Category Archives: Newsbeat

Vizianagaram Train Accident: Death Toll Rises to 14

Vizianagaram Train Accident: Rescue operations are continuing in full swing at the Kantakapalli train accident site in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. The death toll in Sunday night’s train accident has risen to 14, with more than 100 people injured.

The injured were shifted to Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram hospitals. Officials have revealed that the death toll is likely to increase.

Another train collided with a train standing on the same track at Kantakapalli in Kothavalasa mandal of Vizianagaram district. The Visakha-Rayagada passenger train, which left Visakhapatnam, stopped on the tracks after the overhead electric wires were cut. Palasa-Visakha Express collided with this stopped passenger train from behind. As a result, the last three coaches of the Rayagada passenger train derailed and hit an oncoming goods engine.

The railway department has announced financial assistance of Rs.10 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs.2 lakh to the injured and Rs.50 thousand to the slightly injured.

12 trains have been cancelled and 15 trains have been diverted in the wake of the accident.

Former Jubilee Hills MLA Meets CM KCR Amid Ticket Denial

Former Jubilee Hills MLA P. Vishnuvardhan Reddy meets CM KCR after being denied Congress ticket

Hyderabad: Former Jubilee Hills MLA P. Vishnuvardhan Reddy met with Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao at Pragathi Bhavan on Sunday, a day after he was denied a Congress ticket for the upcoming assembly elections.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) instead opted for former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin as its candidate for the Jubilee Hills constituency.

Reddy and his followers had expressed their dissent by throwing stones and attacking Gandhi Bhavan, the party’s headquarters in Hyderabad, on Saturday.

Reddy won from Jubilee Hills in 2004 and 2009, but lost to MLA Maganti Gopinath in 2014 and 2018.

It is unclear what was discussed in Reddy’s meeting with KCR, but it has sparked speculation that he may be planning to switch parties. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), led by KCR, is the ruling party in Telangana.

Reddy’s meeting with KCR comes at a time when the Congress is facing a series of setbacks in Telangana. The party has lost several key leaders to the TRS in recent months.

The TRS is seen as the frontrunner in the upcoming assembly elections. The party has a strong track record of performance and is popular among voters.

If Reddy does join the TRS, it would be a major blow to the Congress. Reddy is a popular leader in Jubilee Hills and has a strong following.

Chilly Times in Telangana as Temperatures Drop!

Telangana Experiences Noticeable Drop in Temperatures, Experts Predict Further Decrease

Telangana: Get ready to bundle up, folks! Telangana is experiencing a noticeable drop in temperatures, especially during the night. According to the experts at the Meteorological Department, cold winds are making their way into the state from the northeast and north, causing the mercury to plummet.

It’s not just the nights that are getting colder, even daytime temperatures are taking a hit. The meteorological sources predict that North Telangana might see even lower temperatures in the coming days. Places like Adilabad, Karimnagar, and Nizamabad are likely to feel the brunt of this increasing cold, and even Hyderabad is not exempt from the cooling trend.

In Hyderabad, the minimum temperature was recorded at 16.6 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department. But the real chill is happening in places like Malkajgiri, which hit a bone-chilling 11.6 degrees, Serilingampally at 12.1 degrees, and Rajendranagar at 12.6 degrees.

The cold front extends to other areas as well, with temperatures like 12.8 degrees in Ramachandrapuram, Patancheruvu, 14 degrees in Secunderabad, Chandanagar, Kuthbullapur, 15 degrees in Adilabad, 13.4 degrees in Medak, 13.8 degrees in Patancheruvu, and 17.7 degrees in Ramagundam.

As the days go by, the cold weather is expected to intensify, so it’s a good idea to start taking precautions to stay warm and cozy.

Passenger Train Derails Near Kothavalasa, 7 Killed, 40 Injured

Kothavalasa: A passenger train en route from Visakhapatnam to Rayagada in Odisha derailed near Kothavalasa (M) Alamanda-Kantakapalli, situated in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, on Sunday evening.
Railway officials have rushed to the site to assess the situation and provide necessary assistance.

According to initial reports, at least 7 persons has been killed and 40 others have been injured in the accident. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The cause of the derailment is not yet known. However, railway officials are investigating the matter.

More details are awaited. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

Updates:

  • The train that derailed is the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger Train.
  • The train derailed at around 7:30 PM on Sunday evening.
  • Three coaches of the train derailed.
  • The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
  • The cause of the derailment is not yet known. However, railway officials are investigating the matter.

Passengers who are traveling on this route are advised to check the train status before they start their journey.

Hyderabad: 37-Year-Old Man Dies by Suicide

Hyderabad: A 37-year-old man, Myakala Raju, died by suicide at his house in Moinabad on Saturday night. Raju had quarrelled with his wife a few weeks ago following which she went to her mother’s place. On Saturday afternoon, Raju went to the house of his in-laws and asked his wife to come along with him to their house. However, she turned down his request.

According to the Moinabad sub inspector, N Mothilal, Raju slipped into depression over the family developments and consumed bathroom cleaning acid. He was rushed to the hospital by local people where doctors pronounced him dead. A case is registered at Moinabad police station and investigation is going on.

