Finally, Guj police lodge FIR against Modi for poll code violation

April 30, 2014
Ahmedabad/New Delhi, Apr 30: An FIR was today lodged against Narendra Modi by the Gujarat police following an order of the Election Commission's which held that he violated the model code.

In an embarrassment for him, the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate faced EC's action for displaying party's election symbol 'Lotus' and making a speech after casting his vote in Gandhinagar.

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"We have complied with the Election Commission's order. We have filed FIRs and we have given the compliance report to the EC, Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, Shivanand Jha told reporters.

The EC had also ordered that FIR be filed against electronic media for carrying the proceedings relating to Modi.

"Two FIRs have been registered by the city crime branch in connection with the events," Gujarat DGP P C Thakur told PTI when asked if the police has registered an FIR against Modi.

Modi had triggered a controversy when he addressed a press conference immediately after casting his vote at a school at Ranip area of Ahmedabad, part of party veteran L K Advani's Gandhinagar seat, where he prominently displayed BJP's election symbol.

The Congress party accused him of violating the model code and registered a complaint with the EC.

"The Commission is of the view that by holding that meeting and also by addressing the same today when the polling is going on in the entire state of Gujarat and in different parts of the country, Narendra Modi has violated the provisions of Sections 126 (1)(a) and 126 (l)(b) of R P Act 1951.

"Therefore, the Commission directs... that complaint/ FIR as the case may be, should be filed against Narendra Modi and all others who were involved in the convening and holding of the said meeting...," the EC order said.

It also said that all the TV channels and other electronic media which carried the proceedings of the meeting and displayed the election matter should also be proceeded against under Section 126 (l) (b) "by filing separate complaints/FlRs against those channels."

The panel had sought compliance by 6 pm.

According to the section 126 (1) (a) and (b), there is a prohibition of public meetings during period of 48 hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll.

Late in the evening, Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi said in Delhi that the Gujarat government has sent its compliance report to the EC.

Congress had quickly moved the Election Commission accusing Modi of blatant violation of the model code of conduct.

In Delhi, responding to questions, BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi asserted that Modi has "not violated the election code. It was not an organised press conference".

She, however, went on to add, "the Election Commission is a Constitutional institution and we respect it. We will abide by its decision."

Though it is a normal practice for top leaders to make brief statements to the media after casting their votes, what irked Modi's rivals was a press conference that the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate held during which he not only fervently asked the electorate to vote for the party but also launched a tirade against Congress.

The tech-savvy BJP's prime ministerial hopeful was also seen happily clicking selfies while prominently displaying the party symbol.

AICC legal department secretary K C Mittal promptly filed a complaint to the EC, saying Modi's speech and display of symbol was in violation of section 126 of RP Act (RPA) and demanded an FIR be registered against him.

"It is noticed from the live news telecast on various news channels that Modi went to the polling station at Gandhinagar to cast his vote.

"And on his way out he was campaigning for BJP and delivering speech in a fashion to canvas for BJP, himself and also displayed the election symbol to the public while showing his finger for having cast his vote," the party said in the complaint, adding, "he may also be disqualified for such blatant violation."

The EC took the decision after going through the video recording of Modi's address after he cast his vote today.

It said from the substance, tone and tenor of the address made by Modi and the statements made by him and the manner in which the symbol 'Lotus' was displayed by him, "the said address was in the nature of political speech intended and calculated to influence and affect the result of elections in the constituencies going to polls today, not only in Ahmadabad but also in all other constituencies in the state of Gujarat and elsewhere in the country."

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News Network
December 7,2025

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Mangaluru, Dec 7: A rare bamboo shrimp has been rediscovered on mainland India more than 70 years after it was last reported, confirming for the first time the presence of Atyopsis spinipes in the country. The find was made by researchers from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, during surveys in Karnataka and Odisha.

The team — shrimp expert Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based researcher Maclean Antony Santos — combined field surveys, ecological assessments and DNA analysis to identify the elusive species. Their findings, published in Zootaxa, resolve decades of taxonomic confusion stemming from a 1951 report that misidentified the species as Atyopsis moluccensis without strong evidence.

The shrimp has now been confirmed at two locations: the Mulki–Pavanje estuary near Mangaluru and the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar. Historical specimens from the Andaman Islands, previously labelled as A. moluccensis, were also found to be misidentified and actually belong to A. spinipes.

The rediscovery began after an aquarium hobbyist in Odisha spotted a shrimp in 2022, prompting systematic surveys across Udupi, Karwar and Mangaluru. Four female specimens were collected in Mulki and one in Odisha, all genetically matching.

Researchers warn the species may exist in very small, vulnerable populations as freshwater habitats face increasing pressure from pollution, sand mining and infrastructure development. All verified specimens have been deposited with the Zoological Survey of India for future reference.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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