Bhargav, who were holding discussions with the farmer leaders, was also present. According to farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, officials have said February 14 has been fixed for the meeting as Assembly polls are due in Delhi and the Model Code of Conduct will be in force in the capital till February 9. When the Model Code of Conduct is in force, no government can make any announcement, Kohar said. Sharing details about Dallewal's health, Kohar said the farmer leader was unable to take water and had been vomiting. Doctors have warned that anything could happen to Dallewal, he added. Before agreeing to take medical aid, Dallewal had asked the farmer leaders to take consent from the 121 farmers who were also on an indefinite fast. A few days ago, a group of 111 farmers and later, 10 more farmers sat on a fast-unto-death in solidarity with Dallewal. Dallewal, who is the convenor of the SKM (Non-Political), has been on the indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border point since November 26 last year in support of various demands, including a legal guarantee on the MSP for crops. Farmers had said Dallewal had not eaten anything since November 26 last year and was just surviving on water. Farmer leaders on Thursday said Dallewal has lost about 20-kg weight during his fast-unto-death. The weight of Dallewal has reduced to 66.4 kg now from 86.9 kg, when he began the indefinite fast. Farmers, under the banner of the SKM (Non-Political) and KMM, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 last year, after security forces did not allow them to march to Delhi to press for their various demands, including a legal guarantee on the MSP for their crops. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2025 10:55 AM IST | Chandigarh | PTIThe third edition of the annual Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, an initiative by the Ministry of Education, will take place next month with participation from emerging entrepreneurs, education and technology sector representatives, and others. IIT Madras Director, Professor V Kamakoti on Saturday announced that this edition will see increased women's participation due to high demand. “We've already received 20,000 registrations, from which 1,200 will be selected after multiple rounds of scrutiny, including their performance in a quiz competition and their knowledge of Kashi. This time, we aim to offer opportunities to people from startups, innovation sectors, school students, and research scholars. We are also encouraging more women to take part,” he said during the curtain-raiser event at the IIT Madras Research Park. Previously held in October-November, the event has now been rescheduled to February, coinciding with the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The devotional trip will run from February 15 to 24, culminating in a return to Chennai. “Participants will have the chance to stay in Prayagraj for one night, offering prayers and participating in the Shahi Snan or holy dip in the Ganga River as part of the Maha Kumbh Mela,” Kamakoti added. This year's theme will focus on highlighting the contributions of Sage Agasthiyar to the Siddha System of Medicine, Classical Tamil literature, and national cultural unity. An exhibition will showcase various aspects of Agasthiyar's influence on health, philosophy, science, linguistics, and literature. Participants will also visit sites such as the ancestral home of poet Subramania Bharati, Kedar Ghat, and Kasi Mandapam. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2025 07:52 AM IST | Chennai | AgenciesAlleging that the caste survey conducted by the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar was an exercise to befool the people, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said his party will stick to its demand for caste census as such an initiative is essential to plan development work in the country. Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in LS, also accused the BJP and the RSS of “undermining the Constitution and neglecting marginalised communities” in the country. He also alleged that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s “true independence” remark was “against the country’s Constitution”. Addressing “Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan” at Bapu Sabhagar here, Gandhi said, “Dalits, minorities and socially marginalised people comprise 90 per cent population of this country but they are not part of the system. This is the reason that we have been demanding caste census.