Breaking News: Wankhede's sister files plaint against Malik; Aryan's bail plea adjourned

In a massive development, a Pakistani boat on Wednesday was intercepted by the Punjab police at 12 pm in the afternoon from Tarna Nala area of the International Border (IB) of Punjab’s Pathankot district. The Punjab police was on regular patrol duty when they found the suspicious boat, following which it was immediately confiscated and was thoroughly searched.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Deputy DG Gyaneshwar Singh on Wednesday said that NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede will continue to be the investigator in the Mumbai cruise drugs bust case. He also informed that no evidence has been found against him.

Wankhede was questioned for three hours by the NCB over the allegations against him and filed a 7-page reply, supporting his family and denying all the claims against him, sources said. 

In the early hours of Wednesday, a major fire broke out in Himachal Pradesh's ancient village Malana in the Kullu district, leaving almost 150 people homeless amidst heavy snowfall. More than 12 wooden houses were heavily damaged, however, no casualties have been reported yet. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had taken note of the incident and had gone on to offer his sympathies to the villagers while making sure that rescue operations were taken up by concerned state departments.

NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede's sister and advocate Yasmeen Wankhede on Wednesday lodged complaints against Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik. Earlier, she had accused Malik of illegally taking her photographs from her social media and distributing them on print and electronic media. Yasmeen has lodged the complaints at Oshiwara police station and with the NCW under sections 499 & 500 pertaining to defaming a woman.

Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has been chosen as one of the nominees for the 2021 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Indian wrestler Ravi Dahiya, who won a silver medal at this year's Olympic Games, has also been nominated for the award. According to news agency PTI, a total of 11 players from various disciplines have been selected as nominees for the prestigious sporting honour. 

A war of words erupted between former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh and PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on social media after the latter took a dig at Captain's decision to float a new political outfit. Taking to Twitter, Sidhu accused Amarinder Singh of 'closing doors' on him and said that people of Punjab were waiting to 'punish' him for compromising on their interests. He also reminded the ex-CM about the last time that he had formed his own party [Shiromani Akali Dal (Panthic) in 1992] and won only 856 votes.

A day after sending a notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Election Commission of India on Wednesday issued a warning to the CM over reports of his alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct while campaigning for the five assembly seats for by-polls scheduled on October 30.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar was embroiled in a controversy when he walked out of a TV program and resigned from his job as cricket analyst after being told to leave the set by the host of the show at state-owned PTV.

Akhtar said he had been treated badly and insulted on air by the host in the post-match show following Pakistan's five-wicket win over New Zealand in ongoing T20 the World Cup on Tuesday. Akhtar, who played 46 Tests and 163 ODIs, got up, took off his microphone, and left.

Aryan Khan and others' bail application was adjourned by the Bombay High Court yet again. The hearing will resume again on Thursday, October 28. Aryan Khan and other co-accused will remain in jail for yet another day. 

Welcoming the Supreme Court verdict on Pegasus row, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded a discussion over the issue in the Parliament. Speaking to reporters, Gandhi said, "Pegasus is an attempt to crush Indian democracy. The Supreme Court has taken a big step by saying that it will look into this matter. I am confident that we will get the truth out of this."

The Congress leader further said that this could only be ordered only by 2 people - either the Prime Minister or the Home Minister. He demanded to know "If the PM colluded with another nation to attack its own citizens - including the Chief Justice, former PMs and other Chief Ministers, leaders of opposition parties. Gandhi termed it an attack on the nation.

The Mumbai Police on Wednesday appointed an ACP-level officer to probe the bribery allegations against Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede. Mumbai ACP Milind Khetle will investigate the charges against Wankhede and look into the complaints filed by independent witness Prabhakar Sail and others. As per the Mumbai Police, they have received complaints at four police stations against Wankhede. No case or FIR has been registered so far.

Amid the ongoing heated spat between Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik and Sameer Wankhede, the Maharashtra government will hold a cabinet meeting on Wednesday where the extortion charges against NCB are likely to be discussed. It is being also expected that after independent witnesses Prabhakar' Sail's complaint, the issue of setting up an SIT would be discussed.

NCB Mumbai Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede after appearing before a 5-member team of the agency in Mumbai said that all the allegations were leveled against him by independent witness Prabhakar Sail, in the Aryan Khan case, are false. Both Sail and Wankhede were interrogated in connection with the bribery allegations today. 

