NEW DELHI, Apr 23 : The accused in the rape and murder of a 22-year-old woman in southeast Delhi’s Kailash Hills has told investigators that originally he planned to only rob the house, but the rest “just happened” after she refused to open the safe.
Police said that Rahul Meena (19) is responding to all questions during the interrogation but has changed his statements repeatedly.
They said that Rahul was a gambling addict and was in debt. He had earlier sold off his mobile phone to clear his debt, but couldn’t collect sufficient funds. Following this, he resorted to robbery.
“The accused had entered the society around 6 am and waited at a park near the house for the victim’s parents to leave for the gym. He then used a spare key to access the apartment and went straight to the rooftop study where the woman was preparing for her civil services examination,” according to police sources.
He further said that the moment he reached upstairs, the victim confronted him about his presence. He began demanding money, which led to an argument.
Asked about the rape and murder, he told police that he went there to steal cash. When he asked the girl to open the safe using her fingerprint, she refused, and the crime “just happened”.
He hit her multiple times with a heavy object on her head before allegedly strangling her with a mobile phone charging cable and raping her while she was unconscious.
He later dragged her blood-soaked body downstairs and attempted to open the locker using her fingerprint, but failed.
Police said he then broke open the locker using a screwdriver, stole cash and jewellery, changed his blood-stained clothes and slippers, and fled the scene.
To avoid suspicion, the accused made a fake phone call while leaving the house and pretended to be speaking to someone as he walked out of the building towards Dwarka. He also switched off his mobile phone to evade tracking.
“When a car cleaner questioned him about his visit, he casually said he would get his dues back today,” the source said.
Investigators believe the robbery was pre-planned, with the accused taking several steps to avoid detection. CCTV footage showed he entered the colony around 6.30 am, accessed the house at 6.49 am and left at about 7.20 am. He was inside the house for over 30 minutes.
The incident came to light when the victim’s parents returned home and found her lying in a pool of blood.
The accused, a former domestic help who had worked at the house for eight months before being fired a month ago, was aware of the family’s routine, police said. (PTI)
Delhi rape-murder case: Accused claims crime ‘just happened’ after woman refused to open locker
France operationalises visa-free transit for Indians transiting through its airports, says MEA
NEW DELHI, Apr 23 : Indians transiting through France exclusively by air will no longer require a transit visa, as the French government has operationalised an agreement to remove such a requirement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the announcement at his weekly media briefing here, saying India welcomes the move.
Later in a statement, the MEA said the visa-free transit for Indian nationals transiting through the European territory of France has now been operationalised by the French government.
The decision showcases deep commitment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen bilateral relations, the MEA said.
At the media briefing, Jaiswal said the decision reflects the enduring partnership between India and France, elevated to the level of a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ during the recent visit of President Macron to India, as also further facilitation of smoother movement of people, and enhancing of people-to-people ties.
“The government of France has now operationalised this agreement, and Indian nationals transiting through mainland France exclusively by air will no longer need a transit visa, with effect from 10th April, 2026,” Jaiswal said.
“We welcome the announcement on the operationalisation of visa-free transit for Indian nationals transiting through French airports. As you may recall, the removal of the requirement of transit visas for Indian passport holders was agreed between the prime minister and President Macron during their meeting in Mumbai in February this year,” he said. (PTI)
CS reviews Rs 3440.43 cr plan for flood restoration works
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: The Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the comprehensive plan for utilization of funds earmarked for works related to the permanent restoration of damages caused by floods and associated calamities in 2025.
The meeting besides the ACS, PDD; ACS, Finance; ACS, PWD; Principal Secretary, DMRR&R was attended by Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; Commissioner Secretary, YS&S; Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department.
The Deputy Commissioners also attended the meeting through video conferencing from their respective offices.
The Chief Secretary emphasised upon all departments to accord necessary administrative approval and technical sanction to ensure that works are tendered and completed without any delay.
He called for submission of work-wise completion details in due course and stressed that each project must be executed strictly as per the approved list and within the prescribed estimates. He enjoined upon the departments to expedite approvals so that tendering is completed promptly and execution of works is taken up by June this year.
The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of strict adherence to the guidelines issued by the Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for recovery and reconstruction. He observed that the Ministry is going to have its focus on the execution of these works therefore demands highest priority on our part as well. He directed all departments to ensure that project proposals are aligned with the PDNA findings and that there is no duplication of funding across different schemes, particularly between R&R and SASCI components.
The Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar, underscored the need to fix strict timelines for each stage of implementation to ensure timely completion of all projects. He assured that the UT share would be made available without any hindrance to facilitate smooth execution of these works.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation was made by Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti outlining the component-wise allocation of Rs 3440.43 Cr, structured across multiple funding streams to address both immediate relief and long-term resilience.
The Principal Secretary apprised that the largest share of Rs 1579.09 Cr has been approved under the Recovery & Reconstruction (R&R) component of the UT Disaster Response Fund (UTDRF) as Central Financial Assistance based on the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). This includes Rs 1421.118 Cr as Central share and Rs 157.909 Cr as UT share.
Moreover it was divulged that the funds are aimed at permanent restoration of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and public assets, with a focus on adopting a “build back better” approach to enhance disaster resilience. The Central share is to be released in three installments of 30%, 40%, and 30%, subject to utilization conditions.
The meeting further reviewed the strategy to spend Rs 1431 Cr Special Additional Central Assistance under SASCI component, which provides supplementary support for critical gaps and resilience-oriented interventions not fully covered under other funding mechanisms.
It was emphasized that this funding window would be utilized judiciously for priority sectors requiring additional financial backing, while ensuring no overlap with R&R allocations. The component constitutes funding for raising critical infrastructure in R&B Sector worth Rs 860 Cr, Jal Shakti (Rs 315 Cr), PDD (Rs 173 Cr), Agriculture Production Department (Rs 51Cr) and Youth Services & Sports Department (Rs 32 Cr).
The CAPEX Budget 2025-26 was also highlighted as an important component of the overall outlay, with dedicated provisions for flood mitigation and restoration works.
These include strengthening of flood control infrastructure, construction of protective works such as embankments and drainage systems, and integration of disaster resilience into capital development planning.
4 OGWs including woman arrested
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: Four Over Ground Workers (OGWs), including a woman, were arrested in Srinagar for allegedly providing logistic support to terrorists.
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An official said that Police arrested the four OGWs from Hazratbal area of the city last night.
They identified the OGWs as Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Bashir Ahmad Bhat, and Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, all residents of Hazratbal.
The woman was identified as Shazia Mohammad, a resident of Hazratbal as well.
He said a hand grenade, 15 AK-47 rounds, four mobile phones and some cash were recovered from their possession.
A case has been filed against them under various sections of the UAPA and Arms Act.
Trump orders ‘shoot & kill’ Iranian boats choking Strait of Hormuz
DUBAI, Apr 23: President Donald Trump today said he has ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” small Iranian boats that deploy mines to choke traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Trump’s post on social media came shortly after the US military seized another tanker associated with the smuggling of Iranian oil, ratcheting up a standoff with Tehran over the strait through which 20 per cent of all crude oil and natural gas traded passes.
“I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be…that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump posted. “There is to be no hesitation. Additionally, our mine sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now.”
“I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level!” Trump added.
He also said the military is intensifying mine clearing operations in the critical waterway.
The move comes a day after Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guards attacked three cargo ships in the strait, capturing two of them.
The Defence Department released video footage earlier on Thursday of US forces on the deck of the Guinea-flagged oil tanker Majestic X, which was seized in the Indian Ocean.
“We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate,” a Pentagon statement said.
Ship-tracking data showed the Majestic X in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, roughly the same location as the oil tanker Tifani, earlier seized by American forces. It had been bound for Zhoushan, China.
The vessel previously had been named Phonix and had been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in 2024 for smuggling Iranian crude oil in contravention of US sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
There was no immediate response from Iran on the news of the seizure.
On Tuesday, Trump extended a ceasefire while maintaining an American blockade of Iranian ports. There was no immediate sign whether peace talks, previously hosted by Pakistan, would resume anytime soon.
The standoff between the US and Iran has effectively choked off nearly all exports through the strait with no end in sight.
On Thursday, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi was splattered with red liquid as he left a building after a news conference in Berlin. The alleged perpetrator was immediately detained by police.
During the event, Pahlavi criticised the ceasefire between the US and Iran, arguing that the agreement assumes the Iranian government’s behaviour will change and “you’re going to deal with people who all of a sudden have become pragmatists.”
Since the Feb. 28 start of the war between Iran, Israel and the United States, over 30 ships have come under attack in the waters of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
The threat of attack, rising insurance premiums and other fears have stopped traffic from moving through the strait. Iran’s ability to restrict traffic through the strait, which leads from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, has proved a major strategic advantage.