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2025 07:51 AM IST | Patna | AgenciesA Kolkata court on Saturday found Sanjay Roy guilty of raping and murdering an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a heinous crime that ignited nationwide outrage and led to prolonged protests. The Sealdah court, where Roy’s trial was held, will announce his sentence on Monday, Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das said. The verdict was delivered nearly two months after the in-camera trial began in November 2024, and 162 days after the brutal crime on August 9, 2024. Roy, arrested a day after the crime, was found guilty under Sections 64 (rape), 66 (punishment for causing death), and 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 103(1) carries a possible punishment of death or life imprisonment. The judge stated that Roy was found guilty of sexually assaulting the doctor and strangling her to death, and that the CBI had proven all the charges against him. Das noted that Roy had entered the hospital around 4 am and attacked the on-duty doctor while she was asleep in the seminar room of the hospital. “You sexually assaulted the doctor. You throttled her and covered her face and she ultimately died owing to the attack,” he said. “On the basis of these allegations, charges were framed against you under Sections 64, 66 and 103(1) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). On the basis of the statements of the witnesses and the documents produced in this matter, your guilt has been proved and you are being pronounced guilty,” the judge said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2025 07:50 AM IST | Kolkata | AgenciesThe AAP on Saturday alleged that party chief Arvind Kejriwal’s car was attacked by BJP supporters during campaigning in the New Delhi constituency. “Supporters of BJP’s New Delhi candidate Parvesh Verma attacked Kejriwal during campaigning in the constituency,” an AAP leader said. Denying the AAP’s charges, the BJP claimed that some party workers were attacked by AAP volunteers. Verma was heading to Lady Hardinge hospital to meet injured party workers, BJP leaders said. Later, in a post on X, BJP’s Verma alleged that Kejriwal’s vehicle hit two youths. “Arvind Kejriwal hit two youths with his vehicle. Both were taken to Lady Hardinge hospital. Seeing imminent defeat, (he) forgot the price of human lives,” Verma said in the post. Police said that no one pelted stones at the Kejriwal’s car but some people were trying to show black flags to the former chief minister, who were immediately removed from the spot. In a purported video of the incident, Kejriwal can be seen sitting in a vehicle with police personnel clearing the route for it. A man waving a black piece of cloth and a stone hurled towards the vehicle were also seen in the video clip. Soft Hindutva takes centre stage The Delhi election campaign is tinged with saffron as a jostle is on between the ruling AAP and the Opposition BJP to become biggest benefactors of the priests and the like. So far in the run-up to the February 5 election, AAP has been seen to be coasting along a religious course. AAP recently announced a monthly honorarium of R18,000 to temple priests and the granthis of gurdwaras under a "Pujari Granthi Samman Yojna", to be implemented if the party returns to power in Delhi. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2025 07:49 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised the caste survey conducted by the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, calling it an "exercise to befool the people". He reiterated his party's commitment to a nationwide caste census, emphasising its importance for planning development initiatives in the country, news agency PTI reported. He also stated that the political fight in the country is between "those who want to save the Constitution and ones who are spreading hatred." Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of "undermining the Constitution and neglecting marginalised communities", PTI reported. Referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent remarks on "true independence," he said the statement was "against the country's Constitution." Addressing the 'Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan' at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna, Rahul Gandhi said, "Dalits, minorities, and socially marginalised people comprise 90 per cent of the population of this country, but they are not part of the system. This is the reason that we have been demanding a caste census." He added, "I have categorically told leaders in Parliament, in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, that our party will get this passed at any cost." According to PTI, Gandhi argued that a caste census is vital to determine the extent of participation of OBCs (Other Backward Classes), Dalits, and workers in the bureaucracy and other sectors. "The aim of the caste census is not just to know the count of various castes but to assess their participation in the country's wealth as well. We don't want a caste survey like the one conducted by the Bihar government. That exercise was just to befool people," he alleged. He also criticised the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SCs (Scheduled Castes), STs (Scheduled Tribes), and OBCs, claiming, "The current cap is not enough. We will increase it for the benefit of the majority of the people. A few select organisations, including the RSS and its people, along with industrial houses, are running the country." Highlighting the significance of the Constitution, Gandhi said, "The country's Constitution is not just a book; it talks about the atrocities and difficulties faced by Dalits." On Bhagwat's 'true independence' remark, he alleged, "His remark about India's true independence after the Ram temple consecration is against the Constitution. The BJP and the RSS are undermining the Constitution and neglecting marginalised communities." (With PTI inputs)