Kerala: Ernakulam Convention Center Blasts: One Dead, 40 Injured, Terror Attack Suspected

Kalamassery, Kerala: One person was killed and 40 others were injured in a series of blasts that occurred at a convention center in Kalamassery, Ernakulam district of Kerala on Sunday morning.

The blasts took place at the Zamra International Convention Centre where thousands of members of Jehovah’s Witnesses had gathered for a meeting.

The cause of the blast is yet to be confirmed, but it is suspected to be a terrorist attack.

The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, and the blast site has been cordoned off by the police. State Industries Minister P Rajeev has confirmed that police and fire rescue teams have been pressed into service.

The injured are being treated at various hospitals in the area, and some of them have reportedly suffered serious burns.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, and authorities are investigating the matter.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Condemns Blasts

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condemned the blasts in Kalamassery and ordered a thorough investigation. He has also assured that the state government will provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Expresses Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He has assured that the central government will provide all necessary assistance to the state government in dealing with the situation.

Investigation Underway

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the blasts. A team of NIA officials has arrived in Kerala and begun their investigation.

The police are also investigating the matter and have detained a few suspects.

Motive Behind the Blasts Unknown

The motive behind the blasts is still not known. The police are investigating all possible angles, including terrorism.

The incident has raised concerns about security in Kerala, which has been relatively peaceful in recent years.

Security Beefed Up in Kerala

The state government has beefed up security across Kerala following the blasts. Police have been deployed at all major public places and transportation hubs.

The state government has also appealed to the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Conclusion

The blasts at the convention center in Kalamassery have come as a shock to the entire country. The incident has raised concerns about security in Kerala, which has been relatively peaceful in recent years.

The authorities are investigating the matter and have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

 

Rachakonda Constable Dismissed for Theft of Rs. 18.50 Lakh

A Rachakonda constable, Ballari Srikanth, has been dismissed from service after he was caught stealing Rs. 18.50 lakh from a cashier of a company in Punjagutta by claiming to be local police.

Srikanth, along with two other persons, had waylaid Pradeep and Shankar, who were carrying Rs. 20 lakh in a bag. On the pretext of vehicle checking, they took Pradeep into a car and stole Rs. 18.50 lakh from the bag before dropping him off.

On receiving a complaint from the victim, the Punjagutta police registered a case and began investigating. They later identified Srikanth and his accomplices and arrested two of them, including Srikanth. The third accomplice is absconding.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner DS Chauhan issued orders dismissing Srikanth from the service. Srikanth worked as a driver for an officer working in Rachakonda and had used an official car to carry out the theft.

The Punjagutta police are continuing to investigate the case and are hopeful of arresting the third accomplice soon.

DLF Food Street in Hyderabad to Close at 11 PM Till Elections

DLF Hyderabad: The police have instructed vendors of the DLF street in the Gachibowli area to close shop by 11 pm till the upcoming Telangana State Legislative Assembly elections. This move has come as a disappointment to many IT employees and street food enthusiasts, who frequent the lane for its late-night snacks.

The street is a popular hub for a variety of culinary options, from shawarma, biryani, kebabs, and maggi to dosa, momos, fruit juices, and ice creams. It is also a sought-after hangout venue for youngsters and a relief to those working graveyard shifts.

Owners of the food stalls are concerned about the significant loss this move will incur. One owner, who runs an AM-PM Maggi Point, said, “We do not have any business during breakfast and lunchtime. The only time we get customers is during the night. If we cut down hours there and that too for so many days, it is a huge loss to us.”
Employees working night shifts are also upset by the move. One Reddit user wrote, “How do I get my midnight snack now?”

The police have said that the decision has been taken to avoid any untoward incident and public nuisance while the Model Code of Conduct is enforced. However, many people have questioned the need for such a drastic measure, especially since the street has a good reputation and has never been the site of any major problems.

It remains to be seen whether the police will reconsider their decision in the light of the public outcry. However, for now, it seems that DLF’s food street will be closing early for the next few weeks.

13 Migrant Labourers Killed in Karnataka Road Accident

13 migrant labourers from Andhra Pradesh killed in road accident in Karnataka

Thirteen migrant labourers from Andhra Pradesh were killed and two others injured in a road accident in Karnataka on Thursday morning. The accident occurred when their speeding car hit a stationary lorry tanker on the highway near Chikballapur.

All the dead were from Gorantla mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district in Andhra Pradesh. They had gone to their native place for the Dasara festival and were returning to work when the accident occurred.

The driver of the car could not spot the tanker parked on one side due to poor visibility caused by fog. Five people died on the spot and eight others breathed their last while undergoing treatment at the Chikballapur hospital. The condition of another person is said to be critical.

Police are investigating the incident.

 

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Minister Ambati Rambabu takes a dig at Nara Bhuvaneswari’s yatra

Rajamahendravaram, October 27, 2023: Telangana Water Resources Minister Ambati Rambabu has taken a dig at the “Nijam Gelavali” (truth should prevail) yatra launched by Nara Bhuvaneswari, the wife of Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Rambabu told media persons on Thursday that the yatra was nothing but a ploy by Chandrababu to gain sympathy and cover up his own corruption. He said that Chandrababu was in prison today because there was ample evidence against him in the skill development scam.