The ceasefire has been strained by duelling US attacks on Iranian ships and those by Iran on commercial vessels. It also remains unclear when, or if, the two sides will meet again in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, where officials say they are still trying to bring the countries together to reach a diplomatic deal.
Meanwhile, in new Delhi India today described as “uninformed” and “inappropriate” a social media repost by US President Donald Trump that referred to India and some other countries as “hellholes” in the context of immigration.
India’s response came after a controversy was created by Trump reposting comments by American radio show host Michael Savage that contained derogatory references to India.
Savage had made the comments in the context of a case in the US supreme court challenging birthright citizenship.
The US embassy sought to control the damage caused by the remarks as it put out a message that Trump believes India is a “great” country led by a “good friend of mine”.
“We have seen the comments, as also the subsequent statement issued by the US embassy in response,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“The remarks are obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste. They certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests,” he said. (Agencies)
Pencil workers’ protest dharna enters 10th day
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: Hindustan Pencils Factory Ploura, workers’ dharna entered 10th consecutive day today against the illegal closure of the factory.
More than 150 workers are continuously staging protest demonstration and dharna in front of the factory gate of M/s Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd (Natraj Pencils) Jammu for illegal clouser of factory without complying to the Labour laws.
They pointed out that labourers/workers who were working in the factory from the last over 20-25 years have been ignored and denied statutory dues. Neither any permission has been obtained by the management nor any intimation in this regard was given to the workers.
The Workers Union alleged that management with a planned conspiracy and just to get rid of the regular employment to the contractual employment, have done all this and also alleged that any talks/ negotiations were not conducted with the workers those who were working in the factory from the last 30- 35 years, just to get rid of the workers on the name of closure, alleged the workers.
The Union has appealed the Labour department to take action against the management for illegal closure in violation of Labour laws or force management to make payments as per golden hand shake scheme as given by Bhilwara, Dajudwala, Hindustan Coca Cola, Hindustan Lever Ltd. Himalyan Wool Combers etc.
Prominent among those who addressed the gathering included, Harnam Singh- president of the Union, Mohinder Lal- general secretary, Yashpaul, Sharda Devi, Nitu Rani, Reena Sharma, Chanchal Sharma, Arun Katoch and Prem Nath.
Polling held so far in first phase of Bengal polls indicates TMC already in position to win: Mamata
KOLKATA, Apr 23 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asserted that polling held so far in the first phase of the assembly polls indicates the TMC is already in a position to win.
Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said at a rally in Bow Bazar area of Kolkata that she will conquer Delhi taking along all opposition parties, after winning the election.
A voter turnout of 89.93 per cent was recorded till 5 pm, as polling was underway in 152 of the 294 assembly seats in phase 1. The next round will take place on April 29, while counting will be held on May 4.
“From my understanding of people’s mind, we are already in a position to win given the polling held so far today,” Banerjee said.
“I am not interested in any post, I don’t want the chair. I only want the end of BJP government in Delhi,” she said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Krishnanagar, congratulated the people of West Bengal for the massive turnout in the first phase of the polls, terming it an “overwhelming mandate for change”.
Banerjee, however, asserted that people voted in good numbers to protest the deletion of names in the SIR exercise, claiming that her efforts led to inclusion of 32 lakh names in the voter list.
“On the day of the polls, you (PM) are saying you will win; can you say this?” Banerjee said, adding, “How can the BJP be so naive.”
Responding to Modi’s remarks that the BJP’s Bengal unit would hold victory celebrations on May 4 after the counting of votes gets over, and the party would distribute among people not just sweets, but also ‘jhalmuri’, the CM said: “I will send ‘bhelpuri’ (popular street food) to you, it is available in Delhi.”
The PM had savoured ‘jhalmuri’ (another popular street snack) at an unscheduled stop during his visit to Jhargram last week.
At the Krishnanagar rally on Thursday, Modi also said: “I have heard that even ‘jhalmuri’ has given certain individuals a thunderous jolt. I had ‘jhalmuri’, but it seems that the TMC leaders are feeling heat of the chillies.”
Replying to the PM, Banerjee said “we are used to jhalmuri’s spiciness”.
Speaking at another rally in Tollygunj constituency, Banerjee said she has always championed the cause of people and will continue to do so.