18 January,2025 05:34 PM IST | Patna | mid-day online correspondentThe Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court in West Bengal on Saturday found Sanjay Roy guilty in the Kolkata rape-murder case, news agency ANI reported. On August 9, 2024, a trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The verdict was delivered by Justice Anirban Das. The quantum of punishment will be announced by the court on Monday. The court stated that Sections 64 (rape), 66 (punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim), and 103/1 (murder) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) had been framed against the accused. "There is a complaint against the accused that he went to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, entered the seminar room, assaulted and murdered the lady doctor who was resting there," the court said. Roy pleaded with the judge, asserting that he had been falsely implicated in the case, ANI reported. "I have not done this. Those who have done this are being let go. I have been falsely implicated," he told the court. "I always wear a rudraksha chain around my neck. If I had committed the crime, my chain would have been broken at the place of occurrence. I cannot commit this crime," accused Roy added. However, Justice Das replied that the accused would be heard again on Monday. "You will be heard on Monday. Now, I am sending you to judicial custody. Your punishment will be announced on Monday. I have fixed the time at 12:30 to hear. The punishment will then be announced," he said. The Kolkata rape-murder case had sparked widespread protests. Following the incident, Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital, was arrested in connection with the crime. In November, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet concerning financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The charge sheet named Sandip Ghosh and others, including Dr Ashish Kumar Pandey, Biplab Singha, Suman Hazra, and Afsar Ali Khan, for alleged their involvement in financial misconduct. This investigation was initiated following an order by the Calcutta High Court. In addition to the corruption case, Ghosh was questioned over the murder, too. As part of the investigation, the CBI conducted polygraph tests on him. A delay in filing the charge sheet resulted in bail being granted to the accused, including Abhijit Mondal and Ghosh. Earlier on Saturday, the father of the victim remarked that whatever punishment is deemed appropriate will be decided by the court. Speaking to ANI, he asserted that they would continue to seek justice through the court. "Not just one, but the DNA report shows the presence of four boys and one girl. We will feel some relief when the accused are punished. Until we get justice, we will keep knocking on the doors of the court and will also seek the support of the people of the country," the father said. He also alleged that CBI had done nothing in the matter. "The CBI has done nothing in this matter. There is no question of satisfaction here. We have raised several questions before the High Court and the Supreme Court. We have sought answers from the court itself. We did not seek answers from the CBI, but the court assigned all responsibility to the CBI," he said. (With ANI inputs)
18 January,2025 04:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWelcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Knife attack on Saif: Intruder got aggressive but did not touch jewellery, Kareena tells police Saif Ali Khan's wife and actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has informed the police that the intruder who entered their house in Mumbai got aggressive during the scuffle but did not touch jewellery kept in the open, an official said on Saturday. Allahabad HC judge Shekhar Yadav to skip seminar on Ram temple movement in Kumbh Mela Mahakumbh Nagar (UP): Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Yadav, whose speech at a VHP event in December kicked up a controversy, has opted out of a seminar on the Ram temple movement in the Kumbh Mela area on January 22. where he was scheduled to deliver the keynote address, an organiser said on Saturday Financial Intelligence Unit and National Housing Bank sign MoU for enhanced coordination The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) and the National Housing Bank (NHB) on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of continued coordinated efforts in effective implementation of requirements of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Rules framed thereunder in New Delhi. According to a Ministry of Finance release, the MoU was signed by Vivek Aggarwal, Director, FIU-IND and Sanjay Shukla, Managing Director, NHB. Maharashtra CM Fadnavis congratulates MCA on Wankhede Stadium's 50th anniversary Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and fans as Wankhede Stadium completed its 50th anniversary, according to the release from MCA. MCA is hosting a week-long celebration, starting January 12, to mark this historic milestone with the grand spectacle scheduled to take place on Sunday. Read More 'Dhartiputra Nandini' actor Aman Jaiswal killed in road accident in Mumbai TV actor Aman Jaiswal (23) died after a truck rammed into his motorbike on Jogeshwari road in Mumbai on Friday afternoon, police said. He was known for a lead role in the TV serial "Dhartiputra Nandini". Read More