Arbaaz Merchant's lawyer Amit Desai said that his client consumed charas. "This is a case of nothing more than personal consumption. They first said that a group of passengers. Group means conspiracy...Arbaaz accepted that he has charas," he said.

The Bombay High Court continued hearing arguments on the bail petitions of Aryan Khan, Munmun Dhamecha, and Arbaaz Merchant on Wednesday. 

Mumbai BJP has reportedly written to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, seeking his intervention into the matter of "baseless allegations" that are levelled by State Minister Nawab Malik against NCB & its officer Sameer Wankhede in the Mumbai Cruise Drug Bust case. 

The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on 'Land Boundary Law' terming it as a matter of concern for India. 

"Such unilateral move will have no bearing on the arrangements that both sides have already reached earlier, whether it is on the boundary question or for maintaining peace & tranquillity along LAC in India-China border areas," stated the MEA.

Read MEA's full statement here:

The bail hearing for SRK's son Aryan Khan will soon resume. In the latest update, Arbaaz Merchant whose father is also a lawyer was seen entering the court. In yesterday's hearing, Aryan Khan's lawyer Former Attorney-General for India Mukul Rohatgi had put forward his arguments. 

NCB DDG Gyaneshwar Singh said a Special Inquiry Team has been set to probe the allegations. 

After AOC, Western Command Amit Dev said that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) will soon be a part of India, Pakistan's Foreign Minister instantly issued a frustrated statement mentioning 'Pakistan will leave no stone unturned as we stand by our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just right to self-determination'. 

Superstar Rajinikanth who recently won the Dadasaheb Phalke award met President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.

Top Indian Air Force (IAF) Commander Amit Dev during Infantry Day celebration said 'PoK will also join Kashmir'. 
'It wasn't only IAF & Army's participation in Budgam but many small missions that resulted in ensuring free Kashmir...I'm sure some day POK will join this part of Kashmir,' he added. 

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia informed that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has allowed the celebration of chhath puja following strict COVID-19 protocols at the spots decided by the government. 

After NCP leader Nawab Malik launched a series of allegations against NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede, the latter's father added that it is due to Malik's son-in-law was nabbed in a drugs case. 

Amid West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar's admission to AIIMS Delhi as he tested positive for Malaria, Home Minister Amit Shah reached the hospital to meet him. Here are the first visuals:

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday issued an advisory to all print, electronic media, digital media, and private TV channels to display the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' logo during news programmes, reports, and bulletins. 

Maharashtra Leader of Opposition (LoP) addressed the media and asked NCP leader Nawab Malik not to issue such statements amid ongoing case drug case being investigated by the NCB. The LoP backed Sameer Wankhede against whom Nawab Malik has levelled a series of allegations. Earlier, while speaking to Republic, the NCB Zonal Director's family denied every charge put forward by the NCP leader. 

Denying allegations levelled against NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede, his family spoke to Republic and added 'he should invest that time in his son-in-law's case. We have filed FIR in Oshiwara Police Station. Will take further legal action'. 

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday hit out at the MVA Government for targetting Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede alleging that Maharashtra Ministers were under the influence of wanted gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Speaking to ANI, BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya stated that Wankhede's targetted harassment had shown that no honest officer of the Central government could work in Maharashtra. 

'Don't look at his cast,' says NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede's wife to NCP leader Nawab Malik's allegations. She also called the accusations 'foolish'. 

Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the media on Governance. Catch live updates here:

Responding to the new political party announcement by Captain Amarinder Singh in his press conference, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu tweeted stating 'people of Punjab are again waiting to punish you'.

While adding that he will hold talks with Akali Dal and BJP, Captain Amarinder Singh added that his new political party will launch a united front to defeat the Congress in Punjab. 

Addressing media, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that he will try to take as many people as possible to visit Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. The Chief Minister launched 'Tirth Yatra Yojana' after coming back from his visit to Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. 'Now under the Chief Minister's pilgrimage scheme, elders will also be made to visit Ayodhya,' said Delhi CM. 

While responding to a question, Captain Amarinder Singh confirmed he will hold talks with Akali Dal, BJP over the political scenario of Punjab. 

Reacting to Sidhu's attack on Captain describing him as 'BJP Chief Minister,' Amarinder Singh said the Congress MLA knows nothing and he can only talk. 

