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Tara Chowdary Case: Latest Audio Clip is Out

Tara Chowdary case is nearing a month now since she was arrested by Banjara Hills police on charges of forced prostitution and blackmail. There has been a lot of commotion in Hyderabad with speculations on names of who may be involved in the sex and sleaze racket. There is talk of incriminating videotapes and audio conversations, of an MP allegedly using her to frame a fellow partyman, of cops seeking sexual favours, and of Chowdary herself threatening to spill the beans. According to reliable sources, an audio tape porported to contain telephonic talk between a girl procured by Tara for a cine hero has leaked in to the high circles. The conversation in the tape consists of the girl reporting back to Tara about how the assignment went on at hero's residence and also inquiring whether there is any new assignment waiting for her. On asking by Tara, the girl informs that while she was received by the hero, his wife was very much present in the house and everything that went on there was in her knowledge. It is to be recalled that in her confession to the police, Tara has blamed the same hero for her downfall.  

Chandrababu Succeeds in Staging Dharna at Vizianagaram

TDP president Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu today successfully staged dharna and rally at Vizianagaram on liquor syndicates of Transport Minister Sri Botcha Satyanarayana. Braving all hurdles and police zulum the TDP President garlanded the statue of NTR at the collectorate office in the north coastal town and paid floral tributes before he commenced his dharna against liquor mafia.   Earlier the TDP president staged a protest sit in dharna in front of the District Collectors office for two hours  as the TDP rally and procession to the Colelctorate was stalled by the district police. The TDP Mahila wing has also launched a one crore signature campaign against the liquor mafia of the transport minister Botcha Satyanarayana and the Kiran Government inaction in spite of the ACB probe in disclosing the huge benami liquor operators  in the state.

NDA Leaders Gearing up For Parliament Sessions Tomorrow

NDA leaders are gearing up for the unconcluded parliament budget sessions that are to be resumed from tomorrow. A meeting of the BJP's parliamentary party was held at veteran leader L.K. Advani's residence on Monday morning, while another meeting with other NDA leaders over floor coordination in the House is slated in the evening. The key issues before the NDA were price rise, chief economic advisor Kaushik Basu's statement on policy paralysis, corruption in defence deals and shortage of arms and ammunition in the army, passage of Lokpal Bill in the Rajya Sabha and education bills stuck in standing committees.

Vijay Sai Reddy Once Again in CBI Custody

Vijay Sai Reddy, vice president of Jagathi Publications belonging to YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is once again in CBI custody. Vijay Sai was granted bail by CBI court on 13 April, but high court quashed it on 20 April on a petition filed by the CBI seeking cancellation of the same. Vijay Sai is named the Accused No. 2 in Jagan Mohan Reddy's disproportionate assets case being probed by the CBI. Vijay Sai Reddy today surrendered before the CBI Court in Nampally in Hyderabad. Vijay Sai was arrested in January this year by CBI on the grounds of non-cooperation in the enquiry. He was also accused of pressurising key witnesses. The CBI in its petition for cancellation of bail took the plea that Vijay Sai Reddy is capable of capable of manipulating the witnesses and said that it had evidences for supporting the statement. Therefore, the high court cancelled the conditional bail of Vijay Sai Reddy.  

No Power Cuts in AP From May

The Rabi season coming to an end this week, state residents forced to sweat it out in the sweltering summer heat can expect a respite from the power cuts from May 1. During the rabi season, the agriculture sector accounts for 26% of the total power demand, and the end of this season should come as a major relief to the domestic consumers as it is they who have been bearing the brunt of the power cuts. In all, about 900 MW of power that has been doled out as free power for the farm sector is expected to be freed.   "We are expecting the rabi season to be over by this month end. Once it happens, we would give a major relief to consumers from power cuts from May onwards,"  says AP Transco chairman and managing director Ajay Jain . With the annual demand increasing by about 10% every year, AP touched a new record of supplying more than 11,500 MW per day in 2012. Unlike last year, the power cuts came into effect in February itself as the shortfall in demand rose to about 1,000 MW. Hyderabad city experienced two to three hour power cut in the months of February and March which were reduced to about one to two hours in April. "We are planning to remove all power cuts in the city in the first phase," said Ajay Jain.