18 January,2025 02:16 PM IST | MumbaiA mysterious disease has caused widespread panic in Jammu and Kashmir's Badhal village, with 16 reported fatalities and 38 affected individuals since early December 2024, ANI reported. The cause of the illness is still unidentified, despite extensive efforts by medical experts and organisations such as PGIMER Chandigarh, the National Institute of Virology, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). On Saturday, one woman from Badhaal Village was admitted to the Government Medical College (GMC) after showing symptoms of the mysterious illness. Authorities are on high alert, with the Rajouri district administration, police, and health department coordinating to look into the fatalities and help the impacted families. The outbreak has primarily impacted three interlinked families in the village, ANI cited. Due to the lack of concrete information regarding the cause of the disease, efforts to enforce targeted measures into place have been hindered, forcing local authorities to step up their investigations and preventive measures in a race against time to avoid further deaths. Additionally, the medical staff on site is examining the chaotic state of "mysterious illness." As per ANI, an official said, "We're closely monitoring the situation. Reports of illnesses and deaths due to a mysterious disease will be available within 8-10 days. Medical assistance has been provided in 4 wards, and door-to-door counselling and surveillance are ongoing. ICMR has collected samples, and we're taking daily samples. Doctors are available 24/7, and village surveillance has been ongoing since December 7." Another member of the team said, "From a pediatric perspective, all necessary tests have been conducted. The symptoms and progression of the illness have been observed. The ill children's condition deteriorates rapidly within 2-3 days, leading to coma and eventually death despite ventilation. Notably, these incidents are confined to three specific families, suggesting a non-infectious cause. Therefore, there's no need for the general public to worry." The situation continues to increase, with all relevant departments committed to identifying the origin of the disease and ensuring the safety of the localites, ANI reported. (With inputs from ANI)
18 January,2025 12:23 PM IST | Rajouri | mid-day online correspondentA total of 1521 nominations have been filed for the assembly elections on 70 constituencies of Delhi, scheduled to be held on February 5, as per the Election Commission of India. These nomination papers have been filed by 981 candidates for 70 seats of the Delhi Assembly, said the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi. The scrutiny for these nomination papers will be done today and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. According to the Election Commission of India, a total of 680 nomination papers were filed on the last date of filing nominations, January 17. As per the ECI, the maximum number of nomination papers have been filed in the New Delhi Assembly Constituency and a total of 29 candidates have filed 40 nomination papers for this seat. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is contesting elections from the New Delhi seat against the sons of two former Delhi CMs, i.e, BJP's Parvesh Verma (son of Sahib Singh Verma) and Congress' Sandeep Dikshit (son of Sheila Dikshit). Meanwhile, the minimum number of nomination papers have been filed in Kasturba Nagar Assembly Constituency with a total of 6 candidates filing a total of 9 nomination papers. AAP has fielded Ramesh Pahalwan, BJP has fielded Neeraj Basoya and Congress has fielded Abhishek Dutt from this seat. A total of 18 candidates have filed 28 nomination papers from the Kalkaji seat, from which incumbent CM Atishi is contesting against BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress' Alka Lamba. The ruling AAP has fielded famous educator Awadh Ojha from the Patparganj seat which received 20 nomination papers from 11 candidates. It is worth noting that former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia had been contesting the Patparganj seat since 2013, but is now contesting from Jangpura assembly. Jangpura has received 19 nomination papers from 12 candidates. As per the ECI, a total of 154 nomination papers have been filed by 99 candidates in Central Delhi while East Delhi has received a total of 119 nominations from 79 candidates. The New Delhi part which contains constituencies like Patel Nagar, Delhi Cantt, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, RK Puram, and Greater Kailash has received a total of 135 nominations from 85 candidates. 