Two accused in the Bahraich murder case were shot by police on Thursday during an attempted escape near the India-Nepal border. The incident sparked a political controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing the encounter and calling for a thorough investigation. The accused, who were being taken for weapons recovery, sustained leg injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
The Supreme Court has reprimanded the Andhra Pradesh government for rushing to the press with accusations about adulterated ghee in Tirupati laddus, while investigations were still ongoing. The Court raised concerns about politicizing religious sentiments and the potential for misrepresentation, suggesting an independent agency handle the investigation.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has announced plans to privatize over 30 of its properties, aiming to enhance tourism infrastructure and attract high-end visitors. This move, while promising development, has sparked criticism from the opposition, who question the timing and motives behind the decision.
The Tirupati Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh performed a cleansing ritual after allegations surfaced about the use of animal fat, including beef tallow, in the famous Tirupati laddu offerings. The controversy sparked a political feud, with the current Chief Minister accusing his predecessor of adulteration and the former Chief Minister vehemently denying the claims.
A 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district collapsed, sparking a political controversy. The Indian Navy, which spearheaded the project, has formed a joint technical committee to investigate the incident, while the opposition party has called for the Chief Minister’s resignation. The incident has also raised questions about the statue’s construction and the political motivations behind its hasty unveiling.
A shelter home in Delhi, Asha Kiran, is embroiled in controversy after 14 inmates died within 20 days. Reports indicate a significant reduction in the inmates’ diet and 25 others suffering from tuberculosis. The ruling AAP party has called for an investigation and questioned the appointment of a previously suspended official as the shelter home administrator.
George Orwell’s son, Richard Blair, has unveiled a bronze relief of his father in Huesca, Spain, nearly 90 years after Orwell nearly lost his life in the Spanish Civil War. The statue commemorates Orwell’s time fighting with the Republican forces and highlights the importance of preserving the memory of those who fought against fascism. The campaign to erect the statue was led by Blair and Spanish historian Victor Pardo, with support from Britain and Spain. The ceremony was marked by emotion and pride, with Blair kissing his father’s face on the statue. The unveiling of the statue also brings attention to the ongoing political controversy in Spain over the legacy of the civil war, with the right-wing PP and Vox parties attempting to whitewash the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco.
On Thursday, Kangana Ranaut, BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, made headlines when she was slapped by a woman constable during a security check at Chandigarh airport. The constable, Kulwinder Kaur, allegedly objected to Ranaut’s controversial remarks about farmers’ protests in 2020. Kaur’s mother, who supported the protests, was reportedly the target of Ranaut’s comments. Following the incident, Ranaut voiced her concerns about rising terrorism in Punjab. The incident has sparked outrage and an investigation by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Numerous significant events occurred on May 8th, spanning politics and business. Sam Pitroda’s racially insensitive remarks sparked controversy, while Larsen & Toubro (L&T) announced a rise in its fourth-quarter net profit.
Democratic Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell, 49, was arrested for burglary charges after breaking into her stepmother’s home to retrieve sentimental items belonging to her late father, including his ashes. Mitchell admitted to the burglary attempt but denied stealing, citing family struggles with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite calls for her resignation from Senate Republicans, Mitchell is expected to continue her duties as a senator.