Odisha MLA Kidnap: Maoists Demand More Releases

It is almost a month now that the Andhra Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee maoists have kidnapped an Odisha BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka, yet there is no sign of his release. On the otherhand, maoists have put forth a fresh demand to release 70 people from jail in exchange for Jhina Hikaka. The Maoists had earlier sought that 29 prisoners be released. All the 70 people that they now want released from jail are members of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS), a Maoist-backed tribal organisation.  Sources have told that the Maoists are under severe pressure from the CMAS to ensure the release of their jailed members before the Biju Janata Dal MLA is set free. A senior leader of the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee Daya had on Saturday also issued a hand-written letter in Telugu holding the state government responsible for the inordinate delay in the release of Mr Hikaka. Earlier the Maoists have said Hikaka's release will be decided at a Praja Court or people's court, where the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) is expected to press for the release of their jailed members. The abductors have said they would convey by April 25, through the media, what the decision of the praja court was. The Odisha government has offered to facilitate the release of 25 prisoners, including 8 Maoists, and said it will withdraw prosecution against 13 of them, including 5 Maoists. The Maoists have refused to accept that. A senior government official also said that the state government will welcome any proposal by any eminent person or civil society leader willing to talk to the Maoists or help resolve the hostage crisis. Now the release of Hikaka depends on the outcome of the verdict of the people's court on 25 April. Will people's court agree for the government's offer, or side with CMAS' demand for release of 70 prisoners, is to be waited and seen.

Is Jagan Backed by Pawar, Pranab, Other Congress Stars?

THE REVOLTING Congress leader from Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, the son of former Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekahra Reddy, who quit the party for denying him chief Ministership and started his own party Y S R Congress, aiming at kick out the Congress from the state, has reportedly been receiving tactic support from several big stars of the UPA government, including several union ministers. The prominenst figures who are sympathetic with him include Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. Even Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N Kiran Kumar Reddy is also facing severe criticism from his opponents within the party for his softness towards Jaganmohan Reddy. This speculations given momentum when Jaganmohan Reddy’s close aid and said to be key player in formulating financial stretagies Vijay Sai Reddy reportedly met Sharad Pawar, and also union minister Vayilar Ravi on April 20 at a star hotel in Hyderabad. Vijay Sai Reddy figured as No 2 accused in the case being investigated by CBI on corrupt practices of Jaganmohan Reddy. He was in jail since three months and only recently was released on bail by CBI Court. But the bail order was scrapped by the High Court only on Friday. Observers view that he may meet them on behalf of Jaganmohan Reddy. On the otherhand, the slow progress with regard to framing charges on his financial irregularities by the union finance ministry is also said to be tactic support by Pranab Mukherjee. More than corrupt practices said to be adopted by Y S Rajasekahra Reddy’s government to facilitate his son’s business interests, finance irregularities with regard to foreign currency and Income tax are said to be critical. However, the progress in this regard is very slow. According to political observers, Jaganmohan Reddy is in close touch with Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s political advisor Ahmed Patel and also AP State Congress in-charge and Union Minister Gulab Nabi Azad. During his Delhi tours, Jaganmohan Reddy is said to be constantly meeting them. Many other union ministers were also in close touch with him. It may be recalled that recently Supreme Court issued notices to six ministers in AP cabinet and 8 senior IAS officers asking them why they may not be part of the CBI probe against Jaganmohan Reddy, as they issued 26 GOs violating all rules and regulations to benefit Jaganmohan Reddy during Rajasekhara Reddy’s regime. Kiran Kumar Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh is said to be making all efforts to save them fearing that if prosecution is directed against t hem that would lead to collapse of the government itself.

Maoists Kidnap Collector, Kill 2 Guards in Chhattisgarh

Maoist rebels today abducted the Sukma district collector in Chhattisgarh and shot dead his two guards who tried to resist them, police said. Alex Paul Menon, 32, an IAS officer of the 2006 batch, was abducted by the guerrillas from a government function organised in an interior village Kerlapal, some 500 km south of state capital Raipur, said the police officials. Alex Menon had gone to attend the Gram Swaraj Abhijaan - a state government run program meant to promote greater coordination and connect between the villagers and administration. He was on his way back to Sukma when 15-20 Maoists stopped his vehicle and took him hostage. The collector was then taken to a forested area, police said. Chhattisgarh's Director General of Police Anil M. Navaney convened an emergency meeting here on the issue. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh is chairing the high level meeting now. Social activist Swami Agnivesh appealed to the Maoists to free Menon and said that he is willing to mediate between the government and the Maoists.