108 candidates have filed 183 nominations in North Delhi while 116 nominations have been filed by 80 candidates in North-East Delhi. As per the data of the ECI, 90 candidates have filed 139 nominations from North West Delhi while 78 candidates have filed 124 nominations from the Shahdara area of the national capital. South Delhi containing constituencies of Malviya Nagar, Mehrauli, Chhatarpur, Deoli and Ambedkar Nagar has received a total of 88 nominations from 57 candidates. South East Delhi received 140 nominations from 93 candidates while South West Delhi received 153 nominations from 108 candidates. West Delhi including constituencies of Nangloi Jat, Moti Nagar, Madipur, Rajouri Garden, Hari Nagar, Tilak Nagar and Janakpuri received a total of 170 nominations from 104 seats. As the assembly elections inch closer, the poll battle in the national capital has also intensified, with the three parties - AAP, BJP, and Congress levelling allegations against each other. This assembly is witnessing a rift within the INDIA alliance as AAP and Congress are fighting the elections separately. Recently, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi asked former CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal what he has done towards combating inflation and helping the poor in the national capital while the latter claimed that the upcoming Assembly polls would uncover the long-standing alliance between the Congress and BJP, describing it as a "jugalbandi". However, the BJP-led NDA seems to be united in these assembly polls as the BJP has announced its candidates on 68 seats out of 70, leaving two seats of Burari for JDU's Shailendra Kumar and Deoli for LJG (RV). Delhi will go for polls on February 5 while the counting of votes will take place on February 8. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 January,2025 10:26 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Rohini court has sentenced a 60-year-old man to 12 years imprisonment for raping and impregnating a minor in 2018. The court on January 16 also imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the convict, to be given to the victim as compensation. While sentencing the accused, Special Judge (POCSO) Sushil Bala Dagar said, "Children are falling victim to sexual offences done by their family member, relative, neighbour, teacher, acquaintance, etc. Being innocent of their age; both boys and girls are abused." "In a patriarchal society as in our country, everyone is quick to blame the victim child involved in any such incident of penetrative sexual assault by the culprit for illicit intercourse. Rather, it is the convict on whom full blame ought to lie as he, despite being a neighbour is responsible for the heinous crime with the victim child," the court said in an order passed on January 16. "The sexual offence may be an isolated act for the convict, however, the said act deeply impacts the life of an innocent child," the special judge said in the order. The court said that it is the responsibility of society as a whole to take care of its children and to protect them from their physiological and psychological exploitation at the hands of the sexual abusers. The children of the present day are the future of society. The interests of vulnerable children need to be protected in order to have a healthy, developed, and vibrant society. The convict, in the present case has been held liable to be punished under section 6 POCSO Act and u/s 376 (2)(i) IPC, for having committed penetrative sexual assault upon the victim, the court said. Additional Public Prosecutor Yogita Kaushik assisted by the Counsel for DCW has contended that the convict should be granted maximum punishment so that like-minded persons in the society are deterred from committing such heinous and despicable offences. She submitted that the accused has been convicted for the offence u/s 6 POCSO Act and Section 376(2)(i) IPC (as in force prior to amendment dated 21.04.2018) committed against victim, a minor girl aged about 14 years and 07 months. The victim child gave birth to a new born baby whom she had put in a polypack and left on the street, where the new born was found by a passer-by. She submits that even though the victim child was won over by the convict at the time of her deposition, however, the medical evidence, FSL result and the entire prosecution version show that the convict had influenced the victim child as he was already helping the family of the victim child financially, Kaushik submitted. She further stated that there is no belying the fact that the victim suffered pain, faced hardships, disappointment and inconvenience including anxiety and depression and emotional harm for which she needs to be compensated. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 January,2025 06:31 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
