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Akhilesh Yadav says BJP orchestrated Sambhal violence to cover up byelection malpractice

He said that impartial investigations would reveal that many voters were unable to cast their ballots and that someone else had fraudulently voted in their place.

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Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday accused the BJP government of orchestrating the violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district during a mosque survey, claiming it was a ploy to distract from electoral malpractice.

Yadav, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, also alleged incidents of electronic booth capturing during the recently concluded bypolls for nine Assembly seats in the state, suggesting that a forensic examination of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) by the Election Commission could provide clarity on the situation.

Earlier in the day, the Uttar Pradesh Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd after it got violent and started stone pelting as tension escalated during a second survey of the Mughal-era mosque, claimed to be originally the site of an ancient Hindu temple. At least ten people were detained following the violent clash.

The local administration said that a second survey, led by an “Advocate Commissioner” as part of a court-mandated examination of the disputed area, commenced around 7 AM, attracting a gathering crowd.

Yadav made the statement a day after the results of the UP bypolls, where the Samajwadi Party secured only two seats, while the BJP and its ally, the RLD, won seven, including the Kundarki seat, which has a significant Muslim population.

“A serious incident took place in Sambhal, where a survey team was intentionally sent in the morning to disrupt election discussions. Their goal was to create chaos and prevent any debate on election-related issues,” Yadav claimed.

He said that several individuals were injured in the Sambhal violence, with one fatality, and questioned the need for a new survey conducted without proper preparation, especially when a previous survey had already been completed.

The Samajwadi Party chief said, “I won’t delve into legalities, but the other side wasn’t given a fair hearing. This was clearly designed to incite emotions and distract from conversations about electoral fraud.”

Yadav asserted that the events in Sambhal were a deliberate act by the BJP to divert attention from the alleged electoral irregularities. “In a true democracy, victory should come from the people, not the system. The kind of democracy the BJP is establishing ensures that the system prevails over the voters,” he stated.

He said that impartial investigations would reveal that many voters were unable to cast their ballots and that someone else had fraudulently voted in their place.

He charged that on election day, the police and administration removed nearly all of the Samajwadi Party’s booth agents and many supporters eager to vote. “If voters were shut out, who actually cast the votes? If our party’s votes didn’t reach those booths and our candidate received no support, then who voted there? This is a serious concern,” he said.

Yadav also pointed out discrepancies with polling slips, alleging the presence of both red-marked and regular slips, which he claimed led to discriminatory practices on voting day. Haji Rizwan, the Samajwadi Party candidate for Kundarki, echoed the same claims, stating that his supporters faced barriers to voting. BJP’s Ramveer Singh won the Kundarki bypoll by a notable margin of over 145,000 votes.

Yadav said that a victory gained through deceit is nothing but an illusion that ultimately burdens those who orchestrated it. “This entire act has been staged by the BJP. Such a victory only morally weakens those who achieve it and dulls their conscience,” he said.

He questioned how one can uphold democracy when the government and administration themselves engage in oppression. “This dishonesty is not a new phenomenon. Election rigging has become their standard operating procedure, and the evidence has been captured on camera. Even an MLA faced humiliation,” the former chief minister alleged.

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Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi after fresh Trump tariffs

Addressing the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session on the banks of the Sabarmati River on Wednesday, Gandhi warned that an “economic storm” is looming over India.

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Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, accusing him of yielding to pressure from US President Donald Trump regarding the imposition of tariffs, questioning Modi’s leadership and silence on critical issues.

Addressing the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session on the banks of the Sabarmati River on Wednesday, Gandhi warned that an “economic storm” is looming over India.

“Did you see the photograph of PM Modi hugging Trump? This time, Trump didn’t just hug; he ordered Modi ji to accept new tariffs without a word of protest. To distract from this, they staged a two-day drama in Parliament,” Gandhi said, taunting, “Where is the PM hiding?” He also took a jibe at Modi’s earlier “56-inch chest” rhetoric, implying a lack of assertiveness on the global stage.

Gandhi further criticized Modi’s recent meeting with Bangladesh Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, pointing out what he described as contradictory stances. “Yunus gives adverse remarks, yet he is sitting with him. What kind of leadership is this?” he questioned, highlighting what he sees as inconsistency in Modi’s foreign policy.

Turning to domestic issues, Gandhi strongly condemned the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, calling it “anti-Constitutional” and an assault on religious freedom. “This Act is not just an attack on one community; it’s a threat to the freedom of religion itself,” he warned, alleging that the BJP and RSS have broader designs.

Citing an article in an RSS-affiliated magazine, he claimed that after targeting Muslims, the BJP-RSS would soon turn their attention to the rights of Christians and Sikhs.

Gandhi also outlined the Congress party’s strategy to counter these challenges. He announced plans to empower and strengthen District Congress Committees and their leaders, positioning them as the backbone of the organization moving forward.