Earthquake Hits Indonesia Again

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit 50 miles (83km) off Papua province in Indonesia, sending panicked residents running from their homes, offices and schools. Authorities said the quake did not have the potential to trigger a tsunami. The US Geological Survey said it was centred just 18 miles beneath the ocean floor. There was some damage, but no immediate reports of injuries. Children in the town of Manokwan, closest to the epicentre, were seen running from their schools screaming. Streets filled with those escaping shaking buildings. Suharjono, an official with the country's meteorology and geophysics agency, said no tsunami warning had been issued and there were no reports of serious damage or injuries. Indonesia, straddling a series of faultlines and volcanoes, is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the Pacific "ring of fire". Earlier this month an 8.6-magnitude earthquake and 8.2-magnitude aftershock struck off the coast of northern Indonesia, but did not trigger a tsunami despite warnings. The Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004 killed 230,000 people, half of them in Indonesia's westernmost province of Aceh.      

Indian Student Shot Dead in Boston University

In a ghastly incident, an Indian student pursuing his MBA in Boston University was dragged out of his hostel room and shot dead by fellow students. The student, K Seshadri Rao hails from Odisha state. The victim's father, K Sudhakar Rao said Sheshadri was dragged out of his room allegedly by fellow students on Thursday night and shot. Sheshadri was found dead in an adjoining park. The family further said that they were informed of the murder by the Indian Consul General only by Friday afternoon. "I got the information from the Consul General," said Sudhakar. "He has now proceeded to Boston and is holding talks. The University officials have said they will cooperate fully with the Boston police in their investigations. Seshadri was a BTech graduate from NIT, Karnataka and was doing his MBA in Mathematical Finance in Boston University. In a statement posted on the University website, President Robert A Brown offered condolences to the victim's family and friends. The Police said that he was shot in the head and leg and was pronounced dead at the scene. There has been a series of killings in Boston this week, say reports.  

Amitabh Bachchan Suffers Stomach Pain Again

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan suffered stomach pain again on Friday. He felt excruciating 'Shooting' pain in stomach while dubbing for Ram Gopal Varma's 'Department'. "Six a.m. up to dub for 'Department', but stomach strain while doing that brings back shooting pain... So frustrating," 69-year-old Amitabh tweeted early in the morning. Bachchan was operated upon twice in February. He is currently dubbing for Department, but due to his excruciating stomach pain, he says he "is unable to give his 100% to work" . "So somewhere in the middle of my effort at 7 a.m. for 'Department' , that sharp pain, which seems like someone slid a knife into you, returns," he posted on his blog.

Sachin set to Return as Mumbai Take on Punjab

Their campaign stuttering due to continuous batting failures, Mumbai Indians would hope that Sachin Tendulkar comes back and inspires a turnaround when they take on a struggling Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League match, here tomorrow.   The home team is hoping that Tendulkar, who has seen the action only from the sidelines after getting hit on his finger in the opening game on April 4, returns to the opening slot and gives the top order a much-needed dose of stability. Mumbai Indians paid the price of reckless batting against Delhi Daredevils as they managed just 92 runs, their second-lowest total in five seasons, to lose their last match comprehensively. Tendulkar has started practising hard after missing the last four games and his presence, if it comes about, would certainly calm down the jangled nerves of the top order.The additional worry for MI is that paceman Lasith Malinga is unlikely to take the field for the second match in succession because of pain in his back. Whenever MI were in trouble, the team had lobbed the ball to the Sri Lankan sling-arm bowler and he had delivered.In his absence, the team fielded Australian Clint Mckay without much success against the Daredevils, but the target for the visitors was too small for the bowlers to make any impression.

Pakistan Plane Crash Photos

Plane Crash Pakistan Photos: A passenger plane carrying 127 people has crashed into a residential area on its approach to Islamabad International Airport in Pakistan. The Bhoja Air Boeing 737, flight BHO-213, was descending for landing when the incident happened as it flew from Karachi.          

