Breaking News Update: April 02, 2008

1) High Drama over BKU Leader Mahendra Singh Tikait's arrest:

It was a high drama over Influential farmer leader Mahendra Singh Tikait's arrest in UP. First, the UP police claimed that he was arrested in Muzaffarnagar for allegedly making castiest remarks against Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawati. Later, the police made a U-turn and denied the reports. It is learnt that police forces had to return empty-handed from Sisauli village in western Uttar Pradesh, fearing a bloody standoff between the police and armed villagers.

However, it has been confirmed that Mahendra Singh Tikait will surrender in Bijnor court within a few hours. The police did not arrest him and retuned after this assurance given by Tikait. Latest Update: Tikait has surrendered in Bijnor court.

2) Scarlett Murder Case handed over to CBI:

Bowing to the pressure from opposition, public and media, the Goa government has decided to transfer the Scarlette Keeling murder case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Goa Police was under fire for its negligence and bias in this sensational case.

3) Delhi HC issues notice to Mayawati in Disproportionate Assets case:

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, issued a notice to UP CM Mayawati in a disproportionate assets case. Earlier, the I-T Tribunal had given a clean chit to Mayawati in this case. The case will be heard on September 19, 2008.

4) State Human Rights Commission to probe sex charges against Orissa Speaker:

The Orissa government has decided to approach the State Human Rights Commission to probe the allegations of sexual assault against former Speaker Maheswar Mohanty. The CM has taken this decision, as a House Committee of the State Assembly could not be formed to conduct the probe, thanks to the non-cooperation from the opposition parties.

5) Tension at Posco site in Orissa, Thousands detained:

Tension mounted in Dhinkia village of Jagatsinghpur district in Orissa on Tuesday, as thousands of protesters broke trhough the police cordon and held a massive rally against Posco's proposed steel plant project. The protesters defined the prohibitory orders. The police later detained thousands of protesters. Ironically, several Left leaders from neighboring West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand attended the rally without the knowledge of the police.

6) Pak Minister Burney arrives in India:

Former Human Rights Minister of Pakistan and leading Human Rights activist, Ansar Burney, arrived in India on a peace mission. Burney will meet Sarabjit's family to gather evidences of his innocence if any. Burney urged the Indian government to release all Pakistani prisoners who have already completed their jail term. He was overwhelmed by the huge response of the crowd in India. "If Sarabjit is innocent, I will never let him die", said Burney.