Instead of launching a yatra for truth, Bhuvaneswari should launch a movement for corruption, lies, and injustice,” Rambabu remarked.

He also challenged Bhuvaneswari to demand a Central probe into their assets. “If you seek the probe, truth will prevail,” he commented.

Responding to allegations by AP BJP president Daggubati Purandeswari regarding liquor, Rambabu said that liquor sales had come down after the YSR Congress Party came to power. He added that no new distilleries or brands had been allowed since then.

“The Boom Boom beer and President Medal brands were introduced during the Chandrababu regime,” he recalled.

Osmania University to Award PhD Degrees to Three Sitting MLAs

Osmania University Hyderabad: Three sitting MLAs in Telangana are set to receive PhD degrees from Osmania University. Balka Suman, Dansari Anasuya alias Seethakka, and Guvvala Balaraju will receive their degrees in English, Political Science, and Law, respectively.

In addition to the MLAs, several other prominent individuals, including judges, bureaucrats, public prosecutors, and lawyers, will also be receiving PhD degrees at the university’s convocation ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University, Prof. D. Ravinder, congratulated the MLAs and other recipients on their achievements. He said that the university is proud to be a part of their educational journey and wished them all the best for their future endeavors.

The award of PhD degrees to three sitting MLAs is a significant achievement for Telangana. It is a testament to the state’s commitment to education and its efforts to promote intellectual discourse. It is also a reminder that public service and academic excellence can go hand-in-hand.

Hyderabad: Rowdy Sheeter Khaiser Pahelwan Arrested for Extortion and Threats

Hyderabad, Oct 26: In a significant breakthrough, the Habeeb Nagar Police of the Asifnagar Division, South West Zone, Hyderabad, have arrested the notorious Rowdy Sheeter, Mohd Kaiser, who also goes by various aliases, including Kaiser, Chor Kaiser, and Pahelwan Kaiser. The 54-year-old, who is known to be a partner in the Kohinoor Family Dhaba in Zaheerabad, Sangareddy, and resides near Yousufain Dargah in Nampally, Hyderabad, has been apprehended in connection with an extortion case registered under Cr No 295/2023, with charges under sections 384, 506, and 120-(b) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Habeeb Nagar Police Station.

 

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police B. Balaswamy from the South West Zone, the arrest followed credible information received on October 24. It was reported that Mohd Kaiser had been approached by an individual from Gudimalkapur with a sinister request to eliminate his rivals. These rivals were allegedly involved in the murder case of the informant’s brother, Vanarasi Raju, which occurred in 2016 within the Golconda Police Station limits.

 

Allegedly, Mohd Kaiser accepted the proposal and was sent photographs of the rival individuals by the informant. He demanded a sum of Rs 2 lakhs to carry out the task with his associates and successfully collected this amount at Al-Madina Hotel, Habeeb Nagar, Hyderabad.

 

However, Mohd Kaiser failed to execute the task and postponed it on various pretexts. Subsequently, he began threatening the informant to pay Rs 4 lakhs, warning that he would eliminate him if he failed to comply. Fearing for his safety, the informant paid Rs 2 lakhs at Sun City and an additional Rs 1.5 lakhs at Tabanda Hotel. Additionally, over the years, between 2021 and 2022, Mohd Kaiser allegedly extorted smaller sums of money, including Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 15,000, from the informant through phone threats.

 

Mohd Kaiser is known for his modus operandi of threatening innocent individuals and extorting money from them through intimidation. He has been involved in various criminal activities such as taking supari (contract killing), land grabbing, and land settlements. His criminal journey began with petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft. Notably, in 1995, he and a friend named Aqeel assassinated a person named Afzal at Toddy compound, Goodshed, Nampally, Hyderabad, due to a personal grudge.

 

After a period of detention, he formed a gang and started threatening innocent people, leading to his involvement in as many as 22 criminal cases, along with land grabbing and settlements, amassing an estimated illegal fortune of 100 crores. In response to his activities, Externment orders were issued in 2011. After completing a one-year externment period, he returned to Hyderabad and resumed his criminal activities, which eventually led to his detention under the Preventive Detention Act (P.D. Act) in 2014. He was subsequently lodged in Cherlapally Prisons.

 

Following his recent arrest, the Rowdy Sheeter Mohd Kaiser has been produced before the court on October 26, 2023, and subsequently sent to judicial remand, where he is currently lodged in Cherlapally Prisons.

 

The Hyderabad City Police urge the general public not to live in fear of the aforementioned Rowdy Sheeter, Mohd Kaiser. Citizens are encouraged to report any information personally or anonymously through Hawkeye or the Hyderabad City Police’s WhatsApp helpline to initiate necessary legal actions against him.

 

The arrest operation was conducted under the diligent supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police B. Balaswamy, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohd Ashfaq, and Assistant Commissioner of Police L. Raja Venkat Reddy, all from the South West Zone of Hyderabad.

 

This arrest is a significant step in ensuring the safety and security of the public, and it sends a strong message that criminal activities will not be tolerated in the city.