Twelve years after it was constituted, the Nanavati Commission submitted its findings from its probe into the 2002 post-Godhra riots to Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Tuesday. After investigating 4,160 cases of violence between February 27 and May 31 2002, the commission absolved the erstwhile Narendra Modi-led government of any direct responsibility for the riots. However, "it felt that there was a scope for improvement in police department to control the violence", said a senior government official privy to the report. Official figures say the riots resulted in the deaths of 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus.
Jammu and Kashmir: BJP eases off on Article 370 before assembly polls
In its manifesto for the November 25 assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party has toned down its promise to abrogate Article 370, which grants special autonomous status to the state. "I think a lot of misgivings have been created about this issue," said VK Singh, a union minister and former army chief. "The party line is very simple. Divisive dialogue should not be created." The BJP has seemingly eased its stand in a bid to secure 44 seats out of 87 in the upcoming state assembly elections.
West Bengal: CBI calls TMC minister, MP for questioning into Saradha scam probe
The Central Bureau of Investigation, inquiring into the Saradha chit fund scam, served summons to West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra and Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Srinjoy Bose on Tuesday, asking them to appear for questioning. For the first time, a serving minister in the state government has been questioned in the case. The Saradha group, a consortium of over 200 private companies, has been accused of conducting a multi-crore Ponzi scheme that duped lakhs of investors last year.
Tamil Nadu: State challenges Karnataka over new Cauvery reservoirs
The Tamil Nadu government moved the Supreme Court on Tuesday to restrain Karnataka from constructing two reservoirs across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu as it fears that the project may impede the flow of water near the inter-state border. "Karnataka cannot unilaterally take up the construction of the two reservoirs as it would result in impounding of the flows in the intermediate catchment below the Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini reservoirs, and Billigundulu in the common border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," read the application by the state government.
Haryana: Police maintain strong presence outside godman's ashram
Haryana police maintained a sizable contingent outside self-styled godman Rampal's residence on Wednesday, a day after violent clashes with his supporters. At least 2,000 of Rampal's followers are still inside the complex. Approximately 200 devotees managed to escape from the the ashram under the cover of darkness on Monday, saying they had been kept there against their will for days with little food or water. Tensions rose after the Punjab and Haryana High Court slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government for its inability to arrest Rampal, who has been charged with conspiracy to murder, inciting mobs and contempt of court. So far, he has failed to appear before the court on three occasions.