National

CM Fadnavis Stands by Minister Facing Backlash over Inflammatory Comments on Rape Survivor

Published

1 year ago

March 1, 2025

On Friday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam after he faced backlash from the Opposition for his insensitive remarks regarding a recent rape incident at Pune’s Swargate bus depot.

Following a visit to the bus stand and a briefing from police, Kadam addressed reporters, stating, “A man with a criminal mind spoke sweetly to a woman for a few minutes. We know what happened after that. There was no fight, no argument, nor any force. Nothing like that happened. Whatever took place happened very peacefully—there was no shouting or fighting. We will obtain more details once the accused is in custody.”

It is important to note that the rape survivor was misled by the accused, who lured her into a parked, dark bus and then closed the door before she realized the situation. Inside the bus, he assaulted her, threatening to kill her if she screamed.

The Opposition swiftly criticized Kadam’s statements, prompting CM Fadnavis, who also leads the Home Ministry, to clarify, “What Yogesh Kadam intended to convey has been misinterpreted. He is new to the role and is trying to navigate this situation. Nonetheless, I advise all public representatives to communicate thoughtfully and sensitively.”

Congress leader Vijay Vadettiwar called for action against Kadam, questioning whether he was implying the survivor was lying. “His comments seemed to suggest that the girl is the accused,” he remarked, urging the government to clarify Kadam’s statements.

Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, condemned Kadam’s remarks, asserting, “If they perceive incidents of violence against women as normal, they should be removed from their roles. Just yesterday, Kadam said that the rape occurred quietly, implying that the girl did not resist. How insensitive can a minister be regarding atrocities against women! Why not pass a resolution in favor of rape if this is their stance? It was only due to the Opposition speaking up that the police started searching for the accused.

BJP Minister Sanjay Savkare also remarked that such incidents are common. We remember when former Minister R.R. Patil claimed that ‘small incidents happen in big cities’—he was forced to resign afterward. Both Sanjay Savkare and Yogesh Kadam should step down from their positions. If such insensitive individuals remain in the cabinet, then Devendra Fadnavis should resign as well.”

In response, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar advised leaders and ministers of the ruling BJP-Sena-NCP Mahayuti alliance to refrain from making insensitive statements. “One must choose their words carefully. They should not come across as defending the perpetrator. Everyone needs to be cautious in their reactions to such incidents,” Pawar stated.

“This incident has brought shame to humanity. The accused was apprehended at around 1 a.m. today, and a thorough investigation is currently underway. He is set to be presented in court today, and further details will emerge thereafter. I spoke with the Commissioner of Police this morning, who confirmed the accused’s custody and ongoing questioning,” Deputy CM Ajit Pawar concluded.

National

Killers Travelled 1,400 Km to Murder Delhi Professor

Published

4 hours ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Delhi Police solved the murder case of Delhi University professor Debosmita Paul within three days.

Investigators found that the accused had travelled nearly 1,400 km from West Bengal to Delhi to carry out the crime.

Police used CCTV footage, cab booking records, and GPS data to trace the suspects.

Seven special teams conducted raids across four states and arrested the accused in Bardhaman, West Bengal.

The investigation revealed that the murder was linked to a property dispute involving Paul’s ancestral property.

The swift and technology-driven investigation has been widely praised.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.