Pakistan Plane Crashes Near Islamabad

Pakistan plane crash: A civilian plane crashed in the outskirts of the Pakistani capital of Islamabad due to bad weather and all 127 people on board the flight are feared dead. The fateful Boeing 737 with 116 passengers and nine crew members on board, which flew from Karachi at 5:00 PM was supposed to land in Islamabad at 6:50 PM, crashed just before touchdown.     At least 110 dead bodies have been recovered from the crash site. According to sources, the flight was given clearance to land but it lost contact with the control tower at 6:40 PM.   Pakistan's Defence Minister said that the plane burst into flames a few miles from the airport near Chaklala, Rawalpindi, at around 18:40 local time.There were 118 passengers and nine crew on-board.Pakistani Police have said there is 'no chance' of any survivors. Karachi and Islamabad airports have been besieged with distraught relatives of those on board.      

AP High Court Cancels Vijay Sai Reddy Bail

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday cancelled the bail of Vijay Sai Reddy, an aide of YSR Congress party leader YS Jaganmohan Reddy, in an illegal assets case. Justice KC Bhanu, who had reserved his orders Thursday, pronounced it Friday, cancelling the bail granted by a lower court. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had moved the petition that the bail granted by the special CBI court could hamper its investigations. CBI counsel told the court that the agency filed the first charge sheet against Jaganmohan Reddy, Vijay Sai Reddy and others in respect to aspects where it concluded investigations. After spending over three months in the Chanchalguda Central Jail, Vijay Sai Reddy was released on April 13 on a conditional bail granted by the special CBI court. Vijay Sai was arrested by the CBI on Jan 2, and listed the number two accused in the charge sheet filed by the investigating agency last month.  

Anna Hazare, Baba Ramdev Combine to Fast on 3 June

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare and yoga guru Baba Ramdev combined together to hold a day long fast in Delhi on 3 June. Hazare and Ramdev were addressing a joint press conference on Friday in Gurgaon.  Baba Ramdev said that he will undertake a symbolic protest along with social activist Anna Hazare on June 3. He said that his nationwide agitation will start from May 1. He also warned that the country will see a bigger moment from August. "We need two andolans (moments) to bring back black money and for strong Lokpal. I will sit on a token fast with Anna on June 3. We will start an agitation from Durg in Chhattisgarh from May 1. Anna will also start his yatra from Shirdi from May 1. Anna will reach Delhi by the evening of June 2," Ramdev said. Speaking about his future course of action to take on the government on the issue of the Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare claimed that only 25 per cent of the country's money is being spent on development. Half the ministers of the UPA government will be jailed if an effective and powerful Lokpal comes into effect," said Hazare.

Actress Meenakshi Thapar Killed by Co-stars

Meenakshi Thapar Dead: Bollywood actress Meenakshi Thapar has been gruesomely killed by two of her co-stars in a failed attempt to extort money from her family. 26-year-old Thapar was strangled and then beheaded after allegedly being kidnapped by two aspiring actors that she met on the set of her latest film "Heroine".   Amit Jaiswal, 36, and his lover Preeti Surin, reportedly decided to kidnap Ms. Thapar after listening to her boast about her family’s wealth and status in Dehra Dun, in the Himalayan foothills of northern India, sources said Indian police as saying Amit Jaiswal and his girlfriend Preeti Surin allegedly lured Thapar on a trip with them to the town of Gorakhpur. According to the report, the pair then took Thapar capitve and sent threatening communications to her mother, saying they would force her to make pornographic films if their demands were not met. Jaiswal and Surin had demanded a 1,500,000 rupees ransom from Thapar's family. sources said that Thapar's mother gave the kidnappers 60,000 rupees. The pair evidently decided the amount was insufficient, and reportedly killed Thapar by strangling her to death and then beheading her.

Chandrababu Naidu Political Journey: A Profile

Today happens to be Telugu Desam Party supremo and former chief minister of AP Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu's 63rd birthday. On this happy occasion, here's a brief sketch of his inspiring life.              

Kidnapped Odisha MLA Jhina Hikaka Released?

News is making rounds that the kidnapped Odisha MLA Jhina Hikaka has been released by the maoists late on Thursday night. According to unconfirmed reports, the maoists set him free in Narayanapatna forest yesterday. Neither the Odisha government nor Jhina Hikaka abductors have denied the reports so far. Yesterday it was reported that the maoists produced the MLA before a people's court somewhere in Narayanapatna block. After that there was no news about what has transpired in the people's court. The maoists also have not declared the people's court judgement so far. Meanwhile, the news of MLA's release is raising many doubts about its genuineness. Since the demands of maoists have not been fulfilled then why did they set him free, if the news is not true, why both maoists and the government are keeping mum over it, are the unamswered questions right now.