On the issue of social justice, he reiterated the party’s commitment to a caste census, stating, “We will break the 50 percent reservation barrier. What Telangana has done, we will do across the country.”

He accused the RSS’s ideology of being fundamentally opposed to the Constitution, claiming, “They want to control all institutions in the country.” Gandhi urged party leaders to brace for a tough fight to defend the Constitution, emphasizing, “They have all the resources, but we have truth and the love of the people on our side.”

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Nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic: Toll crosses 114

As concrete slabs crashed down, more than 114 people were killed, and many others were trapped on a packed dance floor where attendees were enthusiastically enjoying a merengue concert early Tuesday morning. Authorities reported over 255 injuries.

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The iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo was bustling with musicians, athletes, and government officials when debris began to fall from the ceiling, landing in patrons’ drinks.

Tragedy struck with the collapse of the entire roof, claiming the lives of at least 98 individuals and injuring around 160 in one of the worst nightclub disasters in the Dominican Republic’s history. As concrete slabs crashed down, more than 114 people were killed, and many others were trapped on a packed dance floor where attendees were enthusiastically enjoying a merengue concert early Tuesday morning. Authorities reported over 255 injuries.

Among the deceased was Rubby Pérez, a beloved merengue star who had been performing just moments before the calamity. His body was recovered early Wednesday, according to emergency operations director Juan Manuel Méndez.

Rescue teams continued to search for survivors more than a day after the incident. “We will remain here as long as there are reports of missing persons,” Méndez stated.

Assistance arrived from rescue teams from Puerto Rico and Israel on Wednesday to aid local officials in their efforts.

As night fell on Tuesday, families and friends still searching for their loved ones gathered outside the club, where a guitarist played soothing melodies while they sang hymns.

Only 32 victims have been identified thus far in what is marked as one of the Dominican Republic’s deadliest disasters. Reports indicate that among the victims were a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, and the brother of the vice minister of Youth.

Also among the deceased are MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as confirmed by Satosky Terrero, spokesperson for the Professional Baseball League.

Nelsy Cruz, the Governor of Montecristi province and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, informed President Luis Abinader about the disaster. Tragically, she called for help from beneath the rubble but later succumbed to her injuries in a hospital.

Other casualties included saxophonist Luis Solís, who was performing on stage when the roof fell, several Venezuelan bartenders, and an Army officer who left behind four daughters. Grupo Popular, a financial services firm, noted that three of its employees perished, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife. Unfortunately, many more victims remain unidentified.

“I’ve searched all the hospitals and haven’t found her,” lamented Deysi Suriel, who was desperately trying to locate her friend, 61-year-old Milca Curiel, during her vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Numerous anxious relatives flocked to the National Institute of Forensic Pathology to search through lists of victims, while others scoured hospitals, clutching photos of their loved ones.

“There’s a lot of pain,” commented Senator Daniel Rivera, the former public health minister. “We must exercise patience.”

Among those desperately looking for their families was Kimberly Jones, whose godson, 45-year-old artist Osiris Blanc, and his friends were unaccounted for.

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Air India passenger allegedly urinates on fellow passenger onboard Delhi-Bangkok flight

Air India issued a statement acknowledging the incident, stating, “Air India confirms that an incident of unruly passenger behavior was reported to the cabin crew operating flight AI2336 from Delhi to Bangkok on April 9, 2025.

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Air India flight

In a disturbing incident of unruly behavior on an aircraft, a passenger on an Air India flight from Delhi to Bangkok allegedly urinated on a fellow traveler in the business class cabin on Wednesday, April 9, officials confirmed. The episode has sparked outrage and prompted swift action from both the airline and authorities.

According to reports, the incident occurred aboard Air India flight AI 2336, where the accused, seated in seat 2D of the business class, targeted a nearby passenger, who is reportedly the Managing Director of a major company. While the victim has not yet lodged a formal complaint, the accused has offered an apology for his actions, which have been widely condemned as unacceptable.

Air India issued a statement acknowledging the incident, stating, “Air India confirms that an incident of unruly passenger behavior was reported to the cabin crew operating flight AI2336 from Delhi to Bangkok on April 9, 2025.

The crew followed all established procedures, and the matter has been reported to the relevant authorities.” The airline added that, in addition to warning the unruly passenger, the crew offered assistance to the aggrieved passenger to file a grievance with officials in Bangkok, but this offer was declined at the time.

A company spokesperson further explained that the case would be reviewed by the airline’s Standing Independent Committee, which will assess the incident and decide on any potential actions against the offender. “Air India continues to adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in handling such matters,” the spokesperson said.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation. “Whenever incidents of this nature occur, the Ministry takes note. We will engage with the airline, and if any wrongdoing is identified, necessary action will be taken,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to passenger safety and decorum on flights.

The incident has reignited concerns about passenger behaviour on Indian airlines, which have faced similar cases in the past.

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