“They (the BJP) have been bothering Bengal for the last 12 years,” the TMC chief said, maintaining that the BJP-led government at the Centre was not releasing the state’s pending dues.
Criticising the PM, Banerjee said that while on one hand he talks about lawlessness in Bengal, and on the other, he says that peaceful polls were held.
Noting that 90 lakh names were deleted from the electoral rolls during the SIR process, Banerjee said even those who never used to go to vote came out to exercise their franchise in the first phase on Thursday.
“We will win on their votes, no other party will win. Why will the TMC not win? We will surely win,” she asserted.
Banerjee added that she was not concerned with the record number of central force deployment for the assembly polls. “It is the people who will cast the votes and not the police or the CAPF.” (PTI)
NIA attaches property in Pulwama
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) today attached an immovable property under UAPA in Rajpora area of Pulwama district.
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An official said that the NIA team attached the property belonging to Tanveer Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Ahmad Wani under the provisions of section 33 (1) of the unlawful activities (Prevention)
The property comprises land measuring 3 Kanals and 4 Marlas, recorded under Khewat No. 98, Khata No. 527, and Survey No. 1678/858, at Abhama and Draklaran.
Delhi reels under scorching heat as mercury touches 43 C; IMD issues heat wave alert
NEW DELHI, April 23: Delhi woke up to a relatively pleasant but breezy morning on Thursday, only for the heat to intensify sharply as the day progressed. The minimum temperature settled around 25.4 C, but by 8 am it had already climbed to nearly 33 C.
Several weather stations across the city crossed the 40 C mark, with Ridge’s temperature soaring to 43 C, pushing the capital closer to isolated heatwave conditions.
Safdarjung, Delhi’s based Observatory, and Ayanagar temperatures logged at 41.4 C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Palam and Lodi Road also touched 41.6 C and 41.4 C, respectively.
The IMD has warned that the heat will intensify further, issuing heat wave alerts for isolated parts of Delhi on Friday and Saturday.
Daytime temperatures may reach 42-44 C over the next two days, with a marginal drop afterwards, while remaining above 40 C. A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 C and is 4.5 C above normal, or when it crosses 45 C.
Officials advised residents to avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. With clear skies and limited wind speed expected due to the absence of a western disturbance, Delhi is bracing for several sweltering days ahead.
(UNI)
Annual conference of Jammu Mathematical Society begins at JU
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: A national seminar on “Recent Trends in Topological Algebraic Analysis and Applications (RTTAAA-2026) along with 32nd annual conference of Jammu Mathematical Society (JMS) were inaugurated today at the University of Jammu.
The three-day academic activity is being organized by the Department of Mathematics, University of Jammu, in collaboration with Jammu Mathematical Society (JMS).
Padma Shri Prof Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, Higher Education Council, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, graced the event as the chief guest. Addressing the inaugural session, he noted that great mathematicians such as Fourier, Newton and Kepler developed theories from real-life problems, and urged young scholars to revive this tradition. He cautioned against excessive focus on “blackboard mathematics” without societal relevance, and called for a balanced approach that combines rigour with bold thinking. Referring to artificial intelligence, he observed that if applied meaningfully, it can help uncover patterns and generate new insights.
Presiding over the occasion. Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, emphasized the need to reform teaching methods and move towards application-based learning. He pointed out that the current system often prioritizes rote learning and completion of syllabus over genuine understanding and innovation. Advocating a shift in pedagogy, he suggested that students should first engage with practical experiences and then connect them with theoretical concepts.
Prof A P Singh, former Head of the Department of Mathematics and former Dean, Faculty of Sciences, JU, noted that such initiatives provide valuable exposure to students and prepare them for wider academic engagement.
Earlier, Prof Romesh Kumar, Head, Department of Mathematics and President of the Jammu Mathematical Society, highlighted the achievements of the Department and the Society. Dr Tirth Ram, Secretary of the Jammu Mathematical Society, presented a detailed report on the activities of the Society. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Manish Kumar.
The conference has attracted leading mathematicians from across the country, along with a large number of young researchers and scholars. The three-day programme includes plenary talks, invited lectures, and paper presentations focusing on recent developments in topological algebraic analysis and applications. Eminent mathematicians present on the occasion included Prof. Ajay Kumar (Delhi), Prof Riddhi Shah (JNU), Prof Debashis Ghosal (JNU), and Prof Shobha Bagai (University of Delhi).