While Captain Amarinder Singh's press conference is underway, Navjot Singh Sidhu launched a massive attack on Captain stating he is 'BJP loyal Chief Minister of Punjab'. 

In his message to Congress, Captain Amarinder Singh confirmed that his new political party will fight on all 117 seats and many MLAs are with him. 

While Captain Amarinder Singh backed Centre's BSF decision in the media conference, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi demanded Centre withdraw notification citing the increase in BSF range from 15 km to 50 km or else, Punjab Government will be forced to abolish it by November 8.

While responding to a question, Captain Amarinder Singh added that he will be meeting Home Minister Amit Shah for the fourth time on Thursday to discuss farmers' issues. 

'Yes, I am forming a Party, I don't know the name yet. Our lawyers are working with the Election Commission, they are on the job,' says Amarinder Singh. Captain also added that he might share seats with the BJP. 

'BSF is here to help Punjab police,' said Captain Amarinder Singh while adding that 'don't deny anything'. He also cited examples of Rajasthan and Gujarat where also BSF movement has been enhanced considering security reasons. 'We must support the Government to ensure peace,' added Captain. 

While launching a scathing attack on the Congress party who opposed the Centre's increased BSF operations, Captain Amarinder Singh said that 'to say that nothing is wrong in Punjab is irresponsible'. He also added that Khalistanis and Pakistanis are involved in disturbing the peace in Punjab. He also explained how drones are used to drop weapons. 

Captain Amarinder Singh hailed Punjab Police and detailed upon recent drone activities. He revealed that the drone attacks are 'modern technology' to disrupt peace in the state. 'I want peace in Punjab,' he added. 

While adding that 'I don't want Punjab to suffer' Captain Amarinder Singh said he has been a soldier and he is aware of security issues of the state. 'I was Punjab's Home Minister for 9 and a half years and someone who has been for a month thinks he knows everything,' added Captain.
 

Captain Amarinder Singh said 92% of the work from the manifesto has been done during his term. 'Have left nothing to work in Punjab,' says former Punjab CM. 

While adding that he does not want to name the minister, Captain Amarinder Singh said it is wrong to say that nothing has happened in Punjab for the past four and a half years.

Captain Amarinder Singh who is expected to officially announce his new political party is all set to address the media. 

Watch here:

A day after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav said that he expects Congress to become a strong alternative to the BJP at the national level, Congress President Sonia Gandhi dialled Lalu Yadav. The veteran politician had also said that the RJD has always supported Congress at the national level in every situation.

In an attempt to encourage eyewitnesses to come forward and record their statements, Uttar Pradesh Special Investigative Team (SIT) has released the contact numbers of its members. Read details here:

As the announcement of Captain Amarinder Singh's new political party is expected today in his media conference, the Congress party has swung into damage control mode fearing party members to join Captain. Reportedly, Rahul Gandhi held meetings with dropped ministers. 

Watch minute to minute updates here:

Violence in Tripura escalated amid the VHP rally that was carried to raise voice against attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Reportedly, three houses and shops were set on fire. More details are awaited. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually attend the 16th East Asia Summit on Wednesday, 27 October, said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in an official release. He is also slated to attend the 18th ASEAN-India Summit on Thursday, 28 October. Incepted in 2005, the East Asia Summit is a regional forum held annually by the leaders of 16 nations that are part of East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian and Oceanian regions, based on the ASEAN Plus Six mechanism.  The Prime Minister’s Office stated, “India, being a founding member of the East Asia Summit, is committed to strengthening the East Asia Summit and making it more effective for dealing with contemporary challenges."

NCP leader Nawab Malik addressed the media and again launched a series of allegations against NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede.

Watch live here:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday carried out searches in the residential premises against Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) cadres in J&K. The NIA conducted the search operation along with J&K Police and CRPF from 6 am. These raids are in continuation to the anti-terror agency's 61 raids conducted by its sleuths on August 8 & August 9 in Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and Rajouri districts in Jammu & Kashmir.

Karnataka Government has issued guidelines for international passengers from Europe including UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand & Zimbabwe who would need to follow additional measures on arrival in India incl post-arrival testing.

Hours before former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh's media briefing, state's Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa left for Delhi as he was called by the high command. As per the on-ground reports, the Congress party in Delhi has come to control the damage as several party leaders are feared to join Captain's new party. Meanwhile, Amarinder Singh is expected to make a formal announcement regarding his new party. Reportedly, the Congress high command has scheduled a meeting with Punjab Dy CM to ascertain who all are planning to join Captain in his new-party move. 

Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet on Tuesday, October 26, appointing Indian-origin Canadian politician Anita Anand as the country's new Defence Minister. Justin Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet over a month after his Liberal Party returned to power in the snap polls and amid calls for major military reforms.

The 54-year old Anita Anand will be replacing Indian-origin Harjit Sajjan, a long-term defence minister who has been criticized for the handling of the military sexual misconduct crisis. While according to the National Post newspaper report, Sajjan has been appointed as Minister of International Development Agency. 

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Waqar Younis on Tuesday night made an apology for his blatant communal comments during India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match on Sunday. The former Pakistan pacer turned commentator turned heads by publicly stating that his favourite part of T20 World Cup 2021 match was when cricketer Mohammad Rizwan 'offered Namaz on the field amid Hindus'. His purposive statement post the match did not sit well with many as they called him out on social media.

In a significant update to the Poonch encounter that entered day 17 on Wednesday, the J&K Police arrested 6 accused, three of them were nabbed as they tried to flee to Saudi Arabia while three locals have been arrested for providing logistics to the terrorists. According to the information provided by on-ground sources to Republic Media Network, the accused were aware of terrorists active in the area and left J&K the same day when an encounter broke out in Dera Ki Gali, Poonch on October 11 during which the Indian Army had lost five soldiers. Additionally, a dozen of people have been detained, out of which six have been arrested. 

Terming the current COVID-19 situation in West Bengal a 'concerning trend,' Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Friday, October 22 wrote a letter to Narayan Swaroop Nigam, Health Secretary of West Bengal. In the two page letter, the Union Health Secretary detailed upon COVID cases increase in the state in the last 30 days, which accounts for 3.4 per cent of cases of India's cumulative total and 4.7 per cent of new deaths. Additionally, the letter highlights special concerns for Kolkata as the district has registered a 27% increase in cases in one week. 

The so-called bigoted 'outrage' against Mohammad Shami after the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match was an orchestrated attempt by Pakistan to weaponise social media and show India in a poor light, it has emerged. Republic Media Network's investigation has revealed that the vicious attack on Shami, and flap-jaw Pak Home Minister Sheikh Rashid's statement asking Indian Muslims to join in the celebrations, all appear to be a part of a deep-state plan to reignite the 'intolerance' debate in the country and drive a communal wedge between its people. 

Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar mockingly asked, 'why doesn't Lalu Prasad Yadav get me shot?' breaking the silence on RJD chief's assertion to finish Nitish Kumar on Tuesday. Addressing the media on the ongoing campaign with respect to the by-polls in two seats of Bihar -  Kusheshwar Asthan and Tarapur, Nitish Kumar said that the mood of the people of the constituencies seemed just 'fine'. Reacting to reports of Lalu Prasad Yadav also campaigning for the two seats, he said, 'Let him campaign."

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated that unvaccinated tennis players will be allowed to enter the country for the Australian Open provided they undergo two weeks in hotel quarantine. Morrison on Wednesday moved to clarify the border situation a week after his immigration minister suggested there’d be a no jab, no visa policy for the tournament next January. Morrison has told Australian television networks there are exemptions to the strict COVID-19 pandemic international border protection rules for those who qualify under skilled worker or economic benefit criteria.

Bombay High Court will resume the bail hearing of Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan today, who was arrested in connection with the Mumbai Cruise Drugs bust case. In yesterday's hearing, Khan's lawyer Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi had presented several arguments against the allegations that the latter was charged with. Meanwhile, Two accused in the Mumbai Drugs bust case - Manish Rajgaria and Avin Sahu, have been granted bail by a special NDPS court in Mumbai on Tuesday. 

The World Health Organization's decision on including Covaxin in its Emergency Use Listing was delayed yet again after the UN health agency sought more clarifications from Bharat Biotech. In an important update on Wednesday, WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan explained that the Technical Advisory Group for Emergency Use Listing required additional information to conduct a final risk-benefit assessment for global use of this COVID-19 vaccine. This is an independent advisory group that provides recommendations on whether a novel coronavirus vaccine can be listed for emergency use.